When it comes to remodeling a kitchen …

(natss up and under)

...almost everyone has something they might have done differently.

One homeowner said, "I feel I should have had it planned out a little bit better."

A second advises, "Nobody should start until everything you've ordered has been delivered to your home."

A third says, "I wish I'd known in greater detail the dimension of the appliances."

When you're cooking up a kitchen renovation there are so many places where it's easy to goof. Storage space is one of them. Consumer Reports says, don't skimp!

Bob Markovich with Consumer Reports says, "Carefully plan how much storage you'll need and where to put it."

For instance, dishes and glasses need four to six linear feet of cabinet space above or near the sink and dishwasher. Pots and pans need the same, and store them close to your cooktop.

Center islands can be tricky too.

Bob says, "This one looks great, but a common design goof is making the island too big."

The countertop should be three feet wide to no more than ten feet. As for depth, you want one that measures at least 26 inches, and up to 48 inches.

Bob says, "Picking the wrong range hood can also leave you steaming."

You might be tempted to save space by choosing a microwave with built-in venting. But Consumer Reports tests find they don't clear smoke and steam as well as a good hood.

As for countertops, choosing one that stains easily is another mistake people make. Skip oil-rubbed butcher block for kitchen counters - it's one of the surfaces that stains easily.

With careful planning and attention to detail you can sidestep these mistakes and get the kitchen you've always wanted.

Consumer Reports says plan to take some time - as much as several months - to nail down the details of a kitchen remodel. That's because changing your mind after the work begins adds about $1,500 to the cost, according to a Consumer Reports readers survey.