Kitchen Renovation Checklist for Melbourne

Six-step kitchen renovation path, from custom cabinetry to handover

1. 1. Define scope and rough budget

   Decide whether you want a budget refresh ($12k-$30k), a mid-range full reno ($25k-$60k) or a premium rebuild ($45k-$80k+). Open the cost calculator for an indicative budget range, and read the full renovations page for what each tier delivers.

2. 2. Submit the form for a renovator match

   We aim to respond the same day where possible with a VBA (Victorian Building Authority)-registered renovator in our network suited to your project size, style and timeline. The match considers your suburb, project tier and any period-home or apartment experience required. Browse locations to confirm we cover your suburb.

3. 3. Free in-home design consult

   The matched renovator visits, takes detailed measurements, walks through layout options and discusses material and finish choices. The renovator leaves with enough detail to prepare a fixed-price written quote. Read the design and 3D planning page to come prepared.

4. 4. Review the fixed-price quote and contract

   Quotes from renovators in our network come on a fixed-price written contract. In Victoria, a written major domestic building contract is mandatory for work valued over $10,000 under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995. Read it carefully - it should include the scope, contract price, payment stages, the variations process, warranty terms, and start and end dates.

5. 5. Cabinet fabrication and on-site work

   Around four to six weeks of cabinetry and benchtop fabrication off-site, then two to four weeks of demolition, install, plumbing, electrical and finishing. Read the benchtop installation page for the materials detail. Most clients live in the home through this phase with a temporary kitchen station set up.

6. 6. Final walk-through and snag list

   A final inspection together with the matched renovator. Note any snags (chips, alignment, finish issues) and the renovator rectifies them. You receive plumbing and electrical certificates of compliance, the warranty paperwork, and the final invoice on completion.

Documents to have ready

• Property title or rates notice (proof of ownership)
• Floor plan or rough sketch of the kitchen
• An inspiration board (optional but useful)
• List of existing appliances you want to keep
• Owners corporation rules (apartments only)
• Insurance policy details (home and contents)

How this checklist is structured (Method)

The checklist mirrors the standard six-stage kitchen renovation path used by VBA-registered renovators in our network: scope and budget, renovator match, free in-home consult, fixed-price written quote on a domestic building contract, fabrication and on-site work, and the snag list. Each stage carries a clear handover document so you know what you should have at the end of it.

Regulatory anchors built into this checklist:

• VBA registration. In Victoria, domestic building work carried out as a paid contractor requires registration with the Victorian Building Authority in the relevant class. Verify a renovator's registration at vba.vic.gov.au.
• Major domestic building contract threshold ($10,000). Building work over $10,000 must be on a written major domestic building contract under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995. Confirm the current figure at vba.vic.gov.au.
• Cooling-off period. Consumer Affairs Victoria provides a 5-business-day cooling-off period on major domestic building contracts in most circumstances. Check the detail at cav.vic.gov.au.
• Engineered-stone rules (1 July 2024). All current benchtop selections in our network comply with the national Safe Work Australia rules on engineered stone with 1% or more crystalline silica.

Assumptions: figures cited are current as at 2026-06 for the Melbourne metro area, sourced from the Victorian Building Authority, Consumer Affairs Victoria and Safe Work Australia. The matched renovator confirms the current threshold, scheme and warranty values in writing on the quote and contract.