Your home is typically your most valuable asset, and deciding to undertake a custom kitchen remodel is an important and exciting decision. 

Many Orange County homeowners purchase a house or condo knowing at some point they will want to customize and make the space their own. Custom kitchen remodeling represents a sizable investment in a complex process. Even a minor mistake leads to major timeline and/or budgetary setbacks. 

To help you get the results you want with the least amount of stress, avoid these five most common mistakes homeowners make during a remodel. 

Automatically Hiring the Lowest Bidder

When considering a custom kitchen remodel, meet with a few different general contractors and obtain multiple bids. While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest bid received, that’s not always the best course of action. 

The Problem.  The lowest bidder may provide quality work and deliver acceptable results, but more commonly, they cause stress and headaches. From poor craftsmanship or low-quality materials to deviating from the project scope, or submitting numerous change orders for items not initially considered, the lowest bid may not always be the best solution.

The Solution. Instead, get several bids from various contractors and then compare your options. Make sure the bids or estimates you consider are for the same work and the same materials and finishes.  Ask yourself:

• Who did you feel most comfortable with and confident in?
• Who else in the community used them?
• What do each of the contractors bring to the table?
• Have any of the contractors built your dream space before? Have they shared photos online?

Focusing Solely on Aesthetics

The Problem. During the planning phase of a custom kitchen remodeling project, it is easy to focus on beauty and not functionality. Updating your kitchen so that it’s on-trend and updated to today’s colors doesn’t make the space serve you better. Don’t spend a fortune on a beautiful room that’s not built for the way you cook or entertain.  

The Solution. Opt for a layout that works for you and makes cooking a meal easy. If your counters are cluttered with various small appliances, bring this up during the design phase. Let the designer/general contractor know of your functionality needs so they design a space that offers both beauty and practicality.

Custom kitchen that will help sell in 5 years

Not Considering The Future of the Home

The Problem. Goals such as “Create a gorgeous kitchen with the latest colors and finishes” isn’t a goal that supports the overall plans for your home. That’s because it fails to consider your future plans for the home. These include goals such as how long you plan to live in the home, whether you plan to rent the home out to others, or if you plan to sell the home in the near future.  

The Solution. Keep the design and materials aligned with the future of your home. If this is your forever home, go for the ultimate in personalization (that’s permission for red cabinets if that’s your heart’s desire). However, if your plans include a sale in the next five years, make choices that appeal to potential buyers. If the home is going to become a rental, opt for budget-friendly designs and finishes that offer durability.

Skipping New Plumbing

The Problem. Many homes in Orange County have experienced a leak due to failed copper piping. Failing to take advantage of this opportunity to re-plumb the area can be penny-wise and pound-foolish. When your pipes fail and you have a leak, the restoration team is going to cut through your cabinets, tiles, and floors. Matching finishes could be a nightmare.

The Solution. When the demo is complete and it’s time to start the remodeling process, go ahead and replace the plumbing. It will be less expensive while the pipes are exposed and accessible. Protect yourself from future headaches and construction by taking care of the pipes.

This kitchen flows beautifully to the adjoining room

Ignoring The Rest of the Home

The Problem. Your custom kitchen features all the latest conveniences and is designed with the trendiest colors and finishes. And it doesn’t match any other room in the house. You failed to consider how the kitchen would look from adjoining rooms. Now the kitchen seems disassociated from the rest of the house. Bummer.

The Solution. Consider how the renovated kitchen will fit in with the rest of the home. Is the style consistent, and does the ingress and egress flow with adjoining rooms? Design the kitchen to be new and fabulous, but design it to be part of a larger home.

Custom Kitchen Remodeling in Orange County

Turn to Inspired Remodels and avoid the most common mistakes made during a custom kitchen remodel.

Inspired Remodels listens to your wants and needs and then designs a functional and beautiful space that fits with the rest of the home. Bring your dreams and inspiration, and watch Inspired Remodels bring them to life.