We’ve all been there…the half-glass empty mentality that slowly creeps in before any big decision. What is the worst possible thing that could happen? What hazards are in my way? What are the red flags I should avoid? Eventually you find yourself spiraling, asking yourself “do I even want to do this anymore”?
But think about it like this, the fact you find yourself worrying so much is just a sign that you care and ‘forewarned is forearmed’. Consider it a good thing that you want to be prepared with all the information ahead of time.
When it comes to a kitchen remodel, the stakes are high - there’s no sugarcoating that. At the end of the day, you want a flawless project where everything is done properly. But what is the expectation versus reality? Are you chasing a pipe dream towards perfection? Understanding that at the end of the day, there are so many varied elements and factors that go into a kitchen remodel that everything might not be perfect is your first step.
Finding a company that can properly and efficiently address these concerns and treat you as the priority should be at the top of your list before you begin your remodeling journey.
So…what can go wrong? Let’s break down the where, why, and how situations that go awry can occur.
Believe it or not, the roadblocks to a successful remodel can begin before installers ever come into your home. Here’s some ways your remodel can begin on uneven footing:
Pleasing Others - One of the first mistakes made by homeowners is trying to please others and molding your remodel to please them, not yourself. It happens more often than you think. And a perfect example is having your decision on your remodel swayed by the external. This is your neighbors, your over-opinionated aunt, or your HGTV savvy friend. This is YOUR remodel, YOUR lifestyle. While for some homeowners, keeping up with current trends is important, going with a design you’re happy with is most important. After all, you’re the person who’ll be using it and seeing it every day.
Less is More - It’s also important to take into consideration the space you’re working with. Homeowners can often either under or overestimate the size of their kitchen when planning out their remodel. Trying to cram too many elements into a smaller space may mess with your kitchen’s overall flow. A common, current trend that has only gained steam in recent years is the idea of “less is more”. Allowing minimalistic kitchen elements to speak volumes is a perfect approach to your remodel.
Improper Measurements - Will it measure up? Before your installation begins, a professional draftsperson needs to take accurate measurements of your entire kitchen layout. This includes your cabinets, cabinet doors, countertops, and the space that appliances will rest in. The goal is perfect alignment of every element of your kitchen. But depending on experience and training, accuracy as well as any additional factors like last minute changes to your remodel or adding new appliances to the mix can alter these measurements, sometimes drastically.
This will require drafting to go back to the drawing board and accommodate these changes and or fix their initial, incorrect measurements. Of course, if new cabinets or cabinet doors arrive with incorrect measurements, they will often have to be sent back to be altered or completely remade which will tie up your remodel timeline.
Choosing the wrong materials/not doing your research - How do you see yourself using your kitchen? One of the biggest things that can go wrong during a remodel is choosing the wrong materials and homeowners not doing their research to understand what materials best suit their lifestyle. It’s important to choose materials, from your cabinets to your countertops to your backsplash and flooring, that will best withstand the daily wear and tear of your household. Finding materials that best match the way you use your kitchen will result in your kitchen maintaining its attractive appearance.
Not considering functionality - Your kitchen is a blank canvas with which nearly anything is possible. It’s a reflection of yourself. It’s a reflection of every meal prep, of every late-night study session, and a reflection of any get-together. Your kitchen should be a reflection of how you intend to use it. Many homeowners tend to only gravitate towards design when remodeling their kitchen and functionality is often an afterthought. But this can lead to workflow issues and aggravation down the road. Having a plan for a kitchen that will work best for your day-to-day lifestyle is the last piece of the puzzle.
Not having a contingency plan - Consider yourself an optimist? While having faith in your installers and the remodeling process is an important step, also understanding that sometimes things won’t be a perfectly smooth journey is vital too. This can be anything from unforeseen issues with pre-existing parts of your kitchen like pre-existing water damage that needs to be corrected or hiccups in product delivery due to supply chains or errors in measurements. So how can you prepare? Make sure to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Set some additional money aside and plan for possible delays so if anything does come up, it won’t only feel like as much of a shock. Either way, you will be prepped and ready to address the issue head-on. Most of the time, remodels will go smoothly, but understanding it might not be the case every single time can save you some stress.
Thinking Ahead - How will your remodel take shape? Think about the work that’s required. Are you planning on expanding in the future? Taking a wall out? Extending your flooring to other parts of your home?
While pre-planning mistakes can lead to issues down the road, you might be curious about what might go wrong with your remodel during the actual installation process. These are potential issues that can arise at any time during your remodel. How you, as the homeowner, as well as the installers address these issues will make all the difference.
Failure to follow the plan - What’s the game plan? Having a well-thought out, detailed plan that includes your project’s layout and a timeline as well as a comprehensive materials list is an important step towards a successful remodel. If your installer fails to follow a drafted-out plan or becomes disorganized in any way, this can lead to delays, damage, or unexpected costs. It’s important to do your research and go with a company that is experienced and known for following an organized, focused plan, sticks to project timelines as closely as possible and provides your installer with the structure and support to ensure the best outcome.
Poor communication - Communication is key. Being able to address any concerns you have and opening a line of dialogue as early as possible in the process with the company you work with, and their installers is important to the success of your remodel. Lack of communication on either side often leads to misunderstandings, delays, or not getting your desired work done.
How can you avoid any miscommunications? First, you should receive an overview on ‘What to Expect’ from any compnay or individual you work with. They are the experts who should be acting as your guide. Having the information allows you to address and discuss expectations about the work and timeline early in the process. Try to create an agreeable game plan and as a homeowner, make yourself as available as possible during your remodel so if any issues do arise during installation, you’re able to address it as early as possible to avoid delays or potential damage.
It’s even a good idea to do a review of progress each day during the process so you know what the coming days will bring and whether or not things are proceeding as planned.
Rushing the install process - Is your installer in a rush? Making sure you choose an installer who will take their time and ensure a level of craftsmanship and quality control is important. If at any point your installer rushes the process, it can lead to mistakes being made, potential safety hazards, and uneven surfaces.
Attempt to find a company/ installer who stands behind their work and is committed to taking the necessary time to deliver high-quality work. Of course, checking references is a great way to tackle that task.
Using poor quality materials - If your installer uses poor quality materials, it can lead to issues down the road in your kitchen. Anything from warped cabinets, cracked countertops, malfunctioning hardware like hinges or light work are all a possibility. It’s important to not only choose a company that can meet your demands for exceptional quality installation, but also to understand the details of the products and brands that will be used in your project. A little product research goes a long way.
Damage to existing structures - No one wants their remodel to look like a scene right out of demolition derby. One element of your installation that should not be compromised is caution. What steps will your installers take to keep existing space and structures safe? Anything from drop cloths to keep dust from spreading around your home to protective materials to negate any damage to cabinets, countertops, walls, or any other existing structures that aren’t being altered but need to be preserved in terms of quality. Failure to go with a cautious and detail-oriented installer could lead to damage and extensive cleanup, potentially increasing the cost of your remodel.
Another thing to consider is how your kitchen will be left once the work is done. Will tools be put away and excess hardware, nails, debris and other post-install materials properly cleaned up? It’s important that your family is advised on best practices on how to use the space during install and after.
Homeowners changing their mind too late in the installation process - It’s common during the installation process to see your remodel begin to take shape and want to change particular elements. However, it’s important to note that this will likely incur additional costs as well as drastically increase the timeline of your project based on the changes.
Be patient and thorough in confirming your choices ahead of installation to avoid this common pitfall.
Poor quality work – Of course, working with a reputable contractor for your kitchen remodel is paramount for your project’s success.
We discussed these topics separately in previous sections but let’s tie them all together in one place. Any issue from improperly trained installers to poor communication to rushing your install process or using lower quality materials can lead to a multitude of glitches down the road and a lot of stress in the moment.
Keep your remodel stress-free by doing diligent research beforehand.
Green flags to look out for:
Working with a contractor that treats you like a priority and not just another number in a long queue should be at the top of your list. In order to accomplish that stong processes and communication are a must.
In addition, it’s important to note that mistakes happen. With any form of home improvement project, there are bound to be issues, changes, or external factors that can affect your remodel. There are often unforeseen challenges that are out of the control of either the homeowner or contractor. Being prepared as a homeowner, knowing how to handle the situation and choosing an experienced installer who can professionally, efficiently and effectively resolve issues is vital.
Kitchen Magic has the benefit of being a local manufacturer, located in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
In the case of damage or measurement oversights, the ability to quickly address those issues and deliver replacements straight from a local factory is one of our greatest strengths and proudest attributes. Having been in business for over 40 years, we know the magic a kitchen can bring to day-to-day life and work closely with you to make your dreams a reality.