As the owner of J.A.M Building and Renovations, I’ve seen it all when it comes to kitchen remodels. From dream kitchens that came together flawlessly to projects that turned into costly nightmares, I’ve gathered plenty of wisdom along the way. Today, I want to share the essential dos and don’ts of kitchen remodeling to help you avoid common pitfalls and create the kitchen of your dreams without unnecessary stress or expense.
Kitchen remodeling is one of the most exciting home improvement projects you can undertake, but it’s also one that requires careful planning and execution. Whether you’re considering a minor refresh or a complete overhaul, these guidelines will help ensure your renovation goes smoothly from start to finish.
Planning Your Kitchen Remodel: The Foundation of Success
DO: Set a Realistic Budget
One of the most important dos and don’ts of kitchen remodeling is creating a comprehensive budget. Before you start tearing out cabinets or shopping for appliances, establish how much you’re willing to spend—and then add a 20% buffer for unexpected costs. Kitchen renovation projects almost always encounter surprises, especially in older homes where you might discover issues behind walls or under floors.
I recommend breaking your budget down by category:
- Cabinetry (typically 30-35% of total budget)
- Labor (20-25%)
- Appliances (15-20%)
- Countertops (10-15%)
- Flooring (5-10%)
- Lighting, hardware, and miscellaneous (5-10%)
DON’T: Underestimate the Timeline
In my years overseeing kitchen upgrades, I’ve rarely seen a kitchen renovation finish earlier than expected. Be realistic about your timeline and prepare for delays. A full kitchen remodel typically takes 8-12 weeks from demolition to completion, depending on the scope of work and availability of materials. Custom cabinets alone can take 6-8 weeks to arrive after ordering.
When planning your kitchen remodeling timeline, consider:
- Design and planning: 2-4 weeks
- Ordering materials: 2-8 weeks (cabinets take longest)
- Demolition: 1-2 days
- Rough construction: 1-2 weeks
- Installation (cabinets, countertops, appliances): 2-4 weeks
- Finishing touches: 1-2 weeks
Design Considerations: Making Smart Choices
DO: Prioritize Functionality and Flow
The most beautiful kitchen in the world won’t make you happy if it’s not functional. When planning your kitchen renovation, think about how you actually use your kitchen. Consider traffic patterns, workspace needs, and storage requirements. The classic work triangle (connecting the refrigerator, sink, and stove) remains a valuable design principle.
Some kitchen remodeling tips I share with all my clients:
- Allow 42-48 inches of space for walkways
- Ensure 36-42 inches of clearance for work zones
- Place the dishwasher within 36 inches of the sink
- Include plenty of counter space near appliances
DON’T: Chase Trends at the Expense of Timelessness
While it’s tempting to incorporate every stunning design you see on social media, avoiding mistakes in kitchen remodeling means prioritizing timeless elements for the big investments. Save trendy choices for easily replaceable items like light fixtures, hardware, or paint colors.
I’ve seen too many clients regret installing highly specific cabinet colors or trendy tile patterns that felt dated just a few years later. Instead, consider classic choices for your major components and express your personal style through accessories and elements that are easier to update.
Material Selection: Balancing Beauty and Practicality
DO: Invest in Quality Where It Counts
When following kitchen remodeling dos and don’ts, remember that not all elements of your kitchen deserve equal investment. Spend your money where it makes the most difference in durability and daily use:
- Cabinets: These make up the bulk of your kitchen’s visual impact and take the most abuse. Quality cabinets with solid construction will last decades.
- Countertops: As another heavily used surface, durable materials like quartz, granite, or solid surface are worth the investment.
- Appliances: Professional-grade or high-quality appliances offer better performance and longevity.
When implementing kitchen upgrades, remember that saving money by choosing lower-quality versions of these items often leads to earlier replacement costs and more headaches.
DON’T: Overlook Lighting
Poor lighting is one of the most common mistakes I see in kitchen remodeling projects. Your kitchen needs multiple types of lighting to function well:
- Ambient lighting: Overall illumination for the space
- Task lighting: Focused light for work areas like countertops
- Accent lighting: Decorative lighting to highlight features or add atmosphere
Incorporate a mix of recessed lights, pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting, and perhaps even statement fixtures over an island or dining area. Dimmers are also a great addition, allowing you to adjust the mood and functionality of your kitchen throughout the day.
Execution: Working with Professionals
DO: Hire Reputable Professionals
While DIY kitchen renovation tips abound online, a full kitchen remodel involves complex systems including plumbing, electrical, and structural elements that require professional expertise. Hiring licensed, insured contractors will save you from costly mistakes and ensure your kitchen meets building codes.
At J.A.M Building and Renovations, we believe in transparency. When evaluating contractors:
- Check references and view past projects
- Verify licensing and insurance
- Get detailed written estimates
- Ensure they pull proper permits
- Establish a clear payment schedule tied to project milestones
DON’T: Change Your Mind Frequently During Construction
Among the costliest mistakes in kitchen remodeling is making changes once work has begun. Change orders not only add to your budget but can significantly extend your timeline as new materials may need to be ordered and work already completed might need to be redone.
Make as many decisions as possible before construction begins. Select all finishes, fixtures, and appliances in advance, and try to stick with your choices unless absolutely necessary.
Living Through Your Remodel: Practical Considerations
DO: Plan for a Temporary Kitchen
With the average kitchen remodel taking 2-3 months, you’ll need a plan for preparing meals during construction. Set up a temporary kitchen in another area of your home with essentials like:
- Microwave
- Electric skillet or hot plate
- Toaster oven
- Refrigerator (even a mini one)
- Water source
Many of our clients at J.A.M Building and Renovations find that planning simple meals, utilizing outdoor grills (weather permitting), and occasionally dining out helps reduce the stress of living without a proper kitchen.
DON’T: Forget About Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is a crucial element of kitchen remodeling that’s often overlooked. A high-quality range hood or ventilation system:
- Removes cooking odors
- Eliminates excess moisture
- Improves indoor air quality
- Prevents grease buildup on surfaces
For gas stoves especially, proper ventilation is essential for removing combustion products. Invest in a hood that extends at least 3 inches beyond your cooktop on each side and has adequate CFM (cubic feet per minute) capacity for your stove size.
Your Kitchen Remodeling Journey: The J.A.M Difference
At J.A.M Building and Renovations, we’ve guided countless homeowners through successful kitchen transformations. Understanding the dos and don’ts of kitchen remodeling before you begin can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of frustration.
Remember that your kitchen is both a functional workspace and the heart of your home. The best kitchen renovations balance practical considerations with beautiful design to create a space that enhances your daily life and adds value to your home.
Ready to start planning your dream kitchen? Contact us today for a consultation. We’ll help you navigate the kitchen remodeling process with confidence, creating a space that works beautifully for your lifestyle and stands the test of time.
