A beautiful kitchen can still be a bad kitchen – at least from a construction pro’s point of view. That’s why they always pay attention to function over finishes and there are six things the experts always spot in terrible kitchen remodels, from awkward appliance placement to poor floor planning, which they say instantly bring a good kitchen down.
These are the red flags construction pros notice in poorly planned kitchen remodels, so you can avoid the same kitchen layout mistakes in your own home.
Things construction pros always notice in terrible kitchen remodels
1. Forgetting to update plumbing and electrical
Neglecting your plumbing will only lead to headaches down the line.
One of the first things a contractor will notice in a bad kitchen remodel is skipping over the behind-the-scenes essentials, such as plumbing issues when renovating a house or electrical work.
Justin Olewack, custom kitchen specialist and founder of BOLT Builders, begins, ‘A lot of times, clients want to renovate a kitchen for the aesthetic, but there is more than shiny cabinets and countertops you need to consider.
'This is especially true in older homes. Some of the electrical codes have changed since the 80s, so you'll likely have to ground outlets or update them on the island. Some older plumbing materials, cast iron for example, may be corroded and leaking. Consider updating them with PVC for a lasting renovation.’
It is certainly time to call the pros for tasks such as these to help avoid plumbing disasters and home fire risks. Remember, if you start smelling anything strange, it may be a warning sign of old electrics being on the fritz.
2. Choosing materials based on aesthetics alone
Pick practical over pretty.
Although kitchen trends can help inspire a new remodel, you should never pick form over function, especially if you want to keep cleaning the kitchen as simple as possible.
Justin continues, ‘Marble might look stunning in photos, but in real life? It stains easily, scratches under everyday use, and requires regular sealing. The same with some backsplashes: They collect a lot of dust, grime, or splashes from cooking and are hard to clean up.
'You don't want grandma's famous pasta sauce staining that beautiful counter of yours. You want to choose materials that not only look beautiful but are easy to wipe down and stand up to daily wear.’
If you want to make chores easier, consider opting for the lowest-maintenance kitchen countertop and skipping real wood floors in favor of vinyl kitchen floor ideas.
Pack of three
Sponge cloths are plant-based, meaning they are free from plastics and decompose in compost heaps in around 10 months, making them an eco-friendly, hygienic alternative to traditional sponges and paper towels. They are also super soft for damage-free kitchen cleaning, no matter the surface.
This non-toxic, all-purpose spray kills bacteria and removes grease, while being safe for most surfaces for efficient kitchen cleaning.
Made with all-natural ingredients, The Pink Stuff paste is truly miraculous. It breaks down all sorts of grease and grime without damaging the surface beneath, making it ideal for glass, stoves, and grout.
3. Corner cutting stands out
Don't be tempted to skimp on labor to save money.
While you can install kitchen cabinets yourself, construction experts will spot it from a mile away. If you are looking to save money on home renovations, avoid skimping on installation.
Danny Niemela, VP and CFO at ArDan Construction, shares, ‘When a kitchen screams "budget cut," I would say it is not always the materials; it is the way they are installed.
‘I am talking $10,000 worth of quartz undermined by a $150 backsplash job done with uneven spacing and plastic trim pieces. A kitchen that skimps on trades to save a few grand on labor usually ends up looking like a $20,000 DIY kit, even if $60,000 was spent. I always tell people that if you are spending more on fixtures than finish carpentry, you are already upside down.’
4. Poor ventilation
Ventilation should be one of your main priorities.
Improving ventilation should be at the top of your priority list when renovating a kitchen, helping to prevent or stop mold and reduce odor retention. However, as Louis Vierra, founder at The Builder Market, it is a cut corner construction pros spot all the time.
He shares, ‘Skipping proper ventilation just to save money leads to long-term headaches. One of the worst offenders? Undersized range hoods that just recirculate air. Spend less on backsplash tile, not on things that impact performance or code compliance.’
While you should plan ventilation into a kitchen when designing it, it can sometimes help to have one of the the best dehumidifiers on hand to reduce humidity in a kitchen when hosting.
5. Poor incorporation of appliances
Appliance garages are a perfect solution to messy countertop appliances.
You can opt for all the best non-toxic kitchen appliances, but nothing will counter poor placement and kitchen organization.
Thomas Borcherding, owner and lead designer at Homestar Design Remodel, says, ‘During the cabinetry design phase, your cabinetry designer should have on hand a list and technical specifications of all of the appliances that your kitchen will feature.
'The first step in every kitchen renovation we perform is for the client to pick out their appliances. Doing so allows us to design the cabinetry and appliances in harmony with one another.’
Can’t build everything in? There are plenty of ways to conceal air fryers in a kitchen and hide cords on kitchen counters, such as using clear cable clips from Walmart, to make your kitchen look a little more streamlined post-renovation.
6. Poor space planning
Avoid limiting walkways for the sake of style.
One of the most common remodeling mistakes experts spot in kitchens is failing to plan the space correctly and ignoring the kitchen work triangle. Not only does it make cooking harder, but it makes kitchen storage mistakes unavoidable.
Paul Dore, managing director and kitchen expert at Country Stone, explains, ‘The flow between the sink, hob and fridge is a cornerstone of good kitchen design – yet it’s often overlooked in favour of what looks good on a Pinterest board. If you’re constantly zigzagging around the kitchen to make a simple meal, the layout isn’t working.’
Louis adds, ‘This is the number one killer of functionality. You’ll see refrigerators that block walkways when opened, dishwashers that can’t open fully because of nearby cabinets, or islands that crowd the room. A beautiful kitchen that doesn’t work isn’t a successful renovation. Always prioritize layout before finishing.’
This book will guide you through the process of designing the perfect kitchen, taking you through a step-by-step approach to kitchen design and renovation, complete with questions to ask contractors, layout suggestions and checklists.
Meet the experts
In addition to being one of the owners of ArDan, Danny serves in the roles of Vice President and CFO.
Justin Olewack is an experienced construction professional with over 18 years of experience in the real estate and construction industry.
Thomas Borcherding is a NKBA-Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer with decades of residential remodeling experience.
Louis Vierra is the owner of Vierra Fine Homes, with over 20 years of experience in artisan fine home designing and building.
It isn’t just your kitchen that contractors scrutinize. There are several things construction pros spot in bad bathroom remodels, too.
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