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How to prepare your home for a kitchen renovation

The image shows a kitchen under renovation, with new light wood cabinetry being installed and blue protective sheets covering the floor

Overview

Planning a kitchen renovation? Getting your home ready before the work begins can make the process smoother, safer and less stressful. With a bit of preparation, you’ll keep everything running to plan, and be one step closer to enjoying your brand new kitchen. Here’s how to get your kitchen space renovation-ready.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Confirm your plans and timeline

    Before any tools come out, finalise your kitchen layout, product selections and key measurements. Confirm your renovation timeline, including demolition, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical and installation.
    A person sketches a kitchen layout, highlighting the need to finalise plans, measurements, and renovation timelines before work begins.
  2. 2

    Empty and pack up your kitchen

    Clear out all kitchen cupboards, drawers and shelves, and box up items with clear labels. Store breakables safely and keep daily essentials, like cutlery, mugs or snacks, accessible. Use this time to declutter and donate or recycle anything you no longer need before the kitchen remodel begins.
    Clear out all kitchen cupboards, drawers and shelves, and box up items with clear labels in neatly stacked storage tubs and a basket before renovation.
  3. 3

    Set up a temporary kitchen

    You’ll need a backup plan for meals while your kitchen is out of action. A small table with a kettle, toaster, sandwich press or microwave can be a handy makeshift setup. Use a laundry or bathroom sink for washing up, and a bar fridge or esky for cold items.
    The image shows a laundry used as a temporary kitchen, equipped with essentials like a kettle, microwave, and toaster while the main kitchen is being renovated.
  4. 4

    Protect floors and nearby spaces

    Renovations can get dusty and messy. Lay drop sheets or cardboard to protect floors in walkways, and cover any nearby furniture or soft furnishings. If you have hardwood floors, be sure to cover them before kitchen demolition or cabinet installation work begins.
    A person kneeling on the floor, unrolling a protective sheet to cover and safeguard the floor during a kitchen renovation.
  5. 5

    Prep for trades and services

    Make sure trades have easy access to the kitchen and any outdoor work zones. Move cars from the driveway, clear hallways and set aside a space for tools and building materials. Talk to your plumber or electrician about when gas, power or water will need to be switched off, so everyone’s prepared.
    A tradesperson fitting a PVC pipe into a floor cavity, likely as part of plumbing installation during a renovation.
  6. 6

    Think about pets, kids and clean-up

    Keep children and pets out of the work zone using baby gates or barriers. Organise a skip bin or waste plan for packaging and offcuts. And don’t forget to take some before photos - you’ll appreciate the transformation once the dust settles.

    A little bit of preparation goes a long way. By clearing the space, protecting your home and planning for daily needs, you’ll help your kitchen renovation run more smoothly, and be better placed to enjoy the results

    The image shows a large skip bin for removing renovation waste for packaging and offcuts
  7. 7

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.