Even the most meticulously planned kitchen renovations can run into hiccups and rough patches sometimes. You might end up dealing with unreliable contractors, delayed deliveries, or incorrect supplies; sometimes, things just don’t go how you expect them to.
The good news is that all of these situations are quite rare, especially if you pick your vendors and contractors very carefully. And, even if you do run into obstacles, the key to getting a renovation back on track is knowing how to avoid the most common remodelling mistakes.
This guide to some major kitchen renovation faux pas will help you to create an interior space that is light, attractive, and enjoyable.
Cramped Corner Sinks
If you have a corner sink configuration, do not install overhead cabinets directly above it. They might look pretty, but the moment you try to work with hot water, you’ll find yourself enveloped with steam. If you are installing a brand new sink, try and place it close to the window.
Of course, this might not seem like such a big problem, and many kitchen sinks function fine with a cabinet above it. However, when given a ‘clean slate’ and an opportunity to re-do the kitchen completely, it might be wise to consider the more practical approach of leaving more space above the kitchen sink.
Rushing into Flooring Choices
Do not be tempted to make a rash decision when picking your flooring option. If you choose something and you later end up disliking it, your pleasure in the renovation will suffer. A lot of homeowners assume that kitchen flooring is a secondary, almost throwaway, feature, but it can transform the space – choose carefully.
An always popular option is simply using tiles – but even if that’s your plan as well, don’t rush into a decision. You can always pick plain white tiles and that’s completely fine, but at least exploring more colourful or interesting options can open your eyes to the possibilities of what your kitchen floor could really look like.
Some kitchens even opt for hardwood floors, and while this often requires advanced concrete cutting work, which needs to be done by professionals and requires some equipment, in the end it can be worth it, if you truly want your kitchen to be a work of art.
Forgetting Under Cabinet Lighting
It is easy to miss important details when renovating a kitchen, particularly if you have never handled a remodelling project before. But it is always better to take your time and think over all of the little things, rather than rushing ahead and forgetting essential features. For instance, consider the need for under cabinet lighting, especially during the winter.
Although lighting from the ceiling might seem sufficient, it often becomes a problem when you have to find angles so your own shade does not cover the light from above. Having under cabinet lighting solves this problem immediately – you will always have clear sight no matter where you stand, and when doing some intense chopping, it’s not a good idea to settle for anything less!
Neglecting the Need for Family
If you have a separate dining room, don’t be tempted to get rid of the need for family space altogether. Even if it’s just a breakfast bar, island, or broad worktop, incorporate a space in your kitchen where friends, relatives, and the kids can come and keep you company while cooking meals.
After all, kitchen is the place where the family usually gathers to prepare food, hang out or just have a drink, so planning for it accordingly is perhaps the most important step in the entire renovation project. You don’t want to end up isolated from the family every time you’re preparing dinner, and having a kitchen that has a place to simply hang out is a really important part of making sure you always have company when cooking.
Picking the Wrong Materials
Yes, stainless steel looks wonderfully cool and is popular with the rich and famous. But, is it suitable for your specific needs? If you have young children, for instance, do be aware that you can’t stick fridge magnets to it; so you won’t be able to pin up their artwork. Also, it collects grimy handprints very easily.
So, before making any decision, simply weigh the pros and cons of the materials you want. If you’re prepared to make compromises and do the extra cleaning work that comes with certain materials, such as stainless steel, then by all means, don’t be afraid to buy them just because someone says so.
But if you’re looking for a simple, beautiful and practical solution, then thinking through the choice becomes an absolute necessity.
Investing in Oversized Appliances
Purchasing appliances which are needlessly large will only end up with you losing money. It is important to pick a washing machine, dishwasher, and fridge that fits the needs of your family, but appliances don’t need to be huge, just because you like the extra space.
It’s common in our society to plan bigger rather than smaller, and that’s not inherently bad, but it also has to be a weighed, rational decision. If you have a big family and like to shop big on a weekly or even bi-weekly basis, then it’s obviously important to have enough storage in the fridge and cabinets to fit all the food.
On the other hand, if you live alone of don’t have children, buying the large fridge just because others do it is perhaps not the right choice – it uses more energy, takes up precious space and ends up being half-full most of the time.
Doing It All Alone
It can be tough to take on an entire kitchen renovation, without outside help from an interior design team. If you do find yourself getting bogged down in the details and fear that you might be making some bad decisions, consult a specialist in the area that you are struggling with. So, for example, if picking the lighting is proving tough, seek advice from a lighting designer.
Sometimes even consulting with your relatives and friends can make a big difference – most people have experience with kitchen renovations, and have learned through their own pitfalls some of the things that are better to be avoided, as well as some that work surprisingly well.
Also, consider hiring professional help for more advanced tasks, such as preparing the concrete for the floors, or doing electrical work – these are things that need to be done properly in order to serve you for many years to come, so it’s better to make sure it gets done right, by someone who knows what he’s doing.
About the Expert:
This article is written and submitted by Matthew Funnell, who works with Supercut (WA) Pty Ltd, a privately owned concrete cutting and core drilling company serving Western Australia for 20 years.
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