Remodeling your kitchen is an exciting task. However, it can be rather daunting. A kitchen remodel is no small job, and there are many things to consider before you begin. More than likely, you spend a lot of time in your kitchen. So, it makes sense to plan and avoid costly mistakes.

Kitchens can be complicated with all their appliances and parts. When planning your remodel, think about convenience and comfort. Striking a balance between those two factors takes a lot of thought and consideration. A mistake or pitfall can be very expensive as it can add to the cost of your total remodel. That’s why it’s a good idea to know how to avoid common mistakes during your remodeling project.

Below we present 5 pitfalls to avoid during your kitchen remodel:

Putting Style Over Functionality

According to Consumer Reports, forgetting about functionality is a common mistake to avoid when it comes to your remodel. Features that look great in your home don’t necessarily equate to functionality. For example, higher cabinets might add visual appeal, but are they practical? While you may get the urge to recreate someone else’s kitchen, you need to consider if it’s a practical solution for your own home and situation.

Try to spend money on things that are functional rather than focusing on style. While colors and tiles are exciting, it’s best to invest in elements that will contribute to the successful functionality of your kitchen. Good examples of these things include undercabinet lighting and organizational additions such as sliding shelves.

Expecting The Kitchen Remodel To Go Perfectly

Let’s face it, things happen. Your kitchen remodel may not go as planned. In fact, it’s best to simply expect that problems will probably occur. And it’s okay! A slight holdup certainly won’t be the end of the world, and it won’t even matter when you see the end result.

There are lots of aspects to decide on when you’re remodeling your kitchen. It’s possible that you may have to change your plans because of the unexpected. A few bumps in the road are perfectly normal, so be realistic and expect them.

Not Sticking With Your Budget

The key is to come up with a realistic budget and stick with it. Sounds easy, right? Well, you must also expect the unexpected. For instance, mid-project finds like water damage, plumbing problems, and mold are issues that need to be dealt with as soon as possible. Unfortunately, your budget for your kitchen remodel may be affected.

Remember that kitchen cabinets often make up about one-third of the typical remodel budget. Once you have a budget in place, stick with it as best as you can.

Trying To Be Too Trendy

Most design trends don’t last very long – typically five years or so. If you focus on being trendy with your kitchen remodel, you could have a dated kitchen when it comes time to sell your home.

A dated kitchen equals a lower resale value! It makes sense to choose timeless features for your kitchen to add value to your home. Use accessories like curtains, cushions, and other accent pieces to add the latest colors. If they go out of style, they are less expensive to replace.

Changing Your Mind When It’s Too Late

If you change plans after the remodel has started, you could potentially create delays. Making full plans from the get-go is the best way to keep everything going according to schedule. Decide on what features and you want in the beginning and go from there. And don’t look back!