How to Renovate a Kitchen?

Most kitchen renovation problems come from skipped planning, not poor workmanship. A clear scope, budget and timeline help you avoid delays, variations and rushed decisions. Planning is also where you will save the most money.

Step 1: Set Your Goals and Renovation Budget

Before choosing colours, write a short brief. List what frustrates you about your current kitchen, such as limited bench space, poor storage, and what you want instead. This brief keeps your designer, builder and suppliers working towards the same result.

Your budget should cover design, demolition, trades, cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, lighting and finishes. Add a contingency of 10 to 15 per cent for hidden problems like rotted subfloors, outdated wiring or water damage behind old cupboards.

Step 2: Plan a Functional Kitchen Layout

Good kitchen design is built around how you cook, clean and gather. Many designers use the work triangle, placing the sink, cooktop and fridge within easy reach of each other. Larger, open plan homes often suit zones for prepping, cooking, cleaning and storage instead.

Common kitchen layouts include:

• Galley: two parallel runs that work well in narrow spaces.
• L shaped: a flexible corner layout that easily takes an island.
• U shaped: maximum bench space and storage on three sides.
• Island or peninsula: extra prep space plus casual seating.

Keeping your sink, dishwasher and cooktop where they are is one of the simplest ways to control costs, as relocating plumbing, gas and drainage adds labour. If the room is simply too small, a house extension may be a better long term answer than squeezing in more cupboards.

Step 3: Check Approvals, Compliance and Safety

Kitchen updates usually don’t need development approval. However, removing a load bearing wall, extending the footprint or altering a heritage listed home may. Check with your local council or, in the ACT, a licensed building certifier before work begins.

All electrical, plumbing and gas work must be done by licensed tradespeople, who should issue compliance certificates when finished. If your home was built before 1990, arrange an asbestos inspection before demolition, as older wall linings, splashbacks and vinyl flooring may contain it.

Step 4: Select Cabinetry, Benchtops and Appliances

Finalise selections early, because custom cabinetry and benchtops can take several weeks to manufacture.

• Cabinetry: laminate is durable and budget friendly, polyurethane gives a seamless painted finish, and timber veneer adds warmth.
• Benchtops: engineered stone has been banned in Australia since 1 July 2024 due to silicosis risk. Popular alternatives include porcelain, natural stone, compact laminate, solid timber and stainless steel.
• Appliances: confirm your oven, cooktop, rangehood, fridge and dishwasher before cabinetry is drawn so every cavity fits precisely.

Plan your lighting too. Pair ceiling lights with task lighting under overhead cupboards so benchtops are well lit for food preparation.

Step 5: Prepare Your Home

Empty every cupboard and set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere with a microwave, kettle and small fridge. Protect nearby floors and furniture, and agree on site access, rubbish removal and work hours with your builder.

Step 6: Follow the Right Renovation Sequence

Working in the correct order prevents rework and damage to new finishes:

1. Strip out old cabinetry, appliances and surfaces.
2. Rough in plumbing, gas and electrical, including new power points and lighting circuits.
3. Complete wall work, such as patching plaster or framing new walls. Our guide on how to build a stud wall explains how internal walls are framed.
4. Lay flooring, often before cabinetry so it runs continuously underneath.
5. Install and level the cabinetry.
6. Template and install benchtops once cabinets are fixed.
7. Fit the splashback.
8. Fit off tapware, sinks, appliances, power points and lights.
9. Paint, clean and complete a defects inspection before handover.

• Underestimating storage, especially pantry space and deep drawers for pots.
• Choosing cabinetry before appliances, which leaves awkward gaps.
• Skimping on ventilation; a ducted rangehood vented outside clears steam and grease far better than a recirculating one.
• Installing too few power points for modern small appliances.
• Skipping a contingency budget.

Ready to Plan Your Kitchen Renovation?

Knowing how to renovate a kitchen comes down to clear goals, a realistic budget and the right sequence of work. For inspiration, browse completed projects in our portfolio or explore our home designs. When you’re ready to talk through your plans, contact the team for an obligation free consultation.