A kitchen renovation sounds exciting — until you’re halfway through and realise how many small decisions can have big consequences.
We asked a large kitchen renovation community what they wish they’d known before starting. The responses were thoughtful, candid, and experience-led. From choosing the right trades to understanding finishes, layouts, and sequencing, clear themes emerged — not about design trends, but about how kitchens actually come together in the real world.
Here’s what real homeowners learned the hard way — so you don’t have to.
1. The Right Tradesperson Makes (or Breaks) the Outcome
The most-liked comment said it all:
“There are a lot of trades out there who don’t really know what they’re doing.”
Several homeowners felt they had assumed that hiring a “professional” guaranteed competence, only to discover that experience levels and standards vary widely. At the same time, experienced tradespeople in the discussion pushed back on the idea that no one cares. Many take real pride in their work and approach every installation as if it were their own home.
The strongest consensus was this:
- Personal recommendations matter more than reviews.
- Fitters who rely on repeat business tend to work very differently to those chasing speed and volume.
- You should never feel rushed into accepting poor workmanship.
And crucially: Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Tradespeople who genuinely have your best interests at heart will explain, adjust, and collaborate. If someone becomes defensive when you ask why something is being done a certain way — that’s a red flag.
2. If You’re Project Managing, Planning Becomes Your Safety Net
Several homeowners admitted they underestimated how much coordination a kitchen requires — especially when managing the project themselves.
A kitchen isn’t installed in isolation. Decorating, electrics, plumbing, flooring, appliances, and cabinetry all need to happen in the right order. When they don’t, you can end up with multiple trades working in the same room at the same time, increased risk of material damage, or discovering too late that something doesn’t line up properly.
Key lessons included:
- Plan the sequence of works, not just the design.
- Ensure all trades are working from the latest drawings.
- Double-check appliance kits, fillers, and alignment before installation begins.
Appliance compatibility came up frequently too. Different oven or microwave models often require different trims or joining kits, and these details are easy to overlook. Hob depth, worktop thickness, and appliance clearances all need to be considered together — particularly with modern, deeper induction hobs and thicker worktops.
These aren’t mistakes you notice on a drawing — they’re things that show up on install day.
3. Living Through the Renovation Takes Planning
Several homeowners admitted they focused so much on the finished kitchen that they underestimated the disruption along the way. Those who planned ahead found the process far less stressful.
Essential interim arrangements included:
- A temporary sink.
- A microwave or air fryer setup.
- Basic washing-up arrangements.
Kitchen renovations often pause while waiting for worktops or follow-on trades, and having a workable interim setup can make a huge difference to day-to-day life.
4. Layout Decisions Are Easier to Get Right When You Mock Them Up
A recurring theme was: “I didn’t realise how it would feel until it was in.”
Many homeowners wished they’d tested their layout more realistically before committing. One practical approach that received strong support was physically mocking up the kitchen.
At Kraus Kitchens, whenever possible, we mark layouts on the floor using masking tape. This helps clients visualise:
- Walkways and clearances.
- Island size and overhangs.
- Appliance door openings.
- How people move through the space.
It’s a simple step, but it often reveals issues that plans and renders don’t — especially in tighter kitchens or open-plan spaces.
5. Finishes and Materials Matter More Than Trends
Few topics generated as much regret as super-matt finishes. While they look stunning in photos, many homeowners found them:
- High maintenance.
- Prone to water and oil marks.
- Difficult to clean properly.
Gloss finishes divided opinion too — especially in handleless kitchens — while painted timber or MDF doors were often praised as the most forgiving and timeless option.
The bigger takeaway wasn’t “never choose X”, but this: Understand how materials behave once real life gets involved. Fingerprints, light levels, cooking habits, and cleaning tolerance all matter far more than trends.
6. The Small, Invisible Details Matter More Than You Expect
Some of the most valuable insights focused on things you don’t notice until they go wrong. Homeowners highlighted the importance of:
- Making good walls properly before fitting, not after.
- Ensuring gaps are insulated and fully filled.
- Thoughtful lighting that balances function with atmosphere.
- Future-proofing with additional sockets and electrical feeds — particularly for induction hobs.
Final Thought
A successful kitchen renovation isn’t just about cabinets and worktops. It’s about people, planning, and practical thinking.
Do your research. Stay involved. Ask questions. Plan the boring stuff. And remember — a kitchen has to work hard every single day, long after the excitement wears off.
If you get that right, the design will follow.
