Kitchen Renovation Checklist  

If you’re renovating your kitchen, creating a list or checklist will mitigate risks, keep budgets on track, and ensure that all materials are accounted for. 

Of course, every kitchen renovation will be different – but there are plenty of common elements and ‘must-haves’ that we’ve compiled into the ultimate kitchen renovation checklist. 

What Should A Kitchen Renovation Checklist Include?

• Planning and design – deciding what the new kitchen will look like, usually with the help of a kitchen renovation designer. 
• Council permits – major kitchen renovation works will require building approval from the local council before work can begin. 
• Demolition work – determining which parts of the existing kitchen to remove. 
• Structural components – walls, layout, cabinetry, floor tiling, and benchtops are structural parts of the kitchen to consider. 
• Fittings, fixtures, and appliances – deciding on taps, stovetops, lighting, and kitchen appliances. 
• Cost of materials and services – building a budget that factors in the total cost of materials and services. 
• Final handover – things to check and look for before project completion. 

1. Planning and Design

Decide on a kitchen style and preferences

Kitchen styles range from compact modern minimalist to rustic open-plan layouts – you’ll need to have at least some idea of the type of kitchen you want to be able to brief a designer or renovation specialist. Apart from the overall style, consider the “must-have” kitchen elements or features to include in the renovation project, whether it’s a large, double sink, a dishwasher, a butler’s pantry, or a kitchen island bench. Read our guide on kitchen renovation ideas for inspiration.

Consult a kitchen renovation specialist

Kitchen renovation specialists like Venaso Selections use 3D-modelling to build a digital version of your ideal kitchen based on your brief. Renovation specialists can also offer advice to further refine the design of the kitchen, such as reducing “dead space” to maximise storage or to improve the flow of food prep areas.

2. Council Permits

Apply for a building permit

Most kitchen renovations require a building permit from the local council before any construction work can start. There are different types of building permits depending on the state you are in. In Western Australia, for example, building permits may need to be Certified or Uncertified based on the extent of building work required.

Each council also has its own processing time for approving a building permit. To save time on the application process, work with a renovation specialist who can submit the building permit application on your behalf.

3. Demolition Work

Identify which parts of the existing kitchen will be removed

If your kitchen renovation does not involve a complete overhaul, you’ll need to carefully indicate which of the existing kitchen elements need to be removed and which parts should remain untouched. 

Check for asbestos or mould before demolition

The demolition process may reveal problems like asbestos or mould in the kitchen – professional removal services will be necessary to address these before the renovation can proceed. 

4. Structural Components

Wall removals or additions

Cabinetry

Flooring

Benchtop

Splashbacks

Plumbing rough-in points

Electrical wiring and power points

Waterproofing

Ventilation and ducting

These structural components will form the foundation of the renovated kitchen’s look, feel, and function. While most of these will be discussed during the initial design phase, it’s worth keeping them in mind early on to reduce the likelihood of “missed” areas later on. A kitchen renovation specialist can help you understand options for elements like kitchen cabinet materials to line up orders in advance.

5. Fittings, Fixtures, and Appliances

Taps and sinks

Lighting

Stovetop

Rangehood

Oven

Dishwasher

Fridge

Towel rails and hooks

Cutout dimensions for appliances

The choice of fittings and fixtures comes down to finding a good balance between aesthetics and functionality. As with the structural components of the kitchen, many of the decisions for fixtures and fittings will be finalised during design planning. 

An important consideration is sizing. Appliances including the oven or dishwasher that are planned to be integrated into the cabinetry must fit the cutout dimensions for a proper fit. 

6. Cost of materials and services

Much alike bathroom and laundry room renovations, you’ll need to account for the following costs when renovating your kitchen:

Cost of materials

Trade service quotes (plumbers, electricians, tilers)

Construction and installation costs

An additional 10-20% buffer based on the total costs

Figuring out the actual cost of a kitchen renovation can be difficult, even with the estimates from service providers. Material shortages, labour availability, and weather conditions can cause costs to grow unexpectedly, which is why having a 10-20% buffer on the budget is recommended. 

7. Final handover

Test taps and appliances

Inspect workmanship for quality

Arrange for cleaning

Completion of construction work is not the end of the kitchen renovation project – you’ll still need to conduct final checks across the entire area to ensure it meets your standards. Check taps and plumbing for leaks, and take the time to inspect areas like cabinetry alignment, cornicing, hardware, and appliance installation. Report any defects to have them rectified.