Kitchen Renovation in Dunedin

Ordering cabinets before finalizing appliance models; demolishing before cabinet delivery is confirmed; skimping on drawers (they beat cupboards for base storage); too few power outlets; no dedicated circuits for ovens and induction hobs; and treating ventilation as an afterthought — a recirculating hood where ducting was feasible is a permanent regret.

Appliances are the easiest item to self-supply because they are standardized and heavily discounted in sales — just lock in exact models before cabinets are ordered, since cabinet openings are built to them. Let the contractor handle anything built-in that affects warranty or gas/electrical certification, and agree in writing who is responsible if a self-supplied appliance arrives late or damaged.

Kitchen projects legitimately need larger deposits than other renovations because cabinetry is manufactured to order — 20-40% at signing is common for supply-and-install packages, though several countries cap contract deposits by law. Make sure the deposit is tied to the cabinet order being placed, and always keep a final 5-10% until installation snags are fixed.

Kitchen companies bundle design, cabinetry, and installation — convenient, mid-to-premium pricing, but their trades coordination varies. A general contractor suits kitchens with structural or layout changes. Buying cabinets yourself and hiring an installer plus plumber and electrician is cheapest but makes you the project manager. Match the model to how much rework your kitchen needs, not to the showroom experience.

Yes, and it is the single biggest saver. Keeping the sink, stove, and appliance positions avoids rerouting water, waste, gas, and heavy electrical circuits — which means less demolition, fewer trades, and no re-certification of services. Spend the savings on better cabinets and benchtops, which you touch every day.

Open every door and drawer and check alignment and soft-close action; run the tap and check under-sink connections for weeps; test every appliance and outlet; check the benchtop for chips and sealant lines; confirm the splashback is sealed; and collect appliance warranties plus gas and electrical compliance certificates before releasing the final payment.

Budget renovations run roughly NZD 12,000-25,000, mid-range NZD 25,000-50,000, and premium custom kitchens NZD 50,000-120,000. Costs sit near Australian levels due to similar trade licensing and higher materials import costs.

Replacing cabinets, benchtops, and appliances in the same positions is exempt under Schedule 1; moving the sink or gas lines, or removing structural walls, needs a consent from your council. Keep the paper trail either way — buyers' lawyers ask.