12 Costly Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Introduction

Kitchen remodel mistakes don’t always show up right away—but they almost always show up in the budget. The good news is most expensive mistakes are predictable and avoidable if you plan early and choose the right contractor.

Mistake #1: Starting Without a Clear Budget

You’ll make better decisions faster when you know your target range and your max cap.

Mistake #2: Choosing the Lowest Bid Without Checking Scope

The cheapest quote is often missing key items—or includes lower quality labor/materials.

Mistake #3: Forgetting a Contingency Fund

A 10–15% contingency protects you from surprises like plumbing issues, electrical updates, or subfloor repairs.

Mistake #4: Making Layout Changes Too Late

Late changes can cause costly rework and delays.

Mistake #5: Poor Ventilation

A weak hood or poor airflow can leave your home smelling like cooking oil and smoke.

Mistake #6: Bad Lighting Choices

Good kitchens need layered lighting: overhead + task lighting + under-cabinet lighting.

Mistake #7–12 (Quick list)

• Not planning storage

• Choosing trendy materials that don’t hold up

• Over-customizing for resale

• Skipping permit requirements

• Hiring without proof of insurance and references

• Not comparing multiple contractor bids

Smartbid Tip

Multiple bids + pricing negotiation protects homeowners from overpaying and helps ensure the job specs are clear so contractors aren’t “guessing” (or adding surprise costs later).