10 Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Kitchen renovations are among the most popular home improvement projects, but they can also be among the most challenging. Without proper planning and execution, what starts as an exciting project can quickly turn into a stressful and costly experience.

1. Underestimating the Budget

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not setting a realistic budget for their kitchen renovation. It's important to research costs thoroughly and add a 15-20% buffer for unexpected expenses that inevitably arise during the renovation process.

2. Neglecting the Workflow

The kitchen work triangle (the path between your sink, stove, and refrigerator) is crucial for an efficient kitchen layout. Ignoring this fundamental design principle can result in a beautiful but impractical kitchen that's frustrating to use daily.

3. Choosing Appliances Last

Appliances should be one of the first things you select, not an afterthought. Their dimensions will impact your cabinet and counter measurements, and changing appliance choices mid-renovation can cause costly modifications.

4. Sacrificing Storage for Style

While open shelving looks beautiful in magazines, it may not be practical for your everyday needs. Make sure your design includes adequate storage solutions that balance aesthetics with functionality.

5. Ignoring Lighting

A well-designed kitchen needs multiple lighting sources. Task lighting for work areas, ambient lighting for general illumination, and accent lighting to highlight design features are all important components of a functional kitchen.