Top 6 kitchen renovation questions Googled
Planning a kitchen renovation is no small undertaking. For most, Google’s vast trove of advice becomes the first port of call, with searches piling up faster than decisions can be made. Yet, when it’s time to go from research to reality, many homeowners still feel overwhelmed. Here, Nouvelle, a trusted name in Sydney home renovations for over 30 years, steps in to clear the fog. Mike Turner, Nouvelle’s managing director and kitchen renovation expert, answers the six most-searched questions to help you go from vague ideas to a functional, beautiful space.
A kitchen makeover isn’t just a quick update or a refresh—it’s a transformation that enhances daily life, elevates functionality and often adds immense value to your home. Nouvelle recognises the ambition and vision our clients bring to their projects, and we know that every choice counts. Our decades of experience have shown us the patterns, the challenges and, most importantly, the questions that matter most to you. We’re here to answer them, one by one, with the insights you need to make this journey as stress-free as possible.
Here are the top six kitchen renovation questions Sydneysiders ask—and Nouvelle’s guide to transforming your kitchen into a space that brings lasting value, utility, and beauty into your life.
Question 1: How much do kitchen renovations cost?
Price is often the first question, and for good reason—a kitchen renovation is a massive investment, with costs varying greatly based on quality and customisation. Entry-level kitchen makeovers usually range from $20,000 to $40,000. They cover the basics but may often exclude installation and trade work. Reconfiguring plumbing and electrical systems alone can add $10,000 to $15,000, depending on the complexity of the job. And with appliances typically outside the scope of these budgets, it’s essential to plan with clarity.
If you are looking at a budget-friendly kitchen, choices are often limited to standard joinery and lower-end finishes. While these kitchens can serve you functionally, they tend to rely on stock sizing and basic materials, which means limited personalisation and durability. Laminate or low-cost acrylic benchtops may seem attractive for the price, but they may lack the resilience and aesthetic appeal that more premium options offer. Internal cabinetry at this tier often consists of thin, stapled MDF boards, sometimes even Masonite. Doors and panels are usually melamine or vacuum-formed—an option that provides a finish but lacks the quality of materials like polyurethane or solid timber. At this level, extras like branded hardware or soft-close drawers are either unavailable or are replaced by ‘look-alike’ brands.
On the other end of the spectrum, a high-end kitchen, which can cost $50,000 to $80,000 and upwards, offers a different experience entirely. Here, quality is built in at every layer: custom joinery to fit your space, high-quality natural stone benchtops, and premium hardware for smooth, soft-close functionality in every drawer and cabinet. Custom kitchens allow for fully ergonomic designs tailored to fit both your space and lifestyle, with thoughtful storage solutions like stainless steel pull-out pantries, corner cabinets and cutlery organisers.
And while flatpack kitchens from big box stores may promise a quick fix under $5,000, they often fall short on flexibility, quality and durability. Styles and sizing are pre-set, with little room for customisation, and the burden of coordinating and managing trades falls on you. With a Nouvelle custom kitchen, you’re spared the project’s most overwhelming parts, allowing you to focus on what matters—the joy of a beautiful, functional kitchen.
Question 2: How long do kitchen renovations take?
A straightforward kitchen renovation generally takes around six weeks. That includes two to three weeks of stripping out the old and carefully installing the new. But as any seasoned renovator will tell you, a smooth timeline is more the exception than the rule, especially without proper planning and the right team behind you. Unexpected delays can stretch out a project, turning weeks into months.
Council approvals, for instance, are often required for extensions, which can hold up the process. Decision delays over finishes, layout adjustments made on the fly or a shift in design direction midway through planning can all add to the clock. Mother Nature occasionally adds her say too—with severe weather sometimes halting work, especially if trades are juggling other projects.
When these complications pile up, whether through poor planning or bad luck, a simple renovation can extend much longer than you intended. That’s why expert coordination and foresight are critical; without them, timelines can unravel quickly. With proper planning and support, however, you can keep delays to a minimum and ensure your dream kitchen doesn’t become a never-ending project.
Question 3: Who does kitchen renovations?
When it comes to renovating a kitchen, you’ve got options—and each path has its own pros and cons. Some homeowners turn to skilled kitchen designers, joiners or cabinetmakers, while others opt for architects or dedicated kitchen renovation companies. Each of these professionals brings a unique skill set to the table, whether it’s an eye for design, craftsmanship in joinery, or the seamless project management that comes with a full-service renovation company.
Then there’s the DIY route. For those who are particularly handy, flatpack kitchens from places like IKEA or Bunnings offer an affordable and flexible option. But DIY means taking on not just the assembly, but also the coordination of every trade required for a functioning kitchen—from plumbers to electricians to tilers. Without the necessary experience and plenty of time on hand, the DIY approach can quickly turn stressful and costly.
If you decide to hire a professional, a few key checks can make all the difference. Look for a portfolio that speaks to your taste and needs. Client reviews are often more revealing than the company’s own words, so don’t skip them. And ask pointed questions: Will the project include a warranty? Are licenses and insurances current? Who manages and coordinates trades? Is installation fully handled? Knowing what’s included (and what isn’t) before signing the dotted line will help set clear expectations and avoid unexpected costs. For a truly transformative and stress-free result, finding the right fit with your renovation team is essential.
Question 4: How do you DIY kitchen renovations?
Tackling a DIY kitchen renovation might sound like an opportunity to save money, but the reality can be far more complex and, if not done correctly, more expensive than you hoped for. A kitchen involves countless details, each of which requires careful planning and precise execution. Without professional guidance, you’ll be responsible for every design choice, and achieving an optimal layout without a designer’s experienced eye can be challenging. If you opt to design it yourself, brace for hours of research—comparing materials, visiting showrooms, reading reviews and evaluating trade-offs.
Budgeting is another critical step, and it goes far beyond simply tallying the cost of cabinetry and benchtops. A thorough budget will include every required component: from big-ticket items like cabinets and benchtops to the often-overlooked costs of demolition, disposal, plumbing, electrical and council permits for significant structural changes. Then there’s the coordination of all the trades: carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plasterers and tilers. Each requires contracting, scheduling, and supervision—tasks that not only take time but demand patience and resilience. Ensuring that each trade is licensed and insured is crucial, as issues with unqualified tradespeople can lead to hefty repair bills down the line.
Consider, too, the physical and mental demands of a DIY renovation. A project of this scale inevitably brings hiccups, and any delays or mistakes can impact your daily life. Are you prepared for the disruptions? Will you be ready to problem-solve if things don’t go to plan? How will it affect your household?
If DIY sounds daunting, there’s good reason for that. Handing the project to a single company with a fixed-price contract centralises all responsibilities. They coordinate trades, cover insurances and handle problems, giving you peace of mind that your kitchen will be completed to a high standard without the burden of juggling every piece yourself. When it comes to installation, particularly with cabinetry, even skilled DIYers may find the precision and expertise of a professional installer can make or break the result. Properly aligned cabinets and countertops are key to a kitchen that’s both beautiful and designed to last, and even a small error here can lead to costly problems down the road.
In the end, a DIY renovation demands time, energy and know-how. Before diving in, ensure you’re fully prepared—financially, mentally, and practically—for the tasks ahead.
Question 5: Why do kitchen renovations take so long?
Renovating a kitchen is a multifaceted process that requires more than just skilled hands; it demands precision, timing, and patience. Each phase—from design planning to the final installation—depends on a careful sequence of events. Start with the design: even deciding on materials, colours and layout can stretch out longer than expected, especially if final choices take time.
Once designs are settled, coordination across multiple trades begins. Carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, tilers and removal/ disposal experts all need to be scheduled—and they are often booked weeks, if not months, in advance. Material availability can also cause delays, with global supply chain issues affecting items like cabinetry, appliances and finishes.
Laminate benchtops, on the other hand, streamline the process slightly, as they can be installed by a carpenter immediately after the cabinets.
Other factors, like council permits for extensions or unpredictable weather, especially for external work, can also impact timing. With so many moving parts, it’s easy to see why a kitchen renovation often demands far more time and coordinating know-how than anticipated.
Question 6: Where do I start with kitchen renovations?
Launching a kitchen renovation begins with clear intentions and an honest look at the budget. Consider, first and foremost, what you need from your new kitchen. Are you a home chef needing ample prep areas, an avid entertainer wanting to keep cooking mess out of sight or someone who wants all the mod cooking cons within easy reach? Make practicality a priority and think about how you want your kitchen to work on an everyday basis and meet your cooking, cleaning and entertainment habits, as well as your family’s everyday needs.
Once you know what you want, start exploring designs. A conversation with a kitchen designer can illuminate layout possibilities you may not have considered. Online kitchen-design tools also offer a useful starting point to sketch out ideas.
Carefully researching your appliances is a must. Certain models might demand custom cabinetry, which will need to be factored into the kitchen design from the beginning. Consider how and what you cook on an everyday basis, not just on special occasions, and how you like to prep and clean.
When a vision starts to take shape, it’s time to bring in the experts. Request a design appointment and get quotes from at least two kitchen designers or contractors, paying close attention to what each quote includes so you’re not caught out by unexpected costs down the track. And be sure to compare apples with apples. Some quotes cover things like project management, warranties, demolition and installation, while others add these costs later, making their initial price seem lower. Also, take note of lead times for both design and installation, ensuring their availability aligns with your schedule. Ensure appropriate licenses and insurances are current.
Remember, a successful kitchen renovation is as much about planning as it is about the end result. Setting a realistic budget, choosing the right team and planning each detail will bring you closer to the kitchen you’ve been dreaming of, with minimal fuss and overruns, making it a true heart of the home where you and your loved ones can create lasting memories.
Contact Nouvelle’s friendly team today on (02) 9484 8299 or book a visit to one of our showrooms in Willoughby or Pennant Hills, NSW, to have a chat about what you want from your dream kitchen and explore the possibilities.
