Going all out without any planning
You have to have a vision of what the finished product should look like. Starting a remodeling project can be like creating something and expecting to be surprised by the results. Since it is your kitchen, this usually means that it should look and feel like the kitchen that you would want in your house. Before spending the first dime for materials, have a solid picture of what you want your kitchen to look like. Browse through remodeling magazines, get the advice of your contractor, and look online for inspiration. Knowing what you want is one of the first things you need to do, since you will not be able to choose materials and equipment for the remodel if you do not have this image in your head.
Remodeling to impress
There is no worse reason to remodel than to impress the neighbors. Remodel because it is necessary or because you need it to raise the value of your home before you sell. Do not remodel just because the Joneses also redid their kitchen tiles.
Not setting an adequate budget to last the entire project
Once you decide to start a kitchen remodeling project, you have to set the right amount needed to see the project through. You need to do this to eliminate the risk of stopping the work halfway through because funds have dried up. This could leave you with an unusable kitchen and a whole lot of difficulty getting any cooking done.
Hiring whoever is cheapest
This is probably one of the worst mistakes you can make. Do not hire the first person willing to give you a discount. Look for quality. If you hire a crappy contractor, you might end up paying more for do-overs in the end.
Ensure storage spaces first
Many homeowners are caught up in choosing the right tile color or shopping for the just the right kind of lighting, and never put enough attention to ensuring that they get enough cabinet space. Do not make this mistake since storage spaces like cabinets and cubboards are often more expensive to do over compared to lighting fixtures.
Overlooking the right measurements
This usually goes hand in hand with choosing a good contractor. Experienced professionals know what steps to make to ensure that the fewest mistakes such as wrong measurements are made, since these can result to wasted time and materials. However, if you are doing the remodeling by yourself, by all means measure and re-measure to avoid finding out later that your newly-bought sink does not fit into your new countertop. Measuring for ADA height compliance is also another important factor. This ensures that your kitchen is spacious enough for every potential guest to walk into. For example, according to the ADA Height guidelines, the countertops should be no longer higher than 34” from the floor to the countertop.
Overlooking the right lighting
Lighting can add drama to any room and it provides you with the right environment needed for safe cooking. The right lighting is also integral to getting the right look you want in your kitchen. Experts advise homeowners to allocate about 10% of the budget for lighting.
Doing all major decisions yourself
Unless you have a background on contracting or remodeling homes, you need to consult the experts on the major decisions that need to be done in the kitchen. This is even more important if you chose to tackle the remodeling yourself. Contractors can tell you what materials to get, which design will work with the space you have, how much the project is expected to cost, and they can help you avoid the common pitfalls that come with DIY kitchen remodeling.
Not hiring a professional
If you have chosen to work with a contractor, work with someone who is licensed to do so and one with the experience. Professionalism is very important in choosing a contractor. You need someone who can assure you that projects are going to be finished on time. Professionals are capable of giving you the results you want. In addition, since they are less likely to commit mistakes, you are at a lesser risk for delays and unexpected expenses.
These are just some of the most common pitfalls you can encounter when you are kitchen remodeling. Know what you want, plan ahead of time, and set a budget. Also, ensure that you are working with professionals in order to make sure that you remodel your kitchen into the kitchen that you want.