5 Common Mistakes Homeowners Make During a Kitchen Renovation

(And How to Avoid Them)

A kitchen renovation is one of the most exciting—and most expensive—projects a homeowner can take on. Done right, it adds daily comfort, functionality, and long-term value. Done poorly, it can lead to frustration, delays, and unexpected costs.

After decades of combined experience renovating kitchens throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, we’ve seen the same mistakes come up again and again. The good news? Every one of them is avoidable.

Here are the five most common kitchen renovation mistakes homeowners make—and how to avoid them.

1. Starting Without a Clear Plan

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is jumping into a renovation with only a vague idea of what they want. A few inspiration photos aren’t enough.

Without a clear plan, you risk:

• Layout changes mid-project

• Delays while decisions are made on the fly

• Increased costs from rework or change orders
  

How to avoid it: Before construction starts, finalize:

• Cabinet layout and storage needs

• Appliance sizes and locations

• Lighting plan (task, ambient, and accent)

• Flooring, countertops, backsplash, and finishes

A detailed plan keeps the project efficient and protects your budget.

2. Underestimating the Budget (and Skipping Contingency)

Many homeowners budget only for visible finishes—cabinets, countertops, and appliances—while forgetting about what’s behind the walls.

Commonly overlooked costs include:

• Electrical and plumbing updates

• Structural adjustments

• Permit requirements

• Code compliance upgrades
  

How to avoid it: Set aside a 10–20% contingency for surprises, especially in older homes. A realistic budget allows your contractor to address issues properly instead of cutting corners.

3. Choosing Style Over Function

A beautiful kitchen that doesn’t function well quickly becomes frustrating. We often see homeowners prioritize aesthetics without thinking through daily use.

Common functional mistakes include:

• Too little counter space near appliances

• Poor traffic flow

• Insufficient storage or pantry planning

• Inadequate lighting for food prep
  

How to avoid it: Design your kitchen around how you actually live. Think about:

• Where groceries are unloaded

• How many people cook at once

• Seating vs. prep space balance

• Storage for small appliances and cookware
  

A well-designed kitchen should feel effortless to use.

4. Hiring Based on Price Alone

It’s tempting to choose the lowest bid—but this is one of the most costly mistakes homeowners make.

Low bids often mean:

• Incomplete scopes of work

• Lower-quality materials

• Inexperienced labor

• Surprise costs later
  

How to avoid it: Compare contractors based on:

• Experience and past projects

• Clear, detailed estimates

• Communication style

• Warranty and follow-through
  

A well-built kitchen is an investment. Quality workmanship pays off for years.

5. Not Planning for Life During Construction

Kitchen renovations are disruptive by nature, and many homeowners underestimate how much daily life will be affected.

Common frustrations include:

• No temporary cooking setup

• Dust and noise during work hours

• Longer timelines than expected
  

How to avoid it: Plan ahead for:

• A temporary kitchen area

• Project timelines and work hours

• Clear communication with your contractor
  

Knowing what to expect makes the renovation far less stressful.

Final Thoughts

A successful kitchen renovation isn’t just about beautiful finishes—it’s about thoughtful planning, skilled execution, and clear communication.

At Honey Brook Custom Carpentry, we guide homeowners through the entire process, helping them avoid costly mistakes and delivering kitchens that are both beautiful and functional.

If you’re considering a kitchen renovation and want expert guidance from the start, we’re always happy to help.