Before you dive into your dream kitchen renovation project, let’s look at a few pitfalls.

1. Putting the cart before the horse
Without a goal, your kitchen renovation project will go off-track very quickly. Not only is this costly, the end result may be something you never wanted.

To ensure you are not in the undesirable place of having a renovated kitchen that is a far fetch from your dream, be sure to define the project goals. Pinpoint the ways in which your current kitchen lets you down. Perhaps there’s too little storage, not enough counter space, or an inefficient layout. Or maybe you’ve never had—but always wanted—an eat-in kitchen. Think of all these things when you plan your renovation.

2. Making changes after work begins
Once the plans are finalised, materials ordered and details locked in, making changes are expensive. Besides constant changes could leave your kitchen renovation specialist confused, possibly even derailing the project from its purpose and plan.

3. Overloading spaces (or leaving too much space)
Keep your space in mind every step of the way to ensure the best remodel possible. Don’t overwhelm a small space; there are plenty of options available for a variety of sizes and layouts. If your kitchen has enough space for it, make two islands – don’t clutter one. Likewise designing a space that is too big will leave you running between the ends of your kitchen as you cook – not quite as relaxing as you would have imagined.

4. Don’t be a slave to trends
It’s good to stay abreast of the latest trends, but you don’t renovate your kitchen every few months. Find a design that will stand the test of time. If you want to incorporate the latest finish or dramatic colour, it’s safest to add them through your accessories and small home appliances, which can be swapped out easily and cheaply if your tastes change.

5. Not planning for storage
A good design tailors storage to fit items used in specific areas. And between open storage, cabinets, shelves, and more, there are hundreds of different storage options available. Also consider the goal of the remodel. If you are going for a sleek look and choose glass door cabinets, keep the contents streamlined and unfussy as well.

6. Choosing the wrong flooring
Kitchens require hardy flooring that will last the wear and tear it will experience as a high-use area. Often homeowners leave choosing kitchen flooring to the end or paying less attention to it resulting in damaged or unsightly floors in a short time. Your lifestyle, moisture content of kitchen floors, installation, style and warranty are among the factors you must consider when choosing your kitchen floor.

7. Paying less attention to accessories
Choosing the cabinets, kitchen tiles and hardware can be lots of fun, but don’t forget about what goes inside your units. Drawer dividers, pull-out larders and carousel cupboards are just a few of the smart storage solutions that will help keep your kitchen organised, making the most of every square inch of space.

8. Departing from the scared triangle
Your cooker, sink and fridge should be within easy reach of each other, ideally not more than three feet apart and preferably in a triangle arrangement. This is a tried and tested format; try and stick to it.

9. Leaving lighting to the last
The kitchen is a high use area, if the lighting is not right, it will be like an itchy tag on the back of your shirt. Kitchen lighting should be so well done that it is barely noticed. It should fit the purpose and be non-intrusive. If done as an afterthought, kitchen lighting may not work. It can be very difficult, expensive and messy to retrofit lighting after a kitchen has been installed unless provision has been made (such as an extra electrical cable in the appropriate locations or recessing for LED strip lighting).

10. Not calling on an expert
The kitchen is the most complicated – and expensive – room in the house to design. Calling an expert at the start of the process can save you money in the long run. Even if you already have a good idea of what you want, a professional kitchen designer can help you fine-tune your scheme and help you avoid costly mistakes.