The 4 Most Common Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes

Content From Remodeling Magazine Article August 2012

What’s the secret to a successful kitchen remodel? Knowing what mistakes to avoid! Almost everyone who has been through a remodel has a war story to share about what they’d do differently. Whether it’s the neighbor’s never-ending remodel, or the friend of a friend whose contractor couldn't get along with the architect, keep your dream kitchen from becoming a nightmare by protecting yourself from these common first-timer mistakes.

Mistake #1: Choosing Design Elements Over Lifestyle

It’s essential that you determine the lifestyle objectives you want your kitchen to hone before you choose its design elements. Why? These objectives can determine the exact types of materials, appliances, and layouts that you should and shouldn’t choose. (Soapstone, for example, is a beautiful counter material, but it requires lots of care—and might not be the best choice for young families.)
Bottom line: Determining your desired kitchen lifestyle before choosing the design elements will save you time and money down the line.

Mistake #2: Thinking Fad, Not Function

Beware of the ‘what’s in’ kitchen. The average kitchen renovation should last 12-15 years, so the last thing you want is for it to feel dated before it’s even paid for. Beware of too-trendy colors and shapes that likely have a short shelf life. Extras like wall-mounted pot fillers are probably only necessary for top-of-the-line chefs; trendy chandeliers might make a statement, but they typically don’t provide appropriate lighting for the space. Similarly, don’t fall prey to over-customization. What works for you today may not work for the next owner of your ho­­me—or even your own family as it grows and evolves.

Mistake #3: Not Hiring Professionals

People often think that doing it yourself is the cheapest route. Not so! Varying aspects of the kitchen require professionals with specific expertise. A kitchen designer is not an architect, an architect is not an interior designer, and a contractor is not necessarily a kitchen designer. Hire skilled (and licensed) professionals who not only understand lead times for your selections but can also test-drive your budget to make sure it’s sustainable. In addition to recommending reputable contractors, savvy design professionals can help homeowners make informed, cost-saving decisions like swapping a kitchen island for a handsome chef’s table or butcher block—that will keep the aesthetic high, prices low and value priceless.

Mistake #4: Letting a Contractor or Design Professional Make Decisions For You

Although it’s tempting to delegate all decisions to the experts (decision-making fatigue is quite common in kitchen renovations!), ultimately it’s the homeowners who best understand their own habits. Is the kitchen also your home office, or do you include the kids in dinner preparations? Those activities might dictate choosing a raised island bar versus a flat island. Flip through magazines, and educate yourself about materials, fixtures, products and costs, “so you will have authentic opinions” when it comes to decision time with design professionals.
Bottom line: Assess your real needs—or even better, what you don’t need—and convey them with confidence.

 

The Costs Of Not Pulling Permits

By Angie’s List

  One of the initial steps to any project is obtaining the proper permits and is often factored into the timeline for job completion. Since unlicensed contractors can't pull permits for home improvement projects, this greatly calls attention to the importance of hiring a licensed contractor.

 
Many consumers are not aware of the full costs associated with contractors not pulling permits.
Here are the primary repercussions to the homeowner when permits aren't pulled on time or at all
Hard to sell - the house likely won't pass inspection should they try to sell it.

Insurance issues - homeowner insurance policy modifications or changing companies often require a Certificate of Occupancy. If the certificate doesn't show structural changes that have been made, the insurance company can decline coverage because it's not code compliant.

Safety considerations - especially when work is completed that could represent potential fire hazards.

Double the costs - any permits pulled after work has already been completed include a fine that doubles what would have been the initial costs of pulling a permit before work was done. First, they need to contact their local building and planning commission as they are now responsible for pulling the permits.

Homeowner accountability – permits pulled after work is completed is the responsibility of the homeowner. It requires the inspection of visible modifications and changes not visible, which need to be detailed by the contractor or a hired structural engineer.

How Do I Notify A Contractor That I Did Not Choose For My Project?

You’ve done your due diligence deciphering multiple bids comparing them as apples to apples and now you made your decision. Next you call the awarded contractor to tell him the four words they want hear, “you’ve got the job”. But, what about the other contenders who didn’t get the job?  

Be sure to notify these contractors as soon as you know you will not be using them; it isn't fair for them to be left wondering when they will hear back or if they should hold open a schedule for your project, etc. You should notify everyone whom you contacted or received a bid from; they spent time to meet with you, prepared and submitted an estimate at no cost to you. In general, contractors are “big boys” that understand they will not get every job they bid, but they should not have to contact you to find out if a decision has been made. Email and regular mail is the least confrontational and easiest method, but phone calls are quite acceptable. It will be appreciated more than you’ll know.

Also keep in mind, you may need one of these contractors again in the future for another project or even help with the current if things go wrong, etc. Don't burn any bridges; and always be professional.