What to Expect During a Kitchen Renovation

A Kitchen Renovation, From Start to Finish

Most people feel excited about renovating their kitchen, but it is also very normal to feel unsure about what actually happens once the process begins. There are a lot of moving parts and until you have lived through a renovation it can be a bit hard to picture how it all comes together.

At Advanced Cabinetry, we focus on making the process clear and well structured, so you always know what stage you are at and what is coming next. From early design conversations through to the final handover, the goal is to keep things organised, practical, and as stress free as possible.

Step 1: Design, Planning and Selections

The design stage sets the tone for the entire renovation. This is where time spent upfront really pays off later. Before anything happens on site, we take the time to understand how you use your kitchen day to day, what frustrates you about the current layout, and what you would like to improve.

During this stage we work through:

• Your preferred layout, storage needs and how you move through the space
• Cabinetry style, finishes, benchtops and handle options
• Appliance sizes, locations and service requirements
• Lighting, power points and ventilation needs
• Budget expectations and realistic timeframes

As outlined in our Kitchen Planner, it is important to allow a contingency in your budget, and to separate costs into cabinetry, appliances, and required trade works. Kitchens often cost more than people expect, so clarity at this stage helps avoid difficult decisions later on.

If you are still gathering ideas, our free Kitchen Planner is a helpful starting point. It prompts you to think about layout, storage and appliances before your first design meeting.

Step 2: Pre-Construction and Site Preparation

Once the design is finalised and everything is approved, the project moves into preparation mode. This stage is often quieter from a homeowner’s point of view, but it plays a big role in keeping the renovation running smoothly.

Pre-construction typically includes:

• Final site checks measurements
• Manufacturing of cabinetry & benchtops
• Ordering of appliances
• Locking in trade schedules and delivery timing
• Planning site access, protection of surrounding areas, and safety requirements

Your existing kitchen usually stays in place during this period. We will also talk through what needs to be organised before demolition starts, including clearing cupboards and setting up a temporary kitchen space.

Step 3: Construction and Installation

This is the stage most people associate with a renovation, when the old kitchen comes out and the new one starts to take shape. It usually begins with careful removal of the existing kitchen, followed by any structural or service work needed to suit the new layout.

The construction phase generally follows this sequence:

• Electrical and plumbing disconnect
• Removal of the existing kitchen and preparation of the space
• Electrical and plumbing rough-in
• Plastering, patching and surface preparation
• Installation of appliances, fixtures & fittings
• Electrical and plumbing fit off
• Flooring
• Painting

What Happens Behind the Scenes

At this point of the renovation there is often noise, several people at your home & some mess. It is only short lived & will be worth the small inconvenience once all is finished:

• Trade sequencing so each stage flows into the next
• Quality checks as work is completed
• Communication from site supervisor to client and trades
• Problem solving if site conditions differ from expectations

Because we are Registered Building Practitioners, we take responsibility for the entire process, from design through to completion. That means fewer unknowns for you, and clearer accountability throughout the build.

Helpful Hints While Your Kitchen Is Being Renovated

Living without a kitchen for a period of time can take some adjustment. Preparation beforehand can make a big difference.

• Set up a temporary kitchen, a kettle, microwave, toaster and small fridge can cover most basics.
• Plan meals in advance, have a good cook up & freeze meals, utilise your BBQ, an air fryer or slow cooker can help keep things easy.
• Keep access clear, trades need space to work efficiently and safely.
• Confirm appliance delivery dates, late appliances are one of the most common causes of delays.
• Expect some noise and dust, it is temporary. We always recommend that you pack away as many of your belongings as you can & protect your furniture with cover sheets.
• Pets need to be considered when renovating, especially if they are indoor animals, setting up a safe place for them away from work areas of the house or putting in a kennel.

Be assured that you will be kept up to date as the renovation progresses. so you know what to expect next.

Using the Kitchen Planner to Get Started

If you are considering a kitchen renovation in 2026, preparation is the best place to begin. Our Kitchen Planner is designed to help you clarify your priorities, your wish list, and your budget before sitting down with a designer.

It covers layout ideas, storage planning, appliance considerations and budget guidance, giving you a clearer picture of what you want before decisions are locked in.

With good planning and the right team, a kitchen renovation does not have to feel overwhelming. It can be a structured, well managed process that leads to a kitchen you will enjoy using every day.