Older kitchens often have charm, but they can also hide problems behind tired cabinets and dated benchtops. Knowing what to tackle first saves money and prevents costly rework later. At Clearview Renovations, we have updated many older Sydney kitchens and seen what matters most. This guide explains the right order of priorities, from safety and services to finishes.
Key Takeaways
- Safety checks come first, especially for asbestos and wiring.
- Plumbing, electrical and ventilation upgrades should happen before finishes.
- Fix the layout before choosing cabinetry and benchtops.
- Efficient appliances and lighting improve comfort and running costs.
- Leave paint, splashbacks and hardware until the end.
Why the Order Matters
It is tempting to start with the visible changes, like new benchtops or a fresh splashback. But in an older kitchen, the most important work is often hidden inside walls and under floors.
If you install new finishes first and then discover faulty wiring or leaking pipes, those finishes may need to be removed. Working in the right order protects your investment and keeps the project on schedule.
1. Start With Safety Checks
Before any demolition begins, confirm that the space is safe to work on.
Asbestos
Many Sydney homes built before 1990 may contain asbestos in wall sheeting, flooring, splashbacks or around old appliances. Cancer Council Australia reports that one in three Australian houses still contain asbestos, and that 51 per cent of non occupational mesothelioma cases are linked to home renovation.
The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency shared figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showing that at least 724 people died from mesothelioma in 2019. The agency identified home renovation as one of the most significant ongoing risks.
Research from Western Australia, available through Curtin University, found that home renovators accounted for 8.4 per cent of men and 35.7 per cent of women diagnosed with mesothelioma between 2005 and 2008. Always arrange a professional asbestos inspection before starting work in an older home.
Electrical Safety
Older kitchens often have outdated wiring, too few power points and no safety switches. Electrical faults cause about 40 per cent of the 4,500 house fires in NSW each year, and that many could be prevented with safety switches.
Have a licensed electrician inspect the switchboard and wiring early in the planning stage.
Gas and Plumbing
Check gas fittings, water pipes and drainage for leaks, corrosion or poor connections. Signs of water damage under the sink or around the dishwasher should be investigated before new cabinetry goes in.
2. Upgrade Services Behind the Walls
Once safety issues are known, plan any upgrades to plumbing, electrical and gas. This is the best time to:
- Add power points for modern appliances
- Install dedicated circuits for ovens and induction cooktops
- Move plumbing if the sink location will change
- Replace old pipes that show wear
- Upgrade the switchboard if required
- Plan lighting circuits for task and ambient lighting
Doing this work before walls are closed and cabinets installed avoids expensive rework later.
3. Improve Ventilation
Many older kitchens have weak rangehoods or none at all. Good ventilation removes moisture, odours and cooking fumes, protecting both your health and your new finishes.
It also matters for health. A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia estimated that gas stoves account for about 12.3 per cent of childhood asthma in Australia. The researchers found that this burden could fall to around 3.4 per cent if homes used high efficiency rangehoods vented outdoors.
As The Limbic reported, the same study found that damp housing was linked to around 8 per cent of childhood asthma cases. A well ducted rangehood is a simple upgrade that delivers lasting benefits.
4. Rethink the Layout
Older kitchens were often designed for a different way of living. They may be closed off, cramped or poorly arranged for modern cooking.
Before choosing new cabinetry, decide whether the layout works. Consider:
- Is there a clear path between the sink, cooktop and fridge?
- Is there enough bench space beside the cooktop and sink?
- Can more than one person cook comfortably?
- Would removing a wall improve light and flow?
Opening up an older kitchen can transform the whole home.
5. Replace Cabinetry and Storage
Once the layout is set, focus on cabinetry. Older cupboards often have worn hinges, sagging shelves and limited storage. Modern options such as deep drawers, tall pantries and corner pull outs make the kitchen far more practical.
Experts agree storage adds real value. In Domain, renovation expert Dr Naomi Findlay recommends floor to ceiling cupboards and an island to boost storage and work space.
6. Choose Durable Benchtops
Benchtops take daily wear, so choose a surface that suits your cooking habits and budget. Popular benchtop material options include engineered stone alternatives, natural stone, compact laminate and timber.
7. Upgrade Appliances
Old appliances can be inefficient and unreliable. Many homeowners now choose induction cooktops when renovating. According to Monash University, induction can boil water nearly twice as fast as gas and reach energy efficiency of up to 90 per cent, compared with around 50 per cent for gas.
Renew, a not for profit organisation focused on sustainable homes, also highlights that switching from gas cooking can reduce household energy costs and improve indoor air quality. If you plan to switch, make sure your electrical upgrades in step two allow for it.
8. Add Better Lighting
Older kitchens are often lit by a single ceiling light. A layered lighting plan makes the space safer and more pleasant:
- Task lighting under overhead cabinets
- Pendant lights above an island or bench
- Ambient downlights for general use
- Lighting inside pantries and tall cupboards
9. Finish With Surfaces and Details
Save the finishing touches until the core work is complete. These include:
- Splashbacks
- Flooring
- Paint colours
- Handles and tapware
- Decorative shelving
These elements bring personality to the space and are easier to change later if your style evolves.
Renovating on a Budget
If you cannot renovate everything at once, follow the same order. Address safety and services first, then improve the layout and cabinetry. Finishes can be upgraded in stages as your budget allows.
A professional kitchen renovation team can help you plan stages so that each step builds on the last, with no wasted work.
Conclusion
In an older kitchen, the smartest renovations start where you cannot see. Begin with safety checks, upgrade services and ventilation, then move on to layout, cabinetry, appliances and finishes. Following this order protects your budget and delivers a kitchen built to last. Contact us today to book a free consultation for your kitchen.
FAQs:
What should you renovate first in a kitchen?
Start with safety checks and services such as electrical, plumbing and ventilation before moving to layout and finishes.
Should I test for asbestos before renovating an old kitchen?
Yes. Homes built before 1990 may contain asbestos, so arrange a professional inspection before any demolition begins.
Is it worth upgrading the electrics during a kitchen renovation?
Yes. Older wiring may be unsafe, and modern kitchens need more power points and dedicated appliance circuits.
Should I replace cabinets or benchtops first?
Replace cabinets first, as benchtops are measured and installed on top of the new cabinetry for a precise fit.
Can I renovate my kitchen in stages?
Yes. Prioritise safety, services and layout first, then upgrade cabinetry, appliances and finishes as your budget allows.
Do I need a rangehood in an older kitchen?
A rangehood vented outdoors removes moisture and cooking fumes, improving air quality and protecting new kitchen finishes.
