7 Kitchen Remodel Mistakes That You Must Avoid
Remodeling your kitchen is a major undertaking, not least because of the many valuable and complex components and systems utilized in this space.
In order to get the most from your kitchen makeover in Delaware, it’s important to follow the right steps and allow time for an effective process to transpire. On the flip side, you also want to avoid the mistakes that all too often cost homeowners both time and money.
Small hiccups are to be expected with any large construction project, and there’s no way to control every circumstance surrounding your kitchen remodel, but several missteps are avoidable with proper planning and preparation.
Avoiding Common Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes
If you are planning your first kitchen remodeling experience in Delaware, there is a lot to think about to ensure the process goes smoothly and that you get the outcome you desire.
To help you prepare for this major home improvement, here is a look at some of the common mistakes that plague kitchen remodels and what you can do to avoid them:
1. Not Establishing Priorities
Behind every home improvement project, you need to have a clear vision. This involves carefully evaluating your existing space, identifying what does and doesn’t work, and what upgrades are most important to you. Is your kitchen no longer functional for the size and lifestyle needs of your family? Are the appliances, cabinets and countertops starting to show significant wear and tear? Have you outgrown your current kitchen style? Whether your main goal is to improve the usability, aesthetics, performance or comfort of your kitchen—or a bit of all of them—you want to establish your priorities from the start.
2. Playing Loose with Your Budget
Along with project priorities, you need to identify a preliminary budget range to guide your project. Don’t just pick a number out of the air. Carefully consider your financial situation and financing options and then research the average costs of kitchen remodeling at different levels so you can set a realistic budget. Knowing what you can and want to spend on your project will help your Delaware contractor develop a feasible scope of work and give them direction for implementing cost-saving measures along the way.
3. Remodeling Your Kitchen in a Vacuum
While your kitchen is its own distinct space, it’s also part of your whole home. When developing design plans for your project, think about how you want your kitchen to function and interact with adjacent spaces—both indoors and outdoors. This may be an opportunity to not only upgrade your kitchen, but also make it flow better with the surrounding areas. The same goes for design. If you’re changing the style of your kitchen, make sure the tone and atmosphere of the space still fit with your home as a whole.
4. Getting Too Trendy
Trends can be fun and even insightful. They give you a glimpse into what other homeowners are incorporating into their residential spaces. However, just because a certain color, feature or material is popular at the moment doesn’t mean it’s right for your kitchen remodel in Delaware. And you’re the one who will be using this space day after day for the foreseeable future. Make your selections based on your unique lifestyle needs and daily routines, including who primarily uses your kitchen, how they use it and how much maintenance you can commit to. In terms of design, sticking with classic or timeless features as opposed to more eccentric choices can help protect the long-term value of your house.
5. Ignoring Your Optimal Work-Flow
This common mistake goes back to not prioritizing function and usability when designing your new kitchen layout. Think of your main kitchen areas—cooking and prep, refrigeration, storage and cleaning—in relation to one another. Can you conveniently pull things from your refrigerator while you’re making a meal? Will dirty dishes in and around your sink negatively impact your prep area? Can you get in and out of your oven comfortably, without disrupting the rest of the workflow? Think through not only what key features you want, but also how they will complement and impact one another.
6. Devaluing Countertop Space
Countertop space is arguably one of the most important elements of your Delaware kitchen, which means you want to make sure your floor plan enables you to have enough. To that end, consider building a wrap-around counter or using decorative corbels and shelving supports so you can extend your counter space beyond the edge of your cabinetry. At the same time, evaluate your storage situation. Does your kitchen makeover design include not only enough storage, but also the right type for what you tend to keep in this space? Proper storage is critical for optimizing the convenience and comfort of your kitchen. However, it also is essential if you want to keep your countertops clear, uncluttered and ready for use.
7. Attempting a DIY Kitchen Makeover
For resourceful homeowners, a DIY project may seem like an effective way to save money while still improving your home. However, it is often a mistake to attempt a major kitchen makeover without the help of a qualified professional. This residential space involves numerous important and often expensive components, including cabinetry, countertops and appliances. There is also a lot of plumbing, electrical and ventilation work involved when remodeling a kitchen. Working with a professional Delaware remodeler like Bromwell Construction is an added investment, but it will help ensure the success of your project. Additionally, when the work is done right the first time around, there is less waste in terms of time, labor and materials.
Selecting a Contractor for Your Kitchen Makeover
At Bromwell Construction, custom kitchen remodels are our forte. We have the skills and experience to assist you with each phase of your kitchen makeover, from conception to completion. Whether your project in Delaware involves a simple installation or a complete renovation, we are committed to helping you achieve the best outcome while also enjoying a positive home improvement process.