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:
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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