Remodeling Your Kitchen? Read This First.
Remodeling a kitchen can be a significant investment, both in time and money. It's a process that requires careful planning, budgeting, and decision-making. And unless you have unlimited funding, you'll be stuck with it for quite a while, like 10-15 years. Unfortunately, even with the best intentions, there are still some common regrets that homeowners experience after a kitchen remodel. In this post we'll explore the top regrets people have after a kitchen remodel so that you can avoid them in your own renovation.
Not planning enough storage space
One of the most common regrets homeowners have after a kitchen remodel is not planning enough storage space. It's easy to get caught up in the design elements of the kitchen and forget about practical considerations like storage. Make sure you plan for enough cabinets, drawers, and pantry space to accommodate your kitchen tools and ingredients. And whether or not you want to admit it, you always need a junk drawer.
Not considering workflow
Another regret homeowners have after a kitchen remodel is not considering the workflow of the kitchen. A poorly designed kitchen can make cooking and entertaining difficult, and can be frustrating for everyone who uses it. Consider how you move around the kitchen and plan the layout accordingly, including visualizing how you will prep and cook your food.
Choosing style over function
It's easy to fall in love with a particular design style, but it's important to keep functionality in mind when making decisions. For example, a beautiful open shelving concept may look great in photos, but it may not be practical for everyday use, especially if you don't own those beautifully matching dishes and coffee mugs. Make sure you strike a balance between style and function in your kitchen remodel. Also remember- any bold or trendy colors for cabinets or walls are likely to just be that, a trend. You run the risk of getting sick of it after only a few months.
Not investing in quality appliances
Investing in quality appliances is essential for any kitchen remodel. Not only will they make cooking and cleaning easier, but they'll also last longer and save you money in the long run due to increased energy efficiency and low maintenance costs. Invest in workhorse appliances from brands you can trust such as this Thor range or this Kucht refrigerator. Don't skimp here, as this is an area where it pays to invest.
Not hiring a professional contractor
Finally, one of the biggest regrets homeowners have after a kitchen remodel is not hiring a professional contractor, or cutting corners with cost by hiring the cheapest contractor who uses questionable materials and runs 6 months behind. A DIY approach may seem like a good idea to save money, but it can end up costing you more in the long run. A professional contractor will cost more but will help you avoid mistakes and ensure that your kitchen remodel is done correctly and efficiently.
A kitchen remodel can be a great investment for your home, but make sure you do your research and really consider each element before jumping into the renovation. Make sure you plan for enough storage space, consider workflow, balance style and function, invest in quality appliances, and hire a professional contractor. By doing so, you'll be well on your way to creating the kitchen of your dreams.
