How to avoid common kitchen renovation mistakes

The kitchen needs to be comfortable and functional. However, mistakes often made during renovations can cause it to lose its practicality quickly. The floor may swell due to moisture, cabinets start to not close properly, poor lighting makes cooking exhausting, and unpleasant odors from poor ventilation can spread to even the neighboring rooms. All of this turns daily life into a real challenge. To avoid such scenarios, it's important to know in advance which mistakes are most commonly made during kitchen renovations.

Lack of a Clear Plan

Answer just three questions, and you will already have a rough plan for your kitchen renovation:

• Do you cook complex meals every day, or is a small area for a coffee machine enough?

• What’s more important: stylish design or maximum functionality?

• Where can you save, and where should you avoid cutting costs?

Plan ahead. If your family is growing, you will need more storage space or a larger dining table. If you are a fan of kitchen appliances, decide in advance where to place the outlets and whether there will be enough space for installation. With a clear plan, you’ll avoid chaos and create a kitchen that will become your favorite place at home.

Incorrect zoning

This is another common mistake. Instead of convenience, you risk creating a kitchen that only brings discomfort. The so-called work triangle – the stove, sink, and fridge – should be placed at a convenient distance from one another. Avoid narrow passages between the zones. Arrange furniture in a way that doesn’t obstruct cabinet doors. Plan the placement of outlets carefully.

Neglecting electrical and plumbing systems

Improper placement of outlets or pipes can turn your kitchen into a real headache. A faulty drain slope may lead to constant flooding. For these matters, it's definitely best to consult professional electricians and plumbers. This not only prevents problems but also ensures the longevity of your systems. 

Choosing Low-Quality Materials

Choosing to save on materials from the outset can be misleading. This often results in additional repair and replacement costs. Low-quality materials wear out quickly, lose their aesthetic appeal, and cannot withstand heavy use. Special care should be taken when selecting materials for areas that experience significant wear.

Insufficient Lighting

This mistake can cost you your health. Lack of sufficient lighting in work areas makes cooking more difficult and increases the risk of injury. Additionally, dark corners and areas can appear less attractive. Therefore, it's better to use a multi-level lighting system:

• General, even ceiling lighting.

• Separate lamps for work areas.

• Decorative lighting to create atmosphere.

Neglecting Storage Systems

If you don't plan for enough cabinets or shelves, all your kitchen items can pile up on surfaces. And then, maintaining order will be just a dream. Smart solutions, such as pull-out mechanisms, organizers, and vertical systems, allow you to use space efficiently while keeping everything you need within reach. Plan storage spaces for all the little things in advance to avoid chaos once the renovation is finished.

Ignoring Ventilation

Unpleasant odors throughout the home are not the only consequence of this mistake. Humidity increases, and mold appears. And that's dangerous! It is crucial to choose the right type of range hood that suits the size and layout of your kitchen. The effectiveness of the ventilation system should be checked before starting the renovation.

• Make sure that the ventilation openings are not blocked.

• Consult specialists for a more detailed analysis and to potentially install an additional ventilation system if necessary.

How to Avoid Mistakes

Trust the renovation of your kitchen to professionals. This is the only way to ensure there are no mistakes. Consulting with a professional saves time, money, and makes the renovation more efficient. Remember, a clear plan, attention to detail, and consultations with experts are the key to a successful renovation.