Kitchen Renovation Tips for Perth & WA Homes | Joyce Kitchens

Core insights: quick wins

• Start with function: plan work zones (prep, cooking, cleaning, storage) before colours or handles.
• Prioritise durable, low-maintenance surfaces suited to WA’s heat and UV.
• Choose a layout that supports your household flow: island for social cooks, galley for compact apartments, U-shaped for storage.
• Allow for real appliance sizes: 600 mm is standard, 900 mm cookers are common in Perth family homes. Ensure rangehoods are ducted outside.
• Lighting is a game-changer: combine task lighting (LED strips under overheads), ambient ceiling lights and feature pendants.
• Hardware matters: soft-close drawers, full-extension runners and quality hinges (e.g., Blum) outlast trends.
• Compliance first: engage licensed electricians and gasfitters; follow AS/NZS standards and local requirements.

The WA renovation process

1) Measure, brief and concept

• Measure the room (floor-to-ceiling height in many WA homes is ~2.4 m), locate plumbing, gas and power points, and note window/door positions.
• Brief your designer on lifestyle, storage pain points, and preferred style (Shaker kitchen, Hamptons, contemporary, coastal, industrial, Scandi).

2) Design & compliance

• Lock in a layout that provides safe clearances, functional work zones and adequate storage (butler’s pantry or scullery where space allows).
• Appliance selection early: 600/900 mm ovens, induction or gas cooktop, integrated dishwasher/fridge, undermount sink, rangehood capacity and ducting.
• Compliance checkpoints:
  • Electrical: AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) – licensed electrician.
  • Gas installations: AS/NZS 5601 – licensed gasfitter; ensure splashback clearances around burners.
  • Cabinetry performance: AS/NZS 4386 (domestic cupboards) for guidance.

3) Quotes, contracts & approvals

• Obtain detailed quotations with inclusions, exclusions and PC/PS allowances for appliances and tapware.
• Structural changes may require engineering and council approval under the NCC and local planning rules.
• Choose reputable WA contractors. Helpful resources: Housing Industry Association and Master Builders WA.

4) Ordering & lead times

• Custom cabinetry WA lead times typically 3–6 weeks; specialty benchtops and appliances can extend timelines.
• Sequence matters: cabinets manufactured and installed before benchtop templating; splashbacks after benchtops.

5) Site works & installation

• Set up a temporary kitchenette; protect floors; confirm waste removal and site cleanliness.
• Typical install sequence: demolition → first fix (services) → cabinets → benchtop → splashback → second fix (appliances, plumbing) → finishing and handover.

Materials & finishes (with comparison)

Benchtops for Australian conditions

• Laminate: budget-friendly, huge colour range, modern square edges. Avoid placing hot pans directly on the surface.
• Porcelain / sintered stone slabs: excellent heat, scratch and UV resistance; suits outdoor kitchens and Perth’s strong sun.
• Solid surface (acrylic): seamless joins, repairable; use trivets for hot pots.
• Natural stone (granite, some marbles): beautiful, each slab unique; seal and care for etching/staining.
• Stainless steel or solid timber: great for statement islands or commercial look; timber needs oiling, stainless shows scratches but is very hygienic.

Cabinetry & finishes

• Carcasses: moisture-resistant board in sink and wet areas (great for Perth homes near the coast).
• Doors & panels: melamine, two-pack polyurethane, or vinyl wrap depending on budget and style.
• Hardware: soft-close drawers, full-extension runners, quality hinges; internal pull-outs for corners (LeMans, lazy Susan) and pantries.
• Styles: classic Shaker profiles (Hamptons kitchen), contemporary flat panel, or natural timber accents.

Splashbacks

• Porcelain/large-format tiles: durable, minimal grout.
• Glass or mirror: brightens compact kitchens; check heat clearances behind gas burners.
• Window splashback: great for light and outlook; ensure external cleaning access and privacy.

Engineered stone (legacy) vs laminate (new installs) — comparison

Compliance note: New engineered stone installations are banned in WA from 1 July 2024. The comparison below is provided to help homeowners with existing engineered stone assess pros/cons versus a common alternative for future upgrades.

Lighting & ventilation

• Task lighting: LED strip lights under overheads (4000K neutral white) to minimise shadows.
• Ambient/feature: ceiling downlights and pendants over a waterfall edge island.
• Ventilation: a ducted rangehood sized to your cooktop (e.g., 900 mm hood for a 900 mm gas cooktop) and vented to the exterior, not recirculating where possible.

Layouts & styles that work in Australian homes

Popular layouts

• Galley: efficient for apartments and terraces; keep 1000–1200 mm between runs.
• L-shaped with island: perfect for open plan living; enables a social prep zone.
• U-shaped: maximises storage; watch internal corner access with smart pull-outs.
• Island with scullery: high-performance family kitchen with extra storage and clean-up zone.

Style cues

• Shaker or Hamptons kitchen: two-pack doors, feature handles, classic profiles, light coastal palette.
• Contemporary: flat-panel melamine or two-pack, integrated appliances, thin porcelain benchtops, handle-less lines.
• Warm modern: timber accents, matte finishes, soft curves, and layered lighting.

Appliance and storage tips

• Integrated appliances create clean lines; ensure service access.
• Undermount sink maximises bench space; pair with a pull-out bin near prep.
• Choose induction for speed and easy cleaning; gas remains popular for wok cooking (ensure compliance and ventilation).
• Consider a pull-out pantry, spice drawers, tray dividers, and tall broom/utility cupboard.

WA case examples

Applecross family island: We reworked a dated U-shaped kitchen into an L-shape with a waterfall edge island, scullery access and 900 mm induction. Storage jumped 25% with custom cabinetry and full-extension drawers; meal prep is now a social event.

Fremantle terrace galley: A tight galley gained 1.2 m clear walkway, LED task lighting and a porcelain benchtop. A slimline, ducted rangehood and integrated dishwasher kept the space calm and quiet.

Costs, allowances & timing

Typical Perth kitchen renovation costs

• Refresh (retain layout, new doors/benchtop): approx. $15k–$30k+
• Mid-range (new cabinetry, appliances, surfaces): approx. $30k–$60k+
• Premium/custom (structural changes, high-end finishes): $60k–$120k+

Allowances vary with materials (e.g., porcelain slabs vs laminate), appliance packages, and site access. Factor in trades (electrician, plumber, tiler, painter), waste removal and contingencies (10–15%).

Timeline

• Design and selections: 2–6 weeks
• Manufacture and procurement: 3–6 weeks
• On-site works and installation: 2–4 weeks

Total: 7–16 weeks depending on scope, lead times and approvals.

Practical pre-renovation checklist

• Measure your space and note services (water, gas, power, ventilation path).
• Decide layout and storage priorities (pantry type, pots/pans drawers, bins).
• Select appliances early (600/900 mm, integrated options) and confirm cut-out sizes.
• Choose compliant materials fit for WA heat and UV; understand the engineered stone ban.
• Plan lighting circuits: task, ambient and feature.
• Confirm ducted rangehood route to exterior.
• Set a realistic budget with a 10–15% contingency.
• Book licensed trades and confirm insurances and warranties.
• Arrange a temporary kitchenette and protect adjacent rooms.

Ready to start? Joyce Kitchens designs and manufactures custom cabinetry WA-wide for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes, and coordinates trusted trades for a smooth renovation.

Helpful Australian resources

• Housing Industry Association (HIA) – building contracts and homeowner guidance.
• Master Builders Western Australia – selecting reputable builders and renovation advice.
• WorkSafe WA: Engineered stone ban – current rules and safety information.

FAQ

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Perth?

As a guide, a cosmetic refresh can start around $15k–$30k+, mid-range full renovations land between $30k–$60k+, and premium projects with structural work often range from $60k–$120k+. Your final price depends on layout changes, appliance choices, and materials like porcelain slabs versus laminate. Always include a 10–15% contingency.

Can I still use engineered stone in WA?

No. From 1 July 2024, WA bans the supply and installation of engineered stone for new projects. Existing engineered stone benchtops can remain in your home, but removal or modification should be handled by licensed professionals using safe controls. For new kitchens, consider porcelain or sintered stone, solid surface, laminate, or natural stone.

Is gas or induction better for Perth kitchens?

Both can work well. Induction is fast, efficient and easy to clean; gas offers visual flame control and suits wok cooking. In all cases, use licensed trades and ensure compliance with AS/NZS 5601 (gas) and AS/NZS 3000 (electrical), plus effective, ducted rangehood ventilation.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Most Perth kitchen remodels take 7–16 weeks end-to-end: 2–6 weeks for design and selections, 3–6 weeks for manufacturing and procurement, and 2–4 weeks on site for installation and finishing. Lead times vary with materials and appliance availability.

What layout works best for a small kitchen?

A galley or one-wall with an island (where space allows) is efficient in small homes. Keep 1000–1200 mm between runs, use drawers over doors for easy access, specify an undermount sink to maximise prep space, and integrate appliances to reduce visual clutter.