Kitchen Sinks and Countertops: 5 Common Remodel Mistakes

In home remodeling projects, the kitchen sinks and countertops are almost always the first to go. Both high-visibility, high-use features, they’re a quick and easy way to make a big impact without a whole lot of investment.

Unfortunately, they’re also an easy way to make a mistake — a mistake that could change your home (and possibly hurt its market value) for the long haul. Are you considering a kitchen remodel? Do you want to ensure your upgraded kitchen sinks and countertops don’t detract from your home’s overall value?

Then avoid these all-too-common mistakes along the way:

#1 Choosing A Bad Match

It’s very important that you don’t choose your sinks and countertops in a vacuum. Not every material will work with the same finishes, tones and hues, so you really need to see both items in person — and next to each other — before making a final decision. Quartz might be the hottest trend in countertops at the moment, but if it’s paired with a pastel yellow vintage sink from the 60s? It’s probably not going to flow very well. If you’re not sure if two items will go together, always consult a professional designer for help.

#2 Skipping The Backsplash 

Unless you already have a stellar backsplash in place (and one that meshes with your new sink and countertops), you should upgrade this area along with your other remodeling projects. Backsplashes are important for a number of reasons. First, they pull together the room. They can unite your new countertop and sink by providing a complementary palette or design that links the two. They also protect your walls and new countertops from messes and damage from use. They’re hugely important to protecting your new investment!

#3 Forgetting Functionality 

Remember that a kitchen remodel isn’t all about looks. Your sinks and countertops are going to get serious use, too, and because of that, you need to consider function as well as form.

Choosing a beautiful yet dent-prone material for your island (where you’ll likely do lots of prep work) probably isn’t the best use of your investment. Likewise, a sink that’s trendy and cute but too shallow to even do dishes in? That’s going to create more problems than it solves.

#4 Going Too Trendy!

At the end of the day, you want your new kitchen remodel to be on trend, yet classic. It’s important to think of the undertaking as an investment — one that gives you beauty and convenience now, as well as an ROI when it’s time to sell. To ensure the latter, you’ll want to choose kitchen sinks and countertops that will still be in style and in great condition once you list the property — whether that’s five, 10 or 20 years down the road.

#5 Using Poor Quality Materials

You don’t need to break the bank by purchasing the most advanced, top-of-the-line sink there is, but as they say, “You get what you pay for.” Cutting corners on materials and brand names might save a little money now, but what about two years down the road when you have to replace it and pay those costs all over again? Your kitchen remodel should be a long-term investment — both in yourself and your home. You want the changes you make to be durable, beautiful and as long-lasting as possible.

Criner Remodeling

Choosing the right sinks and countertops is crucial to your kitchen remodeling project’s overall success. And with more than 45 years in the kitchen remodeling business, our team can help you do just that. Contact us today to set up a consultation. Our designer, contractor, selections coordinator and other experts can guide the way.