Every decision you need to make before your kitchen renovation starts.
📐
Confirm layout
L-shape, U-shape, galley, or island? The work triangle (sink-stove-fridge) should be efficient. Moving the sink means moving plumbing — adds $1,500-$3,000.
🪨
Choose benchtop material
Laminate ($200-$800), engineered stone ($1,000-$3,000), natural stone ($2,000-$5,000), or timber ($800-$2,000). Each has different durability and maintenance needs.
🗄️
Select cabinet style
Flat-panel (modern), shaker (transitional), or raised panel (traditional)? Laminate, 2-pac, or timber veneer? Include soft-close hinges as standard.
🍳
Choose appliances FIRST
Appliance dimensions affect cabinet design. Choose cooktop, oven, rangehood, dishwasher, and fridge BEFORE cabinetry is measured. Allow lead times for delivery.
🔲
Select splashback
Tiles (most options), glass (seamless, easy clean), stone (matching benchtop), or pressed metal. Height: 600mm standard, or full height to rangehood?
💡
Plan lighting
Under-cabinet LED strips (essential), pendant lights over island, recessed downlights. Plan before electrical rough-in.
🔌
Plan power point locations
Where will the kettle, toaster, coffee machine, and mixer live? Plan power points at the back of the benchtop — minimum 4, ideally 6.
🚰
Select sink and tap
Under-mount (seamless with stone benchtop), top-mount (cheaper), or farmhouse? Single bowl, 1.5, or double? Pull-out mixer tap recommended.
🗑️
Plan storage and bins
Pull-out pantry, corner carousel, drawer dividers, built-in bin? These add $200-$500 each but transform daily usability.
📄
Confirm scope with builder
Get written confirmation of exactly what's included — demolition, plumbing, electrical, tiling, painting, and clean-up. What's excluded?