Thinking of updating your Chicago kitchen? Kitchen renovations can add a lot to a home, but they can sometimes be challenging if homeowners aren’t fully prepared. The more you plan ahead, the more smoothly your renovation is likely to go. Let’s look at a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid when updating your kitchen:

Going for Style Over Function

Style can be a major trap for some homeowners. It’s great to look for inspiration online and in magazines, but sometimes this can cause homeowners to overlook functionality in their renovation. In addition to looking for inspiration, it’s important to think through the ways you want to use this space on a daily basis. Do you love to cook? What kind of kitchen setup would make that easier? Is your kitchen where your family tends to congregate? Do you eat meals there regularly? These are all important questions to consider, even before you start thinking about style.

Not Committing to Your Budget

Another problem homeowners can have with kitchen renovations is that they can become costly if you’re not careful. It’s essential to clarify your budget in advance, and it’s wise to leave a bit of wiggle room for any unexpected expenses that may come up. Once you have that budget, you can be really clear with contractors and other professionals about what you want to spend, and they can guide you in the right direction and tell you what’s possible at that price point.

Not Giving Yourself Enough Storage Space

Homeowners should assess their storage situation before starting a renovation. This is one of the key elements to a functional kitchen, and you need to have a good understanding of your needs before you begin. How much storage do you have currently? And how does it work for you? Are you always running out of space in the pantry? Or do you have several half-empty drawers? Designing a functional kitchen means incorporating storage systems that work for you. Talk with your contractor to come up with a design that will give you plenty of storage without going overboard. Let them know any current challenges you have in your kitchen so they can help you find solutions in your new design.

Opting for DIY

Kitchens can be tricky. With electric and water usually being involved in the renovation process, unless you have experience, it’s a smart idea to work with professionals. Your kitchen is a major part of your home and it’s essential that it functions properly. You want things done right, and if you’ve never done this type of work before, it’s much better to work with someone who does it for a living than to risk leaky pipes or electrical issues down the line. Go for DIY when it comes to accents and decor, but unless you’re a contractor yourself, it’s often best to get help with the heavy lifting.

Are you updating your kitchen anytime soon? Or have you done a kitchen renovation in the past? What do you think are the biggest challenges? Are there any other mistakes you’d caution homeowners to avoid? Please share your thoughts!