How to Avoid Kitchen Nightmares
Homeworks Construction highlights key mistakes to avoid kitchen nightmares when renovating or building a new kitchen.
Avoiding design and construction mistakes in your kitchen can save both time and money. Homeworks Construction, a local design-build company, has built and renovated hundreds of homes over the last 30 years. They shared a few mistakes to avoid kitchen nightmares that will ensure your new kitchen or renovation is functional, user friendly, and stays within your budget.
DIY, Without a Plan or a Budget
Sure, DIY offers cost-savings, and an opportunity to learn new skills, but it can also result in costly mistakes and a poorly-designed, unsafe kitchen. “An experienced designer will take the time to plan and determine what you need. Your kitchen isn’t their first project,” said Marshall Hickox, President of Homeworks Construction. Consider your budget and timeline, and hire a professional to do the work. Your time, sanity, and home are worth it. “Research contractors who have experience building what you want. Look at their portfolio. Ask for references. Check licensing and insurance,” added Hickox. Working without a plan, budget, or qualified professional is a risk you shouldn’t take.
Not Enough Storage
Storing pots and pans under the bed? Designing a kitchen with adequate and accessible storage leads to an organized, attractive, and productive space. Not enough storage means cluttered countertops, food waste, and inefficient flow. “Determine storage needs, for things like pots and pans, small appliances, and food. Next, consider everyday essentials like dishes, cups, utensils, and spices. Lastly, consider the items that aren’t in the kitchen, that you need to store,” suggested Hickox. Having enough storage means your kitchen is easier to use, clean, and enjoy.
Bad Lighting
A kitchen is hard to use if you can’t see, and can lead to a variety of hazardous kitchen nightmares. Insufficient lighting is dangerous and makes the kitchen look smaller. It is important to understand lighting type and placement matter. “Kitchen windows are lighting too,” added Hickox. A good designer will balance window placement and size with storage and other design needs. Ambient window light from windows can create a sunny and beautiful space during the day, while overhead and zone lighting help illuminate walkways and islands. It’s important to remember that all light creates shadows. “Recessed lighting is great, but overhead lighting alone creates shadows over workspaces. So, adding under-cabinet and task lighting is really important,” emphasized Hickox. Layer the lighting in your kitchen to eliminate shadows. Talk with your contractor and ask about the heat produced by bulbs and fixtures to avoid sweating under the bright lights. Kupuna need more lighting, so adding enough ensures that your home is universally comfortable.
A kitchen is hard to use if you can’t see, and can lead to a variety of hazardous kitchen nightmares. Insufficient lighting is dangerous and makes the kitchen look smaller. It is important to understand lighting type and placement matter. “Kitchen windows are lighting too,” added Hickox. A good designer will balance window placement and size with storage and other design needs. Ambient window light from windows can create a sunny and beautiful space during the day, while overhead and zone lighting help illuminate walkways and islands. It’s important to remember that all light creates shadows. “Recessed lighting is great, but overhead lighting alone creates shadows over workspaces. So, adding under-cabinet and task lighting is really important,” emphasized Hickox. Layer the lighting in your kitchen to eliminate shadows. Talk with your contractor and ask about the heat produced by bulbs and fixtures to avoid sweating under the bright lights. Kupuna need more lighting, so adding enough ensures that your home is universally comfortable.
Not Considering Clearances
Is your current kitchen a one-butt space? Clearance for bodies and hardware is critical. Not enough, impacts how your kitchen functions. Clearance is about height, reach, use, and mobility. Multiple people using the kitchen at the same time? Is there enough space to pull out drawers? “We’ve seen kitchens that don’t allow a refrigerator or cabinet door to open all the way. This can be avoided with proper planning,” said Hickox. Walkways, work aisles, and appliances are part of clearance planning. Placing cabinets too low above a countertop and leaving too little space around an island are common mistakes. Consider clearances for a safe and functional kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Whether building a new home or renovating an existing space, defining needs, establishing a budget, and hiring a qualified professional can help avoid kitchen nightmares from the start. Homeworks Construction is ready to design and build your kitchen with plenty of storage, great lighting, and exceptional function and flow. Contact the company for a free consultation and get started on your dream kitchen today.
Curious about how to start planning? Homeworks Construction is happy to help. Contact Homeworks Construction at (808) 955-2777 or via email at mrh@homeworkshawaii.com. Head to their website homeworkshawaii.com, or visit Homeworks’ Honolulu office at 2111 S. Beretania St. to guide you in your next kitchen build or renovation project.
For additional home renovation insights, check out Homeworks Construction’s article, Building Forever Homes in Hawaii.
