What to consider when renovating a small kitchen

Renovating your home in smaller portions can be a great way to minimize discomfort, but kitchen remodeling is often still quite inconvenient because it means no home-cooked meals. Given the disruption and the significant expense, its crucial that the remodel is done right the first time. To help ensure your kitchen remodel is a success, there are several common mistakes you should avoid.

Homeowners often lack experience in remodeling, leading to costly errors. As industry experts, Nico Pro Construction wants to help you avoid these pitfalls. Here are seven tips to help you steer clear of common kitchen remodeling mistakes and save both time and money.

1. Avoid Narrow Aisles

A common mistake in kitchen remodeling is creating tight aisles. Kitchen aisles need to be spacious enough to accommodate all activities comfortably. Ample clearance allows multiple cooks to move around the kitchen without bumping into each other.

When planning your new kitchen, ensure the aisles around islands, walls, and appliances are between 42 and 48 inches wide. This will help prevent collisions and make the kitchen more functional.

2. Dont Create a Cramped Kitchen

While its important for your new kitchen to be beautiful, functionality is key. Many people make the mistake of overcrowding the kitchen with cabinets and shelves, sacrificing valuable space.

To avoid creating a cramped kitchen, consider the direction of doors and the size of cabinets and appliances. Also, think about the extra clearance needed for refrigerators and ovens. Walk around the space to get a sense of the ideal layout before making final decisions.

3. Be Cautious with Oversized Islands

If you have a large space, be careful not to oversize or overload your island. An island longer than 10 feet can reduce your kitchens walking space, making it feel confined rather than spacious. Additionally, an island deeper than 4 feet can make it difficult to reach items in the center or bottom.

Avoid cluttering the island with dishes, baskets, and other items. Keep countertop storage minimal and within easy reach to maintain a functional workspace.

4. Finalize Plans Before Starting Work

One of the most costly mistakes homeowners make is changing the plan once the remodel has begun. Adjustments and delays can drive up costs significantly.

To avoid this, thoroughly research and consider all your options before starting. Be confident in your decisions. If youre unsure, explore design ideas on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. Consult with your contractor to ensure the designs you like are practical for your space.

Work closely with your contractor to develop a plan you are completely satisfied with before any work begins. Ensure that all materials have arrived before the contractor starts installation.

5. Install Floors After Cabinets

Its important to install the flooring after the cabinets have been installed. This approach has two advantages: first, it allows for easy repair or replacement of flooring in the future without damaging the cabinets; second, it prevents the floor from being restricted, which can lead to issues like cupping and peaking.

By following this order of installation, youll save yourself future headaches and ensure a more durable kitchen.

6. Choose the Right Flooring

Choosing the right flooring is crucial, especially if youre considering hardwood. A glossy surface might seem appealing, but it can be slippery and increase the risk of accidents.

Instead, opt for textured-finish flooring, which provides better traction and conceals wear and tear more effectively. Cork flooring is another good option, though it can fade with prolonged sun exposure, so keep that in mind.

To further reduce the risk of accidents, consider placing rugs or mats in front of the sink, refrigerator, and dishwasher.

7. Dont Follow Trends Too Closely

While modern kitchen designs can be very tempting, its important not to get too caught up in trends. Trends can fade quickly, leaving your kitchen looking outdated again.

Instead, invest in functional improvements, such as increasing storage or creating more walking space. These changes will stand the test of time and make your kitchen more practical.

Now that you know how to avoid these common kitchen remodeling mistakes, youre well on your way to creating the kitchen of your dreams!