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How to start kitchen renovation?

I’m trying my hand at renovating and am not 100% sure where to start here and all budget friendly.
Main issue is the bench and taps but also the cupboards and draws.

Bench had chips and missing laminate, I was thinking of getting laminate project panels.

The taps are a need to replace as it’s leaking and the water flow is very sensitive, the sealant is turning black with mold. The splash back around the kitchen is just plastic stuck down and sealant around it.

the cupboards inside are atrocious and is just bare wood(?).

where do I even start?

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @jpaige. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about kitchen renovation.

It sounds like you are at the perfect starting point for planning your renovation because you have already identified the parts of the kitchen that are causing you trouble. Before we go any further, it would help if you could share your budget and whether you are hoping to keep this as a purely DIY project or whether you are open to bringing in a tradesperson for certain parts. That information really shapes what is practical and what is not. You might like to take advantage of our Kitchen design consultation.

If the cabinet carcasses are still structurally sound, you might be able to keep them and freshen everything up by replacing the doors and drawer fronts, then painting the inside to hide the exposed chipboard. That can give you a much cleaner look without the cost of a full replacement. On the other hand, if the carcasses are in poor condition, it may be worth thinking about a complete renovation where the old cabinets are removed and the space is rebuilt properly. It all comes down to what your budget allows.

At the very least, you will need new benchtops and a replacement tap. Laminate project panels are a good budget friendly option for the benchtops. The blackened sealant around the sink is usually caused by water sitting in that area, so while it looks unpleasant, it does not always mean you have an active leak. Since you are working in that zone anyway, it is a good time to remove the plastic splashback, check for any water issues behind it, and replace it with tiles or another splashback.

Here is a helpful guide on How to plan a kitchen renovation, which walks through the order of jobs and what to expect. If you can give us a little more detail about your budget and how much of the work you want to do yourself, we can give you much more specific direction on where to begin. Also, check out our Top 10 most popular kitchen renovations for inspiration.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

jpaige

Hi Mitchell,

Thanks for the reply.
This will all by DIY and has budget friendly as possible.

With replacing doors and draws it it just a matter of measuring them and finding ones that fit?
What would be the best products to make the chipboard into a glossy finish and the back and walls would just need a white matte paint?

With the laminate project panels again is it just measure and then order?

what would be the best way to remove the plastic splash back?

Thank you

EricL

Hello @jpaige

Yes, measuring the doors is all you need to do in order to compare it to the doors that are available at the store. I propose using the Dulux 4L Aquanamel Semi Gloss White Enamel Paint - 4L rather than a full gloss for a more resilient finish. Gloss finishes when marked can often be easily seen whereas a semi-gloss does not show it so easily. I propose using it for the entire cabinet rather than changing paint finishes.

It is possible to order custom project panels, but it's best to ask the in-store kitchen specialist to make sure that the panel you choose can be cut to size.

In regards to your splashback, I suggest using a Craftright 380mm Wrecking Bar to lift and strip the plastic splashback. Please note that parts of the wall will get damaged and will need to be repaired.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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