Kitchen renovation checklist

A good kitchen renovation runs in order: set your budget, list what isn't working, plan the layout, choose finishes and appliances, confirm consent if needed, sign off the design and manufacture, then install with trades sequenced correctly. Work through the checklist below and you'll arrive at your design meeting prepared — which is where the best decisions get made.

1. Set a realistic budget

Decide what you're comfortable spending and keep a contingency of around 10–15% for the unexpected. If you're unsure what's realistic, our kitchen renovation cost guide walks through NZ price ranges for budget, mid-range and premium kitchens.

2. List what’s not working

• Too little bench space, or it's in the wrong place.
• Not enough storage, or storage you can't reach.
• Awkward flow between sink, cooktop and fridge.
• Poor lighting, or no task lighting over the bench.
• Not enough power points where you use appliances.

3. Plan the layout

Think about how you actually cook, store and move. Consider whether a galley, L-shape, U-shape or an island suits your space and household, and keep the classic work triangle — sink, cooktop, fridge — easy to move between. Our kitchen layouts guide explains the options. Keeping your existing plumbing where it works is the single biggest cost saver.

4. Choose finishes and appliances

Pick your cabinetry finish, benchtop material, splashback, handles and colours. Choose appliances now — oven, cooktop, rangehood, dishwasher, fridge — because cabinetry is built to their exact dimensions. Lock the specs in before manufacture begins.

5. Confirm consent if needed

Most like-for-like kitchen refits don't need building consent, but structural changes, moving plumbing beyond a point, or certain work can. Check early — our consent guide covers when it applies in NZ.

6. Sign off the design and manufacture

Review the final design, 3D concepts and fixed written quote, then sign off. Avoid changes after this point — they're the most common cause of delay and extra cost. Your kitchen is then built to order in our Rotorua factory.

7. Prepare for installation

Set up a temporary kitchenette with the fridge, kettle and microwave somewhere else in the house, clear the room, and plan for one to two weeks without a working kitchen. We remove and dispose of the old kitchen, install the new cabinetry, coordinate the plumber and electrician, fit the benchtop and splashback, and finish the job — then hand you back a kitchen that's ready to use.

8. The final walk-through

Check the doors and drawers align and close softly, the benchtop and splashback are clean and sealed, appliances are connected and working, and you're happy with every detail. Then enjoy it — and keep your care and warranty information somewhere handy.