Few experiences are as rewarding or challenging as kitchen remodeling. We believe that the best outcomes come from a partnership between the homeowner and the contractor, with each understanding the essential factors that drive a successful project.
Here, we’re sharing six commonly overlooked insights that often cause kitchen remodeling regrets. Knowing this information upfront could save you time, money, and stress in your kitchen remodel journey. Whether you’re just beginning to plan or are ready to get started, these tips will help you make informed choices, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of.
1. Why a Clear Scope and Design Are Essential for Accurate Bid Comparisons
It’s standard for homeowners to collect a few bids before choosing a contractor. However, focusing on quality over quantity is crucial. Without a clear project scope, specific material choices, and detailed design, comparing multiple bids can become an "apples to oranges" scenario. For instance, the costs associated with a custom cabinet installation versus a box-store option can vary significantly in labor, quality, and longevity.
Consider that a quality design-build contractor will bring value beyond the initial bid. Their expertise, transparency, and track record matter as much as the numbers. While having a fair cost estimate is essential, a contractor’s experience, reputation, and ability to deliver long-lasting results should be equally weighted. Additionally, ask if they plan to stay in business long enough to support you after the project concludes. A contractor with a stable track record will likely be there for you in the long run.
Discover how 'free' home renovation estimates can cost you more in this article.
2. Some Contractors See Your Budget as a Moving Target
Kitchen remodel budgets can quickly shift if the contractor doesn’t clearly define costs upfront. The quoted price can fluctuate significantly without a clear scope of work as different materials are selected or minor adjustments are made during the project. This can lead to large scope creep, significant cost overruns, and frustration, particularly if you’re not anticipating those extra expenses.
A reliable contractor will discuss the potential for cost adjustments from the beginning. Many companies have a "change rate," a percentage by which initial quotes commonly increase over time. Ask your contractor to factor these potential changes into the proposal or opt for a design-build firm that will take a more holistic approach from the get-go.
Design-build firms often offer fixed-price proposals that cover all project costs, from plans to labor and materials. This approach minimizes the chance of surprise expenses and helps you stay within your original budget. Talk to your design-build partner about any potential surprises they foresee and what can be done to mitigate them.
3. A Large Deposit Isn’t Necessary, and Payment Should be Tied to Upfront, Defined Milestones
A common misconception among homeowners is that they must set aside an additional 10-20% of their budget as a buffer for unexpected expenses or oversights that less experienced contractors might not account for initially. A deposit is standard for a remodeler to request when beginning a remodeling project. This deposit is typically around 15-20% of the contract value and is used to begin ordering materials and secure start dates with trades.
Be wary of anyone asking for a deposit that is too large, like 50%. Alternatively, partnering with an experienced design-build company that offers fixed prices with a modest contingency can help avoid these cost overrun surprises.
Additionally, a well-defined payment schedule based on project milestones is a safer way to proceed and ensures that you only pay for work that’s actually completed. This milestone-based payment schedule benefits both you and the contractor. For homeowners, it’s a safeguard that keeps payments aligned with progress, reducing the risk of delays and incentivizing timely completion. For contractors, it helps with cash flow and accountability. Your contract should clearly outline these expectations, ensuring transparency and minimizing financial risk on both sides.
4. Keeping Major Appliances in the Same Location Can Cut Time and Costs
Moving major appliances, such as stoves, sinks, and refrigerators, can significantly increase the project time and budget, as it typically involves plumbing, electrical, and gas line adjustments. For instance, relocating a stove requires moving gas or electric lines, adding both labor and expense to your remodel.
If layout changes are essential, consider a partial redesign where some appliances remain in their current locations. This approach can still achieve a transformative look while reducing overall costs. Additionally, moving appliances becomes even more complex and costly if you have a finished basement beneath your kitchen. An unfinished basement makes routing lines and making changes easier, so it’s worth considering the layout carefully with this in mind. Or, if you have future plans to finish your basement, be sure to talk to your design-build contractor at the very beginning about your overall vision of the home so they can provide you with a Master Plan that will help map out a successful phased approach to your home renovations, eliminating rework and costs.
5. Choose Materials that Suit Your Lifestyle and Daily Habits
Beyond aesthetics, consider how your family uses the kitchen daily. If you have young children, certain materials might not be practical: dark paints can chip easily, and white marble countertops, though beautiful, can be easily etched—even by water, so quartz may be a better option.
Similarly, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is more scratch-resistant than natural wood, making it an easier option to maintain if you have pets. A reputable design-build contractor will invest the time to understand your unique priorities, customizing every detail of your kitchen design—from thoughtfully planned workspaces and optimized kitchen lighting to smart storage solutions, appliance garages, and built-in charging stations for your devices.
A well-thought-out kitchen layout with a functional work triangle—where the sink, stove, and refrigerator are within easy reach—can make a huge difference in functionality. Selecting finishes that match your cleaning habits and maintenance preferences also helps ensure your kitchen remains beautiful and practical in the long run.
6. Skimping on Kitchen Cabinets Can Lower the Value of Your Remodel
Cabinetry is a major expense in a kitchen remodel and can account for a significant portion of the budget. However, high-quality cabinets are also one of the most valuable investments. Kitchen cabinets set the tone for the kitchen’s aesthetic appeal and everyday function.
Some contractors might suggest budget-friendly cabinets, but these can quickly show wear and tear and lack the storage and style options that enhance your home's aesthetics and resale value. Choosing custom cabinetry for your kitchen remodel is a worthwhile investment that can elevate your space's functionality and aesthetic appeal. Unlike budget-friendly cabinets offering limited storage and cabinet door style options, custom cabinetry is built to last, adding long-term value and enhancing your home’s resale potential.
With custom cabinetry, you have the freedom to tailor each cabinet to your specific needs and lifestyle. Also, custom cabinetry can be made within ⅛’’ increments, eliminating the need for standard 3’’ fillers. This customization level can greatly increase your kitchen's functional cabinetry space. Working with an experienced remodeler, you can select from a wide range of finishes, materials, and configurations that align with your vision, ensuring your kitchen reflects your personal style while maximizing utility.
Additionally, custom options often include innovative cabinet accessories—such as deep drawers that pull out for maximum accessibility, built-in drawer dividers, and custom organizers—that make daily tasks easier and keep everything within reach.
The strategic integration of custom cabinetry can transform your kitchen into a more functional, organized, and welcoming space. By prioritizing ample storage and thoughtful design, you’re creating a kitchen that not only supports your cooking needs but also serves as an inviting hub for entertaining and hosting. Custom cabinetry offers a unique combination of durability, style, and practicality, making your kitchen a place where loved ones naturally gather and enjoy.
Working with a design-build company with established relationships with custom cabinetry vendors can make high-quality custom cabinetry more affordable than expected, as these relationships often bypass middle-man markups.
Final Thoughts: Plan for a Kitchen You’ll Love for Years
A kitchen remodel is a big decision and an even bigger investment, but when done thoughtfully, it can completely transform the interior design of your space and how you use your new kitchen. The key is careful planning, selecting the right contractor, and making choices based on both functionality and aesthetics. By prioritizing these elements, you’re not only avoiding common renovation regrets but also creating a kitchen that enhances your daily life and boosts your home’s value.
Taking the time to align your vision with an experienced contractor’s expertise will pay off, resulting in a space that’s as beautiful as it is functional. After all, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a kitchen tailored precisely to your family’s needs and style.
Download our free eBook, "Elevate Your Everyday: The Kitchen Remodel Guide for Style and Function," and start planning the kitchen you've always wanted. Packed with tips on layout, design, and budget-friendly ideas, this guide will walk you through every step of creating a beautiful, functional space.
