Undertaking a kitchen remodeling project can be a stressful experience, as the kitchen is the one room in the home that needs to be at least partially functional all of the time. Over the years, I’ve helped many clients identify and overcome these mistakes, saving them money, time and sanity. Here are four mistakes to avoid during your kitchen remodeling project that will both save you money and help keep your stress at a manageable level.
- Lack of understanding of the kitchen work triangle and the space required for proper flow. Too much space leaves you hiking from appliance to appliance, and too little space finds you bumping into yourself while you are working.
- Excess of upper cabinets that are usually 12-13 inches deep. Find room for taller deeper cabinets on the end run of your cabinetry. Taller cabinets and deeper shelving are better for storage. Exchange window space for fewer upper cabinets, the connection to the outside will provide more value to your life.
- Cluttered counter tops filled with appliances that could be stored elsewhere should be addressed. For proper storage, counter top space for appliances needs to be weighed against the amount to time we actually use a particular appliance. Most small appliances are only used occasionally, and do not need to clutter counters.
- Placing hot and cold appliances together will make both appliances work harder and create an excess of utility costs.