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Remodeling Ideas Home » The Top 5 Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes Homeowners Make

The Top 5 Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes Homeowners Make

October 26, 2010

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, women tend to see a kitchen remodeling job as a reflection of who they are, and they love to show off the new digs to their friends and family. Considering that the typical kitchen remodeling project takes an average of two years to complete from concept to finish, that's a long time to plan and create the perfect kitchen for your vision.

Uh-Oh...What Happened to My Calm Kitchen Remodel?

But many homeowners make the same mistakes over and over again, and wind up costing themselves a great deal of money and their kitchen contractor a great deal of time. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

1. Trying to oversee everything. You hired a kitchen remodeling contractor, so now let them handle the job. Unless you have a serious knowledge of all the details that go into one large kitchen remodel, you could get in way over your head. In some areas of the country, a licensed kitchen contractor is not just a good idea--it's a requirement.
2. Going overboard. Let's be honest: That expensive oven with all the bells and whistles is not going to turn you into Martha Stewart. It can be tempting to spend an extra thousand here and there to get the top-of-the-line products you see in the glossy magazines, but is it really what you need to be comfortable?
3. The blind hire. Get several estimates for your kitchen remodel, and don't hesitate to call references. Ensure your kitchen contractor has a long history, a good Better Business Bureau rating, and many pleased customers. Never hire someone without checking them out first.
4. Ignoring the basics. It can be easy to become enchanted with those granite countertops but then forget to ensure a strong cabinet base to hold the weight. Or you might remodel the entire kitchen only to find that you neglected the proper lighting. Cover all the bases before you start asking for bids on your kitchen remodeling project.
5. The never-ending remodel. Take your time in choosing what you want in your kitchen before you start the work. Changing your mind halfway through can mean more time, more expense, and plenty of frustration. Explore all of your options before the kitchen contractor starts the work and save yourself the hassle of a project that drags on and on.