A kitchen remodeling project is a massive labor of time, love and funds, and you want to make sure that you do it right. You’ll likely spend weeks, maybe even months, shopping for the perfect materials and interviewing contractor after contractor in hopes of finding the one that will bring your tired kitchen back to life. But in the excitement of an anticipated kitchen remodel, it can be easy to make mistakes. Very easy, in fact. But you’re in luck! You can learn from others instead of having to learn the hard way about what not to do.
Below are the five most common mistakes that homeowners have made when renovating their kitchens.
1). Assuming that a bigger kitchen is always better.
“Bigger is always better” might apply to some things, but not to your kitchen. Unless your existing space is cramped and limited, either because it can’t accommodate your large family or if it’s just simply too small to function easily in, you should try to work with the space that you already have available.
An experienced contractor like those at CP & Son General Contractor will utilize design techniques and modern fixtures and appliances to make the most out of a small kitchen space, without sacrificing your chosen aesthetic. The space can be reconfigured for optimum efficiency without expanding the floor or counter space by our team of contractors, which will make your cozy kitchen feel twice the size without tearing down the whole thing.
As you can expect, knocking down walls to expand your kitchen will massively drive up the cost of your home improvement project. It can also require extensive plumbing and electric work that will not only be more expensive but will have you without a fully functional kitchen for even longer. A lot of homeowners think that such expansions will increase the value of their home, but that is not always true.
Relocating appliances and cabinetry should be considered extensively before you make the choice to knock down walls and expand. You and your contractor can get creative with your existing space, which opens up a world of possibilities for creative, efficient and downright clever designs.
2). Relying on the Look of Modern Appliances
Stainless steel appliances are a hugely popular choice among homeowners and decorators, but these features should not become the focal point of your kitchen. Despite its sleek and ultra-modern look, stainless steel comes with its fair share of downsides, including a difficulty in keeping clean as well as a limited lifespan. You shouldn’t design your kitchen around appliances that could need replacing in a short period of time.
These days, professional kitchen designers often offer cabinetry covers for your appliances like the dishwasher face and the refrigerator so that they can blend seamlessly into the aesthetic of your kitchen. This provides you with all sorts of creative freedom, as there are many models and styles available. Cabinetry faces are a great alternative for those who feel like stainless steel does not suit the visual flow of the space.
Instead, try stainless steel accents like pot racks, small appliances, and cabinetry hardware. These features can tie a modern kitchen together beautifully, without the visual overload that can be caused by too much stainless steel.
3). Selling cabinets short.
Cabinetry is likely to make up a significant portion of your renovation budget, which can make it tempting to skimp on certain details to save money. If this is done, it can result in a substandard project that hinders the room in terms of both style and function-and that’s the exact opposite of what you want at the end of your renovation!
Lower-quality cabinets can be appealing because of their lower prices, but saving a few bucks is not worth it when it comes to which cabinets will be present in your kitchen. Instead of looking for the cheapest option possible, look around for the best cabinetry style and materials that fit into your budget while creating the kind of layout that you want. If your budget cannot cover the cost of quality cabinetry, it might be wise to wait or revisit the budget.
Low-quality cabinets are problematic because while they might look good at first, problems can begin to appear within a matter of weeks. Poor construction, improperly applied finishes and bad design work can make your kitchen look and function in a way that you do not want.
Not only do the cabinet faces make a huge difference, but the inside of your cabinetry is so important as well. Storage space is essential for any kitchen, and it’s vital that you design for more than you need. This way, you can have space for rarely used items, decorative dishes, small appliances and other items that don’t necessarily have a place in your kitchen. Choose between various styles of cabinet systems and choose which has the most benefits for your space.
4). Putting cabinets in every corner.
Storage space is important, of course, but it’s also important to remember that the best kitchen designs leave empty space for balance and light. Hanging cabinets on every wall break up the natural flow of light and might make the space seem cluttered and uncomfortable. Think about what areas of the room will be best suited for cabinets and then leave the other walls bare. You can always add artwork, windows and doors to create balance in these spaces.
The best kitchen designs also fill dark corners with light while opting for cabinetry that eliminates shadowed areas. It’s all about balance, function and storage.
5). Installing the oven as a standalone appliance.
Kitchen layouts that leave the oven out on its own provide limited counters pace in the immediate area and is often referred to as “floating oven syndrome.” This might seem like a great idea for the purpose of installation and electrical work, but it creates an impractical and unappealing area in your home. Cooks need counters for prep and clean-up, and a limited workspace is not only impractical but incredibly frustrating.
While we’re on the subject, you should consider adding a kitchen island or something similar across from the oven. This creates even more workspace within arm’s reach, which makes cooking easier-especially for large meals, or ones that generate a lot of dishes!
If you avoid these five common design errors, you will find yourself elated as you stand in the center of your newly renovated, beautiful and functional kitchen space.
Contact with CP & Son General Contractor for all your Kitchen Renovations needs.
