No doubt everyone has heard at least one horror story about a kitchen renovation having gone horribly wrong. Whether it’s an unreliable contractor who performs shoddy work, materials delivered damaged or delayed, or orders mixed up, in these instances what should have taken three weeks turns into a never-ending nightmare. But the good news is, not all kitchen renovations have to end badly.  

Take a look at a list of common mistakes you can avoid to ensure a hassle-free kitchen renovation project:

Don’t begin without a project plan and budget

• Write down your objectives and set a budget before embarking on the kitchen renovation. Keep these in mind throughout the decision making process involved in every step of your kitchen renovation
• Not straying from your objectives will also ensure that less changes are made during the renovation which may result in additional costs or time delays

Don’t expect the project to run like clockwork

• Despite your planning, kitchen renovations may take longer than expected
• Be prepared for the long haul and ensure your schedule accommodates unforeseen circumstances that may arise
• During unforeseen delays, keep communication lines open with your contractor to ensure the challenges are attended to and your project gets back on track
• Don’t get upset about the delays, remember that you will have this kitchen for a number of years and you want it to be perfect

Don’t choose appliances after the renovations have begun

• Do not wait until renovations begin before choosing and ordering your appliances
• Ensure that you give your contractor the correct specs for your appliances so that the correct size cupboards and counter tops are ordered

Tip: Remember to consider what works for the functionality of your new kitchen. If you have limited counter space, rather choose smaller appliances that take up less room

Don’t underestimate the inconvenience of a kitchen renovation

• Remember that your kitchen will not be functional during the renovation. You will most probably not have running water or the use of your sink during the time
• Be prepared for the mess and set up a make-shift kitchen in another part of your house which contains basic kitchen functionality such as a kettle, microwave, toaster and washing up area
• A kitchen renovation can take anything between 2 to 4 weeks or longer, depending on the counter tops chosen and the complexity of the project.

Don’t settle for a substandard contractor

• Kitchen renovations are complicated and time-consuming, it is therefore advisable to hire a skilled contractor to assist you with the project
• Ask family and friends to recommend contractors
• Make sure that you check all the contractor’s references and if possible go and inspect samples of the work they have completed

Tip: Verify a potential contractor through the National home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC)

Tip: A reliable contractor will ensure you receive top quality work at a reasonable price – look for this caliber of contractor

Don’t pay in full before you see results

• Never pay the full project cost upfront. This leaves you completely vulnerable to time delays, shoddy work and inferior material usage
• Most contractors will expect a deposit to cover the materials designed specifically for your kitchen
• It is a good policy to leave about 30% of the fee outstanding and only payable to the contractor once you are happy with the finished product

Tip: You must trust your contractor from the beginning. If you have any doubts what so ever it is best to find a new one

Sources: Durasupreme | This old house | Best Buy