Kitchen remodeling is one of the most satisfying upgrades a homeowner can make. Not only can a new kitchen improve your life on a daily basis, it also carries the benefit of improving your house’s resale value along with your comfort. Ronnie Ritchie Service Co., based in Waynesboro, VA, is one of the Shenandoah Valley’s leaders in plumbing, heating & cooling and kitchen remodeling. Below, they highlight five mistakes to avoid when planning for your new kitchen.

5 Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

Picking Out Appliances After the Fact

For a complete kitchen remodeling job, it’s wise to pick out your appliances as the first step. It’s much easier for your kitchen remodeling contractor to design the plumbing and countertops around a particular set of appliances than to shoehorn appliances into your plan later on.

Prioritizing Looks Over Function & Workflow

Your kitchen should look amazing after the remodel, but it isn’t an art gallery. Your kitchen should be one of the most functional rooms in your house, so don’t forget that the plumbing is just as important as that gorgeous new countertop. During planning, think about how you use your kitchen, and make sure that everything from sinks to countertops is arranged to provide a useful upgrade for your lifestyle.

Ignoring the Details

Do some research to make sure your kitchen remodeling will include every upgrade you might need. It’s much easier to add advanced storage solutions like built-in rotating shelves for corner cabinets or double-decker sliding drawers sooner rather than later. Take your time with interior design magazines or brainstorm with a friend over coffee to ensure your kitchen will include every feature you might need.

Failing to Vet Your Contractor

Make sure to choose a kitchen remodeling contractor with a strong local reputation. Follow up with each reference provided by your contractor and listen carefully to the information provided—even a glowing reference can give you some hints about what to expect in the remodeling process. Ask your contractor whether any work will be subcontracted to other companies—outside plumbers or carpenters, for instance—and be sure that you can trust their work as well.

Planning to Use Your Kitchen During the Remodel

It might seem obvious to some, but you should make plans to avoid using your kitchen as much as possible during the course of your remodel. It’s worth ordering in or taking the family out to eat to avoid cooking on half-installed appliances or interfering with the contractor’s work.

For high-quality plumbing, heating & cooling, or kitchen remodeling work in the Shenandoah Valley, turn to Waynesboro’s Ronnie Ritchie Service Co. Visit their website to find out more or call (540) 942-1415 today!