Top 5 Tips to Avoid a Disastrous Kitchen Remodel

We've all heard of remodeling horror stories from a friend or family member about the leak that was discovered under the sink shortly after the project was complete, or stove vent that stopped working, or worse yet,  the contractor who was paid in advance and then skipped town without saying a word.

Or maybe you're an HGTV addict and you've seen one too many episodes of Holmes on Homes, where "In each episode, Mike rescues a homeowner from repair and renovation disasters.  Uncovering problems from plumbing and electrical to carpentry and roofing, he shows how the botched job should have been completed, fixing each project properly and helping homeowners make more informed decisions in the future."

One of Projects beautifully remodeled kitchens 

It's enough to scare off many would be home remodelers.  Enter This Old House and their "Don't get burned kitchen remodeling guide."  Projects has put together our own list based on their guide, so without further ado, here are our Top 5 Tips to avoid a disastrous kitchen remodel.

1. Hire a well reputable, professional contractor.  Ask friends for recommendations, research reviews on sites like Yelp and Houzz, and try to visit a job in progress to see how clean they keep their site, and how carefully they are working. 
2. Keep the crew happy!  Bring them some coffee in the morning, or a glass of lemonade on a hot day.  Say good morning, and thank you when they've done a good job.  They'll appreciate both the refreshments and the respect you give them.
3. Meet with an experienced designer to plan the smartest kitchen layout.  Professionals know all the tricks and are well worth hiring.  
4. Stop trying to keep up with the Joneses.  If you don't cook, why spend money on a high tech induction range when a conventional stove will serve your needs?  Don't get distracted from your end goal, make a wish list and stick to it.
5. Research your kitchen style before you begin working.  Changing your mind again and again can lead to delays, which will cost you money and test the patience of your contractor, who likely has another job lined up after yours.

A kitchen remodel can be fun, exciting, and have a beautiful end result, just make sure you stick to the tips above!  If you're looking for a knowledgable contractor, call or email Projects today and you'll be one step closer to your dream kitchen.