The top two highest-paying home renovation projects are bathroom renovation and kitchen renovation. If you hire the right contractor, these home renovation projects can yield huge returns, especially if you are planning to sell the house. It is important to note that renovations do not necessarily make the kitchen or bathroom more functional or better-looking; they can have the opposite effect. There are many kitchen renovation mistakes that people usually make. Knowing these mistakes is the key to avoiding them. One mistake is hiring the wrong contractor. Fortunately, you can never go wrong with SF Kitchens & Bathrooms in Balwyn.
Common Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
i) Underestimating Costs
The number one mistake that property owners usually make when renovating kitchens is underestimating costs. Most renovation projects are costly, so there is need to set a healthy budget and getting accurate estimates from a reputable contractor. When you have a healthy budget, you can be assured of completing the renovation project in a timely manner and to your satisfaction. Contractors usually work best when they are given room to work their magic to deliver the expected results. Therefore, you need to get an accurate estimate for your next kitchen renovation project from a qualified contractor.
ii) Doing it Yourself or Consulting Quacks
It is not bad to imagine or dream of how you want things to be. However, it takes a professional to refine your vision or dream and create a workable plan that will make your dream a reality. When you consult an experienced kitchen renovation contractor, you may get better ideas. You can also save money after realizing that some of the ideas you had are actually obsolete. Ideally, you should not do the design on your own. Similarly, you should not consult an inexperienced or unqualified individual as you may be misled to make poor decisions. There are many competent renovation contractors out there, so you should consult the most reputable and most experienced contractor you can find.
iii) Assuming all Contractors are Equal
If there is one thing that property owners should know, it’s that not all renovation contractors are great. They may all be qualified, but the quality of service they offer differs greatly. That is why it is recommended you carry out some background research to identify the best renovation contractor in the city. Start by searching the web and make a list of licensed, insured and bonded contractors that are based in your city. Next, compare their experiences and do some research on their reputation. After all, you want to hire a trusted and reliable contractor. Do not make a decision until you check the kitchen renovation portfolios of the shortlisted contractors. The before and after pictures of kitchens they have renovated in the recent past will provide you with all the information you need to decide whether or not to hire a contractor. The ideal contractor should also offer guarantees.
iv) Installing the Dishwasher Far From the Sink
Ideally, the dishwasher should be installed next to the kitchen sink. This will make it easy for you to transfer dirty dishes from the sink to the dishwasher without sprinkling water to the floor. If the dishwasher is far from the kitchen sink, you will end up with a wet slippery kitchen floor every time you do the dishes. Therefore, you need to spend a little bit more time thinking about the layout of the kitchen before the renovation project commences.
v) Starting With the Flooring
When it comes to kitchen renovation, the biggest mistake you can make is starting with the flooring. Since there will be a lot of traffic in and out of the kitchen as items are moved in or out, a newly installed floor can experience significant wear and tear, which may affect its appearance. Ideally, the flooring should be worked on last to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
vi) Oversizing Kitchen Island
If you’d like to have an island in your kitchen, proper sizing is crucial. There is nothing as bad as oversizing the kitchen island and end up with a kitchen that you cannot freely move around in. If you have a small kitchen, install a smaller island, and do not overload it.
vii) Making Decisions on the Go
One mistake that many property owners usually make is proposing changes once the renovation project has started. Ideally, the design of the kitchen you want should be refined and perfected before the renovation starts. Any changes should be made during the design phase before renovations begin. Obviously, the contractor will ask you to make changes or give the design a thumbs up before they start working. Once you approve a particular kitchen design, stick to it and you will never regret your decision. Making changes as the project continues will lead to regrets later on.