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We Design - We Build - We Renovate Kitchens

At Complete Kitchens, we bring over 47 years of expertise to kitchen renovations across Melbourne. During that time, we have designed and manufactured more than 22,000 high-quality custom kitchens, earning the trust of generations of homeowners looking for quality workmanship, practical design and a renovation process they can rely on.

Our team manages every stage of your project in-house – from personalized layouts and custom cabinetry through to manufacturing and trade coordination. With an Oakleigh South showroom and locally manufactured cabinetry, we create kitchens that combine thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship and long-term functionality.

Choose the Right Company

A kitchen renovation is one of the most important investments you can make in your home. Beyond colours, finishes and appliances, a successful renovation relies on thoughtful planning, quality cabinetry, experienced trades and careful coordination from start to finish.

Choosing an established kitchen renovation company with proven experience helps ensure the renovation is properly planned, professionally managed and completed to a high standard. Visiting a showroom, viewing completed projects and speaking directly with the team allows you to assess the company’s workmanship, renovation experience and overall quality before committing to such an important investment.

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Design the Space

Proper design, planning, and execution are essential to successful kitchen renovations. At Complete Kitchens, our experienced team takes the time to understand how you use your kitchen day to day, ensuring the finished space not only looks impressive but also functions efficiently for your household and lifestyle.

Our In-Home Consultation Service is led by our expert kitchen designers who will visit your home, take detailed measurements and develop a design tailored to your space, style preferences, budget and practical requirements.

From layout planning and storage solutions through to materials, finishes and appliance integration, every detail is carefully considered to improve functionality, maximize space efficiency and ensure the renovation is properly planned with relevant building requirements in mind.

Our Design Process

Custom Cabinetry

At Complete Kitchens, all cabinetry is custom manufactured locally and designed around how each household cooks, stores and uses the kitchen every day.

For a medium-sized kitchen with high-quality custom-made cabinetry, we recommend a starting budget $25,000. This includes our professional kitchen design service, local manufacturing and expert installation. Most kitchens cabinetry projects we complete ranges between $25,000 and $40,000 depending on the size of the kitchen, materials, finishes and overall scope of works.

Our standard cabinetry is crafted locally using Polytec or Laminex boards, and includes soft-closing hinged doors and drawer systems from German manufacturer Hettich. We also incorporate Blum and Häfele fittings and accessories, selected for their quality, durability and long-term performance.

The final cabinetry cost will vary depending on the materials, storage accessories and benchtop selections included in the renovation. Laminate is generally a more cost-effective option than vinyl wrap or 2Pac paint, while the type and thickness of the stone benchtop can also affect the overall budget.

Kitchen Cabinetry

Benchtops

The right benchtop not only defines the look and feel of the kitchen, but also underpins how the entire space functions, flows and comes together visually. For a medium-sized kitchen, zero-silica reconstituted stone in a standard colour range generally costs between $3,000 and $5,000, while some marble-look stone products can be considerably more. Other premium benchtop materials such as porcelain, sintered stone and natural stone options including granite, quartz and marble can vary significantly depending on the slab, finish and overall design selection.

At Complete Kitchens, our designers help clients compare different benchtop materials based on their budget, design preferences and how the kitchen will be used day to day. Along with stone benchtops, we also offer alternatives such as laminate (HPL), Corian and stainless steel, each with its own practical and aesthetic benefits.

Benchtop selections can be included as part of our kitchen renovation quote, however clients are also welcome to source their own supplier if preferred. To learn more about material options and recommendations, visit Kitchen Benchtops.

Kitchen Benchtops

Trades

When budgeting for a kitchen renovation, it’s important to factor in the cost of tradespeople and understand how each stage of the renovation is coordinated. Depending on the scope of the project, you should generally allow a minimum of $8,000 for trades such as demolition, plumbing, electrical, plastering and carpentry if required.

Demolition

Before the new kitchen can be installed, the existing kitchen needs to be removed, commonly referred to as a rip-out. This stage usually starts from around $1,200 and includes disconnecting services and removing demolition debris from the site.

If you intend to keep existing cabinetry for resale or repurposing, a more careful removal process may be required. For larger demolition works, particularly where tiled floors are being removed, a stripping-out company is often the most efficient option due to the specialised equipment involved.

Plumber & Electrician

In most kitchen renovations, keeping the kitchen in its existing location is generally more cost-effective than relocating it, as moving plumbing and electrical services can significantly increase the overall renovation cost.

Kitchen plumbing and electrical work can be divided into two stages: rough-in and fit-off.

During the rough-in stage, the plumber and electrician install the required pipes, wiring and services based on the new kitchen layout and appliance selections. Once the kitchen has been installed, they return for fit-off, which involves connecting sink, tapware, dishwasher, lighting, power points, ovens, cooktops, rangehood and other appliances.

To help avoid delays during fit-off, appliances should ideally be delivered and available on-site prior to installation.

Plasterer

A plasterer plays an important role in preparing the kitchen for a high-quality final finish. In most renovations, the plasterer will attend in two stages.

The first visit takes place after the plumbing and electrical rough-ins, where walls and ceilings are patched and prepared for the next stage of the renovation. Once the kitchen has been installed, the plasterer returns to complete final patching, repair or install cornices and carry out the finishing work required for a clean and cohesive result.

Tiler

A tiler is only required if you are installing a tiled splashback or tiled flooring as part of the renovation.

Tiled splashbacks have become increasingly popular in recent years, with homeowners now having access to a wide range of colours, patterns, textures and feature tiles that can completely change the look and character of a kitchen. Depending on the tile selection, costs can range from approximately $80 to $500 per square metre, with labour for an average-sized kitchen generally ranging between $800 and $1,500.

More intricate tile patterns, uneven walls or premium handmade tiles can increase installation costs, however they can also become a standout design feature within the kitchen.

Trade Coordination

Trade Coordination

Coordinating the different trades involved in a kitchen renovation is one of the most important parts of keeping the project running smoothly and on schedule. At Complete Kitchens, we work with reliable and experienced tradespeople who understand our renovation process, workmanship standards and expectations for quality across every stage of the project.

Your designer can provide an estimate of the expected trade costs, which are paid directly to the individual tradespeople involved in the renovation. We charge a small coordination fee for each trade, giving clients the benefit of professional renovation coordination without the additional cost of engaging a separate project manager.

Clients are also welcome to organize their own trades if preferred. In Victoria, all plumbing and electrical works must be completed by licensed tradespeople, who are also required to provide Compliance Certificates upon completion for insurance and regulatory purposes.

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Structural Works

Many kitchen renovations involve structural modifications such as removing walls, widening openings or relocating doorways to create a more open and functional living space.

While Complete Kitchens is a registered domestic builder, some projects may require the involvement of an additional builder to carry out structural works, particularly where load-bearing walls, permits or specialised building works are involved. If required, we can recommend experienced builders who can provide advice and quotations based on the scope of your renovation.

In these situations, the builder is responsible for coordinating the structural works and associated trades to ensure the project is completed safely, to code and within the required timeframe. Complete Kitchens will work closely with the builder throughout the renovation process to coordinate the supply and installation of your kitchen cabinetry.

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Appliances

Appliances play a major role in how a kitchen looks and functions, with integrated appliances often requiring carefully coordinated cabinetry for a seamless finish.

There are many appliance brands and price ranges available, with entry-level appliance packages for a standard kitchen generally starting from around $5,000, while premium and fully integrated appliances can increase the overall budget considerably.

At Complete Kitchens, we do not resell appliances directly, however we are premium partners with leading manufacturers and retailers including E & S Trading and Miele Appliances. We also display premium appliances in our showroom to help clients visualize how different appliances will work with their cabinetry and overall kitchen design.

For custom-built kitchens, clients have the flexibility to choose appliances that suit their lifestyle and budget. Our design and technical teams carefully review appliance specifications and layouts to ensure everything fits correctly. Some integrated appliances may also need to be delivered to our factory for pre-fitting prior to installation.

Our Design Process

Ready to Renovate?

We are here to assist you every step of the way.

Our experienced design team and custom cabinetry solutions are tailored to suit your lifestyle, space and renovation goals. Explore our Kitchen Design & Quote Process and browse our Project Gallery for inspiration and ideas.

Visit our Oakleigh South showroom to explore our range of materials, finishes, cabinetry and appliance options, or call us on (03) 9543 8888 to discuss your renovation project with our team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a kitchen company like Complete Kitchens, a builder, and a kitchen design company?

Complete Kitchens is a full-service kitchen company that designs, manufactures and installs custom kitchens and laundries in-house. We operate our own showroom, manufacturing facility and installation teams, allowing us to manage the renovation process from initial design through to final installation.

Builders typically manage construction and structural works and often outsource cabinetry and kitchen design to third parties. Kitchen design companies usually focus on design and quoting but outsource manufacturing and installation.

By managing the design, manufacturing and installation process internally, Complete Kitchens provides greater quality control, more accurate design detailing, faster turnaround times and a more personalized renovation experience.

How long does a typical kitchen renovation take?

The timeframe for a custom kitchen renovation depends on the size and complexity of the project. From initial consultation through to final installation, most Complete Kitchens renovations take approximately 2 to 4 months.

The design and measurement stage generally takes 3 to 4 weeks, followed by 4 to 8 weeks for in-house manufacturing at our Oakleigh South factory. On-site works, including demolition, installation and final trade fit-offs, usually take around 3 to 4 weeks.

How much does a kitchen renovation typically cost?

Kitchen renovation costs can vary depending on the size of the kitchen, materials selected and overall project scope. At Complete Kitchens, we provide detailed proposals outlining fixed pricing for cabinetry and benchtops, along with estimated trade costs.

For a standard family home, most clients invest between $30,000 and $40,000 for custom kitchen cabinetry and stone benchtops, while trade costs generally range from $8,000 to $10,000 depending on the renovation requirements.

Can you work with my existing kitchen layout, or do you recommend changes?

Our designers assess each kitchen individually to determine whether the existing layout should be retained or improved. In many cases, we can significantly enhance functionality, storage and workflow while working within the existing kitchen footprint, which can also help reduce renovation costs.

Where appropriate, we may also recommend layout changes to create a more open, practical and functional kitchen design better suited to the way you use the space.

Do you handle all the trades and project management?

We coordinate the key trades involved in the renovation process, including demolition, plumbing, electrical, plastering, tiling and carpentry. Our tradespeople work closely with our team and understand our workmanship and installation standards.

Clients pay trades directly, while our scheduling team coordinates the renovation timeline and sequencing of works to help ensure the project runs smoothly and efficiently.

Can I live in my home during the kitchen renovation?

In most cases, yes. Many clients continue living in their home during the renovation process, although there will be periods where access to the kitchen is limited.

Our team works closely with clients to help minimise disruption where possible and provide realistic timeframes for each stage of the renovation. For larger renovations involving structural works, some clients may choose alternative arrangements during key stages of the project.

Do I need permits or council approval for a kitchen renovation?

Most standard kitchen renovations do not require council approval if the existing structure of the home is not being altered. However, renovations involving structural modifications, load-bearing walls or major building works may require permits or additional approvals.

Where required, Complete Kitchens can work closely with your builder and relevant trades to help coordinate the renovation process and ensure works are completed in accordance with current building requirements.

Can I visit your showroom before starting my renovation?

Yes. Our Oakleigh South showroom allows clients to explore kitchen displays, cabinetry finishes, benchtop materials, storage solutions and appliance options before starting their renovation.

Visiting the showroom also gives you the opportunity to speak directly with our design team, compare material selections and gain a better understanding of the overall renovation process.