Planning a new kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobe? Whether you’re browsing plumbing supplies North Lakes or comparing plumbing supplies Maroochydore, the same smart choices on design, fixtures and compliance apply across Australia. As a Perth-based designer–renovator, Joyce Kitchens delivers custom cabinetry WA and full-service kitchen renovations Perth that coordinate licensed trades, quality finishes and on-time installs—so you get a beautiful, durable, code-compliant result.
Use this guide to choose taps, sinks and layouts, understand costs, and see how design decisions—from an engineered stone benchtop to a shaker kitchen—impact function and value.
Core insights: taps, sinks, drainage and compliance
Regardless of where you source fixtures—be it a local merchant near North Lakes or Maroochydore, or a specialist supplier in Perth—the key is matching quality products to a well-documented services plan. Consider:
1) Choose fixtures that meet Australian standards
- WELS rating for taps and mixers: Aim for 4–5 stars for water efficiency without compromising flow.
- Look for WaterMark certification and installation to AS/NZS 3500 (plumbing and drainage).
- Use licensed plumbers only—this is mandatory across Australia (WA enforcement via the Plumbers Licensing Board).
2) Sinks, tapware and filtration
- Undermount sink pairs well with stone or porcelain; top-mount is kinder to laminate.
- Consider a pull-out spray mixer for large pots and baking trays.
- Plan filtered or boiling/chilled water taps early—they need power, ventilation and clearances.
3) Drainage and under-sink storage
- Specify a P-trap layout that preserves usable storage and accommodates pull-out bins.
- Allow for dishwasher connection, trap height, air-gaps (if required) and water hammer arrestors when needed.
4) Compliance and documentation
- Finalise a services plan (plumbing, electrical, gas) before cabinetry manufacture.
- Penetrations through cabinetry/stone must follow manufacturer guidance to protect warranties.
- Keep appliance specs (e.g., induction cooktop, steam oven) for cut-outs and clearances.
Tip: If you’re comparing plumbing supplies North Lakes or plumbing supplies Maroochydore, prioritise suppliers who provide WaterMark/WELS documentation and technical datasheets for your installer.
Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
- Design consult: We explore your goals—open-plan living, a breakfast bar, or a butler’s pantry—and measure your space.
- Layout & style: Decide on a galley kitchen, L-shaped kitchen or U-shaped kitchen; choose shaker kitchen doors, two-pack cabinetry or high-wear laminates.
- Services plan: Confirm sink, dishwasher, fridge water, and any filtered/boiling taps. We coordinate WA-licensed plumbers and electricians.
- Manufacture: Precision-built custom cabinetry with soft-close drawers, Blum hinges and smart Häfele storage.
- Install & fit-off: Cabinetry, benchtops, LED task lighting, splashback tiles, then plumbing and electrical fit-off and compliance checks.
Compliance note (Australia): Plumbing works must be completed by a licensed professional and documented to AS/NZS standards and the NCC. For WA homeowners, see the Plumbers Licensing Board and guidance from HIA and Master Builders WA.
Useful references:
WA Plumbers Licensing Board ·
Housing Industry Association (HIA) ·
Master Builders WA
Materials & finishes that work with water
Water and heat zones demand the right pairing of benchtop, sink and edging.
Benchtops around wet zones
- Engineered stone benchtop: Durable and easy to clean; check heat limits and care instructions around kettle stations.
- High-pressure laminate: Budget-friendly with great looks; use top-mount sinks and seal cut edges.
- Porcelain slab: Excellent heat and scratch resistance; suits flush or undermount sinks with precise fabrication.
Comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate (around sinks)
| Feature | Engineered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture resistance | High; undermount friendly with correct sealing | Good; prefer top-mount to protect edges |
| Heat resistance | Moderate; avoid direct hot pots/kettles | Moderate–low; use trivets and avoid steam exposure |
| Cost | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous | Low; protect joints and edges |
Splashbacks
- Splashback tiles (e.g., subway tiles) are cost-effective and repairable.
- Glass or porcelain panels give fewer joints and easy cleaning in heavy-use cook zones.
Cabinetry finishes
- Two-pack cabinetry offers a premium painted finish, excellent for shaker kitchen profiles.
- Advanced laminates and vinyl wraps are durable and moisture tolerant—ideal for busy family kitchens.
Layouts & styles: plan for plumbing early
Moving a sink to an island, adding a bar sink or shifting a dishwasher can affect drainage fall, water supply routes and slab penetrations. Early coordination avoids rework.
- Galley kitchen: Efficient for apartments; consider slimline sinks and compact dishwashers.
- L-shaped kitchen: Good for adding a breakfast bar where plumbing can be concealed in a service chase.
- U-shaped kitchen: Excellent workflow; ensure corner storage doesn’t clash with traps and water lines.
Style picks in Perth: classic shaker kitchen, coastal white with LED task lighting, or contemporary matte with integrated handles—each pairs differently with tapware finishes (chrome, brushed nickel, gunmetal).
Costs & budgets (WA benchmarks)
Every project is unique, but these Perth/WA ranges help plan:
- Mid-range kitchen renovation (cabinetry, benchtops, trades, appliances not included): roughly $28k–$55k.
- Premium kitchen renovation (custom details, higher-end stone/porcelain, integrated appliances): $55k–$95k+.
- Plumbing scope: new sink/mixer, dishwasher, fridge water, and filtration typically $1.6k–$4.5k for like-for-like; add more if relocating services or core drilling.
Note: WA labour, access, slab type and product selection drive variance. We provide fixed proposals after detailed design and a services plan.
Two quick WA case examples
Cottesloe coastal shaker
A family wanted a bright shaker kitchen with an engineered stone benchtop and undermount sink. We set the sink away from the dishwasher to reduce congestion, included LED task lighting and a filtered tap. Plumbing was like-for-like—fit-off in a day, minimal downtime.
Baldivis entertainer’s island
This open-plan redesign introduced a large island with a prep sink and induction cooktop behind. Services were routed through the slab via approved penetrations, with careful trap positioning to preserve deep drawers and pull-out bins. The client chose a durable laminate perimeter and stone island for best-of-both durability and budget.
Pre-plumbing and fit-off checklist
- Confirm sink type and bowl orientation (L/R), accessories (colanders, drainers).
- Lock in mixer model, WELS rating, spray/filtered/boiling options and power needs.
- Provide appliance spec sheets: dishwasher, fridge (ice/water), steam/combi ovens.
- Approve final services plan (AS/NZS 3500 compliant) before cabinetry manufacture.
- Check benchtop cut-outs, clearances and sealing requirements.
- Leave accessible space for traps, valves and water filters; avoid clashing with pull-outs.
- Book licensed plumber for rough-in and fit-off; keep compliance records.
Considering fixture options from plumbing supplies North Lakes or plumbing supplies Maroochydore? Use this checklist, then engage qualified local trades. In Perth/WA, Joyce Kitchens manages the entire journey—from design to final fit-off.
Ready to start?
Speak with Joyce Kitchens for expert design, custom cabinetry WA and coordinated kitchen renovations Perth. We’ll help you pick the right fixtures, finishes and layout for a kitchen that looks great and works hard every day.
FAQ
What should I know before buying plumbing supplies in North Lakes or Maroochydore for a kitchen reno?
Choose WaterMark-certified, WELS-rated taps and sinks, confirm compatibility with your benchtop (undermount vs top-mount), and get full datasheets. Finalise a services plan before cabinetry is built, and use a licensed plumber to install to AS/NZS 3500.
Do I need a licensed plumber for my kitchen renovation in WA?
Yes. In WA (and across Australia), plumbing must be carried out by a licensed professional. Works should meet AS/NZS 3500 and the National Construction Code, with fit-off records retained. DIY plumbing risks leaks, voided warranties and fines.
What’s the best sink and tap combo for a Perth family kitchen?
An undermount double bowl in stone or porcelain with a 4–5 star WELS pull-out mixer is a versatile, easy-clean choice. If using laminate, a top-mount sink protects edges. Add filtration or boiling/chilled taps if you have power and ventilation.
Engineered stone vs laminate—what’s better around sinks?
Engineered stone handles moisture well and suits undermount sinks with proper sealing; it costs more and needs heat care. Laminate is budget-friendly and durable with a top-mount sink and carefully sealed cut-outs to protect edges and joints.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Perth including plumbing?
Expect about $28k–$55k for mid-range and $55k–$95k+ for premium cabinetry/benchtops/trades (appliances extra). Typical plumbing for sink, mixer, dishwasher and fridge water is $1.6k–$4.5k, more if relocating services or drilling through slabs.
