5 Common Mistakes with Bellevue Kitchen Remodeling
In 1709 Alexander Pope wrote: “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” And if Pope was right, some of us are really human—especially when it comes to remodeling our kitchens. Still, the kitchen is the most remodeled room in the home—not only because it pays the best return on investment, but also because it can be so rewarding.
Still the pathway to your kitchen paradise can be full of pitfalls. Here’s a quick look at five of them that your can avoid.
Unrealistic expectations: It’s fun to watch all those cooking shows on television. And some of the dishes they come up with make your mouth water (and your wallet cry). But how often are you really going to cook gourmet meals? Do you really want to tear up your current kitchen and turn it into an elite restaurant-style workspace? If you’re serious about it—go for it. But make sure your plan actually fits the lifestyle you have—not some TV fantasy.
Wouldn’t it be Fun? All of us are subject to fads, phases, and wild ideas. Some of them even turn out to be good things. Just remember that some ideas have a way of sticking around a while (and costing you money to fix). So even if you feel that you need to make a bold statement to express your creativity, you may want to hold off on those bright purple cabinets. Sure, they’ll catch someone’s eye now, but in six months they may ruin your appetite.
Thinking Too Small: This can be just as bad as having delusions of grandeur regarding your kitchen. Don’t be too timid. If there is something about your kitchen that’s really been bugging you, NOW is the time to think about changing it. If the workflow of your kitchen is wrong, remodeling is the time to change that—even if it takes more work and costs a bit more. It will never be easier (or cheaper) to do it. So take your time in thinking through your plan.
Short-term Thinking: This is related to thinking too small. Sometimes we forget that our families are changing. If you remodel your kitchen to accommodate five-year-old family members, you need to remember that they won’t be five forever, and later they may have trouble sitting in a space designed for a five-year old body. And what about yourself? Don’t forget that your physical capabilities could change over time.
Professional Confusion: Yes, it’s your house. Yes, you get final say about how things should look. But if you’re reading this you’re probably not a professional builder. You should tell your builder what your expectations are (and you should be very clear about them). But don’t tell your builder how to do his job. More than likely, he has a bit more experience than you do and knows the best way to get the result you want.
To err is human. We all do it. But if you can avoid these errors, you can save yourself some time, aggravation, and money. And the results can be divine!