Common Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
A kitchen remodel is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home. It adds functionality, increases property value, and creates a beautiful space for cooking, gathering, and making memories. But without careful planning, it’s easy to run into frustrations, overspend, or end up with a design that doesn’t work for your lifestyle.
At Lincorp Borchert, we’ve been remodeling kitchens across Oakland and Macomb Counties for over 30 years, and we’ve seen the most common mistakes homeowners make before they come to us. This guide will help you avoid those pitfalls and ensure your remodel is a smooth, rewarding experience.
Mistake #1: Skipping the Planning Stage
Many homeowners are eager to start demolition as soon as possible, but rushing into a remodel without detailed planning often leads to unexpected costs and delays. A kitchen remodel has many moving parts — cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, lighting, and more — all of which need to be coordinated.
How to Avoid It:
Invest time in the planning phase. Work with a design-build team to create detailed CAD drawings, finalize material selections, and map out timelines before construction starts. A well-thought-out plan prevents surprises and keeps your project on budget.
Mistake #2: Focusing Only on Style
It’s easy to get swept up in Pinterest-worthy kitchens and trends. But focusing solely on aesthetics can result in a space that looks great but doesn’t function well for your daily life.
How to Avoid It:
Start with your lifestyle. Ask yourself: How do you cook? Do you entertain often? How many people use the kitchen at once? Design your layout and storage based on those answers, then choose finishes that reflect your style.
Mistake #3: Underestimating Storage Needs
A stunning kitchen won’t feel functional if there isn’t enough storage. Many homeowners forget to plan for everything from cookware to small appliances, resulting in cluttered countertops.
How to Avoid It:
Take inventory of your current kitchen items and plan storage accordingly. Incorporate solutions like deep drawers, pull-out pantries, appliance garages, and custom cabinets to keep everything organized.
Mistake #4: Forgetting About Workflow
A poorly planned kitchen layout can create daily frustrations, from crowded work areas to awkward appliance placement.
How to Avoid It:
Think about the “work triangle” — the sink, stove, and refrigerator should form a triangle for efficient movement. Consider wider walkways (42–48 inches) to allow multiple people to cook comfortably.
Mistake #5: Overlooking Lighting
Lighting plays a huge role in how your kitchen feels and functions, but it’s often an afterthought. Poor lighting can make cooking more difficult and make even the most beautiful finishes look dull.
How to Avoid It:
Plan for layered lighting:
- Ambient Lighting: General illumination from recessed or overhead lights.
- Task Lighting: Under-cabinet lights for prep and cooking areas.
- Accent Lighting: Pendant or cabinet lights to highlight design details.
Mistake #6: Not Considering Maintenance
Some materials are stunning but require constant upkeep. For example, marble countertops can etch and stain easily, and certain flooring types may not hold up to Michigan winters.
How to Avoid It:
Choose materials that fit your lifestyle and tolerance for maintenance. Quartz countertops, LVP flooring, and ceramic tile backsplashes are low-maintenance options that stand up to heavy use.
Mistake #7: Forgetting About Ventilation
A gorgeous new kitchen won’t feel inviting if lingering cooking smells take over your home. Proper ventilation is critical but often overlooked.
How to Avoid It:
Plan for a high-quality range hood that’s properly vented to the outdoors. Consider vent placement early in your design process so it integrates seamlessly.
Mistake #8: Trying to DIY Everything
Kitchen remodeling involves plumbing, electrical work, cabinetry installation, and other specialized trades. Even skilled DIYers often underestimate the complexity, leading to safety risks, uneven finishes, or costly corrections.
How to Avoid It:
Hire a qualified design-build team. Professionals not only ensure everything is done correctly but also manage the project timeline and coordinate trades, saving you time and stress.
Mistake #9: Ignoring Resale Value
Your dream kitchen should reflect your taste, but overly bold choices can make resale difficult later.
How to Avoid It:
Incorporate timeless finishes for big-ticket items like cabinets and countertops, and add personality through lighting, hardware, or paint colors — all of which are easier to change.
Mistake #10: Choosing Price Over Value
Cheaper materials or unlicensed contractors might seem like a way to save money upfront, but they often cost more in the long run due to repairs, replacements, or poor workmanship.
How to Avoid It:
Invest in quality materials and experienced professionals. A well-built kitchen lasts decades and adds real value to your home.
Bonus Tip: Plan for the Unexpected
Even with careful planning, remodeling an older home can uncover surprises, like outdated wiring or plumbing.
How to Avoid It:
Include a contingency (typically 10–15% of your budget) to handle unexpected expenses without stress.
Why Mistake-Free Remodeling Matters
A kitchen remodel is about more than updating a space — it’s about improving your home and quality of life. Avoiding these mistakes ensures a smoother process, a kitchen that truly works for your family, and an investment that holds its value.
The next step in your journey is understanding how a design-build process streamlines everything — from planning and budgeting to construction and finishing touches.
👉 Explore the next guide: How the Design-Build Process Simplifies Your Kitchen Remodel
📞 Call us at (586) 992-8400
