10 mistakes when ordering a kitchen that will lead to additional costs and loss of time
Are you planning to renovate and order a new kitchen? Don't start the whole process until you've read our list of the most common mistakes when buying a custom kitchen.
- Mistake 1. "Your kitchen is a separate island" - Make sure that the appearance of your future kitchen does not conflict with the rest of the interior of your home. An ultra-modern kitchen in a 19th century English interior will look like an "eyesore". Always remember about architectural integrity.
- Mistake 2. "You only think about external beauty" - Remember that choosing beautiful fronts is only half the battle, and by all accounts, the less important half. Make sure you have enough storage space for all those plates, bowls, and baking sheets. Drawers and storage organizers will make your life much easier.
The color of the kitchen should be such that you and your family members can live with it for the next 15 years.
- Mistake 3. "My kitchen should reflect my personality" -You think orange facades will be cool. And although individuality is important, using kitchen furniture to express yourself is not the best idea. Choose unusual handles, bright kitchen appliances and hobs or unusual accessories. But the color of the kitchen itself should be such that you and your family members can live with it for the next 15 years..
- Mistake 4. You like to turn on the "I-know-how-everything-should-be" mode"- Renovating and designing a new kitchen requires a lot of knowledge and skills. And, if your main job is not related to construction or furniture design, leave this task to the professionals. The help of kitchen designers, interior designers, renovation specialists is absolutely necessary. But be sure that you choose professional contractors with whom you will be comfortable working.
- Mistake 5. "The future is coming fast" - You forgot that tomorrow is a new day. Sure, a lower-than-usual countertop might be a great place for your kids to play, but in 10 years, that kitchen space will be useless. Designing your kitchen with the future in mind isn’t just about your kids. Ergonomic solutions like a countertop-level oven will keep your kitchen functional even when you’re older.
- Mistake 6. "Lighting is not the most important thing" - This may not be the most exciting part of the design process, but investing some time and money into a detailed lighting plan for your kitchen (set aside about 10% of your budget for this). It will make your kitchen safer, create the right mood, and eliminate the weird shadows on your honey-colored cabinets that turn them into stale brown surfaces.
(NOTE: Are you planning a new kitchen and want to know how much it might cost? Send us your sketch for calculation (if you have one). Or simply send us a floor plan with dimensions and a picture of the kitchen you like. You will have a preliminary budget for your kitchen the next business day. Find out the cost)
- Mistake 7. "I'm the customer, it's my prerogative" - OK, change your mind mid-process, but then be prepared for additional costs and delays in terms of deadlines, just to make that pantry a little bigger. And if your changes concern already precisely measured and ordered parts, such as a countertop or hood, then this will increase the additional costs even more.
Going into an old kitchen with a sledgehammer may look impressive, but maybe your space doesn't need such an extreme approach.
- Mistake 8. "I don't want to change anything, just "freshen up" the kitchen" - Of course, in essence, replacing an old kitchen with a new one can be limited to just ordering a new countertop and sink. But replacing an old kitchen is the best (and only) time when you can change the layout as a whole. If you are tired of constantly walking across the entire kitchen to the refrigerator and back – move it!
- Mistake 9. "Ви занадто багато дивилися ТВ-передачу "Квадратний метр" - Зайти на стару кухню з кувалдою може виглядати ефектно, але можливо Ваш простір не потребує такого екстремального підходу. Проведіть інвентаризацію того, що Ви маєте на кухні, щоб вирішити, що може бути ще використано (від кухонної техніки до корпусів кухні). Це заощадить бюджет. Але будьте готові до того, що далеко не кожен виробник кухонь погодиться зробити лише часткову модернізацію.
- Mistake 10. "Trying to make the TV shows "Hell's Kitchen" or "MasterChef" - If you've never made a soufflé or paella or baked a pork chop stuffed with plums in your life, you don't need to spend $8,000 on professional equipment. It won't instantly transform you from Microwave Queen to Gourmet Chef. Be realistic about what you want. A standard set of kitchen appliances might be enough.
3 simple steps
As a summary, we can say the following - by following the 3 simple steps listed below, the process of buying a custom kitchen will be simple and enjoyable.
And you will get the kitchen of your dreams for the money of your dreams in real time and without additional costs of time, nerves and money.
And you will get the kitchen of your dreams for the money of your dreams in real time and without additional costs of time, nerves and money.
- Decide on your cooking needs - whether you will only have a cup of coffee in the morning or you are going to prepare culinary masterpieces every day. This will determine the functionality and content of the kitchen
- Choose a kitchen style and color scheme that won't clash with the rest of your home.
- Choose a reliable contractor who will help you design your kitchen with all the nuances and your lifestyle in mind. Ideally, he will manufacture and install it. This will save you the stress of coordinating multiple designers, builders and suppliers.
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