Common Errors in Kitchen Layout

Want a brand new kitchen to cook in? Think about these ten common mistakes to avoid when designing and remodeling your kitchen to save yourself time, money, and headaches and make your dreams a reality.

Keep an open mind about the kitchen’s materials and layout unless you have an unlimited budget. You’re on vacation in southern Italy, and you stop by a local artisan’s shop and find the most gorgeous tiles that would look amazing in your new dream kitchen. Because they have fossilized leaves etched in them, you can’t do without them, even if he has to chip the marble off the mountain by hand and it takes three weeks to manufacture each one.

If you need two hundred tiles, stop dreaming and do the arithmetic. Three weeks, each one, two hundred tiles Never mind. Just buy up his entire stock and walk out the door. Use the fifteen you bring home in your suitcase as accents imbedded in the floor here and there or in the tiling around the sink, and keep them as a beautiful memory.

Likewise, the German track lighting uses special light bulbs that cast a delicate hue of light. Those bulbs are so rare and exclusive that you can only find them in Germany.

Avoid complex or highly specialized components, as they can be a logistical nightmare to repair or replace. It should take no more than a few calls to a nearby repair shop to fix any broken appliances, plumbing, electricity, or carpentry.

Downgrading materials after construction has begun will still incur costs. Since the dimensions have been determined and the materials ordered, this is the case. The already installed and ready granite counter may need to be trimmed down on one side to accommodate a two-inch longer built-in convection oven, negating the customized finish you paid for.

Be warned by the plight of those who changed so much in quest of the perfect kitchen that they abandoned their budget in the middle and ended up without the funds to finish. Having to endure an unfinished kitchen for an extended period of time is not desirable.

Set a budget, then plan on spending 80% of your predicted amount. Remember, no one ever pays less than the estimated amount; it always costs more. You should set aside 20% of your total budget to account for contingencies, which include things like last-minute adjustments, hidden costs, and other surprises.

You may calculate the cost, amount of materials, and potential outcome of your project with the help of interactive estimators and project calculators available on ImproveNet. http://www.improvenet.com/HomeOwner/ProjectTools/index.html

You need a contractor that specializes in kitchens, not roofing. Talk to recent customers of the contractor you’re thinking of hiring. Inquire to view their finished product. Inquire appropriately: Was his prediction right? Is he late or on time? Did they maintain a tidy work area and put away their mess afterward? Were his employees well-mannered, tidiness-conscious, and punctual? Are there any complaints? Spending a few minutes investigating your potential contractor can prevent a lot of trouble down the road.

Unfortunately, this is a common blunder that is often transferred to the customer’s wallet. Make sure the contractor is responsible for common issues like wrong measurements and manufacturing defects before signing any contracts. Don’t settle for almost fitting” or good enough. They must guarantee a completed product that meets all of the agreed-upon criteria.

Don’t pay for a refurbishment in advance. Establish a payment plan with the majority of the balance paid after the work is completed. Having the client inspect the work as it is being done and try out the final product is a great way to ensure the contractor delivers what the client wants.

You, not the architects who designed your new kitchen, should determine its aesthetic. Yes, the pink and yellow appliances are quite chic and cheerful, but perhaps you would prefer stainless steel or white. You should be the one to decide. Don’t let anyone convince you that what they desire is what you need. Collaborate with your designer to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional for your needs and preferences. Insist on seeing a 3D rendering of the plans and maintaining your involvement all through their creation.

Ask your friends and neighbors about their improvements—what they enjoy and what they don’t like. Consult reliable sources for advice before beginning any project. Ask the members of your family for ideas and suggestions about how to best utilize the workable space.

Even the most luxurious kitchen remodels shouldn’t eat up more than twenty percent of your home’s value, no matter how much you love your new space. The average kitchen renovation adds only about 8% to market value. A nice kitchen is a selling point for any home, but you shouldn’t put all your money into it if you plan on selling the house in the near future.

On the other hand, a well-executed kitchen remodel can add as much as five percent to your home’s value. Under-spending may reflect in market value.

Resist the temptation to choose trendy designs, which will make you queasy after you get over the pizzazz. Keep in mind that the kitchen is the soul of the home. Keep quality of life in mind as you make your decisions. The most effective tactic is one that is tried and true. All of us have seen contemporary kitchens. Nothing becomes as outmoded as yesterday’s modern look. Do you want some avocado-green cupboards? Mosaic daisies tiled into the walls? Also, try to resist flamboyant displays of self-expression. You will have a happily ever after ending.