They say the kitchen is the heart of the home and that has never been truer.  We all know that kitchens add value to a home and kitchen remodeling is a major investment.  For a successful kitchen remodel, these are 10 mistakes to avoid:

1. Don't spend more than 20% of the home's value on a kitchen remodel if you expect to get a good return for your money.  According to Remodel magazine the average return for a major kitchen remodel is about 72 percent and the average return for a minor remodel in is about 78 percent.

2. Remember the work triangle: In a kitchen with three work centers the sum of the three traveled distances should total no more than 26' with no single leg of the triangle measuring less than 4 feet nor more than 9 feet. 

3. Don't forget about storage space.  Forget "Less is More" here. Nobody ever said they have too much storage space.

4. Make sure you have a large enough kitchen for an island.  Plan at least 42" of space between the edge of the countertop and the island if there is only one cook.  If you have two cooks, plan on 48".

5. Choose materials wisely.  Cabinets and countertop are the biggest expenses in a kitchen.  Choose wisely.

6. Don't overlook good lighting.  A good plan will include a combination of lighting such as overhead lighting, task lighting, and decorative lighting.  And don't forget the importance of natural light.

7. Provide for good ventilation to keep the air clean. 

8. Don't be too trendy.  Think classic design.  Forget about colorful cabinets and appliances.  You don't want to replace these for a long, long time.  Stainless steel is still king when it comes to appliances!

Adorable but how will you feel about this refrigerator in 5 years?

9. Don't avoid professionals.  It is a good idea to hire a professional kitchen designer to help with the design and selections and a good contractor to do the work.  Remember they do this every day and can steer you in the right direction, educate you on new products, keep you on schedule, and help you from making costly mistakes, thus saving you money in the long run. 

10. Stick to the plan.  If you have to make changes, do so before items are ordered.  Changes will only add to the budget.

One last thought... remember that this is your kitchen so make sure you create a kitchen that you will enjoy for years to come!

Until next time...