10 Biggest Kitchen Design Mistakes
Dreaming of a new kitchen? In order to make your
dreams a reality, consider ten common mistakes to
avoid in designing and remodeling your kitchen to
save you time, money and aggravation.
Over-customizing and inflexibility

Unless you have money to spare, remain flexible
regarding materials and design for your new
kitchen. For example, you're vacationing in
southern Italy and the beautiful tiles you find in the
craftsman's shop are perfect for your new dream
kitchen. You can't live without them, even though
he has to chip the marble off the mountain by hand
and each one takes three weeks to make, because
they have fossilized leaves imprinted in them.
If you need two hundred tiles, stop dreaming and
do the arithmetic. Three weeks, each one, two
hundred tiles. Forget it. Buy everything he has on
the shelf and leave the store. Use the fifteen you
bring home in your suitcase as accents imbedded
in the floor here and there, or in the tiling around
the sink and keep them a beautiful memory.
Likewise, the German track lighting with special
light bulbs which cast a delicate hue of light. Those
light bulbs are so special and unique that they are
only available in Germany!

Avoid difficult and over specialized items so that
repairs and replacements don't turn into logistical
nightmares. All appliances, plumbing, electricity,
and carpentry should repairable with no more then
a few local phone calls.

Changing the Plans

Once work has begun, any change will cost you
money even if materials are downgraded. This is
because measurements have been calculated and
materials ordered. Even a small change such as a
two inch longer built in convection oven could
mean that the hand cut granite counter which is
already installed and ready, has to be pared down
on one side which means you lose a customized
finish.

Be warned by the plight of those who changed so
much in quest of the perfect kitchen that they
abandoned their budget in the middle and ended
up without the funds to finish. Living for years with
an unfinished kitchen is not a very appealing option.
Spending It All At Once - Over-Budgeting

Set a budget, then plan on spending 80% of your projected figure. Remember, no
one ever pays less than the estimated amount; it always costs more. That 20%
you held back from your budget will be used to cover the usual unforeseen
circumstances which inevitably pop up such as minor changes, previously
unperceived problems and other charges.

ImproveNet offers interactive estimators and project calculators to help you
estimate how much your project will cost, how much material you'll need, and what
it could look like.
http://www.improvenet.com/HomeOwner/ProjectTools/index.html

Using the Wrong General Contractor
The contractor you choose should be an expert in kitchens, not roofs. Talk to
people that have used a contractor you are considering within the last three
months. Ask to see the work they did. Ask the right questions: Was he within his
estimate? Did he finish on time? Did they keep the job clean and did they tidy up
nicely afterwards? Were his workers polite, neat, clean, and on time? Are there
any complaints? A little time spent on researching your contractor can save you a
lot of headaches later.
Inaccuracies in Measurement

This shouldn't be your problem at all, but frequently this common mistake is
passed on to the customer's wallet. Before you sign a contract, insist that the
contractor take responsibility for any inaccuracies in measurement or factory flaws
which often occur. Don't settle for almost fits or good enough. They have to
promise and deliver a finished result according to the specifications that were
agreed on.

Throwing Dollars Out the Window

Don't pay for a renovation in advance. Establish a payment plan with the majority
of the balance paid after the work is completed. Evaluating the work as it
progresses and testing the finished product is a great incentive for the contractor
to please the customer.

Handing Over the Design of Your Kitchen to a Designer

Your new kitchen should reflect your taste, not the designers. Yes, the pink and
yellow appliances are very stylish, and happy but maybe stainless steel or white is
what you prefer. You are the best judge. Don't let anyone convince you that what
they want is what you need. Work with your designer to achieve the practical
tasteful space that fits your needs and lifestyle. Ask to see a virtual model of the
plans and stay involved throughout the design process.

Going It Alone

Ask your friends and neighbors about their renovations - what they like, what they
don't like. Solicit opinions from people you trust before and during the job. Ask the
members of your family for ideas and suggestions about how to best utilize the
workable space.

Investing Too Much

Yes it is your dream kitchen but practically speaking, even the most expensive
kitchen renovations should not cost more than 20% of the current market value of
your home. The average kitchen renovation adds only about 8% to market value.
If you ever want to sell your home, an appealing kitchen is a big plus, but don't
throw all your money into it expecting an investment return.

least 5% of the value of your home. Under-spending may reflect in market value.
Indulging The Latest Fads
Resist the temptation to choose trendy designs which will make you queasy after
you get over the pizzazz. Remember your kitchen is the heart of your home. Make
wise choices with an eye on livability. The best strategy is practical, classic,
timeless. We've all seen kitchens designed in the latest fashion. Nothing becomes
as outmoded as yesterday's modern look. Avocado green cabinets anyone?
Mosaic daisies tiled into the walls? Also try to resist flamboyant displays of self
expression. In the end, you will live happily ever after!
About The Author   Bob Williams UncleBobsTips.com provides timely advice for
common home improvement projects. These practical tips will give you the knowledge
you need to save time and money. http://www.unclebobstips.com/