When it comes to condo kitchen remodeling in Etobicoke, there are so many options available to enhance your living space.
But before you begin to sort supplies and swing a hammer, first check with your condominium board to see what policies and procedures are in place regarding kitchen renovations in your unit. You might be surprised to learn what you can and can’t do.
To avoid costly mistakes (and potentially illegal structural changes), we’ve put together a list of the top 10 common mistakes you should avoid when it comes to condo kitchen remodeling projects.
Relying on DIY
Think you can save money by doing the condo kitchen remodeling yourself? Unless you are a certified jack-of-all-trades, consider leaving the DIY for the smaller home projects. With a kitchen remodel, whether it be a condo or a large house, there are complex undertakings.
These can include electrical work, plumbing, flooring changes, and wall demolition. Insurance companies require professional workmanship to provide valid policies.
Hiring the Wrong General Contractor
One of the more common kitchen remodeling mistakes begins with hiring the wrong general contractor. The lowest bidder may not always be the most reliable company to hire. Sure, you might save money upfront, but you may end up spending more in the long run if repairs are needed to fix the contractor’s poor-quality work.
Do your homework by asking for references, reading past customer reviews, and discussing your vision with prospective contractors. A reputable company will work with you to see your vision to fruition.
Not Planning in Advance
A condo kitchen remodel begins with a vision and a solid plan that takes into consideration the beginning, middle, and end results of the entire project. Not planning in advance can cost time and money in the long run.
It’s also important to consider your lifestyle when planning for the remodel. A condo kitchen needs to be adaptable to the ever-changing needs of your family. Considerations may include the time spent cooking and if the majority of kitchen use is for entertaining family and friends.
Not Having Enough Storage
With the intricate plans of a kitchen remodel, often times the amount of storage required is overlooked. Think about your storage needs and whether you need more or less storage space (is there even such a thing as too much storage?).
A remodeling project for the kitchen is the perfect time to install hidden cabinets and shelves to store small appliances that are not frequently used.
Not Having Enough Counter Space
Lack of storage space can run parallel with not having sufficient counter space. As one of the major reasons for a kitchen reno, expanding the counter space can fall to the wayside in compensation for bigger appliances.
Counters are one of the more used spots in a kitchen for meal preparation, small appliance accommodations, and as a table for quick meals. Investing in a suitable countertop can be priceless.
Not Considering the Lights
One of the kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid is installing improper lighting. The market is flooded with decorative fixtures that lack proper illumination. It is frustrating to prep meals and cooks with dark lighting or overpowering shadows.
Throughout a kitchen, the three types of lighting to be used include general, task, and accent. Also, consider installing under-cabinet lights to brighten the countertop.
Ignoring the Kitchen Work Triangle
Did you know the design of a kitchen—regardless of the size—should be based on the kitchen work triangle? In order for kitchen space to be functional, the stove, refrigerator, and sink need to form a “chef’s triangle”.
The kitchen work triangle has been used to design kitchen workspaces for more than 90 years in the building industry. By placing the refrigerator, sink, and stove at triangle points, the flow of traffic between the three allows for a rotational flow for meal prep, cooking, and cleanup. Save time and effort by placing these major aspects of the kitchen within a few feet of each other.
Ignoring the Small Details
When planning a condo kitchen remodel, we often get sucked up in the major details like the appliances, cabinetry, floors, walls, and ceilings. The small details like new cabinet hardware, curtains, mats, and backsplashes are only the beginning of the long list of items that can be lost in the shuffle.
Ventilation is another important aspect of any kitchen. Proper range hoods transfer odors and airborne particles to the outside. This will help protect the countertop, appliances, and cabinets. Allowing for space clearance between the island and dishwasher or adequate height between the counter and cabinets can also guarantee a fully functional kitchen.
Underestimating the Cost
As with any home improvement project, the cost for a condo kitchen remodel can range in the thousands of dollars. It is easy to go over the budget by adding advanced appliance technology, upgrades to the cabinetry, and splurging on marble or quartz countertops.
Underestimating the cost of the remodel can be avoided by researching your preferred accessories and appliances before settling on a final budget plan with the general contractor.
Changing Your Mind Again and Again
Even with research and planning, a remodel project may require costly and time-consuming modifications as the homeowner changes their mind on one or more aspects. Taking the time to decide on the desired layout, décor, and types of appliances can prevent delays within the project timeline.
The last thing anyone wants is to redo all of the cabinets that were originally done to complement the flooring that has been changed at the last minute.
Contact Lampert Renovation for Condo Kitchen Remodelling in Etobicoke
Leave your condo kitchen remodel project to the knowledgeable experts at Lampert Renovations. For nearly 100 years, our four-generation family-owned business has been helping the residents of the GTA with all of their kitchen and bathroom renovations needs.
We are proud to be your one-stop-shop for all of your renovation projects. Plan and design your condo kitchen renovation project with our showroom of cabinetry, tiles, fixtures, faucets, and countertops. Our reno team will work with you to choose the right materials and accessories to enhance your living space. Book your free in-person or virtual consultation today!
