By definition, myths are misleading, and those about remodeling can lead you away from your dream kitchen. Thankfully, however, they can only do so for as long as they go unchallenged. After a thorough debunking, which you’ll find in this blog post, kitchen remodeling myths are powerless to influence your next home improvement project.

We can also help you purge misinformation from your remodeling plans during our Personalized Design experience, when one of our expert designers pays you a home visit. And our Personalized Design experience is even more than just a myth-busting opportunity.

You’ll have a chance to discuss your remodeling goals in the very room you’d like to remodel. That means you’ll be able to ask specific questions and get specific answers. Other remodeling businesses that don’t provide a similar service just can’t promise you the same.

So, if you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, why not request a free consultation today? In the meantime, keep reading to learn the truth about the ten most common kitchen remodeling myths.

Myth #1 – You have to spend a certain percentage of your home value

You’ll often hear that a kitchen remodel should cost between 5% and 15% of your home value. That, in itself, is a suggestion; a rule of thumb. The notion that you must never break this 5% – 15% ‘rule,’ however, is a total myth. In reality, the cost of a kitchen remodel should depend on the magnitude of the project, not your home value.

The price of a minor project – like redoing kitchen flooring – is generally lower than a major one – like altering the room’s floor plan. Regardless of your home value at any given time, you’ll likely pay different figures for different projects.

And that’s a good thing, in the same way that different price tags on clothing is a very good thing. If we were to apply this kitchen remodeling myth to clothing, it would suggest that we buy a tuxedo for the same amount as a dress shirt. What’s more, the amount would be equal to a certain percentage of your entire wardrobe’s resale value.

With that in mind, we may start to wonder where the first myth on our list even came from. In truth, it’s hard to say. Perhaps this is simply an example of a budgetary suggestion taken too far.

If you’d like relevant suggestions that go no further than the facts allow, have a look at some of our other blog posts. For example, you’ll want to see How to Budget Your Kitchen Renovation.

Myth #2 – Kitchen remodeling is a DIY job

It’s amazing how many DIY projects there are; crafting, home décor… The list goes on, but not so far as to include kitchen remodeling, unless you are extremely handy.

Generally, home improvements of this nature require a team of experts. Such a team will help you address the complex, often delicate tasks involved in a kitchen remodel, from electric work to pipe work, drywall adjustments and more.

Moreover, trained professionals will be well-equipped to guide you through any municipal coding requirements. And, with years in the field, they’ll have access to resources that may not be immediately available to you. We can offer you that kind of help right now, for planning, beginning, and completing your next kitchen remodel.

Or, if you are handy and would like to try the DIY approach, our team is still happy to help! Learn more about what we can do for you by visiting one of our Pittsburgh locations. Our quality cabinetry would make the perfect solution for your kitchen, regardless of whether it’s installed by our team, your contractor, or if you install them yourself.

Myth #3 – Your new kitchen needs to be trendy

Crafting the style of your new kitchen can be a lot of fun. You get to imagine all the aesthetic possibilities; picture various color schemes, materials, and fixtures in your mind’s eye.

You might even look for outside inspiration, in catalogues, magazines, or blog posts like this one about the Top 2020 Kitchen Design and Décor Trends. These online or print resources are great places to look for the latest tips, tricks, and styles that are gaining popularity in the world of home improvement.

And odds are, you’ll find that many of them are gaining popularity for good reason. Odds are you’ll want to try at least a few out in your next kitchen remodel, and that’s great. However, if you start feeling undue pressure, as though you must try out what’s trending, then you could be falling for kitchen remodeling myth #3.

This myth would have you believe that only the latest styles are ‘right’ for your kitchen. In reality, the ‘right’ style for your kitchen is fully, entirely, and completely up to you. You can go for a trendy look or take your remodel in a totally different aesthetic direction. The choice is yours.

Remember that, and you’ll be able to find amazing inspiration from those catalogues, magazines, and blog posts without falling for one of the ten most common kitchen remodeling myths.

Myth #3.5 – The trendier your kitchen, the more valuable your home

Of course, sometimes this myth doesn’t arise from stylistic pressure, but from a certain, questionable prediction: that keeping your kitchen trendy will keep your home value high. The trouble with this prediction is that, while a buyer may take to a modernized kitchen, the standard of modern isn’t fixed. It tends to change over time.

Certainly, some of today’s kitchen design trends will stand the test of time to become classic looks – but not necessarily all of them. You’ll want to talk with an experienced designer to determine which of the hottest styles are likely to endure, and which could possibly date your home in future years.

Myth #4 – Bigger is always better

Every home is unique. No two kitchens are exactly alike, and that means related remodeling projects must be equally unique to match. Consequently, blanket statements like “Bigger is always better” don’t make good home improvement policy.

Some things may be true of all kitchen remodels, of course. For instance, all of them are investments. They also take time (see myth #7 for more info on that), and they all change a very important room of your home, too.

However, when it comes to kitchen size and other similar variables, remodeling projects cannot be generalized. Instead, they must be approached and completed on a case-by-case basis, according to your individual needs as the homeowner.

So, if your kitchen isn’t big enough to accommodate you and your household, feel free to make it bigger. Likewise, if it’s a little larger than what can fit into your comfort zone, feel free to make your kitchen smaller. And if the room is already just the right size for you – well, that’s something to celebrate, not change.

Whatever you determine to be true of your kitchen, remember that you set the standard; not a myth, blanket statement, or generalization. Each of those three may give you a one-size-fits-all remodeling policy, but what you really need is the answer to “What size fits me?”

We’d like to help you find the answer during our Personalized Design experience. The experience gives our skilled designers a chance to bring their expertise to the table – literally – and work alongside you through important size considerations.

Some, though not all, of these considerations may pertain to your kitchen layout. Things like storage, ventilation, and even lighting are important factors to bear in mind when determining the perfect size for your kitchen. If you want a more in-depth breakdown of those factors (and a few others), you can read our blog post on Layout Considerations for Kitchen Design.

Myth #5 – Kitchen remodels are too expensive

This myth has convinced many homeowners to settle for less during a kitchen remodel. And it has convinced at least as many – if not more – to never even start a kitchen remodel. Thankfully, however, this myth can be easily debunked.

It relies on the premise that all kitchen remodels are the same; in this case, “too expensive.” But that is a premise we’ve already debunked – in a roundabout sort of way – back in our discussion of myth #4. No two remodeling projects are exactly the same, because neither are any two kitchens.

While some homeowners would say that their last kitchen remodel was too expensive, many others would tell you the opposite. And if you want to find yourself in the latter of these two camps, there are plenty of ways to ensure that your new kitchen is also an affordable one, as well.

How you can turn “it’s too expensive” into “it sounds too good to be true!”

One way to save money would be to write a careful, thorough budget. You can learn how in this blog post. A budget will help you anticipate, limit, and manage your spending through every part of the remodeling process. It’s an effective way to keep the costs of a kitchen remodel within your comfort zone.

At Cabinet World, it’s our goal to bring you the best rates for a kitchen remodel, every factor included. If you want to learn more about how we can help you attain your dream kitchen at a cost that’s far from too expensive, give us a call for a free consultation.

Don’t forget about ROI’s

Before moving on to the next myth, it’s also important to consider a kitchen remodel’s return on investment, or ROI. This is the amount by which a given home improvement increases your home value. Essentially, the ROI is what your projects pay you back.

On average, homeowners recover between 50% and 80% of what they spent remodeling their kitchen through the ROI. To put it differently, the average kitchen remodel is already 50% off, at least. Such a discount makes it difficult to argue that kitchen remodels are too expensive, even if you may not see the discount in hard cash until you’re ready to sell your home.

Myth #6 – You don’t need a plan upfront

If you’ve ever been on a road trip before, than you know the importance of a map. Be it on paper, your phone, or a GPS, a map helps you stay on course towards your final destination. If you forget to bring one along on your trip, chances are you could get lost, or be forced to return home for this navigation tool.

Home improvements are a similar story. Starting one without a plan is like heading off on a road trip without a map. It becomes very difficult to reach your ‘final destination,’ (aka your dream kitchen), and very easy to become ‘lost’ in project mishaps. That’s why – for the best possible outcome – it’s good to have a project plan, and it’s best to have a plan from the get-go.

Late planning only allows more time for surprise complications to arise, and, in some cases, complications that can only be resolved by a return to square one for a new remodeling plan.

All that is to say, this myth is totally false. A project plan is absolutely necessary for a successful kitchen remodel, and incomplete planning could cripple your next kitchen remodel. That is, incomplete planning along with eight other planning mistakes we discuss in 9 Serious Planning Mistakes That Risk Crippling Your Kitchen Remodel.

When you choose Cabinet World to help with your project, you’re in good hands. Our Personalized Design experience is a map that will help you make all the necessary choices exactly when you need to. If you’d like to discuss the ins and outs of planning a kitchen remodel in person, you can visit us at one of our Pittsburgh locations. We’re here to help and answer all your questions.

Myth #7 – Remodeling work can start immediately

Talk about the timetable of remodeling a kitchen is usually centered around the remodeling work (in fact, “How long will my remodel take?” even made our list of Kitchen Remodeling FAQ’s). Often, much less attention is given to the remodeling prep work, and that inattention forms the basis of myth #7.

This urban kitchen legend claims, essentially, that remodeling work can begin immediately after you finalize project plans. However, as previously hinted, that claim ignores the very important and ever so crucial prep work.

Kitchen remodeling prep work includes a number of steps that must be taken before any home improvements can be made. Some of these would be yours to take as the homeowner. Perhaps you would make preparations for increased traffic and heavy-duty activity in your abode (to get some related advice, check out these 7 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe During a Remodel).

Other steps, however, would have to be taken by your contractor, designer, and other collaborating professionals. They might, for example, need to order materials and/or apply for certain permits. All such tasks take time.

So, in the end, remodeling work can’t start immediately. There’s a necessary and important delay leading up to it from the moment you finalize project plans. As the saying goes, “All good things to those who wait.”

Myth #8 – Kitchen storage isn’t an important consideration

In our day-to-day kitchen activities, we call upon quite a few things, from cookware, silverware, and dishes, to baking ingredients and pantry goods. All of those items are commonly used and critical to kitchen operation, so naturally we want to fit all of them right there in the room itself. That is why storage is a very important remodeling consideration, although this myth would tell you otherwise.

Moreover, there is much to consider when it comes to kitchen storage. You’ll want to factor in storage type and style, as well as location, size and quantity. We’ll review some of these factors next, but if this sounds overwhelming, never fear: our team of professional designers will evaluate how you use your kitchen and make suggestions as to what storage solutions you may benefit from the most.

A look at the factors of kitchen storage

Starting with storage type, you’ll find there are many. There are cabinets, drawers, and shelves, and each of these has particular strengths and weaknesses. We’ll help you select which storage type(s) to feature in your kitchen based on your needs and aesthetic preferences.

Of course, there’s more to aesthetic design than just the difference between drawers and shelves. Across the board (or cupboard) there’s a variety of styles and colors available. There are blue beadboard cabinets and grey inset drawers; chestnut distressed shelving and grey louvered pantries.

Such combinations each offer their own optic atmosphere to the kitchen, which can be bolstered through strategic location.

A shelf below the kitchen window, after all, looks very different than the same shelf installed above or beside the same window. Storage location has a big affect on the overall style of your kitchen. Even more importantly, though, location has a big affect on the room’s functionality.

How close or far away a given cabinet is in relation to, say, the stove could determine how easily your able to prepare meals. If your cookware cupboard is a hike and a half from your cooking appliance, task efficiency can be compromised. At the same time, if said cupboard and appliance are packed very closely together, you could find yourself too cramped to comfortably maneuver.

You can learn more about kitchen functionality in 5 Custom-Built Updates That Add Function and Value to Your Kitchen. As for our current discussion about the ten most common kitchen remodeling myths, it’s becoming clear that location is of utmost concern. So are size and quantity.

These final two factors go hand in hand, because one often determines the other. For example, if you want very large cabinets, cupboards, etc. in your kitchen, you will not be able to fit as many of them in the room as if they were smaller. And vice versa. If you want a vast quantity of kitchen caches, they’ll likely have to be on the smaller side.

The takeaway

Ideally, it’s best to have a mix of many storage unit sizes in measured quantity according your daily needs and purposes. A variety of different storage types is also advantageous, but, conversely, a uniform kitchen style has the upper hand over fashion mélange.

During our Personalized Design experience, one of our professional designers will meet with you within your home to observe how you use the space. That observation will give them important insight into what storage features you may benefit from. In the mean time, if you have any questions about kitchen storage, we at Cabinet World have answers. We’d like to share them with you when you give us a call or stop by one of our Pittsburgh locations. You can also check out this blog post for some advice on How to Select Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets.

Myth #9 – Remodeling your kitchen requires gutting the room and replacing everything

Kitchen remodels can be major or minor. You can change the whole room or make modest adjustments to specific areas. Either of these two options could lead you to your dream kitchen, and the myth that you must pick the former (gutting the room and changing everything about it) is just that – a myth.

The truth is that even a small or limited kitchen remodel can make a world of difference. Take refacing the cabinetry. That relatively minor change can utterly transform the room’s character. Additionally, updating an older appliance with a more efficient model could save you a pretty penny on utilities.

Contrary to what this myth may claim, you do not need to gut the kitchen in order to properly remodel it. And, on the flip side, you don’t need to stick with minor adjustments. The magnitude of your next remodel should be in proportion to your kitchen needs and dreams, be they big or small; modest or grand.

Myth #10 – It’s better to buy from big box stores than local businesses

Big box stores are often associated with affordability, availability, and reliability. However, if that association distracts from the same qualities found in local businesses, it becomes a myth. While local businesses don’t always receive the same level of recognition as compared to their national (or even international) counterpart, they’re typically just as affordable, available, and reliable – if not more.

Who has the upper hand?

With regards to affordability, you’ll find local business owners hard at work to bring their customers the best deal around. They can be more invested towards that end than many big name-brands that are distanced from the community.

There are two aspects of availability that we can use to compare local and big box businesses: product availability and personal availability. For the first, big box stores have the advantage of mass production, to be sure, but you won’t find as many unique or custom pieces in their warehouses as you would at a place with custom-made products.

As for the second aspect of availability, local businesses outdo big name-brands by far. No matter how good the customer service of an industry titan may be, it can never replace the customer relationship that you can build with a local business; a partnership based on mutual trust and, of course, reliability.

When you know the people behind your kitchen remodel supplies, you know they’ll deliver. You know they’re reliable. That’s an advantage you just don’t get from big box stores. But it is an advantage we can offer you here at Cabinet World. We’ve been locally owned and operated for nearly fifty years, and we can bring you the very best in terms of affordability, availability, and reliability.

So stop by one of our Pittsburgh locations today to learn more about what we can do for you. Before you go, though, you’ll want to see the 7 Ways to Add Personality to Your Kitchen, along with 10 Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Look Larger.