The 4 Most Common Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes
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: Micro Before Macro
While it may be true that your appliances are dated or that your
countertops are unattractive, most people don’t focus enough on the big
picture. 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,” says
certified kitchen designer Jennifer Reed. 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. “Be true to the bones of the house,” Reed says. So before you commit
to fancy bells and whistles, consider long-term consequences.
Mistake #3: Not Hiring Multiple 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 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. On the note, don't assume that a big-box retailer offers
the most bang for your buck, says certified kitchen designer Jennifer Gilmer.
“There’s nothing more satisfying than someone who thinks that they can’t afford
design services walks into a showroom and discovers they can redo a kitchen
within their budget,” she says. 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. Also important, says
certified kitchen designer Susan Serra, is to visit showrooms, 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.
For more information on this topic, visit the source of this
article at http://www.cultivate.com/articles/4-most-common-remodeling-mistakes
