Checklist to Avoid Kitchen Design Problems

Your kitchen design has been finalized. Time to order materials and get to work, right? Not just yet. You can spare yourself some hassle and headache by consulting this checklist of frequently overlooked points:

1. Is there plenty of counter space between appliances and sinks?
2. Is there enough space in corners to open drawers and doors fully?
3. Where will the pulls be placed on the cabinets? Will their design interfere with nearby appliance, door, or drawer openings?
4. Is the microwave oven at the right height for pulling out hot items? Can children use it safely?
5. Have you planned sufficient undercabinet lighting?
6. Are light fixtures planned for above the sink, cooktop, or range? Have you planned where the light controls will be?
7. Has the toe-kick below the cabinets been designed for the thickness of your flooring?
8. Will the new kitchen floor match the style and height of flooring in adjoining rooms? How will it be joined?
9. Do you have plenty of electrical outlets? If you're planning an island or a peninsula, don't forget outlets there, too.
10. Is the work flow uninterrupted? Traffic should go around the kitchen's work triangle -- not through it.
11. Do you have enough storage space where you need it?
12. Last but not least, will you enjoy your kitchen?

The time and money you put into the project should result in a space that you enjoy immensely. So if you're excited about your kitchen plans, forge ahead. But if parts of your plan nag at you, go back and review them, looking for alternative kitchen designs. If you've done the planning yourself, get a pro's opinion; if you've been working with someone, seek another opinion.