Mistakes to Avoid in DIY Kitchen Remodel: Our Top 5 Regrets

By Sally Pian September 24, 2023 20 mins read 869 Views

Our mission at VK design is to make sustainability an integral part of every kitchen design. We believe every person is responsible for protecting our planet for generations to come, and kitchen design is no exception. Our homes are where memories are made, and the kitchen holds a special place in every household. But our love for the kitchen should not come at the expense of the environment.

Every decision we make impacts the planet from the materials we use to the appliances we install. That's why we are passionate about providing insight and inspiration on sustainable kitchen design. We aim to empower homeowners, builders, and designers with the knowledge and tools needed to create beautiful, functional kitchens that positively impact the environment.

We aim to create a community that understands the importance of sustainable kitchen design and is committed to making a difference. We want to inspire creativity and innovation when it comes to creating eco-friendly kitchens that not only reduce our carbon footprint but also enhance our well-being. Imagine waking up in the morning to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, knowing that your kitchen was designed with sustainability in mind- it's a feeling that we want every homeowner to experience.

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Mistakes to Avoid in DIY Kitchen Remodel: Our Top 5 Regrets

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kitchen Remodeling Costs Worth it?

Remodeling your kitchen is a great way of improving the appearance and feel of your house, but it can also prove costly. If you're thinking about remodelling your kitchen, you might wonder if the costs are worth it.

There are several factors to consider when determining whether or not remodelling your kitchen is a good investment. The first factor is the property's worth. If you are selling your home soon, you will want to ensure that the remodel expenses are covered in the sale price.

Consider the cost of your remodel. High-end kitchen remodels can run up to $50,000 so make sure you have enough money. The cost of remodeling your kitchen may not be a major concern if you don't plan to sell your house.

Consider how much you will be using your new kitchen. Your new kitchen should be able to handle large gatherings or cooking large meals. A smaller, less costly remodel might be possible if your kitchen is not used often.

These tips will help you start if there are no clues.

Decide whether you want to build new cabinets or replace existing cabinets. The cost of a kitchen remodel can increase significantly if new cabinets are added. Additionally, if you wish to replace all cabinets, you will need them to be removed before you can install new ones.
You should choose your colours carefully. Choose carefully when choosing your colours. They can impact the overall appearance and feel of your kitchen.
Decide if you are going to upgrade the flooring. If you plan to sell your house soon, you might want to leave the flooring alone. A freshly painted concrete slab can give off a "new" feel.
You might consider adding storage space. Consider adding cabinets, drawers or shelves to increase the usable space in your kitchen.
Think about lighting. Installing recessed lights above the stove, sink, and refrigerator will brighten up the dark corners of your kitchen.
Add Appliances. You can save energy by replacing your fridge with a more efficient model. It can also increase your home's resale potential.
You must ensure you have enough outlets. The majority of kitchens only have one or two outlets. This means that you won’t have an outlet to plug in your blender, mixer, or any other appliances.
Do not forget to look at the water lines. The pipes for water are hidden behind walls and floors. Be sure to check for leaks before starting any work.
Eliminate clutter. You may already have a cluttered kitchen, so try to organize. You don't need to keep it cluttered.
Get estimates from several contractors. Compare prices by square footage, material type (cabinets or stone), as well as the number of windows and doors.
You should look into financing options. Many people opt to finance their kitchen remodels. This way, you avoid paying interest while making payments.
Have a good idea of how long you plan to live in your house. You should spend more on your kitchen the longer you plan to stay there.
Keep track of every detail. Keep track of everything that happens during the construction process. Use a notebook to record measurements, materials, and construction techniques.
Plan ahead. Take time to sketch out what you want to see in your kitchen. This will make it much easier to visualize the final result.

Are you re-modeling a kitchen? Do you first do the floors or the cabinets?

This will depend on how your floor is installed. Before installing floating floors, you must first install your counter and cabinets. For glue-down or nail-down flooring options, you need to install your flooring first and then install your cabinets. Consult a professional to determine which option is best suited for your kitchen remodel.

Should cabinets be lighter or darker than walls?

There are no rules for This. This is an individual decision. It will depend on your kitchen size, shape, style, and other factors. The general idea is that if your kitchen is small, dark cabinets can make it feel even smaller and more cramped. A lighter cabinet will make the space feel bigger and brighten it.

Dark cabinets can make a large kitchen feel more intimate and cozy. While lighter cabinets will open up the space, they will be more functional.

It's up you to decide the look and feel that you want in your kitchen. The cabinet colour you choose will also be up to you. Consult a professional designer if you are still uncertain. They can help you make the right decision for your space.

Which layout is best for your kitchen?

If you have the space, an L-shaped Kitchen with an Island is the best.

How do you figure your budget for a kitchen remodeling project?

You can use the following guidelines to help you figure out your budget:

The first step is to estimate the cost of materials you will need for your remodel. These include countertops and appliances, cabinets, paints, tile, lighting fixtures, plumbing, hardware, as well as miscellaneous items.
Find out the average labor cost in your local area. Add this figure to your overall budget.
Add up the cost of all materials and labor required to complete the project. Divide that number by the square footage of your kitchen. The cost per square feet is then calculated.
Subtract any savings you anticipate from doing some work yourself or buying materials at a discount.
Add a contingency of 10 to 20 percent to cover unforeseen costs.
Keep in mind that these are only estimates. To get a more accurate idea of your kitchen to remodel budget, consult a professional contractor.

These guidelines will help you create a budget for your kitchen remodel. The cost of your kitchen remodel will vary depending on how much you spend, what materials are used, and other factors.

Should I leave my home during the kitchen remodeling?

If you're good at takeout, there's no need to move. But if you have young kids or pets, you might want to consider staying at a friend's or family member's house during the renovation. This will ensure that your kids are safe and don't get in the way. Plus, keeping your sanity will be much easier if you're not dealing with construction noise and dust daily. You should get a written estimate by your contractor before you move. So you can plan your move around them.

Statistics

It's a fantastic thing about most home improvement projects: no matter the job. It often seems like the last 20% is the most difficult. (familyhandyman.com)
Your most significant cost investment for a kitchen remodel will usually be cabinets, typically comprising 25 percent of your budget. (hgtv.com)
Keep 10 to 25 percent of List 2, depending on the budget. (familyhandyman.com)
Experts also recommend setting aside 20 percent of your budget for surprises, including unpleasant demolition discoveries. One is water damage, the electricity that is not up to code, or other budget-spiking gotchas. (hgtv.com)
In the Pacific region (Alaska, California, Washington, and Oregon), according to Remodeling Magazine, that same midrange central kitchen remodel jumps to $72,513, and a major upscale kitchen remodels jumps up $11,823 from the national average to $143,333. (hgtv.com)

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How To

How to design a kitchen that you will love cooking in for many years

Kitchens should have a mix of aesthetics, practicality, and functionality. It is important to plan your space carefully so you feel at home and can prepare delicious food, entertain friends, or just relax after a hard day.

These are some ideas to help you design your dream kitchen.

Find the layout that meets your needs. L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens are the most popular. L-shaped kitchens make it easy to entertain and can hold multiple cooks. U-shaped Kitchens are ideal for families who spend a lot in the kitchen. They provide plenty of counter space and storage. Galley kitchens make small spaces more manageable and efficient.
Consider the different options for cabinetry and make sure you are choosing high-quality products. There are many options available to you, depending on your budget. High-end cabinets can pay huge dividends. They will last longer, look better and offer superior protection against humidity, temperature, and moisture changes.
Choose a color scheme that makes your heart happy. No matter what color you like, you can find a color combination that will bring life and color into your kitchen. It can be bright colors and soft pastels. You should make sure it matches your rest of the room.
You should find a balance between beauty and function. Your kitchen is not supposed to be beautiful all the time. Sometimes you need to focus more on functionality than looks. However, this does not mean that you shouldn't include some decorative elements. Use a mix of glass, chrome, brass, ceramic, stone, wood, etc., to create an interesting focal point.
Create a comfortable environment. When designing your kitchen, remember that comfort should always come first. You'll spend a lot of time in this space, so it needs to feel inviting and welcoming. Add some seating areas, lighting fixtures, and other features that will help you relax after a long day.
Make sure you have enough storage. Storage space is essential in a kitchen. It should have enough storage for all your cooking and utensils. If you're thinking of remodeling your kitchen, add more cabinets.
Include a pantry. A dedicated pantry will make it easier to organize and store food items. A separate pantry will allow you to store more supplies and prevent clutter from building up in your kitchen.
You might consider a new type of flooring. The look and feel of your kitchen will greatly depend on the type of flooring you choose. There are many materials available. For small spaces, it may be possible to have the same flooring throughout the house.
Expanding plan. A lack of space to grow is one of the biggest errors people make when remodeling kitchens. If you're considering expanding, add another walk-in closet, install sliding doors, or expand your current countertop space.
Allow plenty of light. You will enjoy your kitchen more if you can see it. Make sure there is plenty of sunlight coming through windows if you intend on using your kitchen for family gatherings.
Make sure you have energy-efficient appliances. Remodeling your kitchen should be about energy efficiency. This means you need to replace older appliances with more energy-efficient models.
Be careful about what you spend. Analyze your financial situation before you start shopping for kitchen appliances and cabinets. You will be able to narrow down your choices and save money over the long-term if you know how much you can afford.
Create a space to entertain. Whether you enjoy hosting dinner parties or entertaining friends over drinks, a designated area for dining will allow your guests to socialize and gather.
Incorporate an island. An island is a fantastic addition to any kitchen.