How to Avoid Common Kitchen Remodeling Pitfalls

Hi Kim Smart with Smart Interiors located in sunny San Diego. If you’re remodeling a kitchen, which is the most complicated and expensive room in most houses you will be navigating a minefield of decisions. With careful planning, you can avoid common kitchen-remodeling pitfalls and get yourself into your new kitchen sooner. What I am going to share with you are the biggest mistakes I see all the time. Let’s get started…
The first pitfall is Smart Scheduling
There’s a lot to plan when remodeling a kitchen, so don’t start demoing your old kitchen too soon. You want to have your appliances, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and any other major components on hand before you begin. Also, having everything on hand lets you confirm exact measurements and installation specs. Schedule the plumber, electrician, tilesetter, and other subcontractors well in advance. A proper remodel is carefully choreographed, and even then, you’ll have to juggle schedules at the last minute. Smart scheduling helps projects to finish on time.
The next pitfall is thinking you can remove walls
If you want to open the kitchen to other rooms, don’t assume you can simply remove any wall you want. Some walls are load bearing, and some aren’t. Know which is which before you drag out the sledgehammer. Many homeowners also assume that the sink, stove, and refrigerator have to stay where they are. That’s a mistake. Yes, plumbing and venting can be expensive to move, but sometimes it’s the best thing to do for better functionality and looks.
Pitfall # 3 Not Seeking Professional Help – this is a big one
People are often quick to opt for a DIY approach, hoping to save money. Unfortunately, when it comes to a complicated process like kitchen remodeling, this can do much more harm than good. Consider all the complex ventilation systems, plumbing, electrical and wiring in your kitchen. Messing with them without proper knowledge and experience is one of the worst DIY kitchen remodeling mistakes people make.
Working with a professional designer is the best way to get the most for your money. Designers have insight and access to resources not available to the public. Plus, it’s a designer’s job to help you get the kitchen you’ve always wanted.
The last pitfall Make sure a kitchen island is right for you
Maybe you don’t have an island now and you would like to add one. Some kitchens aren’t big enough for an island. Don’t install one unless you have at least 36 inches of clearance all the way around – this is critical. A clearance of 42 inches is better, and 48 inches is ideal.
Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to your dream kitchen while minimizing the “oh no” moments. Don’t forget to like and subscribe – and please leave me a comment. See you next time.

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