Mistake 1

Mistake:
Developing a plan “as you go” is a natural phenomenon that begins with, “I wonder if these cabinets would look better with brass knobs?” The next thing you know, you’re installing expensive new cabinet doors on the old problematic kitchen. And the project is running backward.

Danger:
In these cases the project never really ends. There’s no possibility of getting a truly dream kitchen because the overall plan hasn’t been researched and documented. Your anxiety skyrockets with the inevitable price and scope creep. It’s very expensive to continually change the cosmetic enhancements (hardware, counter-tops, appliances) when your kitchen really needs an over-haul in consideration of the real factors.

Solution:
Begin with the ultimate plan so you never hear “oops” at the end of the project. Set the entire budget upfront. Stretching here will save later. Get a professional involved early in the process; pros identify “first things first”. They’ll include everything in the plan so you can negotiate the price of the entire project before beginning to avoid “price creep gouge”.

Mistake 2

Mistake:
People will commonly inquire about replacing the counter-tops “just for now” with a vision of attacking the larger project later. You can put a pig in a bow-tie but . . . an old kitchen with new counter tops is still an old kitchen. In fact . . .

Risk:
The rest of the kitchen will look worse after the installation of beautiful granite countertops, in turn motivating the homeowner to make-over the kitchen sooner than anticipated. In order to begin the fix-up, the brand new countertops have to be ripped out and discarded. In the end, the project is more expensive or just stalled.

Solution:
Begin planning with the structure of the kitchen- it’s the least expensive method. Customize the traffic flow to your family’s preferences. Do you cook together? Do you eat breakfast at the table or a breakfast bar? Optimize the triangle to eliminate “cook fatigue”. Plan prep zones and plenty of storage. Remember: Floor plan first!

Mistake 3

Mistake:
Cabinets are the most important (and expensive) feature in a kitchen update. In an attempt to salvage the existing cabinets, some homeowners will investigate cabinet re-facing.

Risk:
Re-facing obviously doesn’t allow for a change in your kitchen configuration or overall floor plan. More importantly, re-facing often costs just as much as replacing your cabinets entirely! And you are still left with the same dingy inner cabinet space and crusty drawers. The most alarming reality is that almost your entire investment goes toward labor costs and not cabinet materials. You achieve maximum value for your investment when you buy new cabinets because labor is only a small portion.

Solution:
Re-design your floor plan to accommodate today’s cooking, eating and living style. Talk to the pros for an estimate on brand new cabinets- you’ll be surprised that the price is comparable to cabinet re-facing.

Mistake 4

Mistake:
Let’s face it- updating a kitchen is one of the more expensive remodel projects. A new kitchen commonly costs 5-10% of the home value. It can definitely produce sticker shock causing homeowners to focus on the overall cost versus the enhancement to the overall appreciating investment in your home.

Risk:
After considering the expense, homeowners will delay the project until the kitchen is an uncomfortable eye sore- or worse, no longer in good operational order. The kitchen project is inevitably forced when the homeowner wants to sell or when major appliance replacements are required. Good planning seldom accompanies a forced kitchen update.

Solution:
Consider the return on investment in a kitchen remodel. Research confirms that the average kitchen remodel returns 78-100% of the cost at resale. Additionally, a family spends more time and gets the most comfort out of the kitchen. Having a dream kitchen affects the quality of the food you eat and the quality of the time you spend with your family. Don’t judge the kitchen project without involving the value of the entire home and impact on your family.

Mistake 5

Mistake:
You get what you pay for. Choosing the wrong professionals for the kitchen remodel will induce aggravation, extra cost and unwanted risk in your project. In order to save money, homeowners often hire contractors without background checking. Or worse, they employ an inexperienced friend/relative. Or worst, they jump in over their heads with a Do-It- Yourself project. . . just see cable television for the latest kitchen disaster!

Risk:
Hiring the wrong team means you may be liable for workman’s comp and/or injuries. Individual contractors frequently use your deposit to cash flow other projects. If the contractor goes belly-up, you’ll never recuperate your investment. How can you fulfill a lifetime warranty if the contractor is gone?

Solution:
Do your homework; if it looks too good to be true- it always is. Get the fair price instead of the lowest price. Check references and the Better Business Bureau website where reputable businesses are ranked. Make sure you review and sign a detailed scope of work. Ask that your deposit will be used to finance only your project. Choose a well-known company who will be around for the completion of your project through the entire lifetime warranty.