The Top 5 Things Not to Do When Remodelling a Kitchen

Have you ever dreamed of the perfect kitchen – only to feel overwhelmed by the reality of planning one? Kitchen renovation can be one of the most exciting projects in any home, but without careful decisions and expert guidance, it can quickly turn stressful and expensive. From layout flaws to lighting regrets, the smallest oversight can have lasting consequences.

That’s why this blog covers the key things not to do when remodelling a kitchen, helping you dodge the most common pitfalls. At DMA Property Solutions, we help homeowners across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire create kitchens that work for real life – not just Instagram.

1. Don’t Prioritise Style Over Functionality

When it comes to kitchen remodelling, it’s easy to get swept up in moodboards and Pinterest aesthetics – but a kitchen that only looks good won’t serve you well.

If there’s not enough workspace, a poor layout, or cupboards that don’t open fully, frustration sets in fast. You might love the look, but daily use will quickly reveal its flaws. The biggest mistake? Forgetting how you actually use the space – your kitchen needs to work for your habits, not just impress your guests.

We recommend working with designers who understand movement flow, storage, and the all-important “kitchen triangle” (that’s your sink, cooker, and fridge, by the way).

2. Don’t Skip the Planning Phase

One of the biggest things not to do when remodelling a kitchen is diving in without a clear plan. Rushed projects often lead to budget overruns, awkward layouts, and avoidable delays. A thoughtful plan isn’t just about the units and colour schemes – it’s about mapping out your electrics, plumbing, lighting, and even ventilation.

Planning to move walls or change layouts? You might need to consider building regulations or planning permission. Our project managers can walk you through it all, creating a bespoke plan that perfectly balances design with functionality. When we renovate kitchens, we never skip the planning phase!

3. Don’t Underestimate the Plumbing Work

It might be tempting to keep costs down by leaving plumbing till last – or worse, attempting a bit of DIY. But plumbing is one of the most critical parts of any kitchen renovation. Move a sink or add a dishwasher without understanding your pipework, and you could be looking at future leaks, water pressure issues, or costly repairs.

Our expert team is fully qualified to handle all aspects of kitchen plumbing, from safe disconnections to complete system upgrades. We make sure your new kitchen works behind the scenes as beautifully as it does on the surface.

4. Don’t Cut Corners on Trades or Materials

Everyone wants to stick to a budget but choosing the cheapest materials or relying on a mate who’s “handy” often results in poor workmanship and long-term issues. Cheap cabinets can chip or warp, tiles may crack or lift, and badly installed electrics pose serious safety risks.

What seems like a saving now can quickly turn into costly repairs later. It’s worth investing in quality trades and materials that will actually last.

We believe in doing it right the first time. At DMA, we only use our own in-house team of skilled engineers to carry out work, using materials from trusted suppliers. Kitchen remodelling should be a long-term investment in your home, not a fast fix with a short shelf life.

5. Don’t Forget About Lighting and Ventilation

Lighting and ventilation aren’t just design details – they’re essential to making your kitchen safe, comfortable, and pleasant to be in. Many homeowners make the mistake of relying on a single ceiling fixture or overlooking extractor fans altogether.

Good design includes layered lighting (task, ambient, and accent) and strong ventilation that clears steam and cooking odours effectively. For help designing the right setup for your space, speak to our team about tailored lighting and ventilation – we renovate kitchens that incorporate the latest lighting and ventilation with options to suit all budgets.

Bonus Tip – Don’t Do It Alone

One of the last things not to do when remodelling a kitchen is to go it alone. A kitchen renovation has a lot of moving parts: plumbing, electrics, flooring, tiling, cabinetry – and everything has to come together in the right order. It’s no wonder DIY attempts often run into problems.

Avoid the stress. At DMA Property Solutions, we handle the full process, from concept and design to installation and project management. Whether you're reconfiguring the whole room or upgrading your existing layout, we ensure your kitchen renovation runs smoothly from start to finish.

5 Things Not to Do When Remodelling a Kitchen