Renovation and remodeling projects play an essential role in enhancing the aesthetics and value of one’s property. The kitchen is, by far, the most important and challenging part of the remodeling process. Unfortunately, most homeowners proceed to remodel their kitchens without customary research and understanding. Kitchen countertop mistakes are one such category of blunders that lead to a lot of unnecessary increases in kitchen remodel costs.
Countertops are one of the most essential elements of a kitchen. While the kitchen remodeling process itself is quite complicated, working with countertops is even more so. Even tiny alterations in the choice or installation of countertops can significantly impact the kitchen’s overall design.
Thus, you need to go for the perfect kitchen countertops in terms of aesthetics and functionality. For that, you need to be well aware of the common kitchen countertop mistakes that customers tend to make.
Choosing the Wrong Material
One of the most typical and most easily avoidable kitchen countertop mistakes is the selection of wrong materials. It generally occurs because many homeowners are not aware of the material most suited to their kitchen’s needs.
When you visit a store, you will be presented with a wide range of options for your kitchen countertops. Many homeowners find themselves giving up on the design they wanted and choosing from new choices offered before them. Thus, before heading into any store, make sure you know everything about the countertop you wish to purchase.
Even if it is not in stock, the knowledge will save you time and energy. It will help you introspect before going for the option you never actually wanted to proceed with. While choosing the material, you will also have to consider the cost of kitchen countertops.
You should think well about your preferred style, area of work, and most importantly, your budget. Remember that there is no definitive “perfect” material out there. It all depends on your needs and requirements.
Each countertop material has its pros and cons. Each one of them possesses aesthetic value and enhances the value of your home. Proper research will make choosing a kitchen countertop much more appealing. It will help you select an apt countertop material that will last long.
Choosing Elements in Isolation
When designing a kitchen, selecting elements in isolation is one of the biggest kitchen countertop mistakes made by people. Remember that the kitchen is not comprised merely of a single factor and different elements come into play when you’re choosing the perfect kitchen counter.
Everything in it – the appliances, utensils, cutlery, ingredients, lighting, plumbing, and more – play unique and vital roles in the kitchen’s functionality and aesthetics. As such, they should all build and play off each other, adding to their strengths and compensating for their weaknesses.
A kitchen where elements are clashing with each other and competing for prominence is doomed. Thus, you need to be doubly careful when you are choosing your kitchen countertops. Ensure that you pay adequate attention to all the elements in the room, such as the cabinets, flooring, and backsplash.
We recommend having one element of particular appeal in the room. For example, if you choose to have an incredibly unique kitchen countertop, try to keep the other features quieter and more straightforward.
Hiring the Wrong Contractors
To avoid making kitchen countertop mistakes, you need to verify your contractor as well correctly. Always keep in mind that contractors are seeking to earn a living at the end of the day. They will not lose an opportunity to make additional profits either. Thus, do not count on them to have your best interests at heart.
Moreover, some contractors have ties to a particular supply store and recommend items to you based on their profit rather than the actual quality. Further, many do not want their clients to have a fabricator themselves either. If they decide to cut corners, they hire a fabricator to do the client’s work and pocket the money they save.
On the other hand, the client is left with poorly built countertops and shoddy work that will get weathered down soon. Proper research is the best method to avoid such common kitchen countertop mistakes.
Not Considering Your Kitchen’s Functioning
If you work in a restaurant, the chances are that the countertop presented there requires minimal maintenance. However, you still need to consider how and where you’ll use your kitchen countertops.
After all, every family has different needs and preferences. One of the most important motives behind avoiding kitchen countertop mistakes is to obtain an evergreen look for your kitchen.
In terms of usage, a lot of people consider using granite for their kitchen countertops. If your kitchen is not an especially busy one, granite countertops can work quite smoothly for you.
However, in a big family, a granite countertop can potentially wear out within days. As a result, people who make heavy-duty usage of their kitchen countertops should consider going for quartz. Due to its non-porous nature, quartz is much easier to maintain.
Forgetting About the Budget
Before you start working on your kitchen countertop project, you need to have a predetermined budget. You cannot simply keep working without knowing well about your resources and limitations for an undertaking of this magnitude.
Remember that all kitchen remodeling projects require a higher investment than the initial set budget to meet unforeseen expenses. Setting a kitchen remodeling budget can help you in two significant ways while choosing kitchen countertops.
Firstly, you will have a rough understanding of how much you can stretch yourself financially to achieve the kitchen countertop of your dreams. Secondly, you will plan out the entire kitchen remodeling process according to the material you can afford.
If you face uncertainty regarding these estimations, you can contact granite companies or independent contractors regarding the prices of materials for the countertops.
Ignoring Different Cost Factors
There’s more to the cost of kitchen countertops than just the cost of the material. For instance, the rates for installing a new countertop can range from $80 – $250 an hour. Similarly, each kitchen countertop material has different maintenance requirements and that plays a huge role in the total cost.
For example, you need to re-seal granite countertops every year while quartz countertops do not need such yearly maintenance. You need to consider these additional recurring costs as well when you’re deciding on your kitchen countertops.
Kitchen Countertop Durability
Your kitchen probably sees a lot of activity every day. From hot pots and pans to grease, your kitchen has seen it all. A tough environment like this also requires a durable kitchen countertop material. If you’re not taking the durability of the countertop material while remodeling your kitchen, you’re making a grave mistake.
Countertop materials like granite, quartz, solid surface, recycled glass, and concrete are among the most durable kitchen countertop materials you can choose.