You don’t realise how critical proper planning is for a kitchen renovation until you’re midway through ripping it out. At that point, every decision—every socket, hinge, and surface—suddenly matters. If you’re planning a kitchen makeover, avoid these 9 common pitfalls from the start. It’ll save you time, money, and more than a few headaches once you’re deep into the build.
Not setting a realistic budget
It’s easy to underestimate the cost of a kitchen renovation. Materials, labour, appliances, even minor plumbing tweaks—it all adds up faster than expected. The problem is, once you’re in, you can’t half-finish it. A solid home refurbishment always starts with a grounded budget. Not just a round number either. You’ll need to break it down: cabinetry, electrics, flooring, lighting, installation… and then add a buffer for the inevitable. Because there’s always something unexpected, like a hidden pipe that needs moving, a delay with materials, or a cost you didn’t factor in.
Not hiring the right professionals
Whether you’re reworking layouts or moving pipes, the trades you bring in make or break the job. A kitchen is more than surfaces and splashbacks—it involves electrics, water, structural changes, and precision fit. Good remodelling contractors understand how to handle the sequence of tasks properly, which means less back-and-forth and fewer costly reworks. Cutting corners on experience just to save money often leads to the exact opposite outcome.
Ignoring the kitchen work triangle
Design trends come and go, but the classic work triangle—hob, sink, fridge—remains for good reason. It’s about flow. You want to be able to move easily between these three points without obstruction or awkward detours. It’s one of the most overlooked elements when people get carried away with islands, wine fridges or display shelving. If that triangle’s off, your kitchen will never feel smooth to use, no matter how high-end it looks.
Choosing style over functionality
We get it. The sleek handleless doors, the moody charcoal tones, the taps that look like sculptures—it’s tempting to lean heavily on style. But a kitchen has to work first. A proper refurbishment company will always put function front and centre, then dress it up with form. Think about how you cook, how you shop and how you move. Design from that point, not from Instagram posts or showroom gloss.
Underestimating storage needs
It’s not just about having cupboards—it’s what they can do. Deep drawers for pans, pull-out larders, dividers, bins, trays, tucked-away plugs… Clever storage makes a small kitchen feel twice the size. And yet, so many plans still overlook this. You’ll never regret building in more storage, but you’ll definitely feel the lack of it once you start cramming everything into the wrong spaces.
Forgetting about power outlets
You’ll need more than you think. It’s not just the kettle and toaster anymore—there are coffee machines, blenders, under-cabinet lighting, phone chargers and maybe even a boiling water tap. If you’re not clear on the appliance plan early on, the sockets always end up in the wrong places. And once the walls are sealed, changes aren’t cheap. Spend the time upfront to map out how the kitchen will actually be used day-to-day.
Making poor lighting choices
One pendant light in the centre of the room just won’t cut it. Kitchens need layered lighting: task lighting for prep areas, under-cabinet LEDs for worktops and ambient lighting for evenings. It’s a detail refurbishment companies know well, but DIY plans often miss. Get the lighting wrong and even the best layout can feel gloomy or harsh. Spend time thinking through both natural and artificial light sources before you start anything.
Neglecting ventilation
A proper extractor fan isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. Whether you’re frying onions or just boiling pasta, without decent ventilation, smells linger and moisture builds. That’s bad news for cabinetry, walls and even your ceiling long term. Recirculating filters are better than nothing, but if you can duct to the outside, do it. It keeps the space feeling fresh and protects your investment.
Skimping on quality materials
There’s always a temptation to shave costs when you’re staring down a long shopping list of units, handles, worktops and flooring. But the difference between cheap finishes and solid materials shows fast—peeling edges, warped panels, chipped laminate. For a home renovation in London and most larger cities, you’ll find decent suppliers at every price point if you do the legwork. There are also excellent online options if you know what to look for. Take your time here—it’s worth it. The materials are what you’ll see and touch every day.