4 Errors with Kitchen Renovations and How to Avoid Them

Did you know that in 2022, 55% of polled homeowners said they renovated a part of their home? Of these folks, 23% reported renovating their kitchens.

One reason kitchen renovations are popular is that the kitchen is the most utilized area in a home. It’s no longer just a place for cooking; it has also become a hub for bonding with family and friends.

Unfortunately, errors with kitchen renovations can quickly turn these projects into a disaster.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of such blunders to avoid, so read on.

1. Forgetting Necessary Permits

Depending on the extent of your kitchen renovation project, you may have to obtain a permit. For example, you likely need one if it involves electrical and plumbing repairs. If you don’t acquire it, your project may get suspended.

Local governments are the ones that issue home improvement or renovation permits. So, check yours before changing any aspect of your kitchen’s electrical or plumbing.

2. DIY-ing Electrical Tasks

Installing new kitchen lighting is easy if you only need to unscrew old bulbs and screw the new ones in place.

However, if you must add new lighting outlets, take a step back and hire an electrician for help. Do the same if you need additional electrical outlets in your kitchen. Otherwise, you can be at risk of an electrical injury.

About 30,000 electrical shock injuries already occur in the U.S. yearly. Some are severe enough to hospitalize people or land them in burn units.

Another reason never to DIY complex electrical tasks is the risk of fire. Electrical fires can occur due to poor wiring or faulty connections.

3. Not Preparing a Detailed Checklist

You risk forgetting things essential to your project without a detailed checklist. This can cause lengthy delays. For instance, a renovation that should only have taken 1 to 2 days to complete may need more than a week.

That’s because you either have to run to the store again or place an order online for every item you forget. Online orders can take 3 to 5 days, sometimes even longer, depending on availability.

So, prepare a detailed checklist of your project, including materials and steps. For example, if you want to renovate your outdoor kitchen, create a list of everything you need to finish it. Here’s a detailed guide on this type of renovation; check it out for more ideas.

4. Insufficient Kitchen Renovation Budget

If you’re unaware of how much your project will cost, your finances may be unable to accommodate it. This can delay your project’s completion, or you may even have to abandon it altogether.

That’s another reason you need a detailed checklist. It can help you estimate your project’s total cost.

Let’s say you want new kitchen storage, flooring, countertop, and appliances. So, create a list of these items and take note of their average prices. Then, sum up everything, including hired labor costs, to know how much your project will cost.

If your budget isn’t enough, consider compromising on other elements. For one, you can look at other kitchen flooring options to find a lower-cost alternative. Another idea is to delay the purchase of new appliances until you have more funds.

Avoid These Errors With Kitchen Renovations

Remember: Errors with kitchen renovations can cause costly and lengthy delays. Even worse, they can result in home hazards, such as electrical injuries and fires. All that should be good enough reasons to steer clear of them.

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