The Dos and Don’ts of Kitchen Remodeling

So, you’re taking the kitchen-upgrade plunge. Congratulations!

But before you start collecting delicious-looking recipes that your perfect kitchen will produce, there are a few factors to consider.

Make sure these dos and don’ts are covered during your remodel to avoid a costly fix later:

Do: Hire an Amazing Contractor

You’re trusting a contractor with your cooking-happiness for the foreseeable future (not to mention paying them a large chunk of change).

So, do your research. Before you sign any paperwork, make sure the contractor is reputable and licensed, and watch out for contractor scams.

Don’t: Forget How You Use a Kitchen

When blueprints and sample catalogues are flying around, it’s easy to get carried away and wind up with two ovens and a kitchen island that needs its own zip code.

If you cook a feast every night, that makes sense. If takeout and TV dinners rule your evenings, a decked-out kitchen is a little silly.

Instead, use your budget for a space that makes sense for you, like added seating or a larger dining space.

Do: Be Aware of Where Things Open

Your new kitchen may look awesome, but if your fridge and dishwasher collide when their doors are opened, you’re going get frustrated!

Think about the layout of the kitchen before plans are drawn by your contractor, and pay attention to angles before drawers and appliances are installed to avoid any conflicts.

Measure multiple times before finalizing any plans – every 1/8-inch counts when it comes to appliance placement!

Double-checking now can save you from a costly redesign down the road.

Don’t: Forget About the Trim

When you’re planning your new kitchen, don’t forget about the existing architectural elements that are going to stay put, such as the crown molding, door and windows.

Measure these elements before you start and factor them into your new design. A good rule of thumb is to leave about three inches of space between any new cabinets and existing trim.

Do: Remember the Little Guys

Sure, you know where your oven is going to go. But what about the blender? And the coffee maker? And what if you get a Soda Stream?

Unless countertop chaos is something you enjoy, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and create space for every appliance. Give them a home in your pantry, a large cabinet or even in another room.

Don’t: Cut Corners on Quality

Think about all the meals you’ve cooked in the past ten years. You want your new kitchen to withstand the wear-and-tear of another ten years to come (at least)!

So, make sure the quality of your new countertops, cabinets and other details are up to the challenge.

We’re not saying that you need to buy top-of-the-line everything, but make sure the products you’re using are durable.

Remember: when it comes to building materials, the least expensive option is rarely the best option.

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