Every kitchen renovation project starts with planning and design - making sure you know what elements you want to change, remove, and update, and how much it’ll likely cost. Because you may not need to do a complete gut and rebuild. If some parts are still in good condition and fit with the new design, you may be able to keep them as-is and save your budget for other features. After planning your reno (and relocating all the food and crockery), the next steps will depend on what you’ve included in your plans:
Demolishing your existing kitchenUsually, the first step your kitchen renovator will take is to rid of your existing kitchen or any parts in it that you won’t be keeping. They’ll start by removing the existing cabinet doors and cabinet bases, followed by doorway and window trims. Then they’ll shut your power off and remove built-in appliances and light fixtures. If you’re replacing the wall panels and flooring, they’ll be removed last. You’ll need to safely store anything you want to salvage and you may need to organise rubbish removal to clear your space for the installation.
Installing new appliancesOnce you’ve bought your new appliances, such as ovens, stovetops, fans, and lights, they’ll usually need to be installed by a qualified electrician. They’ll start by turning off the power, water, and gas. Then they’ll install your new appliance, check that it is safe, secure, and level, and then test that it’s working properly. Once your appliance installer is done, they’ll turn the power back on.
Installing cabinets Cabinets are the centrepiece of your kitchen, so it’s worth investing in a professional installation. Usually a cabinet maker, carpenter, or cabinet installer will review your kitchen layout, check that they’ve got all the right pieces, and then start assembling your cabinets. They’ll secure each cabinet to the one next to it, as well as the walls. They’ll use a spirit level to check that each cabinet is plumb and level, so they’re ready for the benchtops, crown moulding, and scribe moulding.
Installing new countertopsOnce your cabinets are in place, your kitchen renovator can collaborate with a benchtop installer to add your new countertop. Depending on your kitchen layout, you may be able to purchase an off-the-shelf kitchen benchtop. Otherwise, you’ll need to customise an existing benchtop or commission a custom one to fit your space. Countertop installation involves mounting the countertop to your cabinets and walls, before securing it in place with glue, screws, and brackets. Finally, your countertop installer will seal any edges and clear up any waste.
Installing new flooringWhen installing new kitchen flooring, most people choose easy to clean, hardwearing options, such as tiles, slate, or linoleum. Once your existing flooring is removed, your flooring contractor will clear dust and debris from the area. If they notice any height or level issues with the floor, your kitchen renovator may attempt to level your flooring out, then prepare the surface with soundproofing, moisture barriers, and underlay. Your floor installer will use adhesives (like glue or cement) to secure your new flooring down. Once all the flooring is installed, they’ll check again to ensure everything is level and all edges are sealed, before installing mouldings and finishings so there’s no gaps between your flooring and cabinetry.
