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10 Biggest Kitchen Design Mistakes
Dreaming of a new kitchen? In order to make your dreams a
reality, consider ten common mistakes to avoid in designing and
remodeling your kitchen to save you time, money and aggravation.
Over-customizing and inflexibility
Unless you have money to spare, remain flexible regarding
materials and design for your new kitchen. For example, you're
vacationing in southern Italy and the beautiful tiles you find
in the craftsman's shop are perfect for your new dream kitchen.
You can't live without them, even though he has to chip the
marble off the mountain by hand and each one takes three weeks
to make, because they have fossilized leaves imprinted in them.
If you need two hundred tiles, stop dreaming and do the
arithmetic. Three weeks, each one, two hundred tiles. Forget it.
Buy everything he has on the shelf and leave the store. 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 a beautiful memory.
Likewise, the German track lighting with special light bulbs
which cast a delicate hue of light. Those light bulbs are so
special and unique that they are only available in Germany!
Avoid difficult and over specialized items so that repairs and
replacements don't turn into logistical nightmares. All
appliances, plumbing, electricity, and carpentry should
repairable with no more then a few local phone calls.
Changing the Plans
Once work has begun, any change will cost you money even if
materials are downgraded. This is because measurements have been
calculated and materials ordered. Even a small change such as a
two inch longer built in convection oven could mean that the
hand cut granite counter which is already installed and ready,
has to be pared down on one side which means you lose a
customized finish.
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. Living for
years with an unfinished kitchen is not a very appealing option.
Spending It All At Once - Over-Budgeting
Set a budget, then plan on spending 80% of your projected
figure. Remember, no one ever pays less than the estimated
amount; it always costs more. That 20% you held back from your
budget will be used to cover the usual unforeseen circumstances
which inevitably pop up such as minor changes, previously
unperceived problems and other charges.
ImproveNet offers interactive estimators and project calculators
to help you estimate how much your project will cost, how much
material you'll need, and what it could look like.
http://www.improvenet.com/HomeOwner/ProjectTools/index.html
Using the Wrong General Contractor
The contractor you choose should be an expert in kitchens, not
roofs. Talk to people that have used a contractor you are
considering within the last three months. Ask to see the work
they did. Ask the right questions: Was he within his estimate?
Did he finish on time? Did they keep the job clean and did they
tidy up nicely afterwards? Were his workers polite, neat,
clean,
and on time? Are there any complaints? A little time spent on
researching your contractor can save you a lot of headaches
later.
Inaccuracies in Measurement
This shouldn't be your problem at all, but frequently this
common mistake is passed on to the customer's wallet. Before you
sign a contract, insist that the contractor take responsibility
for any inaccuracies in measurement or factory flaws which often
occur. Don't settle for almost fits or good enough. They have to
promise and deliver a finished result according to the
specifications that were agreed on.
Throwing Dollars Out the Window
Don't pay for a renovation in advance. Establish a payment plan
with the majority of the balance paid after the work is
completed. Evaluating the work as it progresses and testing the
finished product is a great incentive for the contractor to
please the customer.
Handing Over the Design of Your Kitchen to a Designer
Your new kitchen should reflect your taste, not the designers.
Yes, the pink and yellow appliances are very stylish, and happy
but maybe stainless steel or white is what you prefer. You are
the best judge. Don't let anyone convince you that what they
want is what you need. Work with your designer to achieve the
practical tasteful space that fits your needs and lifestyle. Ask
to see a virtual model of the plans and stay involved throughout
the design process.
Going It Alone
Ask your friends and neighbors about their renovations - what
they like, what they don't like. Solicit opinions from people
you trust before and during the job. Ask the members of your
family for ideas and suggestions about how to best utilize the
workable space.
Investing Too Much
Yes it is your dream kitchen but practically speaking, even the
most expensive kitchen renovations should not cost more than 20%
of the current market value of your home. The average kitchen
renovation adds only about 8% to market value. If you ever want
to sell your home, an appealing kitchen is a big plus, but don't
throw all your money into it expecting an investment return.
And on the other hand, most experts agree that kitchen
renovation done well is worth at least 5% of the value of your
home. Under-spending may reflect in market value.
Indulging The Latest Fads
Resist the temptation to choose trendy designs which will make
you queasy after you get over the pizzazz. Remember your kitchen
is the heart of your home. Make wise choices with an eye on
livability. The best strategy is practical, classic, timeless.
We've all seen kitchens designed in the latest fashion. Nothing
becomes as outmoded as yesterday's modern look. Avocado green
cabinets anyone? Mosaic daisies tiled into the walls? Also try
to resist flamboyant displays of self expression. In the end,
you will live happily ever after!
About the author:
Uncle Bob Williams, our home improvement expert, has had his
share of challenges. Now you will benefit from his advice based
on many years of experience. Uncle Bob tackles common home
renovation, remodeling and do-it-yourself projects.
http://www.unclebobstips.com/
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