See more photos of this kitchen for serious bakers on Houzz.
Kitchen remodeling is a big investment of time and money, which is why you don’t want any lingering regrets after the project is done. For a successful kitchen remodel, these are 7 mistakes to avoid:
1. Impatience
Have a plan before knocking down walls or ripping off surfaces, regardless of inspiration from home improvement shows or personal frustration with your kitchen. In a moment of spontaneity you could make a move you regret when you learn how much time and money it takes to correct a mistake. Employ patience to plan the work and work the plan.
2. Bare Minimum
Your time and budget concerns may suggest doing the bare minimum to update your kitchen. But if you’ve always had issues with how the room is laid out, new countertops will bring only temporary relief. Now is the time to really think about what changes will be the most productive and satisfying and invest in those. Plus, it’s easier to endure construction chaos once than to do it repeatedly, so make all your changes at one time.
3. Biting Off More Than You Can Chew
Doing the bulk of a kitchen remodel yourself is good idea… if you’re a remodeling professional or a quick learner without a full-time job! If neither of those apply and you still decide to be your own general contractor, you could soon be buried under mountains of details and ills. Be realistic about your abilities and time, and team up with experienced professionals to avoid unnecessary obstacles.
See more photos of this new “old” kitchen on Houzz.
4. Top Chef Fantasies
A professional-grade range seldom transforms a take-out junkie into a gourmet cook. If you’re a hardcore cook who is overdue for a kitchen that meets your needs then you deserve to follow that dream. But if a $12,000 cooktop will gather more dust than frying pans, consider putting that money into features that will truly benefit you every day.
5. Distracted By Shiny Objects
Glass cabinets in Day-Glo colors are perfect for your Pinterest kitchen board, but how long until you’re tired of them in your actual kitchen? Cabinets are one of the biggest expenditures in a kitchen remodel, so it is wise to choose a style you can live with for 10-15 years. Go for the bling with cabinet pulls, accessories and countertop appliances which are relatively inexpensive and easy to change out as your tastes change.
See more photos of this maximum storage kitchen on Houzz.
6. Overlooked Details
You select gorgeous cabinets, but is there enough storage? You upgrade all of your appliances, but is there enough electricity to power them? There are literally hundreds of details that go into a successful kitchen remodel, and it’s easy to miss some of the finer points while concentrating on big ticket items. Working with a certified kitchen designer is your best bet for getting a kitchen that you will be gloriously happy with.
7. Changing Your Mind at the Wrong Time
If you decide that the pantry needs to be bigger after construction has started, that decision will cost you more and create delays. The best way to avoid change orders and keep your project on schedule is to fully plan the project before the first hammer wings. Confident choices come from seeing your kitchen design in 3-D, and working with professionals who understand your goals. Explore every option in the design phase where it’s easier (and cheaper!) to make multiple changes until you find exactly what you want.
The St. Louis remodeling professionals at Mosby Building Arts help you plan every detail, from consultation to design to building your ideal kitchen. See a portfolio of Mosby kitchen remodels. For a mistake-free new kitchen, call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact us here.