How to coordinate trades

Before you get started, make a detailed list of everything involved in your renovation. This could include demolition, structural changes, plumbing, electrical, flooring, cabinetry, benchtops, tiling, painting and appliance installation. Once you’ve mapped out each stage, identify the trades needed to complete the work. Most kitchen renovations will require a licensed electrician and plumber at a minimum,with a cabinet installer or carpenter, and a tiler as optional trades if you decide not to D.I.Y. You may also need a plasterer, painter, flooring specialist or rangehood installer depending on your kitchen design or timeline. This is also a great time to check if any permits or compliance certificates are required - particularly for plumbing, electrical or structural work.

One of the biggest challenges in a renovation is getting the timing of trades right. While every project will vary slightly, there’s a general sequence that helps everything run more smoothly. Start with demolition, which typically takes one to two days to remove old cabinets, fittings and appliances. If you’re changing the kitchen layout or opening up space, now’s the time to complete any structural work - this may take two to five days depending on what’s involved, such as moving walls, doors, windows or bulkheads.

Next comes the plumbing and electrical rough-in, which usually takes one to two days per trade. These must be done before closing off walls or laying floors, so it’s essential to book early. If you’re installing new flooring, do this before cabinetry - it generally takes one to three days, plus additional drying time for adhesives or grout. Cabinet installation follows, typically taking two to three days to fit base units, wall cabinetry and any custom storage, and to prepare for benchtop measurement.

Allow five to ten days for benchtop measuring and installation - laminate benchtops are usually faster, while stone tops often require post-install measuring and fabrication. Only once benchtops are installed and fully set should tiling or splashbacks begin, which usually takes one to two days. Final plumbing and electrical fit-off comes last, taking around a day each to connect sinks, tapware, appliances and lighting fixtures. It’s also wise to allow a buffer day or two between each major stage to accommodate delays, inspections or unexpected changes.

Electricians, plumbers and stone fabricators often book out weeks in advance - especially during peak renovation seasons. Once you’ve finalised your project timeline, begin contacting trades straight away to check availability. Where possible, confirm bookings in writing and create a simple schedule or calendar so everyone knows what’s happening and when. A printed copy on-site is handy for quick reference.

Ask each trade if they have someone they regularly work with for the next stage. For example, a benchtop installer may recommend a tiler they’ve coordinated with before, which can lead to a smoother handover. Trades that have worked together before often have better timing, communication and shared expectations.

Each trade relies on the work of the one before - so prepare the space accordingly. Clear out tools, remove waste or offcuts, and check the previous stage is completed to a good standard before the next trade arrives. For example, make sure benchtops are installed and set before tiling begins. A clean, organised worksite improves workflow and avoids frustrating holdups.

Make sure everyone you bring on-site is properly licensed and insured to carry out the work - especially for electrical, gas or plumbing jobs. Ask for their licence number if unsure, and keep any compliance certificates or receipts in a dedicated folder. This protects your warranty and ensures your renovation meets all safety and building code requirements.

Some elements, like stone benchtops, or feature tiles, may have longer wait times due to fabrication or delivery. Ask a Bunnings Kitchen Consultant about estimated turnaround times upfront and factor this into your trade bookings.

To reduce questions and confusion on-site, label plumbing points, appliance locations and power outlets clearly before trades arrive. Use masking tape and a permanent marker to tag walls, cabinets or benchtop cut-outs. It’s a small touch that helps trades work faster and with more confidence.

Depending on where you live and the nature of the renovation, you may need sign-off at certain stages. For example, electrical rough-ins might need to be inspected before walls are closed. Allow extra time for these in your schedule - and check with your trades in advance whether inspections need to be booked. It’s also smart to do a walk-through with each trade before final payment to check for any tweaks, touch-ups or outstanding work.

Even with the best planning, delays can happen. A rain-affected delivery, an overbooked electrician, or a material that’s out of stock can set things back a day or two. Build breathing space into your schedule and focus on progress, not perfection. Coordinating trades is all about communication, timing and problem-solving - and with a little flexibility, your project will stay on track.