Ten Questions to Help You Avoid Common Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes

Remodeling your kitchen is a huge undertaking, and if you want successful results, a lot of preparation should come before you jump in with the sledgehammers to tear down those walls. 

Asking yourself some very important questions can help you set realistic expectations, make the process more predictable, and give you positive results.

Consider these 10 questions before you begin:

1. How do you want to improve your kitchen?

First, decide why you want to remodel your kitchen. Does your kitchen need more countertop space? More cabinets? Once you assess your kitchen’s strengths and weaknesses, you’ll have a much easier time deciding what you want to keep and what you can do without.

Next, spend some time in your kitchen deciding on the major goals you wish to accomplish. List the areas of your kitchen you want to improve and then prioritize them. This is a major project, so deciding which improvements you want to add to your kitchen will make planning your remodel much simpler. And, if you need to cut corners to stay within your budget in the middle of the project, consider eliminating a few items from the bottom of your list.

2. How will the remodeling process affect your life?

Living in your home while remodeling your kitchen will present some inconvenience. So be realistic about this prior to beginning and make alternative plans before you get into the middle of a kitchen remodel. 

Talk with your family ahead of time and make sure everyone is on board for a little inconvenience until your kitchen is back in working order.  Plan ahead and think about where your temporary “kitchen” will be. Decide where you will wash dishes – guest bathroom maybe? Consider dining out more often, and plan to make frequent use of the grill and microwave for at-home meals. 

3. To gut or not to gut?

Don’t bite off more than you can chew, as the old saying goes. Remember – if you completely tear about your current kitchen, you’ll most likely need to replace everything with new items. So be certain of your budget and the actual cost of replacement before you make drastic changes. 

4. Is your perfect schedule realistic?

No matter how well you plan ahead, unforeseeable events can interfere with your plans. Delays in receiving materials and other unplanned circumstances can affect your perfect schedule. The best idea is to build some padding into your schedule as you plan each aspect of the process. For instance, if you schedule for your sink to be installed the day after your counter tops are completed, consider adding an extra day or two in between. Also, it’s best to always order materials like cabinets, appliances, flooring, etc., before you begin the project. 

5. Whose recommendations can you trust?

You’re going to deal with several different people throughout your kitchen remodeling project - electricians, plumbers, painters, decorators, and installers of all types who will provide you with advice, as well as work estimates.

While it is important to listen to the recommendations of your experts, don’t be swayed into making decisions that are beyond the scope of your plans and budget. Stick to your list of priorities to ensure you get the most from your project, without skimping on quality of your purchases. 

6. How do you find a reliable contractor?

First of all, don’t tackle this project yourself if you aren’t experienced; you’ll be glad to have professionals when it’s all said and done. Don’t settle for the first contractor you speak with. And don’t just go with the cheapest estimate. 

It’s ok to have more than one estimate, and you should be sure your contractor is qualified, bonded, insured, and experienced. Make sure to obtain everything in writing – especially estimates – to avoid complications later in the process. Getting recommendations is always a smart decision. 

7. Have you measured thoroughly?

Measure twice, cut once. One of the most disappointing and costly mistakes you can make in a remodeling project is to order appliances or cabinets, prepare for installation and then discover your merchandise won’t fit into the space allotted. Keep in mind, a mistake of this magnitude will affect not only your budget, but also your schedule.

Consider hiring a professional architect or kitchen designer to help draw up your plans, and then choose professional installers who can understand and effectively implement the plans. 

8. Will your dream kitchen fit with the rest of your home?

One of the worst decorating mistakes you can make is creating a kitchen that absolutely doesn’t work with the rest of your home. Don’t create a sleek contemporary kitchen if the rest of your house is traditional. 

Find a happy medium using great styles that will complement the rest of your home, while fulfilling your desire to update your kitchen’s look, feel and functionality. If you make reasonable choices, you’ll find that balancing the style of your new kitchen with your existing décor will be a breeze. 

9. What kinds of appliances are realistic for your needs?

Unless you’re a gourmet chef, you probably do not need an expensive stove that is loaded with every bell and whistle. When choosing appliances, be realistic about your expectations of usage and balance your wants with your needs.

Don’t go overboard with any one appliance just because you see it on the cooking network. If you enjoy cooking and you’ve always wanted a gas stove rather than electric, that’s reasonable. When in doubt, choose appliances that will bring efficiency and style into your new kitchen. 

10. What about lighting?

Good lighting makes a huge difference in the ambiance of your kitchen. But you also need useful lighting for the work areas.

One of the most popular types of lighting in today’s kitchen is recessed lighting under cabinets. If you choose this kind of lighting, make certain the cabinet bottom is also recessed so your light fixtures won’t be apparent. 

And don’t forget about a plan for your electrical outlets. There’s nothing more disappointing than great kitchen appliances with no logical place to plug them in. 

There is a lot to think about when you plan to remodel your kitchen, but if you plan ahead, do your homework and remain flexible - you can create a great new kitchen that your family and friends will enjoy for years to come.