If you’re planning (or considering)a kitchen remodel, you’re looking at everything on the subject. You don’t want to make some common kitchen remodeling mistakes. There’s so much available and so many ideas that you may be tempted to take it all in and get started.
Not so fast.
Don’t Sacrifice Function for Fashion
Sure, kitchen trends that are the latest fashion look great in pictures. That doesn’t mean these trends will work in your own kitchen. Remodeling any kitchen is expensive, so you don’t want to make expensive mistakes like a red refrigerator that’s out of place. Yes, aesthetics are a key part of your kitchen, just make sure they are your aesthetics, meaning your taste and style. If the red refrigerator works as well as a stainless steel one and you love the red in your Twilight-inspired kitchen, great! But the most important part of remodeling your kitchen is to design it to be functional and make your tasks in the kitchen easier.
Mistake #1: Not Making A Realistic Budget
Consider what you need and what you can spend. Create your budget with a 15% to 20% leeway before choosing cabinets, appliances, and other elements. Get an estimated price for items. Many homeowners tend to underestimate the costs of their renovation.
Decide on what parts of the kitchen remodel are the most important first, then proceed. You don’t want to be halfway through your kitchen remodel and realize that you’ve spent a large part of your budget on one item. If you are dead set on having a large island with a marble top, find out the cost of that first, and then consider the rest of your budget.
Mistake #2: Too Much In Too Little Space
Consider what you already have versus the future design and layout. You will want your ideas to work in your existing square footage. If they cannot, then you may need to consider if you can increase that square footage. If not, then you may need to give up some elements or ideas to make sure they make sense in your kitchen’s size.
For example, kitchen islands are a favorite of many homeowners. If your kitchen is too small for an island, it won’t work. A better option may be a kitchen peninsula, an extension of cabinetry with more countertops, and some seating space.
Mistake #3: Insufficiencies to Watch Out For
Two of the most common complaints in the kitchen are insufficient counter space and not enough storage space. Small appliances (blenders, air fryers, slow cookers, etc.) take space whether they’re on the countertop or stashed away until needed. You will want to make sure there are enough counter space and storage cabinets to accommodate how you want things. Otherwise, you’ll be moving things around just to use one of them.
If you’re adding storage and countertop space, make sure your kitchen has enough space for small appliances and all the other various kitchen items, such as pots & pans, baking sheets, casserole baking dishes, and holiday dinnerware that will need a home.
You’ll also need adequate and convenient access to power. Small kitchen appliances need an outlet, even if your stand mixer or Instant Pot is usually stored in a cabinet. Consider where you’ll be using them and add outlets accordingly. Outlets can be concealed with a backsplash, on an island, or even in a drawer whenever you need another conveniently located power source. Don’t skimp on outlets.
Lighting is also something that’s easy to overlook—make sure your kitchen has more than adequate lighting to make it easier to cook, clean, and find everything quickly. You can have two types of lighting- one bright enough for cooking and cleaning tasks and one maybe softer for setting the dining or entertaining mood.
Mistake #4: Not Considering Workflow
Design your kitchen so that it works for you and your family—not for other people (unless you’re planning to sell your home soon.) Consider how you use your kitchen every day and what this remodel will do for you and the way you use it daily. This is your workflow.
The focus of the kitchen should be the triad—the stove, the sink, and the fridge. They should be in close proximity, have enough space to walk between them, and not interfere with any other element, like cabinet doors or a dishwasher. Your major appliances should be a priority selection based on how they fit your family’s needs.
Get Started on Your Kitchen Remodel with Birch Tree Design
Finding a top design remodeling company in Connecticut can seem intimidating. Fortunately, Birch Tree Design and Remodeling based in Connecticut offers a positive start-to-finish client experience that includes seamless communication, budgeting, on-site organization, and solid, quality handiwork every time. By working with a top kitchen remodeler, you will be less likely to make these kitchen remodeling mistakes and you can have them build you the kitchen of your dreams.
Let Birch Tree’s owner, Cherie Carignan, and her team work with you on a wonderful new kitchen remodeling design. Contact Birch Tree Design and Remodeling today by calling 860-798-5443 or completing our online form.
