When we started our kitchen remodel Sacramento, we had big dreams: gleaming countertops, flawless cabinets, Pinterest-worthy lighting. What we got—at least initially—was drywall dust in our cereal and a microwave plugged into the laundry room.

If you’re planning your own remodel, allow us to offer 8 painfully funny lessons learned on the job. (Because nothing says “I need a glass of wine” like realizing your new island was installed… backwards.)

1. Measure Twice. Then Measure Five More Times.

We thought our fridge would fit. It didn’t. Not even close. The delivery guys laughed, we cried, and the fridge lived in the garage for a month.

Sacramento tip: Appliance openings must match actual appliance specs—not wishful thinking or whatever’s in stock at Costco.

2. Your Timeline Is a Suggestion. Not a Promise.

We were told 6 weeks. We laughed at that… eventually. Between permit delays, a backordered sink, and “surprise” plumbing reroutes, it took 12.

Don’t plan a holiday dinner party around your finish date. Just don’t.

3. Never Assume Your Contractor Likes Your Tile Choice

We picked a “bold” pattern for the backsplash. Our installer blinked three times, nodded, and said, “Sure, if that’s what you want.”

Translation: “This looks like a lava lamp exploded, but I’m paid to smile.”

4. Demo Day Is Fun—Until It Isn’t

We swung the sledgehammer like we were on TV. Then we hit a water pipe behind the wall. Oops.

Tip: Let pros handle the walls. Or invest in a shop vac. Or both.

5. Sacramento Building Codes Are Real. And They Have Opinions.

You want floating shelves above your range? Great—until code enforcement says “nope” because it’s too close to open flame.

Solution: Design with your permit office in mind, not just your vision board.

6. Lighting Is Everything. Unless You Forget to Wire for It.

We spent days picking pendant lights. Too bad we forgot to tell the electrician… until the drywall was already up.

Pro tip: Plan your lighting layout before the walls close up, unless you enjoy regret and patchwork ceilings.

7. Your Budget Has a Sense of Humor. You Don’t.

We added “just one more thing” about 13 times. The budget we started with is now a cautionary tale.

Always add 15–20% to your initial estimate. Then pretend you didn’t, just to feel smug when things go wrong.

8. At the End of It All… You’ll Still Love Your New Kitchen

Yes, we almost broke up over grout colors. Yes, there was drywall in the toaster. But every cabinet, light switch, and drawer now works exactly the way we wanted. And our kitchen finally feels like the heart of the home.

Bonus: We now know what not to do, and how to laugh through the chaos.

💬 Final Thought & Call to Action

If you’re gearing up for a kitchen remodel Sacramento, know this: mistakes will happen. Delays will test your patience. You might order three different faucets before choosing one.

But in the end? You’ll stand in your new kitchen—dust-free, custom lit, island right-side-up—and smile.Need help skipping the funny-but-painful mistakes? Call a local pro who’s seen it all. Or at least read this twice before swinging a hammer.