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The 10 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Renovating Your Kitchen

10 October 2024
Example of a small danish galley vinyl floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen design in West Midlands with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, no island an

Renovating your kitchen can feel like a daunting and complex process. With so much conflicting information online, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to begin or who to reach out to. Should you contact a fitter, visit a showroom, talk to a retailer, or approach a supplier?


In this guide, we'll highlight the 10 most common mistakes people make during kitchen design and offer practical tips on how to avoid them.


1) Going DIY

Choosing the DIY approach can significantly reduce upfront costs by eliminating the need for a middleman (The kitchen designer). However, many overlook the fact that the middleman plays a crucial role in managing the project, minimising errors, optimising the budget, and leveraging industry knowledge to select the best products. When the middleman is removed, the responsibility shifts entirely to the individual, from sourcing materials to overseeing the installation, effectively making them the project manager.


While this approach can work well for those willing to invest time in research, ensure safe delivery of materials, and coordinate each step properly, it is common for finer details to be overlooked. These missing details often lead to additional costs, as items may need to be ordered after the fact, causing delays and extending the installation timeline.


2) Not understanding the properties of materials

This is a frequent issue, often stemming from the fact that it involves one of the more tedious aspects of kitchen renovation. Many individuals choose products without fully grasping their capabilities or the maintenance needed to preserve them.


A common example is quartz worktops. There’s a widespread misconception that quartz is both stain-proof and heat-proof, which isn't entirely true. While quartz is highly resistant to heat and stains, there are strict guidelines to follow, such as avoiding placing hot pans directly on the surface, steering clear of certain cleaning products, and cleaning spills like red wine promptly to prevent damage.


3) Assuming all kitchens are the same

We have written a separate article which covers the differences between various kitchens, but it's important to highlight the benefits of investing a bit more in a company that offers extended guarantees, a wider range of options, and higher quality products. The reasoning behind this is rooted in the belief that a kitchen should be built to last over 20 years. Unfortunately, there are kitchens on the market that are not designed with such longevity in mind.


4) Rushing the process/doing it in the wrong order

A common trend in the industry is the rush to complete projects before Christmas, which is understandable given the desire to gather around a brand new kitchen during the holidays. The idea of everyone coming together around a new island is certainly appealing.


However, the mistake often made in this rush is cutting corners to meet deadlines. Kitchens must be installed following a precise, step-by-step process, and skipping steps can lead to serious issues. It's not uncommon to see worktop templates made prematurely, resulting in measurement errors. Even more surprising is when walls are plastered before the electrics and plumbing have been properly installed.


5) Underestimating the budget

Discussing budgets can often feel uncomfortable or awkward, but, like any transaction, it’s crucial to understand the costs involved before committing to a project and to grasp the reasons behind those costs.


Many people embark on new extensions and even reach the construction phase without first consulting a professional about their kitchen project. This can put them at a disadvantage, as early discussions are essential for understanding product pricing and ensuring alignment between the customer and the designer. This proactive approach helps prevent any unpleasant surprises later on.


It is recommended to gather comparable quotes from several kitchen renovation companies to ensure peace of mind, gain insight into the market, and evaluate the value each company offers. For example, one company might provide your dream kitchen within a month for a £30,000 budget, while another could present a similar kitchen featuring upgraded worktops, enhanced appliances, and a complimentary hot tap, though with a six-month wait time. This comparison not only showcases the available options but also aids in making an informed decision based on specific priorities and timelines.


6) Not reading quotations correctly

While this may seem obvious, it is essential to fully understand the services included in a quote before signing any agreements. Kitchen quotes often contain jargon, so it's crucial for kitchen companies to clarify any exclusions. Simply asking the question, "What is not included?" can provide valuable insight.


A common scenario is when a kitchen installer provides a quote for a "dry fit," which indicates that only the cabinetry and worktops will be installed. This means that costs for electrics, plumbing, gas, heating, flooring, and plastering are not included in the quote and will be the responsibility of the customer to arrange.


7) Working off the design visuals

While design visuals are incredibly realistic and assist in visualising the dream kitchen, they are not intended to provide a completely accurate representation of the final space. For instance, the oven depicted in the design may be an older model, differing from the specified oven in terms of display and features.


It is advisable to rely on the quotations to understand precisely what is included in the project. Some companies, including ours, provide images alongside product codes, allowing customers to see and research each component. Caution should be exercised with companies that do not disclose this information, as it can be challenging to know exactly what is being paid for.


8) Do not allow yourself to be pressured by salespeople

Whether purchasing a house, a car, or a new kitchen, it’s common to encounter pushy sales staff who try to pressure buyers into making quick decisions to take advantage of a deal or deadline. A reputable kitchen company will recognise that this is a significant investment that deserves careful consideration.


While there may be certain deadlines to keep in mind—such as coordinating with construction timelines, limited stock of specific appliances, or impending price increases—it’s important for customers to feel comfortable taking the time they need to make informed choices. (As an insider tip, prices typically tend to rise in March and August.)


9) Chasing trends

Much like fashion, kitchen styles experience trends that evolve over time. Some trends endure, while others emerge, fade away, and then resurface. When considering kitchen trends, it is essential to reflect on the motivation behind the renovation.


For those renovating to enhance the value of their home for resale, researching popular styles, colours, and features currently in demand is advisable. On the other hand, if the kitchen is meant for personal use by the family, taking inspiration from the latest trends while sticking to personal tastes is key. For example, if a shaker kitchen is appealing (very on-trend) but a Belfast sink isn’t quite right (also trendy), then a shaker kitchen with an undermount granite sink would be a great compromise. There's another article available that dives into choosing the right sink for your needs.


10) Knowing where to put everything

Finding the right balance in kitchen design can be tricky. While it’s easy to go overboard and try to make space for every single item, many people neglect to consider this at all as they are too caught up in the aesthetic of the kitchen. This can lead to a lack of storage for essentials like slow cookers or air fryers.


During the design phase, it's important to think about the appliances on hand and their designated spots. What are the storage requirements, and will everything fit comfortably? Sometimes, kitchen designs can include excessive storage, and removing a run of wall units can create a more open and inviting space without the pressure to fill every available nook.


A good kitchen designer will pose questions like, "How much additional storage is needed compared to the existing kitchen?" "What items are currently difficult to access?" and "How much extra worktop space is required?"