Planning mistakes
Rushing design leads to expensive changes mid-project.
- Ignoring work triangle and traffic flow
- Undersized island for the room
- Not planning for trash, recycling, and pantry
Budget and contract mistakes
Low bids often mean missing scope or cheap allowances.
- No contingency fund
- Verbal agreements instead of written change orders
- Paying large deposits to unvetted contractors
Technical mistakes
Code and safety issues are expensive to fix after inspection.
- Inadequate range hood ventilation
- Insufficient electrical circuits
- DIY plumbing or structural work
Ordering cabinets before the range and fridge exist
A 36-inch opening for a range that becomes a 48-inch pro range is a change order that rips a run. Lock model numbers, door swings, and vent CFM before the shop drawing is approved. “We’ll pick appliances later” is the most expensive sentence in a kitchen.
- Panel-ready dishwashers need the right overlay from the cabinet shop
- Island outlets and seating overhangs are electrical and stone details, not afterthoughts
- A microwave drawer versus over-the-range changes upper cabinets
Lighting last, then regretting the ceiling
Recessed cans after drywall means fishing boxes and extra paint. Plan ambient, task, and a dimmable scene while the ceiling is open. Under-cabinet lighting is a daily-use item; a single chandelier is not a lighting plan.
- Put switches where your hands actually are with grocery bags
- A dark quartz with no task lighting feels like a cave at 6 a.m.
- Do not close walls until the inspector has seen new circuits