Given how the kitchen serves as your home’s heart and center of activity, you need to make sure it remains as lovely, comfortable, and functional as the rest of your living spaces. That’s why you should take every opportunity to improve upon it, which is easy to do through remodeling. Just make sure you cover all the bases involved with the project.
A kitchen remodel takes careful planning, but it’s still easy to make a few mistakes. This doesn’t just lead to additional costs. It’s also possible not to get the expected results. If you want to get the most of your remodel and ensure a smoother experience, take care to avoid the following errors:
#1. Overlooking Function
While it’s easy to get lost in the design and customization aspect of your kitchen remodel, it pays to zoom in on functionality first. Put aside visual appeal for now and take a moment to consider your home’s specific needs. Does your small kitchen feel especially cramped around mealtimes? If it’s difficult to prepare meals or perform other kitchen-related tasks when there are family members afoot, you should focus on a better layout for your kitchen. Designate “zones” for smoother flow during meal preparation and dining. This frees up available space while improving movement.
When it gets too stuffy in your kitchen, you should consider adding more windows for better ventilation. Casement windows over the sink and near the stove, for example, can reduce the potential for high levels of condensation, effectively enhancing the space’s air quality. In addition, you can minimize clutter inside your kitchen by providing smarter storage options.
#2. Changing Your Mind Often
It’s possible to change your mind about some aspects of the remodeling work, especially when you realize the progress isn’t in line with your expectations. However, doing it too often can delay the work timeline and lead to further expenses. If you want the project completed on time and on budget, make sure to finalize the design, color, and layout prior to starting your kitchen remodel. This lets you avoid change orders and ensures the work remains on track.
#3. Staying Outdated
A kitchen remodel offers the perfect opportunity to equip it with modern conveniences. This means getting advanced, more energy-efficient appliances and adding a cleaner, sleeker look to the space. It’s also important to upgrade your plumbing and electricity to avoid health and safety risks involved with your old home features. Just make sure to hire a reliable remodeling company to handle the job. They’ll make sure the project complies with today’s safety codes and regulations.
#4. Forgetting to Research
Do a bit of homework first before starting your kitchen remodel, especially on its design aspects like materials, color, scheme, and layout. This helps ensure you get exactly the look and feel you want. By making more informed decisions and taking your home’s needs into account, getting the most out of your investment is highly possible. You can also avoid further expenses because you already know what to expect from a given product or theme.
#5. Going Over the Budget
Surprises aren’t exactly uncommon in kitchen remodeling. Maybe tearing out your old floor tiles or changing your wall’s color palette reveals hidden damage that must be remedied before moving forward. This is where an emergency budget comes in handy. By setting aside money to deal with these unwelcome surprises and allocating your finances accordingly, you can keep your kitchen remodel on an even keel and prevent overspending.
#6. Hiring the Wrong Remodeler 
You’ll be relying on your kitchen remodeler to ensure everything runs smoothly, so make sure to choose the right one for the job. They should be licensed to perform this kind of work and be extremely familiar with local building codes and regulations. Ask for references and a list of previous projects. Make sure to look them up online, visiting trade sites like Angie’s List and Better Business Bureau to verify they earned satisfactory reviews and scores.
Ensure that they have the necessary insurance, including workers’ compensation and liability coverage. This protects both you and your investment should anything go wrong during the project. Kitchen remodeling is an extensive project, and there’s always a potential for accidents. But, you don’t need to be accountable for it when you hire an insured remodeler. In addition, confirm that their products and workmanship are covered by warranties. This adds an extra layer of protection to your project.
Investing in a home upgrade may seem daunting, but not when you know what to do. By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your kitchen remodel is easy and stress-free.
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Author Bio:
Bob Carp is the owner of Nuss Construction, a premier remodeling company serving Southern New Jersey homeowners for over 49 years. With decades of industry experience, Bob is passionate about helping homeowners find the best home improvement solutions for their needs, performing everything from kitchen and bathroom remodels to roof and siding replacement and everything in between. He also loves spending his time with his family, enjoying nature and doing volunteer work for various causes.
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