What No One Tells You About Kitchen Renovations (Until It’s Too Late)
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Thinking About a Kitchen Renovation? Read This First.
Kitchens are the heart of the home—the space where morning coffees, family dinners, and late-night snacks happen. But they’re also one of the most complex and expensive renovations you can take on. A well-executed kitchen reno adds serious value to your home, but a bad one? That’s just an expensive headache.
At MTL Contractors, we don’t just build kitchens—we design and execute high-end, custom solutions that fit your space and how you actually use it. That means no awkward gaps, no flimsy pre-fab cabinets, and no “we’ll make it work” shortcuts. Before you start knocking down walls or picking out trendy tiles, here’s what you need to know.
The IKEA Trap: Why Custom Cabinetry is Always Worth It
Look, IKEA kitchens have their place—but it’s not in high-end renovations. Sure, they look great in the showroom and on Pinterest, but here’s the reality:
Why We Push Custom Over IKEA:
❌ They don’t fit custom layouts. IKEA cabinets come in set sizes, which means you’re either filling gaps with cheap filler strips or compromising your layout to make things fit.
❌ They’re made of particleboard. No matter how good they look on day one, they’re not built to last. Water, humidity, and daily wear and tear will break them down faster than you think.
❌ Limited design flexibility. You’re stuck with whatever colors and styles are in stock. With custom cabinetry, your options are endless—better materials, better finishes, and better durability.
At MTL Contractors, we always push custom, high-end cabinetry because we know it’s an investment that actually lasts. Solid wood, real plywood boxes, soft-close everything—it’s the difference between a kitchen that looks good for five years and one that still looks incredible in twenty.
Layout is Everything—Don’t Just Follow Trends
A kitchen that looks good but doesn’t function well is a disaster. Instead of blindly following trends, focus on these key layout principles:
Best Practices for Kitchen Layouts
✔ The Work Triangle Still Works. Your sink, stove, and fridge should be positioned for easy movement, not crammed into one side of the kitchen.
✔ Storage Over Aesthetics. Sure, floating shelves look great—but do they actually hold all your dishes? Think smart storage, like deep drawers for pots and pans and hidden pull-outs for spices.
✔ Appliance Placement Matters. Ever seen a fridge door that can’t open fully because it’s too close to a wall? Yeah, let’s not do that.
✔ Island or No Island? Islands are great, but not every kitchen needs one. If space is tight, consider a peninsula or a well-placed prep counter instead.
At MTL Contractors, we don’t just follow trends—we design kitchens that fit your space and lifestyle.
High-End Materials That Are Actually Worth It
Not all “luxury” materials are created equal. Some are worth the splurge, while others are just expensive for the sake of it. Here’s where to invest:
✔ Quartz Countertops – More durable than granite, easier to maintain than marble, and available in just about any color and pattern.
✔ Solid Wood or Plywood Cabinets – Unlike MDF or particleboard, these will actually hold up to moisture, daily use, and time.
✔ Engineered Hardwood or Large-Format Tile Flooring – Both are durable, stylish, and built for high-traffic areas. Skip cheap laminate.
✔ High-Quality Hardware & Soft-Close Hinges – The difference between a kitchen that feels cheap and one that feels luxurious often comes down to the small details.
Want to know where you can save? Backsplashes, light fixtures, and even faucets often have great mid-range options that still look high-end without breaking the budget.
The Hidden Costs of Kitchen Renovations
Budgeting for a kitchen reno? Expect surprises. Here are some of the most overlooked costs homeowners don’t see coming:
💸 Electrical & Plumbing Upgrades – If you’re moving appliances or adding an island, you’ll probably need rewiring or new plumbing lines.
💸 Structural Changes – Removing walls? You’ll likely need beams, permits, and inspections—all of which add time and cost.
💸 Custom Cabinet Lead Times – Unlike pre-fab options, custom cabinetry takes time. Rushing the process means cutting corners, and that’s not what we do.
💸 Unexpected Repairs – If your kitchen is in an older home, you might uncover old wiring, bad plumbing, or subfloor issues once the demo starts.
At MTL Contractors, we plan for these costs upfront so you’re not blindsided halfway through the project.
How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost?
💰 Cost Breakdown
💰 Mid-Range Kitchen ($60K - $100K)
Custom cabinetry (semi-custom options to save costs)
Quartz countertops
Upgraded appliances
New flooring & backsplash
💰 High-End Kitchen ($100K - $200K+)
Fully custom cabinetry with premium materials
High-end appliances (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, etc.)
Smart kitchen technology
Custom lighting, integrated storage solutions
Your budget depends on layout changes, materials, and the level of customization. At MTL Contractors, we’re transparent about pricing so you know exactly where your money is going.
Why Work With MTL Contractors?
Your home isn’t just another project—it’s where life happens. That’s why we don’t do cookie-cutter renovations. Every space we design and build is tailored to fit your needs, style, and long-term goals.
Here’s what makes us different:
✅ Custom, High-End Design – We prioritize craftsmanship and quality over mass-produced, one-size-fits-all solutions.
✅ Licensed, Bonded & Insured – No cutting corners. No surprises. Just expert work, done right.
✅ Honest Pricing & No BS – We give you real numbers upfront, so you know what to expect.
✅ A Team You Can Trust – We handle everything from design to execution, so you’re never stuck managing multiple contractors on your own.
If you’re ready to transform your space with expert renovations, let’s talk. Book a consultation with MTL Contractors today and let’s bring your vision to life.
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