What Should You Not Do in a Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel is a great way to improve the value, functionality, and aesthetics of your home. However, it can also be a stressful, costly, and time-consuming process if you don’t plan ahead and avoid some common mistakes. Here are some things you should not do in a kitchen remodel, along with some tips on how to do it right.

Don’t Order Wrong Size Appliances and Cabinets

One of the biggest kitchen renovation mistakes is choosing your appliances last. It may be more fun to plan the cabinet layout and countertops first, but always choose your major appliances first and then build the plan around those dimensions. You don’t want to end up with appliances that don’t fit in your space or cabinets that block the doors from opening. Measure the space properly and choose the appliances well in advance, then order the cabinets accordingly.

Don’t Ignore the Work Triangle

The work triangle is the concept that the hob, the sink, and the refrigerator should form an equi-distant triangle in your kitchen, with no more than 6 feet between each point. This ensures optimal efficiency and convenience when cooking and cleaning. However, many people overlook this principle when designing their kitchen layout, resulting in awkward or cramped spaces that hinder workflow. To avoid this mistake, respect the work triangle and make sure there is enough clearance for opening doors, drawers, and cabinets.

Don’t Skimp on Quality Materials

Another common mistake people make when renovating their kitchen is choosing low-quality materials that won’t last or perform well over time. For example, marble countertops may look beautiful, but they are prone to staining, chipping, and etching, especially if you cook or entertain often. Instead of settling for cheap or trendy materials, invest in quality materials that will withstand wear and tear and enhance the value of your home. Some examples are quartz, granite, or engineered stone for countertops; hardwood, laminate, or tile for flooring; and solid wood or plywood for cabinets.

Don’t Paint Your Own Cabinets

Painting your own cabinets may seem like a simple and inexpensive way to update your kitchen, but it can also backfire if you don’t do it right. Painting cabinets requires proper preparation, priming, sanding, and sealing to ensure a smooth and durable finish. If you skip any of these steps or use the wrong tools or products, you may end up with peeling, chipping, or cracking paint that will ruin the look of your kitchen. If you want to paint your cabinets, it’s best to hire a professional painter or cabinet refinisher who has the experience and expertise to do the job correctly.

Don’t Forget About Storage

Storage is one of the most important aspects of a kitchen remodel, as it determines how much space you have for storing food, dishes, utensils, cookware, and other items. However, many people don’t factor storage into their design or underestimate how much space they will actually need. This can lead to cluttered or wasted space that reduces the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. To avoid this mistake, plan for enough closed cabinet space for your needs, as well as some open shelves or racks for displaying items or storing frequently used items. You can also use organizers, drawers, baskets, or hooks to maximize your storage space.

Don’t Do Everything Yourself

A kitchen remodel is not a DIY project that you can tackle on your own without any help. It involves many complex tasks that require specialized skills, tools, and knowledge, such as plumbing, electrical wiring, flooring installation, cabinet installation, countertop installation, appliance installation, and more. If you try to do everything yourself without any professional assistance, you may end up with poor quality workmanship, safety hazards, code violations,
or costly mistakes that will require more time and money to fix. To avoid this mistake,
hire qualified contractors or designers who can handle the work for you and ensure a successful outcome.

What Order Should Things Be Done in a Kitchen Remodel

Now that you know what not to do in a kitchen remodel,
you may be wondering what order things should be done in a kitchen remodel.
Here is a general sequence of steps that you can follow for a smooth and efficient process:

1. Plan your kitchen remodel

This is where you decide on your scope, budget, layout, design, and materials for your project. You should also research contractors, get quotes, and secure permits if needed.

2. Tear out and demolition

This is where you remove old cabinets, appliances, flooring, and any other unwanted elements from your existing kitchen. You should also disconnect plumbing and electrical lines and rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal service to dispose of the debris.

3. Rough-in work including framing and plumbing

This is where you make any structural changes to the layout of your kitchen, such as adding or removing walls, windows, or doors. You also need to install new plumbing pipes and electrical wires for the new fixtures
and appliances.

4. Professional inspection

This is where you have a licensed inspector check your rough-in work for any errors or violations. This will save you time and money in the long run by avoiding potential problems later on.

5. Finishing the walls

This is where you finish the walls by installing insulation,
drywall, and paint. You may also want to add some decorative features like crown molding,
backsplash, or wallpaper.

6. Install doors and windows

This is where you install any new doors or windows in your kitchen. Make sure they are properly sealed and insulated to prevent drafts and moisture.

7. Install cabinets and countertops

This is where you install your new cabinets and countertops, as well as your sink, faucet, and garbage disposal. You may need to hire a professional plumber to connect the water supply and drain lines.

8. Install appliances:

This is where you hook up your new appliances, such as your stove, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave. You may need to hire a professional electrician to connect the power cords and outlets.

9. Install flooring

This is where you lay down your new flooring, whether it is hardwood, laminate, tile, or vinyl. Make sure to measure and cut carefully to fit around the cabinets and appliances.

10. Install hardware and accessories

This is where you add the finishing touches to your kitchen, such as knobs, handles, light fixtures, switches, outlets, rugs, curtains, artwork, etc.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Kitchen Remodel

The duration of a kitchen remodel depends on many factors, such as the size and complexity of your project, the availability and efficiency of your contractors, the lead times and shipping of your materials, and any unforeseen delays or issues that may arise. However, a typical kitchen remodel can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the scope of work. Here is a breakdown of how long each stage of a kitchen remodel may take:

• Planning: 2 to 4 weeks
• Tear out and demolition: 1 to 2 days
• Rough-in work including framing and plumbing: 1 to 2 weeks
• Professional inspection: 1 day
• Finishing the walls: 1 to 2 weeks
• Installing doors and windows: 1 to 2 days
• Installing cabinets and countertops: 1 to 2 weeks
• Installing appliances: 1 to 2 days
• Installing flooring: 1 to 3 days
• Installing hardware and accessories: 1 to 2 days

Can I Do Some Parts of the Project Myself

While it’s advisable to hire professionals for most parts of a kitchen remodel, there are some tasks that you may be able to do yourself if you have the skills, tools, and time. For example, you may be able to do some of the following:

• Painting the walls or cabinets
• Installing backsplash or wallpaper
• Installing hardware or accessories
• Removing old appliances or cabinets
• Cleaning up the debris

However, before you attempt any DIY work, make sure you are confident in your abilities, follow safety precautions, and consult with your contractor or designer if needed. You don’t want to risk damaging your new kitchen or injuring yourself by doing something wrong.

Conclusion

A kitchen remodel can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience if you avoid some common mistakes and follow some best practices. By planning ahead, choosing quality materials, respecting the work triangle, hiring professionals, and following the right order of steps, you can create your dream kitchen without any hassle or headache. Happy remodeling!