While a small kitchen renovation can be completed with a budget of $4,000 or less, the average kitchen remodeling project costs between $12,000 to $60,500, covering the cost of materials and labor. Although a well-crafted kitchen can last up to 20 years and yield an impressive return on investment, it is undeniably one of the most expensive renovation projects homeowners will have to face. So, it is no surprise that you wish to avoid common remodeling mistakes!
In this guide, the design experts at Holland Kitchens & Baths review the top five most common mistakes to avoid when renovating your kitchen.
Undeniably, each kitchen is used differently. However, whether you wish to install a professional kitchen or a small place to prepare your family meals, you should not overlook the triangle rule of workflow.
The kitchen triangle rule creates a circulation system that connects the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Within a kitchen, this system makes the space far more efficient, safe, and streamlined. Depending on your personal needs and kitchen space, the triangle can be bigger or smaller or connect other areas of the kitchen you often refer to.
After the bedroom, the kitchen is where we spend the most time during our time at home—just under five hours per day on average! And yet, most kitchens don’t have any source of natural light coming through.
When redesigning your kitchen, don’t cover any existing windows. Instead, enhance the natural light coming through them by swapping the curtains and placing reflective surfaces in strategic locations. Additionally, make sure to add plenty of task lights around the kitchen areas to minimize energy consumption while making the space more efficient for cooking.
If there is an area of the house where we all feel like we need more space, it is the kitchen. And yet, in most cases, the space is already there, but homeowners misuse it! For example, look at the cabinetry corners around the kitchen, and you will notice that the back sections are barely used. High-rise and overhead cabinets are also not ideal!
Instead, opt to add smart cabinetry, a pantry, and kitchen accessories below your waistline and make sure everything is within reach when cooking. This will help you avoid kitchen incidents as well!
4. Cutting Corners on Ventilation
From a chimney to vents, your kitchen needs a ventilation system—for more than one reason!
- In open-air spaces, you won’t want smells and odors to spread around the house
- Kitchen operations can produce high levels of moisture, vapor, and humidity, which can end up causing structural damages
- Smoke and vapor can affect your kitchen’s new look
- Remove pollutants and hot gasses from indoor air
5. Opting for a Standard Design That Does Not Cater to Your Needs
Each household is unique, and so your kitchen area should be. Whether you love to cook alone or you often share the kitchen space with your family, you should invest in an ad hoc design that caters to your specific needs. For example, if there are kids in your household, you might opt for secure appliances, locks, and accessible spaces. Alternatively, if you have specific accessibility needs, you can create a custom space that makes all tasks within easy reach.
Partner with Design and Contracting Professionals for Your Home Kitchen Renovation
There is a lot to consider when putting together your kitchen renovation plan. Whether you wish to revamp your space with subway tiles or tackle something more complex, like installing a custom island, it’s best to put the effort into the planning process, as emergency changes during the construction can lead to your project costing more overall.
Working with a kitchen designer and contracting professionals experienced in kitchen renovations, like those at Holland Kitchens & Baths, can help you avoid mistakes in your planning and building phases. Give our team a call today to discuss your project or to learn more about our kitchen remodeling ideas.