Common Kitchen Mistakes: What Buyers Regret After Building

Building a new kitchen is a significant investment, and mistakes made during the selection and design process can be costly or impossible to fix after construction. Learning from the common regrets of other buyers helps you avoid the same pitfalls and ensure your kitchen works for your family for years to come.

Insufficient Bench Space

The most common kitchen regret is not enough bench space. Buyers often prioritise appliances and cabinetry over raw bench area, then find they can't prep food comfortably. Aim for at least 600mm of clear bench space beside the cooktop (for plating) and beside the sink (for drying and prep). An island bench provides additional prep space.

Poor Pantry Access

A standard tall pantry with deep shelves can be frustrating — items at the back are hard to see and reach. Many buyers regret not upgrading to a pull-out pantry (wire racks that slide out) or a walk-in pantry. If you're keeping a standard tall pantry, consider adding pull-out internal drawers so you can see and access everything.

No Appliance Recess or Cupboard

Without a dedicated appliance cupboard (sometimes called an appliance garage), your toaster, kettle, coffee machine, blender and air fryer will live permanently on your benchtop — creating clutter. An appliance cupboard with a pocket or sliding door and internal power points keeps the bench clear while keeping appliances accessible.

Inadequate Lighting

Kitchens need more lighting than other rooms — but many buyers don't plan enough at the electrical appointment. Common lighting regrets: no under-cabinet lighting (benchtops are shadowed by overheads), not enough downlights (dark corners), and no pendant provision over the island. Plan task lighting carefully at the electrical appointment.

Wrong Sink or Tap Choice

A sink that's too small, a tap without pull-out function, or a tap that's too low to fill large pots — these are daily frustrations that buyers regret. Choose a sink large enough for your largest pots and baking sheets. Choose a tap with a pull-out or pull-down function and sufficient height clearance for filling large pots.

Other Common Regrets

• Not enough power points — kitchens need many (appliance cupboard, bench, island, fridge, rangehood)
• Island bench too small for seating — if you want breakfast bar seating, ensure the island is deep enough
• No bin pull-out — a bin on the floor is a daily annoyance; ensure cabinetry includes a pull-out bin system
• Fridge space too tight — if you upgrade your fridge later, the cabinetry cavity may be too small
• No splashback behind the sink — water splashes the wall; ensure tiling or splashback extends behind the sink
• Corners with no access — wasted corner cabinet space; invest in a lazy Susan or magic corner solution
• Overheads too high — if overheads are too high, they're hard to reach; consider to-ceiling for premium look

Frequently Asked Questions