Step 1 — Getting to know the kitchen
A call to talk about the room, followed by a visit. We measure, photograph and look at how you use the space: who cooks, where the kids sit, what drives you mad, what appliances you have and what you love.
Step 2 — Design
Layout options first, then a detailed plan: cabinetry, benchtop, splashback, appliances, lighting, power points and plumbing positions. See kitchen design.
Step 3 — Selections
Cabinet finishes, handles, benchtop material, splashback, sink, tapware and appliance models locked in. Changes after this point cost time and money.
Step 4 — Written quote and contract
An itemised price with allowances clearly listed. For work over $20,000, home building compensation cover is arranged before a deposit is requested, and the deposit is no more than 10 per cent.
Step 5 — Approvals
Strata approval for units and villas. Engineering and any required approval for structural wall removal.
Step 6 — Cabinet manufacture
Cabinetry is built off site. Your current kitchen keeps working in the meantime.
Step 7 — Asbestos check
For homes built or renovated before about 1990, suspect materials are sampled, and a licensed removalist deals with any asbestos before demolition.
Step 8 — Removal
The old kitchen comes out, services are capped safely, and floors and walls are protected.
Step 9 — Services and repairs
Plumbing, gas and electrical in their new positions. Wall patching, floor repairs and any structural work.
Step 10 — Cabinet installation
Cabinets installed, levelled and fixed.
Step 11 — Benchtops
Templated on site, fabricated, then installed.
Step 12 — Splashback and fit-off
Splashback installed, then sink, tapware, cooktop, oven, rangehood and dishwasher connected.
Step 13 — Finishing and handover
Painting, making good, a thorough clean and a walk-through.
Typical on-site timeline
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Removal and services | 3–5 days |
| Cabinet installation | 2–4 days |
| Benchtop templating to install | 1–2 weeks |
| Splashback and fit-off | 3–5 days |
| Painting and clean | 1–3 days |
A kitchen makeover on existing cabinets is usually much quicker on site.
Surviving without a kitchen
- Move the fridge to the laundry or dining room.
- Set up a bench with the microwave, kettle, toaster and air fryer.
- Use the laundry tub for washing up, or paper plates for a couple of weeks.
- Cook and freeze a few meals beforehand.
- Use the barbecue more — Coast weather usually helps.
Next steps
See the cost guide or the FAQ.
Call 02 4307 6053 or send your kitchen details through.
Questions people ask before they commit
How long does the whole kitchen renovation take?
From the first design conversation to a finished kitchen, two to four months is common. Much of that is design, approvals and cabinet manufacture while your existing kitchen still works. On-site work usually takes two to four weeks.
What is the longest wait on site?
Usually the gap between installing cabinets and installing benchtops. Stone and porcelain tops are templated once the cabinets are fixed, then fabricated, which often takes one to two weeks.
How do families manage without a kitchen?
Set up a temporary station in the laundry or dining room with the fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster and an air fryer or portable induction plate. Wash up in the laundry tub, and plan a few easy meals and takeaway nights.
What can delay a kitchen renovation?
Late appliance decisions, changes after cabinets are ordered, hidden problems like rot, old wiring or asbestos, strata approval timing and benchtop fabrication backlogs.