Start with function, not aesthetics
Most kitchen renovation mistakes trace back to the same source: decisions made in a showroom based on how something looks, rather than decisions made at home based on how you actually cook and live. Before you open a design catalogue, spend a week noting what frustrates you about your current kitchen.
Common functional problems that a renovation can fix include: not enough storage, poor workflow between fridge, sink, and cooktop (the "work triangle"), inadequate bench space, bad lighting, and inadequate ventilation. These are the things to solve first. Aesthetics follow.
The renovation planning sequence
Step 1 — Define the brief. Write down what you want to change, what you want to keep, and what non-negotiables you have (a specific appliance, a particular style, a firm budget ceiling). A clear brief produces better quotes and fewer variations.
Step 2 — Set a realistic budget. Use our cost calculator and cost guides to establish a realistic range for your project type and size. Add a 10–15% contingency. Renovations regularly surface unexpected conditions — old plumbing, structural surprises, asbestos — that add cost.
Step 3 — Design before you quote. Quotes based on a vague description are almost useless for comparison. A basic floor plan showing your intended layout, with the key materials specified (cabinet type, benchtop material, splashback), gives tradespeople enough to price accurately and gives you a basis for comparing quotes.
Step 4 — Get 3 quotes. From providers appropriate to your budget level and project type. One quote tells you nothing. Two gives a comparison. Three gives you market context.
Step 5 — Read the quotes carefully. Don't just compare the bottom line. Check what's included, what's excluded, what the PC sums cover, and how variations are handled. Our quote comparison guide walks through this in detail.
Step 6 — Plan your timeline. Custom cabinetry typically has a 4–10 week lead time. Trades need to be scheduled around installation. Stone benchtop templating happens after cabinets are in. Appliances need to be ordered to arrive at the right time. A realistic schedule prevents the rushed decisions that cause regret.
The most common planning mistake
Starting construction before finalising all your selections. Material delays, out-of-stock items, and changed minds during a live renovation are expensive. Lock in every selection — every handle, every tile, every appliance model — before work begins on site.
Layout decisions that affect everything else
Your kitchen layout determines your plumbing positions, electrical rough-in, ventilation ducting route, and the amount of natural light in the space. Changes to layout after trades have been roughed in are expensive. Invest time in getting the layout right before anything is on order.
If you're unsure about layout, a session with a kitchen designer (typically $200–$500 for a brief) is money well spent. They'll often identify solutions or avoid mistakes that save significantly more than the design fee.
Questions to ask yourself before you start
- How long do we plan to live in this property? (Affects how much to spend and which finishes to prioritise)
- Are we renovating for resale, daily living, or both?
- What's our non-negotiable must-have in this kitchen?
- What do we hate most about the current kitchen?
- Do we want to keep the existing layout or are we open to changes?
- What is our absolute budget ceiling?