A step-by-step guide to building kitchens

Building kitchens is difficult, and unless you pay big bucks and employ a kitchen designer or project manager, chances are you'll have to co-ordinate your kitchen renovation yourself. That means a whole cast of tradespeople to organise, and it's not just a matter of finding them – you have to work out exactly when to call them in to ensure your project runs smoothly. Here's a timeline to help you get things in order.

Building Kitchens - Step One

The first thing you need to do is get the old kitchen out and, as obvious as it may seem, it pays to plan this stage well and give yourself plenty of time. Not only will you have to rip out old cabinets, benchtops and appliances, you'll also have to store all your pantry items, cookware, utensils and small appliances elsewhere in your house, which can be a time-consuming task.

Building Kitchens - Step Two

Once the kitchen is a shell, it's time to start any construction work that needs doing. Are you creating a new window? Are any walls being removed? Do you need to re-concrete the floor? Remember, once new fittings have gone in, it's very difficult – and expensive – to carry out structural work.

Building Kitchens - Step Three

With the construction work done, it's time for tradespeople more skilled in building kitchens to do their thing. Even if you're not moving things like the sink or cooking station, you're still likely to need a plumber and an electrician to reconfigure pipes and power points. If you're installing a gas oven or cooktop, you'll also need to hire a gas fitter – most plumbers offer this service as well, so try to find one who does both. As a general rule of thumb, you'll need to book your tradespeople up to a week in advance to ensure they're available when you need them. However, it's important not to book them too early in case you're not ready for them when they arrive. Remember, if they turn up and you're not ready, they'll still charge you for the call-out.

Building Kitchens - Step Four

Now it's time to install everything from the cabinetry to the benchtop, followed by appliances and plumbing in the sink. You'll need to get your tradespeople back at this point, and may also need the services of a plasterer to fix up any wallboard that has been damaged by removing old tiles or reconfiguring electrical outlets.

Building Kitchens - Step Five

With the walls back in good shape, it's time to paint and install any splashbacks that may be required. If you're redoing the floor as part of the renovation, this comes next, before finally sealing any surfaces, peeling off protective covers on the cabinet doors and restocking the kitchen so you can get cooking again!