Getting ready to start construction on your kitchen project? Before you take the hammer to the walls, let me share some valuable insight that could save you from making some seriously expensive mistakes in your remodel project. I’ve been rolling out a total of TEN mistakes to avoid in any kitchen remodel that will save you some big bucks… and likely save your sanity too. Did you miss the previous kitchen mistake to avoid, we can catch you up in no time! Check out the last blog post for Expensive Mistake to Avoid #4 here.
Mistake #5: Starting Construction Without a Solid Design Plan
For giggles, let’s just say that you’ve already demolished your entire kitchen and you have a completely blank canvas to recreate your dream space. The kitchen concepts and ideas are overflowing from your Pinterest board and Instagram saves. You showed your contractor a few kitchen photos and have great expectations for your kitchen to be recreated like the images you’ve shared. Your current concern is custom wood countertops vs. porcelain countertops, and you’ve been shopping for door styles for inset cabinets.
There’s just one big problem here… your existing kitchen is non-existent and your contractor does not have a solid kitchen floor plan for what you want designed. Uh oh, it looks like it’s going to be a while until you get your kitchen back.
I think oftentimes, homeowners underestimate the amount of time it takes to complete a kitchen layout and remodel project. Aside from just the construction portion, from ripping out old cabinetry and countertops all the way to the final painting, there is a good amount of time that should be invested in the preparation before you decide to completely remove your existing kitchen space. This ensures that you minimize the amount of time without having a functioning kitchen… just a small detail to consider if you’re living in your home while you remodel your kitchen.
Here are just a few great questions to consider when laying out your kitchen design
- What do you want your kitchen layout to feel like? A galley kitchen, a u-shape kitchen?
- How do you prep and clean the kitchen space? Will having a prep sink benefit your routine?
- If 2 people or more like to cook in the kitchen at once, think about the clearance space between counter surfaces. Ideally 42” is best for 1 cook, 48” is best for 2 cooks.
- If your space cannot accommodate an island, could a peninsula be an option?
- How do you store your dishes, serving items, countertop appliances or non-perishables?
- Are accessibility requirements something you should keep in mind?
- Are you planning to accommodate casual seating within the kitchen space?
- What are your 3 biggest non-negotiables? Is it having the sink at a window, a large island or perhaps a walk-in pantry?
Once you have a clear idea of how you want this new kitchen design to look, feel and function, get the ideas drawn on paper!
Having drawings that show a dimensioned floor plan and elevations are so very valuable to all the trades involved in your kitchen remodel project. The benefit of these drawings is that all of the design details you envision are easily communicated to your contractor. Or even if you plan to tackle your kitchen project on your own, you now essentially have an “Ikea assembly manual”-eque guide in place to keep you moving forward with some ease.
Design Drawings Checklist
The design drawings are like the bible when it comes to the successful execution of any design project. In my design biz, we follow the NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath) standards for all of our kitchen and bath projects. Below is a list of all the drawings that are compiled for the design projects that I work on.
2D Floor Plan
This shows how the cabinets are laid out, where the appliances are located and even what the backsplash tile pattern might look like.
Construction
Whether there’s a large wall that is set to be removed or a window being relocated, the information and the dimensions are all noted in this particular plan.
Mechanical Plan
In the kitchen & bath world, this plan shows the lighting locations and electrical switching with all proper dimensions for any light source located within, and even adjacent, to the space.
Countertop Plan
This plan denotes the different types of countertop materials, their locations (helpful if you have 2 different types of counter surfaces) and the thickness and type of edge profile that is decided on.
Ceiling Plan
Only if applicable, and not to be confused with the Mechanical Plan, the ceiling plan is intended for any decorative elements on the ceiling such as new soffits or a coffered ceiling, etc.
Elevations
These are 2D drawings of the walls and everything on them including cabinets, counters and backsplash. This helps to identify how the backsplash tile might be laid out or how high the wall hood will be above the range.
3D Perspectives
Not completely necessary, but certainly handy! Having a visual of what the kitchen space could look like once complete gives your contractor and all involved an understanding of the design vision.
If you’re not planning to hire a professional to create drawings for you, and you’re up for testing out a few computer programs yourself to use to layout your own kitchen design, you can check out this article for 7 Best Free Kitchen Design Software
Lastly, there are these things called specifications. Almost all of the material items in your kitchen project will have a “spec” of the item that will have a record of important information like the voltage for an appliance or the cabinet clearance for a kitchen sink.
The above drawings paired with these product specifications of your appliances, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures and even the countertops will provide SO much information that will help your contractor and trades stay on track and on schedule, thus creating a much more desirable remodel experience.
RESULT OF EXPENSIVE MISTAKE #5:
Demolishing your existing kitchen without having a design plan will cause a lot of delay in your kitchen remodel, thus adding extra unnecessary dollars to your project.
VALUE SAVINGS
Invest in the time upfront to create a design plan on paper. You’ll save yourself and your contractor the stress of having an empty kitchen for longer than needed.
Anxious to dive into all 10 EXPENSIVE KITCHEN MISTAKES TO AVOID? Get your hands on the “10 Expensive Mistakes to Avoid in Kitchen Remodeling” video by subscribing to our email list… and get ready to spare yourself the headaches of remodeling your kitchen. Rock on Remodelers!
Xoxo, Megan
