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11 Top Layout Mistakes to Avoid in Your Prescott Kitchen Remodel

Written by Crosby Home Services | Jul. 28, 2025

A successful kitchen remodel in Prescott, AZ, can transform your home by boosting its functionality, aesthetics, and even resale value. But without a well-thought-out layout, even the most luxurious finishes and high-end appliances can fall short. At Crosby Home Services, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. If you’re planning a Prescott kitchen remodel, be sure to steer clear of these 11 common kitchen remodeling mistakes that can cost time, money, and peace of mind.

Top Layout Mistakes:

1. Ignoring Work Triangle

2.  Counter Space

3. Storage Needs

4. Lighting Layout

5. Style Over Function

6. Misplacing Appliances

7. Electrical Outlets

8. Island Size

9. Forgetting Ventilation

10. Trash and Recycling 

11. Skipping the Pros

Common Kitchen Remodel Questions

What to Look For

 

1. Ignoring the Kitchen Work Triangle

One of the most fundamental kitchen design mistakes is neglecting the kitchen work triangle, or the ideal flow between your sink, stove, and refrigerator. This layout makes it easier to move around while cooking and cleaning. When these three components are too far apart or blocked by an island or cabinetry, your kitchen can quickly become frustrating to use.

What not to do in a kitchen remodel: Avoid placing your sink across the room from your cooktop. Instead, position all three elements within a few feet of one another, forming a natural and efficient path.

2. Not Enough Counter Space

You can never have too much counter space. Lack of prep area is one of the most cited kitchen renovation mistakes, especially for avid home cooks. Consider how you use your kitchen. Do you bake, prep multiple dishes at once, or entertain guests?

Don’t forget to allow space on either side of your stove for pots and utensils, and consider expanding with an island or peninsula if your square footage allows.

 

3. Overlooking Storage Needs

One of the most frustrating kitchen remodel mistakes homeowners regret is not planning enough storage. Modern Arizona kitchen remodel ideas focus on smart storage: pull-out drawers, custom pantry cabinets, vertical spice racks, and hidden appliance garages.

When planning your kitchen remodel project, think beyond aesthetics. Every item in your kitchen, from the blender to the baking sheet, should have a designated space.

4. Poor Lighting Layout

Lighting can make or break a space. Relying solely on overhead lights can leave you with a dim or shadow-filled kitchen. The best kitchen remodel contractors know to layer lighting: ambient, task, and accent.

Under-cabinet lighting can help illuminate your prep areas, while pendant lights over an island add style and function. Good lighting design is essential to avoid unnecessary remodeling down the line.

5. Sacrificing Function for Style

It’s easy to get swept up in the beautiful photos on Pinterest. But following kitchen trends blindly can result in a space that looks great but doesn’t work for your daily life. If you're doing a kitchen remodel in Prescott, AZ, remember that function should always come before fashion.

Floating shelves, for example, look stylish but can reduce your usable storage. Always ask: “How will I use this space daily?”

6. Misplacing Appliances

Placing your fridge right next to a wall? Putting your dishwasher too far from the sink? These are avoidable kitchen layout errors. The placement of your appliances should follow your cooking workflow.

Work with a professional kitchen remodel contractor to create a layout where the appliances are easy to access and don’t create bottlenecks during meal prep.

 

7. Not Planning for Enough Electrical Outlets

Modern kitchens are filled with many gadgets like coffee makers, air fryers, mixers, you name it. One of the easiest kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid is underestimating how many outlets you’ll need.

Be sure to add outlets along the backsplash, on the island, and even inside cabinets for charging stations. It's an inexpensive upgrade that adds huge value.

 

8. Choosing the Wrong Island Size

A kitchen island can either be a major asset or a major obstacle. Oversized islands can interrupt the flow of your Arizona kitchen remodel, especially in smaller homes.

On the other hand, a tiny island may not provide the functionality you’re seeking. Make sure your island size complements your space and includes proper clearance on all sides.

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9. Forgetting Ventilation

Ventilation isn’t just about getting rid of cooking smells; it also keeps the air clean and protects your kitchen surfaces from grease and moisture buildup. A strong range hood that vents to the outside is essential for any high-quality kitchen remodel in Prescott, AZ.

Skipping this step is one of those kitchen remodel mistakes that might not be immediately obvious, but you’ll notice it over time.

10. Failing to Plan for Trash and Recycling

Where’s the trash can? This question often gets overlooked until it's too late. Make sure your kitchen remodel plan includes pull-out trash and recycling bins, ideally near the sink or prep area for convenience.

Built-in solutions help keep your kitchen neat and stylish while still being easy to use.

11. Skipping the Pros

It can be tempting to DIY your renovation, but partnering with experienced kitchen remodel contractors ensures a smoother, faster, and more beautiful result. Working with a reputable kitchen remodel contractor like Crosby Home Services means you’re guided through every step in the process from layout and design to finish selection and final walk-through.

 

Common Questions About Kitchen Remodels in Prescott, AZ

 

What Is a Realistic Budget for a Kitchen Remodel in Prescott, AZ?

The cost of a kitchen remodel in Prescott, AZ depends on several factors, including the size of your kitchen, materials used, and complexity of the design. For most homeowners, a realistic starting budget ranges from $50,000 to $100,000, with luxury renovations reaching upwards of $150,000+.

Custom cabinetry, stone countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and upgraded flooring will push your budget higher, but also increase long-term satisfaction and home value.

At Crosby Home Services, we work with clients to develop custom plans that align with your vision and investment goals.

Should I Move Out During a Kitchen Remodel?

This depends on the scope of the project. For minor renovations, staying in your home is usually manageable. However, for full-scale kitchen overhauls that include tearing down walls, rerouting plumbing, and rewiring, you might consider moving out temporarily.

For retirees and homeowners who are relocating, minimizing stress is key. Crosby Home Services ensures the least disruption possible, keeping you informed and comfortable through every phase of your Arizona kitchen remodel.

How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?

A typical Prescott kitchen remodel can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and availability of materials. We recommend starting early, especially if you have a deadline in mind, such as a holiday gathering or out-of-town guests.

 

What to Look For in a Kitchen Remodel Contractor

Choosing the right kitchen remodel contractor is one of the most important steps in your renovation journey. A great contractor will not only bring your vision to life but also manage timelines, handle permits, coordinate trades, and communicate clearly every step of the way.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your contractor:

  • Experience and Portfolio: Look for a company with experience in kitchen remodels in Prescott, AZ, and ask to see examples of their past work, especially in styles similar to yours.

  • Communication and Transparency: Your contractor should provide clear expectations around pricing, timelines, and scope of work.

  • Local Knowledge: Contractors familiar with local codes, permitting, and even HOA requirements in areas like Prescott Lakes or Talking Rock can help avoid delays.

  • Quality Craftsmanship: Be sure to ask about materials, subcontractors, and warranties to ensure long-term value.

 

Turn Your Kitchen Remodel Plans Into a Reality

Avoiding these common kitchen remodeling mistakes is the first step toward a space you’ll love for years to come. With the right planning, experienced contractors, and a clear vision, your Arizona kitchen remodel can be both beautiful and practical.

At Crosby Home Services, we specialize in high-quality kitchen remodels in Prescott, AZ, designed with your lifestyle and comfort in mind. From thoughtful layouts to premium finishes, we’ll guide you through each step of the process with clear communication and expert craftsmanship.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation!