Deciding to give your kitchen a new look is always a fun and exciting idea – it’s one of the most rewarding ways to add value to your Brisbane home, but we can’t ignore how this fun venture comes with big price tags, time, and effort. From a simple cabinetry upgrade to a full Hamptons look, asking the important questions beforehand can save you a lot of setbacks down the line.
Here are 8 important questions you’ll need to sit with before getting into your Brisbane kitchen reno:
The “Why” of it all is where we begin our renovations. Grab a cup of coffee and think about why you’re doing this renovation in the first place: is it to improve functionality, modernise an outdated area, boost your home’s resale value, or simply because you’re stubbing your toes an ungodly number of times on awkwardly-placed cupboards?
Knowing your core purpose inspires motivation, helping you stay on track when choices begin to stack up, which, trust us, they will. For example :
If you’re planning to resell, then opt for a timeless vibe that appeals to the common Brisbane buyer.
If you’re keen on function, or maybe if your current layout isn’t what you expected, or you’re a serious cook in desperate need of spacious elbow room for prepping.
A sense of purpose will be your true North as you go forward in your kitchen reno journey.
The cat is out of the bag: kitchen renovations are expensive. And in Brisbane’s market, the age comes with its pricing quirks. For a ballpark value, a kitchen renovation can be anywhere from $15,000 to $45,000, based on the size of your kitchen and the depth of your renovation.
Remember to factor in :
Pro tip: for good measure, maintain a 10-15% buffer for emergency costs. Trust us, it’s always safer to have an unused backup fund rather than nothing in the face of unexpected expenses.
Related Reading: Everything You Need to Know About Kitchen Renovation Costs In Australia: 2025 Guide
Think about how you would use your kitchen daily. Do you have cooking rituals every night? Or call your friends over often? Or do your kids have a habit of pulling out their homework at the breakfast bar while you prep dinner?
These questions help figure out :
You’re supposed to have total control of your kitchen, not the other way around. Looks are nice, but how you’re going to feel and live in your kitchen every day is what matters in the long run.
If you’ve just woken up and want to scrap off your layout and replace it with something better, we get you. But this comes with layers of costing and complexities. If you’re shifting the sink, oven, or fridge, you will have to get into plumbing and electrical work. These moments where your budget can go off the rails.
In Brisbane, stay vigilant of older Queenslanders or home units that may have structural flaws or strata restrictions. Remember to ask:
If your current layout is still functional but looks a tad boring, then you should be okay with just revamping finishes rather than restructuring the whole setup.
It’s easy to get carried away when it comes to designing, but it’s crucial that your choices work for your taste, your home’s style, and the Brisbane climate.
These are some trending kitchen styles in Brisbane :
Don’t forget to consider :
Tip: Make use of Pinterest boards to create mood boards or save inspiration from Houzz to visualise your perfect kitchen space.
Related Reading: Top Kitchen Design Trends: 2025
The first quote you get isn’t it. A great kitchen designer or builder will:
Before picking your designer, don’t hesitate to ask for before/after photos of past projects and check for reviews. Take it further and request a few quotes, and compare the services included. This is how you filter out underquoted quotes (major red flag) and other potential flaws before you let them alter your whole kitchen.
Need some help? Contact our teams at Bayside Kitchens for a free quote.
So the good news is that in a lot of cases, internal kitchen renovations in Brisbane do not require council approval; however, you do need some permission if :
Normally, your builder or designer will direct you in this step, but you’ll be a better homeowner for checking beforehand by yourself with the Brisbane City Council renovation portal.
This is something huge that people tend to overlook. Kitchen renovations are loud, messy (dusty!), and take time, so it’s likely that you’ll be without a functioning kitchen for a couple of weeks.
Here’s what you may need to consider:
If you’re working from home, the noise can be a real nuisance. The best option is to plan a fallback setup so the disruption doesn’t drive you crazy!
Your kitchen renovation journey doesn’t have to be a trip to Mordor – but it does need proper planning, a fair dash of patience, and the asking of the right questions before you break down those tiles.
Stop, take a breath, and think through your lifestyle, budget, and local requirements, so that you will take a more sensible decision you’re unlikely to regret. And once again, it’s not just about looks, but about creating a space that speaks for you and your home.
Dreaming of a kitchen renovation in Brisbane?
We support you – just don’t start without a plan or by yourself. Here at Bayside Kitchens, we’ll take your renovation project to greater heights with honest advice, stellar creative design, and expert planning with a team that sticks around until you get your dream kitchen.
👉 Get Your Free Consultation Today!
Lay out your goals and set down a realistic budget. This is the first step to ensuring all your decisions work towards your vision.
Not all the time, because internal renovations usually don’t need one; however, structural or plumbing changes may require a permit.
The cost depends on scale, but most Brisbane kitchen renovations can be anywhere from $15,000 – $45,000.
Both designer and builder come with their own set of skills – a designer will ensure optimal layout and aesthetics that match you and your home’s style, while a builder will handle construction with technique. We recommend you go with a team that offers both.