Planning – Planning your kitchen renovation starts with a budget, which means researching all your costs thoroughly beforehand. This includes materials, tradespeople and permits. Fail to plan your project down to the last cent and you could end up spending more than you can afford or your job could take longer than expected. It also makes sense to include a buffer of 10% – 20% for unexpected costs – depending on the complexity and size of your kitchen reno.
Permits – Make sure you have researched local council regulations regarding your kitchen renovation. This is especially true if you are changing the floorplan and making structural changes, in which case you are likely to need a permit. Different councils have different regulations – and these also vary by state, so be sure to check what applies where you live. Your kitchen builder can also help you make sense of any red tape
Strata – If you live in a strata there is another layer of regulations to deal with for any works that impact common property. As a strata title owner you essentially only own the space between the walls – and even small renovation jobs require approval from your strata committee. They will need to see your plans and evidence that you are using licensed tradespeople. Be aware that approval for renovations takes time as you have to submit your project at a scheduled strata meeting or pay for a meeting to be held to approve your reno.
Licences – Trades are required to hold licences in the state they operate in, on top of their specific qualifications. It is a legal requirement that your tradie is licensed for any works they carry out in your home. They also need to be insured in case there is an accident or they damage your property during works.
Kitchen Designer – Designing your new kitchen is a real skill, especially if you want to make the most of your space. Here a dedicated kitchen designer (or architect) can help, or your kitchen builder may include this as part of their service. You will definitely need professional help if you are moving services or altering the floor plan – but feel free to get involved and bring your ideas to the table.
Demolition and strip out – If you are doing a complete kitchen reno you will need to demolish, gut or strip out your existing kitchen. Depending on the size it could take a day or two to remove cabinetry, benchtops and tiles – which is dusty, hard graft. Your kitchen builder will include demolition in their quote, and we advise you to use them rather than attempt this yourself. You will also need to organise a skip bin to remove all the waste.
Cabinetmaker – A cabinetmaker can create custom drawers, overhead storage and even a walk-in pantry for you.
Plumber – A plumber helps to move services and get your kitchen basin and dishwasher connected. Once they are finished roughing in all the plumbing it’s the turn of the electrician.
Electrician – Your sparky is responsible for wiring any elements that require power, including general & task lighting, powerpoints and all the appliances.
Tiler/Floorer – Tiles or hardwood timber are the most common surfaces for kitchen flooring, and tiles are also popular as a kitchen splashback – which means a professional tiler is a must-have tradie.
Kitchen benchtops – Choose from laminate ($), timber ($$), composite stone ($$), concrete ($$$) or natural stone ($$$) benchtops. Laminate is a durable surface and the most cost effective but doesn’t have the same look and feel as the other more expensive options here including Ceasarstone.
Sink – The most practical kitchen sink is one flush or sunken with your benchtops surface as this makes cleaning much easier. You will also need to choose a single or double sink, based on the space you have to work with and how many people live in you home.
Tapware – There is a wide variety of tapware available for your kitchen sink, including mixer and wall mounted taps. Here look for water efficiency ratings and buy a range that suits the theme of your kitchen.
Appliances – Kitchen appliances on you shopping list could include a stove, oven, fridge, microwave oven and dishwasher. If you are looking to save use your existing units, or look for factory seconds or refurbished products that come with a warranty.
How long will my kitchen renovation take?
You should expect to devote:
- Up to 4 weeks to research, plan and design, your project. This includes time to develop the design, select materials and fittings and get quotes from local tradies
- Custom kitchen cabinetry can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks to be built, depending on the materials you choose
- Depending on the size of your project, allow anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks for the works to take place.
Works can take longer if you are doing anything structural, or are dealing with any red tape, which could delay your project.
Knowing when everything happens is important as it can help plan the order tradies work on your project.
1. Strip out of existing kitchen including cabinetry
2. Disconnection of appliances and plumbing
3. Structural work commences including framing
4. Install new plumbing and electrical including new powerpoints
5. Pour concrete floor
6. Cabinetry installed (one to three days)
7. Benchtops measured, cut and installed
8. Plumbing fit off (kitchen sink, dishwasher)
9. Splashback installed
10. Flooring install
11. Paint walls
12. Test and handover
