Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations: Do’s and Don’ts for Homeowners

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Everyone loves a freshly redesigned space, so it’s no surprise that kitchen and bathroom renovations can be pretty exciting. A remodel is an investment of both money and time, so it is important to do it right. To achieve a successful remodel, we will examine the dos and don’ts of homeowners undertaking kitchen and bathroom renovations.

#1 Layout

✅ Do: Plan Your Layout Carefully 

❌ Don’t: Ignore Workflow & Space Planning

A significant component of any kitchen or bathroom renovation is the overall layout. The renovations that fail to carefully consider the full design can wind up with cluttered, inefficient spaces that are not functional. When deciding how to design the flow of your kitchen or bathroom, it is important to consider how certain layouts may maximize your space.

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One tip to consider is how to organize your primary kitchen appliances into an efficient work triangle. By placing your stove, sink, and refrigerator in this layout, you set up a highly functional space that allows for the most freedom of movement.

Read More: Transform Your Living Space: Exploring Kitchen Layout Ideas for Ultimate Impact

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For your bathroom design, remember to double-check the vanity size, plumbing position, and door casing placement before installation. A common mistake homeowners make is choosing a vanity that is too large for the allocated space, leading to a tight fit or blocking access to essential fixtures. Ensure that plumbing lines align properly with your chosen vanity to avoid costly adjustments. Additionally, be mindful of door swings and trim placement to prevent interference with drawers or cabinet doors. Taking these precautions will help you achieve a seamless and functional bathroom layout.

#2 Budget

✅ Do: Set a Realistic Budget 

❌ Don’t: Rush the Process 

A realistic kitchen and bathroom renovation budget helps ensure you can divide up your funds between materials, labor, and unexpected costs. When crafting your budget, it helps to prioritize the essential elements first, such as appliances, flooring, and new cabinetry (whatever fits your needs). This way, you can feel confident that you have enough funds to cover the most critical parts of your renovation.

If you rush through without considering all costs, you may run into issues where important areas are underfunded, causing problems or delays. Taking your time to create a solid budget will help you avoid financial stress and ensure that your renovation stays within your means.

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Tip: Make a list for better budget management

#3 Materials

✅ Do: Choose High-Quality & Durable Materials 

❌ Don’t: Skimp on Quality

Cutting corners and skimping on quality may seem like a smart way to save money, but that is rarely the case. Going for cheap materials might seem like a win at first, but it’ll come back to haunt you. An example of the “cost-saving” measures may be choosing unreliable countertops. While the initial cost may be lower, these countertops are more susceptible to scratches and water damage. Instead, consider using durable countertop materials such as quartz or nano-crystallized glass, which tend to have a longer lifespan.

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Learn about the characteristics of each countertop material to choose the right one and for better maintenance
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Opt for sturdy cabinets for long-lasting use & avoid early replacement – Image: A thin cabinet door.

#4 Storage

✅ Do: Maximize Storage 

❌ Don’t: Overlook Storage Needs 

Any functional kitchen or bathroom space needs to be organized. When undergoing a remodel of these two rooms, storage solutions should always be considered. A few options that provide great storage without overcrowding the space are tall cabinets, pull-out shelves, and built-in cubbies. These solutions allow you to use vertical and hidden space, offering ideal storage without any added bulk.

Neglecting your kitchen and bathroom storage needs can be disastrous. Without proper storage, these rooms will quickly become disorganized, making it harder to find what you need and hindering their overall functionality. That said, don’t skip out on the storage. Instead, add it to the list of essential elements for any bathroom and kitchen renovation.

Read more:

The Best Kitchen Cabinet Organization Tips You Must Know

Bathroom Cabinet Storage Solutions for Clutter-Free Countertops

#5 Lighting

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✅ Do: Invest in Good Lighting 

❌ Don’t: Forget About Outlets 

Unless you like cutting veggies or showering in the dark, every kitchen and bathroom requires proper lighting. Inadequate lighting can make daily tasks a struggle and can hinder the overall appeal of the space. During your remodel, consider all lighting aspects, including the light fixtures themselves, the type of light bulbs used, and the location of electrical outlet points. Focusing on these three aspects will help ensure sufficient, functional lighting and minimize the need for extension cords.

#6 Expert Advice

✅ Do: Work with Professionals 

❌ Don’t: DIY Everything 

When you work with professionals, you can rest assured that your kitchen and bathroom renovations will be done safely and with great quality. These experts have the know-how and experience to tackle complicated jobs like plumbing, electrical work, and tiling—tasks that might be beyond your skill set. On the other hand, attempting to do everything yourself can lead to significant delays and safety hazards.

#7 Follow Building Codes & Prioritize Safety

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✅ Do: Check Building Codes & Permits 

✅ Do: Prioritize Safety

❌ Don’t: Neglect Waterproofing 

When you’re renovating any part of your home, the priority should be safety. You can ensure a smooth, safe remodel by checking all building codes and obtaining permits before beginning the project. These documents and guidelines will limit delays and ensure your renovation is structurally sound.

Furthermore, prioritize waterproofing in kitchens and bathrooms to prevent mold, water damage, and structural issues. In addition, you should regularly inspect and maintain these areas to ensure there are no issues. By taking these steps, you can enjoy a safe, beautiful, and functional renovated space.

#8 Balance Trends with a Long-Lasting Design

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✅ Do: Choose a Design You Love

❌ Don’t: Follow Trends Blindly

❌ Don’t: Overcrowd the Space 

Lastly, when finalizing your kitchen and bathroom renovations, it is important to stay true to your tastes.  You want to ensure you settle on a design that is both functional for your lifestyle and also won’t be something you will grow tired of quickly. This means avoiding blindly following trends and instead choosing something you love. Focus on incorporating classic elements that bring out the best in your personality. Also, when decorating, be sure not to overcrowd the space. Too many extravagant pieces can lead to a cluttered area, which is neither functional nor aesthetically pleasing.

Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations with 405 Cabinets & Stone

Your kitchen and bathroom renovations deserve high-quality cabinetry. At 405 Cabinets & Stone, we specialize in premium cabinets that provide great storage, durable solutions, and stunning designs. Give us a call at 405 Cabinets & Stone so we can help you explore our 9beautiful collection and bring your dream home to life!

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