A kitchen remodeling project is a serious investment. Homeowners can expect to pay up to 25% of their home's value for a full-scale kitchen renovation. Fortunately the cost is justified. A successful kitchen remodeling project can significantly increase a home's value. A high quality renovation also establishes a communal space for friends and family and eases the challenge of cooking and cleaning.
So what is the secret to a successful kitchen transformation? How can a homeowner realize increased value, efficiency, and enjoyment?
Enterprise Home Remodeling offers a veritable treasure trove of kitchen renovation tips. Please see our home page for links to helpful articles. Browsing our site, you will learn how to transform your kitchen renovation dreams into reality.
Today, however, we're going to explore the negative side of kitchen renovation: the top kitchen remodeling mistakes. With all that money and potential happiness on the line, you'll want make sure your project is successful from beginning to end. So make sure you avoid the mistakes below.
1. Poor Planning
Most kitchen renovation mistakes begin with poor planning. Excited homeowners often skip the essentials in favor of choosing luxurious cabinets and shiny new appliances. Before you even begin to think about the specifics of your new kitchen, however, consider the "big picture." How will you use your new kitchen? Think about your lifestyle. How much time will you spend preparing food? Will you use your countertops for significant food preparation? Do you need extra space for storage? Answering these lifestyle questions can help you clarify a suitable kitchen layout as well as the type of materials and appliances best suited to your specific needs.
Please read our helpful article on Kitchen Remodeling Costs.
2. The D.I.Y. Mistake
Hoping to save money, many ambitious homeowners mistakenly believe they can accomplish small (or, sometimes, even large!) projects without the help of qualified professionals. Unfortunately, unless the homeowner has extensive time and experience, he or she might lose money and decrease the home's value by making simple, but costly, mistakes. For most remodeling projects, the best bet is to consult skilled professionals from the beginning - experts who understand the intricacies of design and building and who can evaluate your budget to make sure it's reasonable and sustainable. If you are considering a D.I.Y. project, please read our helpful article Five D.I.Y. Tips for a Kitchen Makeover.
3. Too Many Hands in the Pot
Despite what you might've read elsewhere, you do not need to hire multiple professionals for your kitchen renovation. In fact, hiring multiple professionals is one of the best ways to increase your budget. Yes, an architect is not necessarily a kitchen designer, and a kitchen designer is not a contractor. But all of these various professionals cost money - up to $175 simply to provide an estimate. An estimate should be FREE and should tell you all the details you might not already know. Your best bet before beginning your kitchen renovation is to acquire an estimate from a professional home remodeling company - like yours truly, Enterprise Home Remodeling. A kitchen remodeling company is a one-stop shop for all your kitchen renovation needs.
For more information on what to expect from your home remodeling project as well as your potential interactions with a kitchen remodeling company, please read How to Prepare for a Kitchen Remodeling Project.
4. Exploding the Budget
The best kitchen renovations begin with reasonable expectations and a workable budget. Only plan for what you can afford. Your budget for smaller projects might vary, but a full-scale kitchen renovation design can cost up to 20% of the value of your home. Remember, however, a kitchen renovation is a serious investment. Upon selling your home, you can expect to recover a portion of your costs - up to 10%. And in a challenging market, a new kitchen renovation can mean the difference between a quick sale and increased time on the market.
In terms of general costs, remember: you are more likely to go over budget. So reserve some money for the unexpected. If your kitchen renovation budget is a big concern for you, please see our helpful article: Five Money-Saving Tips for Your Dream Kitchen Transformation.