Search "kitchen renovation checklist" and you'll get a lot of results about council approvals, waterproofing, demolition sequencing, and trade coordination. If you've already got a builder or you're not managing the build itself, none of that answers what you actually need: every selection decision, laid out in full, so nothing gets missed and nothing gets decided in a rush on site.
This is that checklist.
1. Layout & Clearances
- Kitchen work zone/triangle confirmed (sink, cooktop, fridge)
- Walkway and island clearance widths confirmed
- Cupboard and drawer swing/opening clearances checked
- Appliance clearances confirmed (fridge, dishwasher, oven, microwave)
- Bench height confirmed
- Island or breakfast bar height confirmed (standard vs bar height)
2. Cabinetry
- Cabinetry colour
- Cabinetry finish (matte, satin, gloss)
- Door/drawer profile or style (shaker, flat panel, v-groove, etc.)
- Cabinetry material
- Kickboard finish/colour
- Drawer vs cupboard configuration for each run
- Internal storage/organisation (pull-out pantry, bin drawer, cutlery insert, corner storage)
- Cabinetry hardware. Handles, appliances pulls, knobs etc.
- Cabinetry hardware Finish: Matte black, brushed brass, chrome, etc.
3. Benchtop
- Benchtop material
- Benchtop colour/pattern
- Edge profile (square, pencil round, bullnose, mitred, etc.)
- Thickness
- Island/breakfast bar overhang (if applicable)
- Benchtop join positions confirmed, if relevant
4. Splashback
- Splashback material (tile, stone, glass)
- Tile size (if tiled)
- Tile laying pattern (stack bond, brick/offset, herringbone, etc.)
- Grout colour
- Grout width
5. Flooring
- Flooring material
- Flooring colour/tone
- Tile size (if tiled)
- Tile laying pattern and direction (if tiled)
- Grout colour (if tiled)
6. Sink & Tapware
- Sink style (undermount, top mount, farmhouse/butler)
- Sink material
- Number of bowls
- Waste and drainage configuration (single vs double waste, garbage disposal if wanted)
- Tapware style
- Tapware finish
- Filtered or boiling water tap (if wanted)
- Tap height/reach confirmed against sink and window/splashback
7. Appliances
- Oven type and size
- Cooktop type (gas, induction, electric)
- Rangehood style
- Rangehood: Integrated/covered by cabinetry, or exposed as a feature
- Rangehood height above cooktop confirmed
- Dishwasher: Integrated (panelled to match cabinetry) or freestanding
- Fridge space: Integrated/cabinetry-covered or freestanding, and dimensions confirmed
- Microwave: Built-in, drawer-style, or benchtop, and placement decided
8. Electrical & Lighting
- Electrical plan confirmed with your electrician before cabinetry is finalised
- Switch and Power Point placement mapped against cabinetry and benchtop layout
- Power point height above benchtop confirmed
- Power point/switch finish (white, black, brushed, etc.)
- Pendant or task lighting placement (over island/bench)
- Under-cabinet lighting decided
- Ambient/general room lighting decided
- All light fixture finishes checked against tapware and hardware finish
9. Paint & Finishing
- Wall paint colour
- Paint finish (matte, low sheen, satin)
- Ceiling colour/finish, if different from walls
10. Furniture & Styling
- Bar stools (if applicable) style, height, finish
- Window treatments, if relevant
- Styling details (greenery, decor, etc.)
11. Confirm Before You Commit to Anything
- Every selection checked for genuine availability at your location
- Lead times confirmed for every item nothing that's a multi-month wait without you knowing
- Suppliers confirmed reliable and likely to still be stocking each item when your renovation reaches that stage
- Every finish checked against every other finish in the room hardware, tapware, lighting, and cabinetry all cross-matched, not chosen in isolation
If working through all of this feels like a lot it is. Every one of these decisions has already been made, cross-checked against each other, and confirmed available Australia wide, in our Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Curated Collection. Or if your kitchen needs its own version of this same process, that's exactly what a Custom Design & Style Pack is for.
Want someone to take the hard work off your hands? Check out our Ready-Made Designs ready to shop and hand straight to your trades.
Want selections curated specifically for you and your space? Check out our Custom Design & Style Packs. Delivered anywhere in Australia.
Have questions? Reach out to us at hello@yourdesigncompanion.com.au and we'll be in touch.