Remodeling a home is exciting! If you’ve been making do with a less-than-perfect kitchen or bathroom, the thought of finally getting your dream room can make jumping right into a renovation pretty tempting. However, if you’re serious about crafting your dream kitchen or bathroom—without unnecessary headache or expense—you definitely want to take some time to plan ahead!
6 Common Mistakes in Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels
Before you start knocking down walls, removing appliances, or ripping out plumbing, take some time to really think about your current space—and the space you ideally want. The best thing you can do before any kind of remodel is to stop, think, and plan. (Of course, you can always talk to a professional to avoid all that headache altogether!)
Here are six big renovation mistakes you definitely don’t want to make!
Not incorporating space properly
Determining the best layout for your room is vitally important to ensuring you have the space to allow for comfortable movement between elements. Depending on how much square footage you have to work with, that might mean foregoing a feature—like a garden tub or oversized kitchen island—if it will cramp the room and prevent easy movement.
Not sure how well your space might handle new elements? Using 3D imaging to plan out your remodel can help you foresee common flow problems—and avoid them long before you start the build.
Putting form over function
With big, flashy remodels, it can be easy to get caught up in the fun aesthetics (like countertops, coloring, or finishes) over the more foundational elements. It’s much more important to have a high-quality bathroom fan or kitchen vent than a fancy vanity or high-end countertops. The last thing you want to do is bust your budget on an aesthetic detail, only to realize a year later that improper ventilation in your bathroom has led to mold!
When planning your remodel, be realistic about your budget—and spend it on important, functional elements before you splurge on aesthetics.
Overlooking the details
While you want to focus your budget on the big-picture items, that doesn’t mean you should overlook the details or save them for last. Putting off detail decisions, like colors, designs, or materials can lead to a mismatched look. You don’t want to end up with an assortment of elements or designs that don’t follow a central theme or color scheme.
Working with a professional can ensure your colors and design elements work well together—and with the style of your home, too!
Neglecting storage
A lack of storage space is a major complaint for homeowners and home buyers. In fact, many renovations are started because of a lack of storage or counter space! So the last thing you want to do is remodel your kitchen or bathroom—and still not have enough drawers, cupboards, or countertops. Depending on how your space is laid out, you might need to reconfigure, or even take out a wall to increase the amount of square footage you have.
Not sure how to give yourself more storage with your current space? Contractors often have tips and tricks for increasing space without a major overhaul. When in doubt, it’s always best to ask a pro!
Underestimating the timeline
Good work takes time. Remodeling a bathroom or kitchen can take 4 – 6 weeks… or more. It will be inconvenient. You’ll have areas out of commission. There may be workers in your hours all day long. You might be short a bathroom or without an oven.
You will be eager for the project to come to a close… but rushing is never a good solution! Rushing can lead to more problems down the line. Don’t cut corners… and don’t hire someone who’s going to cut corners or encourage you to do so.
Trying to DIY on a major renovation
If you’re fairly handy, it might be tempting to undertake your own renovation. However, unless you’re an experienced contractor, it’s probably not a good idea to take on a high-functionality project like a kitchen or a bathroom. Not only do these projects take a lot of time (which you won’t have if you work another job), but they also have a lot of moving pieces.
Often, you’ll have to touch plumbing and electrical systems, as well as worry about structural elements—not to mention permits and code. Add into the mix the myriad safety concerns that come along with a major remodel, and you’re looking at a thousand ways something could go wrong!
Ultimately, it’s cheaper to pay someone to do it right the first time around than to do it yourself and have to fix something later on!
Need a Hand with a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel?
Thinking about undertaking a big overhaul? We can help! At Raleigh Woodworks, we’re experienced in all things kitchen and bathroom. We even offer 3D modeling so you can see your project long before we start building. We’d love to help bring your dream home to reality. Contact us today, and let’s chat.
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