Kitchen remodeling projects tend to be very expensive, and you can’t afford to make mistakes. The kitchen is usually one of the busiest parts of the house and a poorly renovated kitchen could ruin your home’s whole atmosphere. And, if you are preparing the house for a sale or eventually want to sell it down the line, the choices you make right now will have a direct impact on how much you can sell it for, how many people will consider your home as an option, and how fast you’re going to sell it.
This is why you can’t make decisions based on what your friends say or some design you saw on Pinterest. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts when planning a kitchen remodel.
Do – Plan with Functionality in Mind
If your goal is to actually use the kitchen and not just look at it, you have to make sure that it is functional first and foremost. A lot of people fall in love with kitchen islands before they actually have to cook around them. A kitchen island could add to a kitchen’s functionality if you use it as a meeting hub for the family, but not if you’re an avid cook.
This is why you should get familiar with the kitchen work triangle theory if you want to primarily use the kitchen for cooking. This states that you should be able to draw a clear triangle between your sink, stove, and refrigerator. This would allow you to move freely, avoid accidents, and make logistics easier.
Don’t – Ignore Regional Trends
If your main goal is to increase your home’s value for a sale, then you can’t make your decisions based on your tastes only. You should also look at trends and narrow them down to the state, city, and even the street you live in.
This is why you should consider talking with your realtor before you make any modifications as they’ll be better placed to tell you what people want or don’t want. It would also be wise to hire a team that understands the most current trends as well. If you live in Minnesota, a good Minneapolis kitchen remodeling company will be able to tell you which designs are hot at the moment and build something along the same lines for you.
Do – Prepare for Cost Creep
Even if a contractor gives you a quote, you should still prepare for hidden and sudden fees. You may start ripping out the cabinets only to find out that the walls are infected with mold, for instance. That’s something you’ll have no choice but to address, and it could make the whole project much more expensive, so have contingency money set aside in case something unexpected pops up.
Don’t – Do Too Much Yourself
There are very few things that you can do on your own with limited experience in a kitchen. Even dishwashers are not recommended to be installed by a non-professional. So, we would suggest that you hire a professional for things like repainting cabinets or adding new light fixtures. Even removing certain components on your own can be risky, so let the pros handle most of the job.
These are all things you should keep in mind when remodeling a kitchen. It’s important to start with a clear plan and work with the right people from the beginning.
