5 STEPS TO RENOVATING YOUR DREAM KITCHEN
If there’s only one room on your renovation radar, make it your kitchen! You’ve probably heard the expression “kitchens sell houses” - and it's true.
Whether you’re embarking on a kitchen renovation to increase your home’s value or to create a space that you and your family can enjoy for years to come, a well-executed renovation for the kitchen can be a golden opportunity to add some serious wow factor.
That said, kitchen renovations can also be one of the priciest projects you’ll take on in your home. With cabinetry costs, new appliances, and all the other elements involved, renovating your kitchen is a significant investment. But here’s the thing – the kitchen is more than just where food is prepared. It’s the heart of the home, where families gather, memories are made, and daily life unfolds.
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered.
HERE’S WHAT WE’LL COVER IN THIS BEGINNER’S GUIDE:
1) START WITH A VISION BOARD
Creating a clear vision of how you want your kitchen to look and feel is super important when it comes to renovations. Don’t rush into decisions straight away – start by gathering all your kitchen remodeling ideas and curating them all in one place, on a vision board. This should always be the first step before diving into any renovation for the kitchen.
Your vision board will be your guiding light throughout your renovation project, helping you stay on track with your design choices. We can’t stress this enough – take your time on this step!
Once your vision board is done, you’ll have a solid foundation for making informed decisions as your renovation kitchen project progresses. It really is the key to a successful renovation.
Reno School Student Bianca Mulligan’s Vision Board
2) WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM YOUR KITCHEN?
Now that you’ve established your vision, it’s time to ask yourself some key questions about how you’ll use your kitchen and what you love and loathe about your existing kitchen.
In our Three Birds Reno School, we encourage our students to ask 20 specific questions before starting any renovation of kitchen spaces. Here are a few to get you thinking:
Who uses the kitchen and what do they do there?
Are you a MasterChef or an Uber Eats loyalty member?
Do you want to open up your kitchen space? Will you need to knock down any walls to achieve this?
Do your kids do homework in the kitchen, or is that something you’d like to see happen in the future?
By understanding how your kitchen will function for your family, you’ll be better equipped to design a complete kitchen renovation that fits your lifestyle.
3) MUST-HAVES VS. NICE-TO-HAVES
Here’s the thing – as much as we’d love to say you can have it all in your kitchen renovation, the reality is there will always be compromises. Whether it’s space, budget, or layout limitations, you’ll need to make some tough choices.
That’s why it’s helpful to create a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves. This will be your reference when things get tight during your kitchen project.
Start by writing down the absolute essentials for your new kitchen and then jot down the extras that would be nice if they fit into the budget and space - like those fancy kitchen appliances you've been lusting after for years, a reclaimed wood bench or a stunning marble focal point. This process will help you prioritise what’s most important to you.
4) HOW IT LOOKS & HOW IT WORKS
Once you’ve nailed down your vision and function, it’s time to start designing. Consider the layout for your kitchen remodel – do you want an open-concept space, a galley kitchen, or perhaps an L-shaped design? Will you have a kitchen island?
Think about key dimensions, storage space (shelves or drawers?), and appliance placement.
What style do you want for your cabinet doors? Do you want open shelving or to have everything neatly tucked away behind doors?
Lighting is also crucial – how much task lighting will you need? Do you already have a natural light in the room or would you like to add skylights?
Do you want a butler’s pantry or a servery window?
If you're working with a kitchen designer, they'll help step you through these decisions but it will be a huge help to have your vision board complete to share your inspiration at your first meeting.
By thinking about both the form and function of your kitchen, you’ll create a space that not only looks beautiful but also works perfectly for your needs.
5) A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS
Once you’ve got your vision and plan in place, it’s time to start the renovation of your kitchen! The first step is to decide whether you’ll engage a builder, hire a specialist kitchen company, or take the DIY route. Whichever option you choose, here’s a general overview of the process.
Phase 1: Plan your kitchen
This is the fun part! With your vision board and must-haves list in hand, confirm the exact location of your kitchen (if you’re moving it) and sketch out some layouts.
Select your appliances but hold off on purchasing them until later. Then create a materials list for fixtures and fittings (benchtops, splashbacks, cabinetry, handles, sinks, and taps), and collect images of everything to keep as part of your brief.
Draft your lighting, plumbing and electrical, plan to ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Phase 2: Finalise your design
Now you’ll need to decide between flat-pack cabinets and custom cabinetry. Flat-pack kitchens can save a significant amount of money, but bespoke cabinetry gives you more flexibility in design. Compare costs and get quotes for both options.
Once you’ve decided, review and refine your design to make sure everything is perfect. Your final kitchen design should list every detail, from cabinetry colours to tapware and benchtop choices.
Discuss with your carpenter or cabinet-maker who is buying what. Theoretically, it should be cheaper for you to shop around and purchase sinks, taps, appliances and benchtops yourself (especially if you’re a Reno Schooler or a Dream Discount Card cardholder with access to our exclusive offers!), but your cabinet-maker might get some great trade discounts, so talk about this with them first before deciding who buys what.
Hold off on purchasing most items until you have approval on your reno – just in case you need to change your design.
Phase 3: Get approval
Before you start, you may need approval from your local council or relevant bodies. Your builder or kitchen company should guide you through this, but if you’re DIYing, check with your council for requirements.
Once you have approval, go ahead and purchase your appliances, fixtures and fittings.
Erin onsite as Project Manager for this kitchen renovation
Phase 4: Renovate
There’s no going back now! It’s time to demolish your old kitchen (you might be surprised by the cost of how much you can sell an old kitchen for on Facebook Marketplace, so try to get it out intact if it’s worth reselling!) and jump fully into the renovation process.
Your home may feel a bit like Central Station for a few weeks with a constant stream of tradies, including builders, cabinetmakers, flooring installers, stonemasons, electricians, plumbers, tilers… the list goes on!
Phase 5: Style & Enjoy!
Once it’s all finished, don’t forget to ask your plumber and electrician for certificates certifying their work and then file these safely away with any warranties and instruction booklets that came with your new appliances. Then it’s time for your new kitchen to have its first clean. We recommend you bring in professional cleaners for this as they know how best to remove all the various types of construction messes, but you can give it a go yourself to save some money.
Now it’s time to unleash your inner styling rockstar and style your new kitchen to perfection!
KITCHEN RENOVATION FAQS
Here are some common questions people ask when planning a kitchen renovation:
1. How long does a kitchen renovation take?
The timeline for a kitchen renovation depends on several factors, including the size and scope of the project, the availability of materials, and whether you’re working with contractors or DIYing. On average, a renovation kitchen project can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. Planning ahead and sticking to a schedule will help keep things moving smoothly.
2. What is the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation?
Cabinetry is often the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation, followed by countertops and appliances. Custom cabinetry, in particular, can significantly increase costs, but even high-quality flat-pack kitchens can add up. To manage costs, consider mixing custom features with more affordable options, like flat-pack cabinets paired with custom benchtops.
3. Do I need APPROVAL for a kitchen renovation?
Whether or not you need a permit for your kitchen renovation depends on the scope of the project and your local regulations. Minor cosmetic updates like painting or replacing countertops generally don’t require permits. However, if your renovation involves structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing, you may need to obtain permits. Always check with your local council to ensure compliance with regulations.
4. Should I hire a professional or DIY my kitchen renovation?
The decision to hire a professional or DIY your renovation depends on your skill level, budget, and the complexity of the project. If you’re confident in your abilities and the renovation is relatively straightforward, DIYing can save money. However, for larger projects involving plumbing, electrical work, or structural changes, hiring a professional is often the safer and more efficient option.
5. What should I prioritise in my kitchen renovation?
When planning your renovation, prioritise the elements that will have the biggest impact on functionality and overall aesthetic. Focus on cabinetry, benchtops, and appliances first, as these are the core components of any kitchen. Once these elements are in place, you can add smaller details like lovely lighting, fun splashback tiles, and fancy hardware to elevate the space.
6. How can I save money on my kitchen renovation?
If you're looking to save money on your kitchen, you can cut hundreds (if not thousands!) off your renovation budget with some savvy shopping. Sometimes your bathroom renovation timeline doesn’t align with the sales but with the Three Birds Dream Discount Card, you can save every day on every purchase for your home. Check out the savings you could make on appliances, tiles, benchtops and cabinetry (just to name a few!) for your kitchen renovation!
7. Where can I get kitchen remodeling ideas?
There are plenty of resources for kitchen ideas and inspiration. Start with Pinterest or Instagram for endless ideas and styles. You can also browse home design magazines, watch renovation TV shows, or house tours for real-life examples, fresh ideas and practical advice.
Ready to Renovate?
Kitchen renovations can feel overwhelming, but with careful planning and clear vision, you’ll create a space that’s as beautiful as it is functional. Whether you’re renovating for profit or building your dream kitchen, follow these steps to ensure your renovation kitchen journey is smooth and successful.
At Three Birds Renovations, we know how to bring a kitchen renovation to life, and we can help you do the same. If you want to learn more, check out our online course, Three Birds Reno School, where we teach you everything you need to know to create your dream home, from remodeling your kitchens to every other room in the house.
Join the waitlist for Reno School today to hear when enrolment opens. Or if you’re eager to get ready to reno your kitchen in as little as 48 hours, check out our Kitchen Bootcamp. Let’s do this!
