Top 10 Mistakes DIYers Make During Kitchen Remodeling Projects
Kitchen remodeling projects can be highly challenging, especially if you’re doing them yourself. Between the mess, the dirt, and the miscellaneous things that always go wrong at the worst possible time, kitchen remodeling projects can put your patience and focus to the test. You may have even taken on such a project before with no problems or issues whatsoever, but when it comes time to do another one, you find yourself struggling with many common mistakes that DIYers commonly make during kitchen remodeling projects.
DIY kitchen remodeling projects are easier than most people think, but they’re not without their pitfalls, and if you don’t do your research first, chances are you’ll fall victim to one of these top mistakes that DIYers make during kitchen remodeling projects. Whether you’re making changes because you want to be more eco-friendly or because the functionality of your kitchen isn’t working for you, continue reading to find out the top 10 mistakes that DIYers make during kitchen remodeling projects.
1) Failing to plan
It’s easy to get caught up in your entire kitchen remodeling ideas, but take some time to map out your project. Thoroughly plan and sketch out exactly what you want your kitchen renovation to look like before starting any construction. You don’t want a half-done project because you forgot about an important design element or feature. With proper planning, mistakes such as these can be avoided entirely, and overall costs will decrease as well due to less time on site for contractors.
2) Not using durable, high-quality materials
It’s tempting to save money by going with inexpensive building materials, but spending a little extra on high-quality components can be worth it in the long run. Professional contractors aren’t worried about saving money on inexpensive stuff because they know they can make their money back in labor costs from fixing shoddy work. For example, if you buy a sink that falls apart within one year, you’ll have to pay another company to replace it (and probably replace parts of your counter and cabinets). When shopping for high-quality products, remember that looks are often deceiving; an $80 vanity might look great at first glance but may actually be constructed with weak materials beneath its shiny surface.
3) Not having a budget
The biggest mistake that do-it-yourself (DIY) kitchen remodelers make is not having a budget. By not setting a specific budget for your kitchen remodeler project, you’re leaving yourself open to expensive surprises along the way. When you have a budget set before you begin your project, then if it goes over, you know why and can make sure that such overruns don’t happen again. This will help you stick to your plan and ultimately save money in kitchen remodel projects.
4) Not hiring professionals early on
Not everyone is capable of completing a remodel on their own. For example, if you’re replacing cabinets in your kitchen and you don’t know how to install cabinets, you should hire someone who does. Some jobs simply require kitchen renovation experts, so be prepared to pay for their expertise. This can save you a lot of headaches later on and prevent mishaps that will result in higher costs down the road.
5) Not understanding your design style
Many people get their kitchen remodeled and don’t have a design plan ready for new countertops. Before you start looking for countertop materials, decide on your design style. Do you want a modern, sleek look or more of a rustic-chic feel? Do you want to save money by sticking with your existing cabinetry? Are you open to changing your current kitchen layout to make way for an open concept kitchen and living space? Many factors go into designing your new kitchen, and they all must fit together perfectly. Take some time to figure out what style suits you best before getting started on those other details.
6) Forgetting about safety
The kitchen is arguably one of the most dangerous rooms in a home. With an abundance of sharp knives, hot surfaces, and small children, it’s important to take steps to ensure your family’s safety. Consider using toe-kick plates on all cabinets. They will give kids a place to kick their feet when climbing into lower cabinets and prevent them from opening doors that are too low for them. You should also install locks on cabinet drawers you want to keep closed—even an inexpensive child lock can make a difference. Consider changing your outlets as well—you don’t want your kids sticking things in places they shouldn’t be!
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7) Cutting corners on materials and tricks
While it might be tempting to save a buck by buying less expensive materials, sometimes spending a little extra on premium materials can yield greater benefits. This is especially true when it comes to countertops, cabinetry, and flooring. When selecting cabinetry for your kitchen, it’s worth splurging on high-quality kitchen cabinets that will add beauty and functionality to your home—and stand up to heavy use over time. As for countertops, you may want to invest in granite or solid surface rather than a laminate or composite that scratches easily and requires maintenance. And when planning your remodel budget, don’t forget about installation costs; some projects are more complex than others and will cost more if installation is left in an unskilled DIYer’s hands.
8) Spending too much money on upgrades
Depending on what type of kitchen you have, updating it with new cabinetry, countertops, and appliances can be expensive. It’s important to remember that high-end materials are often only useful if you’re going to be using your kitchen a lot. Before committing to an expensive upgrade, ask yourself whether or not you really need to make your space feel like a luxury restaurant at home. Most of us don’t need premium materials in our kitchens every day, so keep upgrades affordable, so they don’t break your budget when all is said and done. If funds are tight, consider switching out appliances for similar (but lower cost) versions or buying used ones instead of brand new items.
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9) Choosing Fragile Materials
Choosing low-priced, fragile materials for your cabinets is one of the top kitchen remodeling mistakes. Cabinet doors that don’t fit properly or are too thin to use as storage space aren’t worth buying. Some have complained that their cabinets broke within months of installation. Even worse, when you buy low-priced materials, you often spend more money on replacements and repairs than if you had just gone with better quality from the start. To avoid these and other problems, buy sturdy wood cabinets instead of discounted alternatives like veneer-covered particle board or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). They’ll cost more upfront, but they’ll last longer and be less hassle in the long run.
10) Ignoring workflow
When you begin a major project, it’s easy to get excited and start buying materials or plowing through the demolition before planning out your workflow. The problem with that approach is that no job will ever go perfectly smoothly, and you don’t want to find yourself in a spot where you can’t complete a task because you’re lacking an essential tool or some key part of your plan didn’t work out as expected. Instead, create a detailed plan in advance that includes time estimates for each step, so there’s no guesswork involved when things get underway. You’ll save money by not purchasing unnecessary supplies, avoiding delays, and staying on schedule for completion. And trust us when we say that any delays are 100% more frustrating than taking 20 minutes upfront to think things through!
Wrap-up:
Do-it-yourself projects can be a lot of fun, but they come with their own set of risks and pitfalls. If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen, avoid the above-discussed common DIY kitchen remodel mistakes to make sure your job goes smoothly. Above all else, don’t bite off more than you can chew – always have a professional handle the high-risk tasks like plumbing or electrical work. Finally, if you find yourself running into trouble on your project or don’t feel comfortable handling it alone, hire an expert! While they may cost a little extra upfront, they’ll save you both time and money in the long run.
Hiring a kitchen remodeling professional will also give you peace of mind that things are being done correctly, which is especially important when dealing with safety hazards like gas lines or electricity. When hiring someone for kitchen remodeling projects, make sure they carry workers’ compensation insurance and get several references from other customers. And finally, never pay full price upfront – ask for payment upon completion and only then release the final payment. This protects you from losing large sums if things go wrong at any point during the process.