5 Common Kitchen Remodel Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

You might have a very clear picture of what you want your kitchen to look and feel like. However, as with anything, best intentions can sometimes lead to mistakes, especially when you tackle a project without enough experience or guidance from a professional. Some mistakes might be easy to mitigate, but others can have a negative impact on the overall design of your kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for a stylish and practical kitchen makeover or some more budget-friendly ideas to improve your cooking space, you should keep the whole picture in mind. To get most from your makeover, you may rely on reputable kitchen remodelers that can bring your project in Encinitas and the neighboring area to fruition. Keep on reading to learn how to avoid the most common mistakes.

What should you not do in a kitchen remodel?  

Here are some most common mistakes homeowners make when trying to tackle kitchen remodels on their own: 

1. Forget to include enough storage space

Some add-ons can seem unnecessary at first, but customized storage features are of great value and can make your everyday life easier. Pantry pullouts, cabinet expansions, and additional drawer dividers can provide useful storage space for cutlery, pots, pans, and smaller appliances. It’s far less expensive to include these features during the makeover process than afterward. Also, it is wise to go for higher kitchen cabinets. 

2. Waste space

This can go either way – you can end up with a cramped or too much underutilized space. When it comes to countertops, you should maximize this aspect, as it will give you plenty of room to prepare your meals, or to keep some decorations or additional appliances.

If you’re redoing a smaller kitchen, a peninsula will probably work better than a kitchen island. There is no need to overwhelm the space with huge elements if your builder has an option of customizable cabinets that pass well with the floor plan. 

3. Ignore the workflow

The most essential function of any kitchen is to provide you with seamless moving space in order to prepare your food. The following crucial elements form the “workflow triangle”: the sink, the fridge, and the stove.

To spare the time and frustration, the distance between them should not be more than 3 – 4 feet, so you can easily access and prepare ingredients and wash dishes, without bumping into countertops or half-walls. 

4. Buy new appliances last

If you forget to make a firm decision about the size and design of appliances prior to the remodel project, it will limit your options in terms of cabinetry and energy-efficiency. In the worst case scenario, you would have to do an additional remodel to adjust the proportions of your cabinets and counters. To prevent this, take precise measurements and carefully designate a location for each piece. Draw the outline of the cabinets and other elements around the appliances. Especially now, as industry-wide delays are commonplace when it comes to getting new appliances due to pandemic-related supply chain issues, ordering your appliances as soon as possible will help ensure the timeline of your kitchen remodel remains on track.

5. Make impulsive decisions after the work starts

You have already launched the makeover and you have a sudden change of heart regarding a particular element. You might decide to exclude the dishwasher, expand the pantry, or switch the sink and stove positions. 

Even seemingly small changes in the plan, if not carefully implemented, could cause a snowball effect of extra time and money. In that case, it’s probably best to start from scratch, as the results are likely to be less than perfect. This being said, always think ahead thoroughly and stick to the plan. 

In case you would still insist on making some adjustments, it’s best to discuss this first with a skillful team that can carry out your project in Encinitas and beyond.

Where can I hire a team of experienced kitchen remodelers in Encinitas, CA?

Whether you’ve decided to go into a kitchen remodel to make your daily routine easier or to sell your house at a better price, a nicely renovated kitchen can increase the overall home appeal. As a result your house could be given a far better appraisal by any realtor. 

If you don’t know what is the most proper order to remodel a kitchen, you don’t have to finish a crash course in interior design or architecture. Here at Lars Remodeling & Design, we can provide you with necessary guidance and tools to materialize your makeover project. 

With over 30 years in the industry, we will handle everything from in-depth planning until execution. Our designer and construction experts will save you precious time, so you can spend a relaxing day at San Diego Botanical Garden. Call us today to safely reimagine your kitchen without setbacks!