Four Unexpected Problems that Could Stall Your Kitchen Remodel

This month, our second installment of the “What You Can Expect During Your Remodel” series examines unexpected issues that may arise during your remodel. At Boss Cabinetry, we try our best to make the remodeling process as enjoyable as possible. We know your kitchen will look great once it’s finished, but we want to help prepare you for the journey it’ll take to get there. Be sure to share your experiences with us in the comments!

With the amount of planning, money, and effort that goes into getting your kitchen remodel started, it’s easy to assume you’ve thought of everything and expect your remodel to go off without a hitch. But anyone who has done a remodel before can tell you that is usually not the case.

Here are a few of the most common unexpected issues that could stall your kitchen remodel:

Wiring that’s not up to code. This is a common issue for any remodeling project. Because state and local codes are updated every several years, it’s possible that your electrical wiring is no longer up to building codes. Further, if an addition or a remodeling project was completed DIY or with a not-so-trustworthy contractor, wiring may not have been up to code…ever. Your contractor should understand current electrical code and will make sure your project’s wiring is done properly. But if old wiring needs to be refreshed, this must be done before the project can continue and may set you back.

Water damage. Regardless of its source, water damage is a huge headache. Depending on the severity of the leak or the flooding, it can also be costly. Repairs to the house’s foundation and bones, to other rooms throughout the house, and even in your yard or on your roof can cause weeks of headaches. Which leads into the next point…

Mold or pests. Opening up walls during a renovation can expose tons of things that you didn’t realize were there. Pests – like carpenter ants, termites, and even mice – can take up residency within your walls and do significant damage to your home over time. Water damage – even if it’s not that bad – can cause mold to grow. Once you’ve spotted mold, you must take immediate action to have it removed. Indoor mold can cause a slew of health issues and can spread quickly through your home.

Load-bearing walls. Open-concept is all the rage right now, so it’s typical for homeowners to request removal of the wall blocking off their kitchen. Unfortunately, load-bearing, or support, walls take on the weight of your house and can cause major issues if they’re removed. A contractor will be able to tell you if a wall is load-bearing, and can also offer suggestions for a work-around. Many homeowners opt to replace the load-bearing wall with a load-bearing beam. But, again, this can be costly.

How can you prepare?

First thing’s first – pack your patience. If remodels were easy, people would be doing them all the time! Be assured that even the simplest of projects come with hiccups, but the end result is completely worth it.

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you’re financially prepared for any unexpected issues so you’re not caught off-guard when it comes to cash. It’s a great idea to set aside 15 percent of your remodeling budget for contingency – that is, things that arise during the remodel that you didn’t plan for.

Don’t worry – we’re here to help!

At Boss Cabinetry, we want to make sure your remodel is as smooth as possible. We’re armed with questions and ideas that can help you prepare your home, your family, and your budget for the most unexpected problems. Let us help you discover the possibilities today by setting up a no-obligation design consultation!