For a smooth, stress-free kitchen design and renovation, a clear process is essential. At Complete Kitchens, we guide you step-by-step with a streamlined approach from start to finish. Meet us, talk to us, then feel confident with us every step of the way.
Easy Steps to Your New Kitchen
1. Inspiration
Get ready to be inspired by our expertise! Explore our Project Gallery and follow us on Instagram to see the incredible variety of kitchen styles we’ve brought to life over the years.
Embark on your own kitchen transformation by visiting our showroom in person!
START YOUR KITCHEN JOURNEY WITH US
You may have already started gathering ideas for your dream kitchen from Instagram or Houzz, or perhaps you have discovered us online and been impressed by our outstanding quality and reputation. However, the most effective way to choose the right kitchen company – one that aligns with your vision, offers excellent service, and suits your budget – is to visit us in person!
We warmly invite you to explore our dedicated Oakleigh South Kitchen showroom and factory, where our professional team is ready to assist you.
Discover our extensive range of displays, including;
- Contemporary & Modern Kitchens
- Hampton & Shaker Kitchens
- French Provincial Kitchens
- Scandinavian Kitchens
- Japandi Kitchens
- Mid-Century Modern Kitchens
- Laundries & European Laundries
- Designer Robes
- Art-deco Vanities
- Bespoke Joinery
We are also excited to announce that our new walk-through Habitat Showroom section is currently being completed. This area will showcase a variety of on-trend cabinetry options, including the revival of exquisite Art Deco profiles and mid-Century Modern design, blending timeless elegance with contemporary functionality.
Explore the Finishes, Materials & Fittings
A kitchen is something you experience every day.
During your showroom visit, take the time to see, touch and compare the materials and finishes options, while gaining a better understanding of how your material and design choices can affect the look. functionality and investment of your new kitchen.
All our displays are constructed with products sourced from our premium suppliers and meticulously crafted by our skilled cabinet makers.
Benchtops & Splashbacks
- Caesarstone – Mineral Surfaces
- WK Stone – Quantum Zero
- Stone Ambassador
- Corian
- Dekton
- Polytec Xenolith
- Polytec Laminate Benchtops
- Natural Stone
- Stainless Steel Benchtop
*Please note: Our Sample Room is exclusively reserved for existing clients for colour selection purpose and is not open to the general public.
Be Impressed by Our Friendly and Professional Team
When you visit our showroom, you will be warmly welcomed by our Showroom Manager, Melody, or one of our friendly team members. No appointment is required for a general showroom visit, so feel free to drop in, explore our displays and ask any questions.
Our showroom consultants are here to guide you through both our showroom and factory, answer any questions you may have about our products, explain our comprehensive “Design & Costing” service, walk you through our start-to-finish renovation process. We will also help you understand the costs of the entire kitchen renovation especially the custom cabinetry and benchtops.
During your factory visit, witness firsthand the timeless craftsmanship we take immense pride in. With over 45 years of experience as one of Melbourne’s finest custom cabinet makers, we have created tens of thousands of kitchens, laundries, robes and other bespoke joinery for families across Melbourne.
Unlike many other kitchen manufacturers, we assemble your kitchen on our factory floor exactly as it will be installed in your home. This unique process allows you to preview your kitchen before the final installation, giving you with complete confidence in our craftsmanship.
See Our Craftsmanship in Action
During your factory visit, you can see first-hand the craftsmanship and attention to detail that have been at the heart of our business for almost 50 years.
As one of Melbourne’s established custom cabinet makers, we have designed, manufactured and installed tens of thousands of custom kitchens, laundries, robes and bespoke oinery pieces for families across Melbourne.
We assemble your kitchen cabinetry on our factory floor exactly as it will be installed in your home, allowing you to preview your kitchen before installation. This unique process gives you confidence in the quality of our craftsmanship and the finished result.
2. Design & Costing
At Complete Kitchens, our clients come to us for expert design, precise specifications, high-quality custom cabinetry, and 5-star service from day one.
To ensure we deliver on this promise, we have developed a dedicated Kitchen Design & Costing process – an essential first step in providing a seamless experience and exceptional results, tailored to each client’s unique needs and vision.
DESIGN CONSULTATION
$275 Fee (redeemable*)
After visiting our showroom and exploring the quality of our products, the next step is to book a Design Consultation and experience our expert design service first-hand.
Great design takes time, thought and care to achieve the best results. Our Design Consultation service is a key step in our design-build process, ensuring our designers fully understand your needs and dedicate the necessary the necessary time and expertise to creating a kitchen concept tailored to your lifestyle.
What to Expect
One of our expert designers will visit your home to assess the space, take measurements and discuss your vision. They will provide tailored advice on style, layout and finishes to complement your home. This session typically lasts 1-1.5 hours.
If your property is tenanted or not yet accessible, you can book your consultation at our Oakleigh South Showroom instead. Over a coffee, we will guide you through the process – simply bring along any available measurements, photos, or plans.
Around 1 to 1.5 weeks after your consultation, we will invite you back to our showroom to present your design concept and a detailed project proposal. Our transparent costing system ensures every cost – from cabinetry and benchtops to estimated trade costs – is clearly itemized, with no hidden fees.
Important to Note
Please note that our Design Consultation is NOT a Design Only service or simply a quoting service – it is the foundation of our complete design-build process, carefully tailored for clients who are ready to bring their dream kitchen to life with us.
Ready to Book?
We recommend starting your journey by visiting our Oakleigh South showroom, where our friendly showroom consultants will walk you through our showroom and factory and answer any questions you may have.
Book early! Consultations typically have a 1-week lead time.
Call us on 9543 8888 to check availability and confirm that we service your area before visiting.
*Redeemable Consultation Fee Policy:
- [1] Fully redeemable when you proceed with your project and automatically deducted from your quotation.
- [2] Covers the design for one room only. Additional rooms may incur a fee of $132 per hour. Any redesigns required due to changes to the agreed design may incur additional fees.
- [3] Initial concept designs are presented as colour 3D drawings only. Elevations and detailed measurements are not included at this stage.
3. Pre-Production
After accepting the quote, we will provide you with a contract for your signature.
Once this step is complete, we can initiate the Pre-Production Stage of your project, which involves a Selection Meeting, Specification documentation, Site Check, Production Drawings, and Project Planning.
Selection Meeting & Specification
Your designer will invite you to a Colour Meeting in our fully setup sample room where all colours, finishes, and accessories will be detailed. At this stage, any necessary tweaks to the design can be made, and you will provide us with all necessary details regarding your appliances.
After finalizing the design and specifications, we progress to the site check stage.
Site Check & Tech Detailing
During the site check, one of our technical detailers will meet you on-site to take precise measurements, assess the space, and ensure that the design and construction plans are optimized for both functionality and aesthetics.
Our experienced and efficient Tech Team, comprised of highly-educated young professionals with backgrounds in engineering or architecture, plays a critical role throughout the process. With their keen eye for detail and extensive knowledge of cabinetry, and with at least 5 years experience with CK, they work closely with our clients, in-house designers, cabinet makers and tradespeople to ensure every aspect of the project is carefully considered and executed to the highest standards.
Upon completion of the site check and technical detailing, tech team proceeds the project to production drawing stage.
Production Drawings
To ensure that we manufacture cabinetry to your exact specifications, we create production drawings and specification documents that precisely reflect what will be built and delivered. We’ll send these documents to you for review and approval before proceeding to production.
Upon your approval of the production drawings, we’ll order the necessary materials and send your cabinetry to our factory for production, marking the beginning of the manufacturing lead time.
Our Scheduling Team will keep you informed throughout the process by providing an ETA and Trade Schedule (if applicable).
4. Manufacture
All CK kitchens are locally crafted in our Oakleigh South factory.
With over 45 years of manufacturing experience, we are renowned as one of Victoria’s finest and most reputable cabinet makers, committed to delivering kitchens of the the highest quality.
In-House Manufacturing
At Complete Kitchens, we take pride in our efficient and precise process for fulfilling your kitchen orders.
Our experienced Technical and Manufacturing Teams use state-of-the-art CNC cutting machines, ensuring materials are cut to the exact specifications of your kitchen design. We prioritize premium quality, souring materials from reputable brands and local suppliers, thus supporting our community.
Our skilled and experienced cabinet makers then assemble your kitchen, with great care and attention to detail. As a commitment to excellence, we layout each kitchen in our factory before delivery, allowing you to inspect it and ensure that every detail meets your expectations.
Production Timelines
Recognizing the importance of planning, we provide estimated timelines for different door and panel finishes:
- Melamine: 4 weeks
- Thermolaminated (Vinyl wrap): 6 weeks
- 2Pac Paint & Veneer: 8 weeks
* Please note that these timelines are estimates and not guarantees. They may vary based on project size, scope, and complexity. We encourage our clients to remain open communication with us regarding their project timeline, and we will do our utmost to keep them informed of any changes or delays.
To learn more about our exceptional workmanship, click here.
5. Installation
Our experienced installers handle the delivery and fitting of your cabinets with care and precision. Installation for an average-sized kitchen typically takes two working days. Once cabinetry is installed, the stonemason measures templates for your benchtops, which are usually installed about 10 working days later. We coordinate with trusted trades as needed and ensure a smooth, professional process from delivery to handover.
What You Need to Know about Kitchen Installation
Trades
We provide a Trade Coordination Service to keep your kitchen renovation budget-friendly. Depending your needs, we estimate required trades with an itemized pricelist (Demolition, Plumbing, Electrician, Plastering, Tiling etc.). If used, a Trade Schedule is sent to you a couple of weeks before installation, with all dates communicated upfront. Our trusted trades are punctual and deliver work to our high-quality standard.
Scheduling & Site Access
You will receive your delivery timeframe within 5 working days after production drawings are signed off. Final installation dates will be confirmed via email two weeks prior, along with a detailed guide outlining what to expect.
Site Preparation
A typical kitchen renovation commences with service disconnection, removal of the existing kitchen, rough-in of new plumbing and electrical, plaster patch-ups, and any required building works. We strongly recommend arranging floor protection before cabinetry installation.
Cabinetry Delivery & Installation
Delivery of the cabinetry, handled by our professional cabinetry movers, occurs on or one day before the nominated installation start date. An average-sized kitchen usually takes 2 working days for completion. Following this, we coordinate with the stone mason to measure the stone template (if applicable).
Stone Benchtop
Stone manufacturing and installation usually take 10 working days from the cabinetry completion. After this, the plumber and electrician can fit appliances and taps, making your kitchen fully functional.
Splashback
Once the stone benchtop is in place, measurements for stone or glass splashbacks, or tile installation, can proceed. Occasionally, services may need to be disconnected and reconnected for splashback installation.
Site Clean-Up
Our installers and trades minimize dust and debris, removing hard waste and vacuuming the bulk of dust. While we ensure a tidy handover, we recommend a detailed clean by the owner or professional cleaners.
6. Enjoy
Once the job is completed, our 10 year warranty will take effect automatically from the date of installation. You don’t have to worry about any additional steps to activate the warranty.
To ensure you know how to properly care for your new cabinetry, we invite you to read our Warranty & Care Guide, which provides detailed tips to keep your kitchen looking and performing beautifully for years.
FAQ
Why is the design and renovation process just as important as the end result?
A custom kitchen renovation is about more than choosing beautiful products. The process is just as important as the finished kitchen.
From the initial consultation through the design, manufacturing and installation, a well-managed process should be clear, organized and transparent. You should know what to expect at each stage, what decisions need to be made and when, and who you can contact when you have questions.
At Complete Kitchens, we believe a great kitchen or laundry renovation means clear communication, straightforward instructions, responsive service and transparency at every stage. our experienced team works closely with you throughout the process to keep everything organized, minimize surprises and make your renovation as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Because when you invest in a new kitchen, you deserve not only a beautiful result, but also confidence in the journey that gets you there.
How long does the whole kitchen renovation process take?
Every renovation is different, but a typical Complete Kitchens project takes approximately 2-4 months from the initial design consultation through to completion of installation.
The design and planning stage generally takes 2-4 weeks. This includes the design and costing, finalizing selections and specifications, site checking and preparing production drawings.
The manufacturing stage generally takes 4-8 weeks, depending on the cabinetry finishes and materials selected.
The on-site renovation and installation typically takes around 4 weeks. This may include removal of the existing kitchen, plumbing and electrical rough-ins, cabinetry installation, benchtop and splashback installations, plumbing and electrical fit-offs, flooring works where required, and final finishing touches such as painting and caulking.
