Planning a new kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobe? This expert guide from Joyce Kitchens explains exactly how to brief, compare and approve a kitchen quotation so you get the best design, materials and installation outcome for your WA home.
Core Insights Before You Request a Kitchen Quotation
In WA, the difference between an “estimate” and a firm kitchen quotation can be tens of thousands. Here’s how to set yourself up for a clear, comparable kitchen quote:
- Decide your scope: Kitchen-only or include laundry, bathroom vanity and wardrobe fitouts for a cohesive home upgrade.
- Measure accurately: Appliance sizes in Australia are typically 600 mm or 900 mm wide; fridges vary widely. Bring model numbers to avoid costly rework.
- Be materials-specific: Nominate benchtop type (laminate, natural granite, porcelain/sintered stone), door finish (two-pack polyurethane, thermo-laminate), and hardware (soft-close drawers, handleless profiles).
- Request standards-compliant work: Cabinetry built to AS/NZS 4386; electrical to AS/NZS 3000; gas to AS 5601 by licensed trades.
- Ask for a line-by-line kitchen quote: Itemise cabinetry, benchtops, splashback, appliances, trades and any PC/PS allowances.
Local tip: Perth summers are hot. Prioritise heat- and UV-resistant finishes and adequate ventilation, especially for sculleries and butler’s pantries with appliances running in confined spaces.
Our Renovation and Quoting Process (Joyce Kitchens)
1) In-home or showroom consultation
We measure, discuss your brief and budget, and explore styles such as shaker kitchen, coastal Hamptons, or minimalist handleless designs. We also cover kitchen renovations Perth compliance and practical storage like pantries and corner solutions.
2) Concept design and selections
You’ll see 3D layouts, colour palettes and product boards: doors (two-pack polyurethane, thermo-laminate), benchtops (porcelain slab, natural stone, laminate), splashbacks (tiled or glass), and hardware (soft-close hinges, pull-outs, LED strip lighting).
3) Detailed kitchen quotation
We provide a transparent, itemised kitchen quote with PC/PS allowances clearly marked. You’ll know exactly what’s included—cabinet carcasses, custom cabinetry WA joinery, benchtop edge profiles (e.g., waterfall), and trades.
4) Site check and final drawings
Our check-measure confirms services, wall straightness and appliance clearances. This final step reduces surprises and ensures a smooth install.
5) Production and installation
Cabinetry is manufactured locally. Installation is scheduled with our professional installers and licensed trades. We coordinate with your builder if the project includes walls, windows or flooring.
Typical timeline in WA
- Design and selections: 1–3 weeks
- Production lead time: 3–6 weeks (seasonal)
- On-site installation: 3–10 working days depending on size and scope
Materials and Finishes
Materials shape your budget, durability and day-to-day enjoyment. Below are WA-relevant options we specify regularly.
Benchtops
- Laminate benchtops: Economical, broad colours, great for rentals and holiday homes.
- Porcelain/sintered stone: Outstanding heat and UV resistance; excellent for Perth’s climate and alfresco kitchens.
- Natural stone (e.g., granite): Unique patterns and strong heat performance; requires sealing and care.
Doors and panels
- Two-pack polyurethane: Premium painted finish; great for shaker profiles and colour matching.
- Thermo-laminate: Cost-effective, versatile textures; modern finger-pull looks.
- Melamine: Durable everyday option with realistic woodgrains.
Hardware & lighting
- Soft-close drawers and hinges for quiet, long-life use.
- Pull-out pantries, corner carousels and bins for ergonomic storage.
- LED strip lighting for task and ambience, plus motion sensors in pantries.
Comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate Benchtops
| Feature | Engineered Stone* | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Stone-like, consistent patterns | Wide colours/patterns including stone-look |
| Durability | Scratch-resistant; avoid thermal shock | Good day-to-day; can chip with heavy impact |
| Heat/UV | Sensitive to high heat; use trivets | Heat-resistant to rating; not for hot pots directly |
| Maintenance | Easy clean; avoid harsh chemicals | Easy clean; no sealing |
| Indicative supply-only cost (Perth) | Historically $$–$$$ (now regulated) | $ (budget-friendly) |
| Compliance status | Subject to Australian silica restrictions | Fully compliant when installed per standards |
*Regulatory note: Check current WA guidance on silica and engineered stone via WorkSafe or your designer for safe, compliant alternatives.
Learn more:
WA WorkSafe |
Housing Industry Association |
Master Builders WA
Layouts and Styles for WA Homes
Space planning is the foundation of a functional kitchen. We design across apartments, heritage bungalows and new builds throughout Perth and regional WA.
Popular layouts
- Galley: Efficient for apartments; great workflow with a scullery behind.
- L-shape with island: Versatile family favourite, perfect for 900 mm cookers.
- U-shape: Maximum storage; suits integrated appliances and a central feature hood.
- Peninsula: Smart for smaller spaces where an island won’t fit.
Style directions
- Shaker kitchen with two-pack doors and subway-tile splashback for timeless appeal.
- Contemporary handleless with finger-pull rails and matt finishes for a sleek look.
- Coastal/Hamptons with light palettes, V-groove panels and glass display cabinets.
- Industrial accents with porcelain benchtops, open shelving and black fixtures.
Kitchen Renovation Costs in Perth
Every home is unique, but these Perth price bands help you benchmark a realistic kitchen quotation:
- Cosmetic refresh (keep layout, new doors/benchtops): approx. $10k–$25k
- Mid-range custom kitchen (new layout, quality hardware, porcelain or premium laminate): approx. $25k–$45k
- Premium custom kitchen (extensive custom cabinetry, porcelain or natural stone, integrated appliances): $45k–$85k+
Appliance allowances to consider: 600 mm oven, 900 mm induction cooktop or freestanding cooker, 600 mm or 450 mm dishwasher, externally vented rangehood sized to your cooktop. Always provide model numbers for accurate cabinetry sizing.
Cost drivers in WA include ceiling heights, wall straightness in older homes, service relocations, splashback choice (tiled vs glass), and whether you add a butler’s pantry, laundry renovation or alfresco kitchen components.
WA Case-Style Examples
Case 1: Shaker charm in a Wembley bungalow
A family home received a shaker kitchen in two-pack polyurethane with a porcelain benchtop and tiled splashback. We added a compact scullery and custom pantry pull-outs. The kitchen quotation included a PS for minor plaster repairs after removing an old bulkhead. Installed in 8 working days.
Case 2: Compact galley for a Fremantle apartment
To maximise storage, we used handleless melamine doors, soft-close drawers and a slim porcelain benchtop. Appliances were 600 mm standard sizes and a 450 mm dishwasher. The detailed kitchen quote avoided variations by locking in exact appliance models during design.
Your Kitchen Quotation Checklist
- Final room measurements or building plans
- Appliance models (fridge, oven, cooktop, rangehood, dishwasher)
- Preferred layout (galley, L with island, U, peninsula)
- Door finish and colour (e.g., two-pack, thermo-laminate)
- Benchtop choice (laminate, porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone)
- Splashback (tiled or glass) and grout colour
- Storage must-haves (pull-out pantry, corner solutions, bins)
- Lighting plan (LED strips, task lights, dimmers)
- Trades scope (electrical, plumbing, gas, flooring, painting)
- PC/PS allowances listed and realistic
- Lead times and installation dates confirmed
- Warranty and aftercare details in writing
Ready for a Precise Kitchen Quotation?
Joyce Kitchens designs and installs custom kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes across Perth and WA. Book a consultation and receive a detailed, standards-aligned kitchen quote that reflects your style, space and budget.
FAQ
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, a cosmetic refresh is roughly $10k–$25k, a mid-range custom kitchen is $25k–$45k, and a premium custom kitchen starts from $45k to $85k+. Your kitchen quotation will vary with layout changes, materials, hardware, appliance selections and trades.
What should be included in a kitchen quotation?
A quality kitchen quote itemises cabinetry, benchtops, splashback, hardware, installation and trades, lists PC/PS allowances, confirms door and benchtop specifications, and notes exclusions, lead times, warranties and compliance to relevant AS/NZS standards.
How long does a kitchen renovation take in WA?
Design and selections typically take 1–3 weeks, production 3–6 weeks, and on-site installation 3–10 working days depending on scope. Your kitchen quotation should outline an indicative schedule with key milestones.
Do you also design bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes?
Yes. Joyce Kitchens designs and installs custom bathrooms, laundries and wardrobe fitouts, which can be bundled with your kitchen quotation for a cohesive result and better value.
Is engineered stone still available in WA?
Engineered stone is being phased out due to silica regulations. We recommend compliant, high-performance alternatives like porcelain/sintered stone or natural granite; your kitchen quotation can include these options and current guidance.
For scope examples to attach to your brief, review our kitchen remodel kitchen overview with designs, timelines and costs.
Clarify inclusions by material—our kitchen cabinet materials guide explains durability, finishes and price impacts.
