Your kitchen tiles have begun separating from the floor. Your lighting only works over the island. And your friends shoot you skeptical looks when they come over for dinner. Guess what: it may finally be time for that kitchen remodel you’ve been putting off for years! However, unless you’re a renovation expert, your first step should be to find a reputable, licensed contractor. He or she can help you through the pitfalls that are sure to come–you know projects like this never go as smoothly as planned. To help you stay on track, here are a few common kitchen-remodeling mistakes you should be sure to avoid.
Poor Planning
Remodeling your kitchen is a huge undertaking, so it’s important to plan accordingly; too often, homeowners forget to commit themselves fully to the planning phase. Your first step should be to evaluate what you currently have, examining what works and what doesn’t. What are your goals? What would you love to see in your new kitchen? But planning goes beyond the big picture. Consult your contractor when you get down to the nitty gritty like the location of your outlets, the material of your countertops, and the positioning of your kitchen’s stove, sink, and refrigerator. And whatever plan you come up with, stick to it throughout the renovation. Making big changes in the middle of the process will cost money you didn’t plan on spending. And it may mean your kitchen is finished in years rather than months.
Miscalculating Your Budget
As with planning, budgeting your kitchen remodel is absolutely crucial to its success. A good rule of thumb is that your budget shouldn’t be more than 20 percent of the value of your home. Mapping out a reasonable budget and sticking to it will rescue you when you fall into dreams of grandeur. Don’t cut corners and deny yourself the function that you feel you need, but be reasonable in what you can afford. And think about where you want to spend the big money. Make it on things that count – reliable appliances that will last you a long time, or high-end lighting if you love to cook.
Remodeling to Impress
Make sure to remember this: your kitchen belongs to you. Too often, homeowners’ remodeling ideas are based upon their jealousy of their neighbors’ kitchens. First and foremost, you should stick to what you need and want–what you will be happy to live with for a long time. Because a good kitchen remodel should last 12 to 15 years. Similarly, it’s important not to be swept off your feet by the latest kitchen fads. If you really believe cucumber-colored walls will woo you for the next decade, paint away! But sometimes what’s advertised as hip now can seem outdated in a few years. That’s why it’s crucial to stick to what you love, communicate your preferences clearly to your contractor, and design a kitchen you’ll be happy to have for years to come.