Kitchen design and remodeling can be an exciting project that can involve knocking down walls and selecting everything from new flooring and backsplashes to modern appliances. The process is usually fun but complex with many components; one can easily overlook some details that can result in major problems down the line.
5 Kitchen Remodeling Facts You Might Dislike
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Remodeling might take much longer than expected |
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The whole project could go over budget |
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The items and accessories don’t fit properly |
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You’ll not use the kitchen during the remodel |
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Observing (or not understanding) local building codes |
1. Remodeling Might Take Much Longer Than Expected
No matter how well you plan and prepare for a kitchen remodel, things might just take longer than you think they should. There are several things that can cause the work to keep going during a kitchen remodel. These include:
- The materials and appliances can arrive late.
- There are extra repairs that could be required.
- Scheduling conflicts could occur between those working on the project.
- Permits and inspections could take longer or have to be done more than once.
- There might be a case where the materials arrive damaged or incorrect and could have to be sent back and then redelivered.
- The designs may also change at the last minute. For instance, designing a kitchen triangle; by creating a chef’s triangle between your sink, stove, and refrigerator so that they are within a few feet from one another.
Ensure you create realistic expectations for your remodeling project and understand that more extensive work will take longer to complete. Take, for example, a remodeling that requires plumbing and architectural changes. These will take longer to complete than ones that include a simple cabinetry refurbishing and countertops update.
ProTip Takeaway: One of the biggest mistakes most homeowners make during a kitchen renovation is failing to plan properly. A successful kitchen remodel requires an end goal and vision which includes thinking about what your life will look like in this new space.
2. The Whole Project Could Go Over Budget
Without a doubt, remodeling a kitchen may be expensive. But if you do your research before beginning any work, you can keep those expenditures under control or at least plan for them.
Conduct a comprehensive inspection in advance to look for things like mold, rot, or plumbing leaks. You do not want to find rotted drywall under the sink or mold behind the refrigerator if you only intended to update your cabinetry.
Avoid making any modifications to your original design or any additional purchases. Any last-minute changes will add extra time and materials to the project and additional purchases will really expand your pocketbook.
ProTip Takeaway: Have a 15 to 20 percent contingency. Be sure to create an accurate budget because whatever you think you want to spend, you will most likely spend more.
Mismatching The Floors, Walls, And Ceilings
If you are planning a DIY kitchen remodel it’s a good idea to add a fresh coat of paint and floor repairs into the timeframe and budget.
It is also important to keep in mind that cabinetry and appliances aren’t built into uniform shapes. This means there is a chance that your new materials aren’t going to fit exactly in the existing spaces. You’ll notice that there might be a different shape or mismatched paint on the walls and ceiling, and an outline or missing flooring.
If the existing flooring and paint are older, touching up the mismatched spots may not be possible because the new areas will look different than the surrounding surfaces. It is much easier to replace the existing materials than try to work around them.
3. The Items And Accessories Won’t Fit Properly
Nothing is worse than buying the perfect cabinets or appliances, only to find that they don’t exactly fit where you wanted them. This issue is particularly common in older homes that are replacing their outdated appliances.
Modern appliances are typically larger and some houses lack space for a conventional oven; older houses typically have a separate burner and oven rather than one stand-alone unit.
The modern pre-manufactured cabinets also tend to be larger than older ones. Because of this, it’s easier to replace all of the kitchen cabinetry during a kitchen remodel, rather than replacing sections.
Most homeowners don’t realize that these cabinets aren’t built to meet a uniform size. Therefore, it’s important to measure your space and the new items before making any permanent changes. A good rule of thumb is to use the “measure twice, cut once” saying. When it comes to fitting countertops, appliances, fixtures, and flooring materials, even a half-inch can make a huge difference.
ProTip Takeaway: Create a mock-up of your kitchen design whenever you can to make sure everything will fit the way you want it to. You can do this by sketching on the floor, outlining the item positions with tape, or even substituting cardboard boxes for appliances.
You Will Install Cabinets Before The Floors
It is important to consider the order of installation when it comes to your cabinetry and floors. It is advisable to install the floors after the cabinetry when possible. The reasoning behind this is that if the cabinets are installed on top of a hardwood floor, there might be at least two potential problems:
The floor will lose the ability to expand and contract which will make cupping or peaking more of a reality. This will make it very hard to remove the floor without damaging cabinets should there be a need to replace or repair it.
Installing the floors after the cabinets will reduce the risk of the floors being damaged from the cabinet installation.
4. You’ll Not Use The Kitchen During The Remodel
A kitchen remodel is extensive, and many homeowners forget that this makes the area inoperable for the duration of the project. You will have to prepare for disruption and find alternative ways to prepare and cook your meals.
In most cases, the power and water in the area will have to be turned off. You’ll also spend a few days tearing things out of the kitchen which is not a beneficial feature when trying to prepare food.
Trying to use the kitchen during a remodel causes more issues than simply avoiding the area. It slows down the project since people get in each other’s way and things also have to be repeatedly rearranged to use appliances. In case of a teardown, there will be lots of dust and debris in the area that can easily contaminate food.
These scenarios cause the homeowners and remodeling team additional and unnecessary stress. You can do the following:
- Make plans to stay away from the area during this period.
- Keep a microwave nearby, go out to eat, or get takeout.
- It is important to also make sure that everyone in the house is on board with the mess and inconvenience.
ProTip Takeaway: Be patient with the entire process. Remodeling is difficult, dusty, and dirty work that might disrupt your home. To minimize the disruption for your family, you make as much preparation as you can before major demolition and construction.
5. Failing To Observe (Or Understand)) Local Building Codes
Sometimes, remodeling does not proceed exactly as planned and you’re likely to face some degree of problems. A DIY project may encounter major problems with plumbing or electrical that requires you to hire a professional. Don’t be tempted to make the mistake of trying to complete specialized work on your own without proper permits and inspections. Ignoring any local building codes will lead to fines and eventually redoing the entire project.
Home improvement projects that go beyond cosmetic changes (such as wallpapering or painting) will most likely require a building permit. Before beginning any remodeling work, it is wise to give your local building department a call to find out which parts of the project need permits. It is frustrating to be in the middle of the project and have to put off finishing it so that unexpected inspections can be scheduled.
ProTip Takeaway: Every time you make significant changes to the structure of your home, get a permit to make sure the work is done correctly and in line with the local building code. Your homeowner’s insurance may not cover a project you start without a permit if something goes wrong with it.
Are You Ready To Remodel Your Kitchen?
Remodeling your kitchen can be a difficult task but you don’t have to do it on your own. Be flexible with your design concept and pick a talented designer who can offer creative kitchen solutions. You can avoid these usual problems with the help of our team, who will also guarantee the greatest results.
Give us a call at 832 800 8889 or fill out our contact form if you’d like help from one of our kitchen design experts so we can talk with you and get you the kitchen you’ve always wanted! At Smart Remodeling LLC, we take great satisfaction in our superior workmanship.
