Kitchen Remodeling – Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, I have some tips about common mistakes and how you can avoid them. Dreaming of your perfect kitchen remodel usually includes a fantasy that everything will go without any problems. Deliveries will be made on time, installations will go smoothly, and cleanup will be easy. However, that is rarely the case. Therefore, these tips may be what you need to avoid those mistakes.

Kitchen Remodeling Tips:

Do it yourself – If you are planning on a complete remodel, you don’t want to take on a task this large. Kitchen remodels are commonly one of the most costly projects. They can also be very time consuming. Therefore, hiring a project manager or a general contractor will save you a big headache in the end.

Hiring a contractor – Hire a contractor that you are comfortable with and one that has references to back up his work. Always check the references no matter how highly he was recommended. And, don’t use a contractor just because they gave the lowest estimate. That’s not always a good thing.

Clear details – You need to be very specific with your details and make sure you are clear with the contractor about what you want and how you want it. Let them know exactly what type of cabinets, countertops, lighting, cabinet hardware, and fixtures you want.

Payments – Never pay for a total job upfront. You should only pay 30 percent of the job before it starts and then use a payment schedule. You will make more payments at pre-specified phases of the project and a final payment when everything is done to your standards. This insures the contractor will do everything your way.

Changing your mind – Changing your mind will lead to delays and more money. It also puts the contractor in a bind if they have another job scheduled to start soon after yours. Before you begin your project, make sure it’s exactly what you want.