Are you considering renovating your kitchen? If so, it’s important to avoid making common mistakes. Many people make the mistake of rushing into a renovation project without planning properly. This can lead to frustration and disappointment down the road. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common kitchen renovation mistakes and how to avoid them.
Key Points
- It’s common to make the mistake of wasting space when renovating a kitchen- be sure to use every inch available by, for example, hanging pots and pans or installing shelves.
- Another frequent error people make is not planning enough storage into the design of the kitchen- this will lead to a cluttered appearance.
- It’s easy to make aisles too tight when rearranging appliances and other features in the kitchen- be sure to leave plenty of room for people to move around comfortably.
- Many people don’t think about their renovation in three dimensions, but it’s important to consider height along with length and width when making decisions about things like cabinets and countertops.
- A general contractor might not have enough specialized knowledge about kitchens specifically so it could be beneficial hire someone who specializes in renovating kitchens.
- The size of your kitchen should play into your renovation plans- avoid overcrowding a small space, for instance by choosing smaller appliances or compact cabinets.
Wasting Space
One of the most common kitchen renovation mistakes is wasting space. When planning your new layout, be sure to make use of every inch of available space. For example, if you have a small kitchen with limited countertop space, consider hanging pots and pans from a pot rack or installing shelves for storing spices and other cooking essentials.
To avoid wasting space, it’s also important to choose functional and stylish kitchen appliances. For instance, instead of a traditional oven, you might want to consider investing in a combi oven, which can both bake and steam food. This can free up valuable countertop space in your kitchen.
Here are some other ideas for avoiding wasted space in your kitchen:
- Install shelves or racks on the inside of cabinet doors.
- Use corner cabinets and drawers.
- Invest in a rolling island or cart.
- Hang pots and pans from a pot rack.
Not Planning for Storage
Another common kitchen renovation mistake is not planning for storage. Many people underestimate the amount of stuff they need to store in their kitchens. As a result, they end up with cluttered countertops and cabinets.
No matter how big or small your kitchen is, there’s always a need for more storage. It’s important to take the time to plan for storage during your renovation so that you can make the most of the space you have.
There are a few things to keep in mind when planning for storage during a kitchen renovation.
- Think about what you need to store. Make a list of all the items you currently have in your kitchen and what you would like to add. This will help you determine what kind of storage you need.
- Consider your layout. Where will you put your new cabinets and appliances? Will you need any special features, such as pull-out shelves or spice racks?
- Think about your budget. How much can you afford to spend on new cabinets and other storage solutions?
Pro Tip: Don’t forget about the little things! When planning for storage, don’t forget about items like plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and parchment paper. These items can take up a lot of space if they’re not stored properly.
Making Aisles Too Tight
Another mistake people often make when renovating their kitchens is making the aisle too tight. When planning your layout, be sure to leave enough room for people to comfortably move around the kitchen without bumping into each other or knocking things over.
A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 36 inches of clearance between major appliances and 42 inches of clearance between the sink and the cooktop. This will ensure that you have plenty of room to move around the kitchen without feeling cramped.
Not Thinking in 3-D
When planning a kitchen renovation, it’s important to think in three dimensions. Many people make the mistake of only thinking about what their kitchen will look like from a bird’s eye view. This can lead to problems down the road, such as cabinets that are too deep or appliances that are too tall.
However, it’s important to also consider how your kitchen will function in three-dimensional space. That means taking into account not only the length and width of the space but also the height.
For example, if you have limited countertop space, consider installing upper cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling. This will give you extra storage space without sacrificing any precious countertop real estate.
There are a few other things to keep in mind when thinking in three dimensions.
1. Wall cabinets are a great way to add extra storage without taking up too much space.
2.If you have high ceilings, consider adding a pot rack or hanging shelves. This will give you extra space for storing pots, pans, and other cooking essentials.
3. Don’t forget about the backsplash! When choosing a backsplash, make sure to take into account the height of the cabinets. A taller backsplash will make the space feel more open and airy.
Pro Tip: A good way to add height to a kitchen is with pendant lights. Pendant lights are a great way to add ambient lighting and can be hung at different heights to create an illusion of more space.
Not Hiring a Contractor That Specializes in Kitchen Renovation
Another common mistake people make when renovating their kitchens is not hiring a contractor that specializes in kitchen renovation. Many general contractors have experience with home renovation, but not all of them have the specific expertise needed to properly renovate a kitchen.
This is important because a kitchen renovation is a complex project that requires a lot of specialized knowledge and skills. From electrical work to plumbing, there are a lot of different trades involved in a kitchen renovation.
Hiring a contractor that specializes in kitchen renovation will ensure that your project is completed correctly and on time. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that you’re working with a professional who knows what they’re doing.
Overwhelming a Small Space
When it comes to kitchen renovation, size does matter. That’s why it’s important to consider the size of your kitchen when planning your renovation.
If you have a small kitchen, it’s important to avoid overwhelming the space with too many cabinets and appliances. A small kitchen can quickly start to feel cramped and cluttered if it’s not planned properly.
Instead, focus on making the most of the space you have. Choose smaller appliances and compact cabinets that will help you save precious square footage. And don’t forget to plan for storage! A small kitchen can still be functional and stylish if you use your space wisely.
Pro Tip: If you have a small kitchen, try to avoid dark colors. Dark colors can make a space feel smaller and more claustrophobic. Instead, opt for light, airy colors like white or cream.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Common Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
Now that we’ve gone over some of the most common kitchen renovation mistakes, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
Why is proper planning so important for a kitchen renovation?
Proper planning is essential for any home renovation, but it’s especially important for a kitchen renovation. This is because a kitchen is such a complex space with so many different elements. From the layout to the appliances to the backsplash, there are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration.
Can small kitchens be renovated?
Yes, small kitchens can be renovated! The key is to avoid overwhelming the space with too many cabinets and appliances. Instead, focus on making the most of the space you have. Choose smaller appliances and compact cabinets that will help you save precious square footage. And don’t forget to plan for storage! A small kitchen can still be functional and stylish if you use your space wisely.
Why is it important to hire a contractor that specializes in kitchen renovation?
A kitchen renovation is a complex project that requires a lot of specialized knowledge and skills. From electrical work to plumbing, there are a lot of different trades involved in a kitchen renovation. Hiring a contractor that specializes in kitchen renovation will ensure that your project is completed correctly and on time. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that you’re working with a professional who knows what they’re doing.
Conclusion
Renovating your kitchen is a great way to add value to your home and improve your day-to-day life. That said, there are a few common mistakes people make when renovating their kitchens that can end up costing them time, money, and frustration. In this blog post, we explored five of the most common kitchen renovation mistakes and how you can avoid them. By following these tips, you can ensure that your kitchen renovation goes off without a hitch!