Kitchen Renovation Services

Full Kitchen Renovations

Complete kitchen rebuilds from demolition and rough-in through cabinetry, benchtops and finishing.

Kitchen mid-renovation with new cabinetry being installed

Who a full kitchen renovation in Melbourne North suits

A full kitchen renovation makes sense once the layout itself is the problem, not just the finishes. It fits homeowners in Melbourne North whose kitchen no longer works for how they actually cook and live, whose plumbing or electrical is genuinely dated, or who are combining a kitchen with a broader living-area rework. When you first get in touch we ask a short set of questions: the age and construction of the home, whether the layout is changing, what is driving the project (space, function, resale, or all three), and your rough budget range. From there an independent VBA-registered building contractor gets into the space, checks what sits behind the walls rather than quoting off a floor plan, so the number you receive reflects the real job.

What a full kitchen renovation Melbourne North homeowners actually go through

A full renovation strips a kitchen back to its structure and rebuilds from there, which means the scope covers more than cabinetry and benchtops. Demolition removes the existing kitchen down to the studs or masonry, exposing the plumbing and electrical rough-in underneath. This is the point where a contractor finds out whether pipework and wiring are up to current standards, or whether they need updating before anything new goes in, which is common in the brick-veneer stock through Reservoir, Pascoe Vale and Fawkner and in the older weatherboard homes further into the inner north. Once services are confirmed, cabinetry, benchtops and appliances are installed in sequence, followed by tiling, splashback and final fit-off. In Victoria, a written major Domestic Building Contract is mandatory once the job reaches $10,000, and the contractor entering that contract needs to be registered with the Victorian Building Authority, so the paperwork side of a full renovation is not optional once a job passes that threshold. The realistic sequencing question most homeowners have is how long they will be without a working kitchen. That depends on how much of the rough-in needs replacing and how quickly cabinetry and stone can be fabricated once measurements are locked in, and it is exactly the kind of detail a proper site inspection settles rather than a phone estimate.

What a full kitchen renovation includes

Demolition and strip-out

The existing kitchen is removed down to the studs or masonry so the real condition of the space is visible before anything is priced.

Plumbing and electrical rough-in

Pipework and wiring are checked and updated where needed, particularly relevant in older Melbourne North housing stock.

Cabinetry and benchtop installation

New cabinetry, drawers and a benchtop (stone, porcelain or another legal material) go in once services are confirmed.

Tiling, splashback and finishing

Splashback, tiling and final fit-off of appliances, tapware and hardware complete the build.

How it works

1. Enquire

Tell us your suburb, the scope of the renovation and any structural changes you're considering.

2. Consult

We bring in an independent VBA-registered contractor experienced in full kitchen rebuilds.

3. Discuss

The contractor inspects the site, checks what's behind the walls, and talks through layout options.

4. Quote

You receive a written scope and price before any work begins.

Why homeowners use our network for a full renovation

The rough-in gets a proper look

Demolition is the one point in the job where old plumbing and wiring can be checked and fixed before a new kitchen seals them back in for another decade or more.

VBA-registered contractors

Every full renovation in the network is carried out by a contractor registered with the Victorian Building Authority, with a written major Domestic Building Contract once the job passes $10,000.

Scope matched to your home

A full renovation brief for a Bundoora brick-veneer on a standard block is not treated the same as one for a narrow Thornbury weatherboard, because the underlying job is not the same.

Do I really need a full renovation, or would a facelift do?

This is the most common hesitation, and it is a fair one. If your kitchen's layout works, the cabinetry is structurally sound and the plumbing and electrical are in reasonable condition, a facelift (new doors, benchtop and splashback) can be the smarter, cheaper option, and a straight contractor will tell you that rather than push a full rebuild. A full renovation earns its cost when the layout genuinely does not work for the household, when the carcasses are damaged or damp-affected, or when the plumbing and electrical behind the walls needs replacing regardless of what happens to the visible finishes. The honest way to tell the difference is a site inspection, not a guess from photos, which is why we point you toward that before any numbers get discussed.

Full Kitchen Renovations - frequently asked questions

What are common mistakes people make with kitchen renovations?

Frequent issues include underestimating the budget, choosing materials not suited to heavy use, and failing to allow enough storage or bench space. Some owners also forget to plan for rubbish, recycling and small appliances, leading to cluttered benchtops. Working with a designer or experienced cabinetmaker and checking measurements carefully can help avoid these problems.

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne?

In Melbourne, a full kitchen renovation typically ranges from the low tens of thousands into higher brackets depending on the size of the kitchen, quality of finishes, and whether you’re changing plumbing or layout. Costs increase if you choose custom cabinetry, stone benchtops, and premium appliances, or need structural work. It’s common to get multiple quotes from local cabinetmakers and builders to understand the realistic budget for your home. Many homeowners also allow a contingency of around 10–15% for unexpected issues.

Is it cheaper to just replace kitchen doors and benchtops instead of a full renovation?

Replacing cabinet doors, handles and benchtops while keeping the existing carcasses can be significantly cheaper than a full gut renovation. This approach works best when the layout is functional and the cabinet boxes are still structurally sound. It won’t solve issues like poor storage or bad workflow but can refresh a tired kitchen at a lower cost.

Do kitchen renovations in the northern suburbs need council approval?

For standard internal kitchen refurbishments, council approval is usually not required, but structural changes or external alterations may involve planning or building permits. Each council in the north, such as Darebin, Moreland/Merri‑bek or Banyule, has specific rules, especially in heritage overlays. It’s sensible to check with your local council or builder before removing walls or changing windows and doors.

What’s the difference between using a kitchen company and hiring separate trades?

A full‑service kitchen company usually manages design, supply, installation and coordination of trades, which can simplify the process but sometimes costs more. Hiring a cabinetmaker and then organising your own plumber, electrician and tiler can save money if you’re comfortable managing schedules and issues. Many homeowners choose based on how complex the job is and how much time they can devote to project management.

Full Kitchen Renovations across Melbourne North

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