Kitchen Remodeling Dos and Don’ts

With the average kitchen remodel costing $25,303, it’s important you know what you’re doing before you tackle a project this big. To make your project easier and failsafe, we’ve collected the most insightful kitchen remodeling dos and don’ts from experts with lots of experience.

Don’t: Overestimate Your Budget

When you’re planning a kitchen remodel budget, it can be tempting to give your contractor the absolute max figure you’re comfortable with. We suggest scaling that back a bit to leave room for unexpected issues or new needs that crop up as your project unfolds.

Do: Create Workspace Around Your Oven

When you’re holding a hot pan straight out of the oven and the stovetop has other goodies cooking, you won’t want to whirl around to place that hot pan on a surface to cool. Keep your life simple and safe by leaving workspace around your oven—it’ll make prep easier, too.

Don’t: Overlook Storage

When you’re focused on awesome appliances, countertops, and fixtures, it can be easy to forget the less glamorous parts of a kitchen—namely, storage. Make sure to leave room for ample cupboards and drawers when you’re designing the space.

Do: Think Outside the Triangle

The kitchen’s “working triangle” is still a popular phrase when talking about kitchen remodeling and design. It’s an idea from the 1950’s that refers to the triangle created between the fridge, sink, and range. HGTV says that’s just unnecessary today. Instead, think about laying out “work stations.” For instance, a station for storage, a station for prep, and a station for cooking.

Don’t: Design for One Person

This tip from HGTV is meant for the kitchen’s designer, or anyone helping with the project that might not truly understand your needs. For instance, maybe you’re an early riser who loves making coffee and working in a bright kitchen. If you’re 5’1”, you’ll want to consider a lower island with room for stools near an open window or with lots of overhead lighting.

Or, perhaps your partner loves to cook with you but has a bad back. They’re also 6’5”. That fact would influence what kinds of drawers and cabinets go where. And, your pots and pans cupboard should be easy to access—not a deep cavern that requires lots of bending or stooping to use.

Like our kitchen remodeling dos and don’ts? Learn how to make the most of space in a small kitchen renovation and explore other remodeling topics on our blog!