*This is a collaborative post.
If you're a homeowner, renovating your kitchen is often at the top of your home improvement list. But a high-quality new kitchen can cost between £4,000 and £11,000. Factor in extras like high-end appliances, plumbing, electrical work, and decor, and you could end up spending twice as much. As a result, large amounts of hard-earned cash are at risk. But how to ensure that this money is not wasted? Here are three expensive pitfalls to avoid when renovating your kitchen.
Don’t start with a level floor
When you demolish an old kitchen and install a new one or fit the kitchen into a brand new extension, you may need to add a layer of screed to the concrete floor. This ensures you start with a durable, level surface, making it easier to install units and lay new flooring such as tiles, LVT and slate. It is also an important part of floor heating.
your Ground leveling costs This may vary depending on where you live, the size of your kitchen and the type of screed used, but you can expect to cost around £12 to £20 per square meter
Often, this step may be ignored or completed after the device is installed. But it's much easier to level the floor when the room is empty. This saves time adjusting the height of each base unit to keep it level with the work surface. Adding floor screed after the unit is in place may also mean skirting boards have to be cut to fit. Since this requires your lifter time to complete, it will cost you extra money.
Missing this step entirely could also mean your flooring won't adhere properly. This can lead to unstable, cracked or unsightly bumps in the tile and lifting of the vinyl. So, to avoid costly mistakes, make sure you start with a good base.
Making hasty decisions about cabinets and appliances
Cabinets are the main component of the kitchen, so it is recommended not to make hasty decisions. Doing so may result in you having to live with a style you hate and a design that's simply not practical.
First, don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s necessary to fill every side of your kitchen with bases and wall cabinets. This can make the room feel cramped. You don’t need to install a ton of base units just to get bench space, as you can use peninsulas, islands or tables to give yourself more prep space. Omitting wall cabinets will help a smaller kitchen feel more open. Focus on quality over quantity and you'll have a kitchen that will last for years to come.
If your tastes are constantly changing and you find yourself redecorating your home every year, it's important to choose cabinets that are easy to update or that work well with multiple color schemes or styles. This will give you the best chance of having a kitchen you'll still be happy with five to ten years from now. You can choose plywood or wood cabinets that are easy to paint, or opt for rich, solid white doors that suit both traditional and contemporary styles, as well as bold and neutral color schemes.
It's also important to get the right combination of cabinets and drawers so you can maintain storage flexibility. Consider using deep drawers to accommodate new pans and trays, and consider installing pull-out shelves within the cabinets. Otherwise, it would be a pain to take things out and put them back again. This can lead to clutter on your countertop.
In terms of home appliances, Don’t add appliances to your kitchen design just because they are desirable or look good. This can eat up your budget and take up valuable space. Ask yourself, do I really need a wine cooler, an American style refrigerator, and a double oven? Consider what is truly practical, such as a chest-high oven and instant hot water tap that might make your life easier.
Island design and location wrong
Islands are quickly becoming an essential element of the kitchen. But there are also many design and positioning pitfalls.
To avoid this, you need to measure your space so you can get the right island size and shape. Ideally, there needs to be at least 1m of clearance between kitchen equipment and the island. This allows you to move around it without having to do any silly side steps and ensures you can open doors and drawers easily.
Before decorating, the functionality of the island should also be determined. Otherwise, you might end up trying to cram in too many elements, making your kitchen unusable.
Don't fall into the trap of sticking to flat, rectangular islands. If your island serves two functions, it may be worthwhile to have a multi-level worktop. This can give you better preparation and dining height and help zone out. Where you place your stool, make sure there is enough overhang to allow for adequate leg room. Otherwise, your island may be uncomfortable to sit on.
