Things People Forget When Renovating a Kitchen in a Character Home

Things People Forget When Renovating a Kitchen

Renovating a kitchen is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home, but it also comes with challenges that can catch even the most prepared homeowners off guard. From hidden structural quirks to council requirements, knowing what to expect can save you time, money, and stress.

At W O Flatz Construction, we’ve been helping Auckland families transform their homes since 1993. Here are the common oversights to avoid when planning your dream kitchen.

1. Old Walls and Uneven Floors

In many homes, walls aren’t perfectly square and floors may have settled over time. This can make fitting modern cabinetry, benchtops and appliances tricky. A good builder will take the time to level surfaces and make precise adjustments so everything looks seamless.

🛠 Planning Tip: Allow extra time and budget for preparation work. In older homes this can easily add 2–5 days and several thousand dollars to your timeline.

2. Outdated Wiring and Plumbing

Some homes still have original plumbing and electrical systems that may not cope with today’s kitchen appliances. Upgrading these is often essential for safety and compliance.

🛠 Planning Tip: Discuss with your builder whether rewiring or replumbing is likely. This work may require council inspections, which can add time to your schedule.

3. Council and Compliance Considerations

If you’re making structural changes or altering layouts, you may need consent or sign-offs from Auckland Council. Even work that seems simple can involve regulations around ventilation, drainage, or electrical safety.

🛠 Planning Tip: Check council requirements early. Consents can take 4–8 weeks, so factor that into your planning.

4. Moisture and Ventilation Challenges

Kitchens are humid spaces and without proper extraction, steam and grease can cause damage to cabinetry, walls, and ceilings over time.

🛠 Planning Tip: Prioritise an externally vented rangehood and consider improving insulation if walls are being opened up.

5. Access and Delivery Issues

Many Auckland homes have narrow driveways, tight hallways, or stairs that make removing old materials and bringing in new ones a challenge.

🛠 Planning Tip: Share site photos with your builder early so they can plan for potential delivery or installation obstacles.

6. Matching Existing Details

If you want your new kitchen to blend seamlessly with the rest of your home, be aware that matching skirting boards, architraves, or flooring profiles can take extra time to source.

🛠 Planning Tip: Let your builder know early which features you want to preserve or replicate.

7. Budget Creep

Unforeseen work can arise once walls are opened up, and combined with high-end finishes, it’s easy for budgets to grow. For an Auckland kitchen renovation, costs generally start from around $40,000 for a well-designed but simpler upgrade and can reach $100,000 or more for a full redesign with custom cabinetry, premium appliances, and detailed finishes. It’s wise to keep a contingency of 10–15 percent for unexpected costs.

Renovating a kitchen isn’t just about installing new cabinetry, it’s about creating a space that works beautifully for your lifestyle and stands the test of time. With careful planning and the right team, you can avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a result you’ll be proud of for years to come.

If you’re planning a renovation or want to chat about your kitchen, we’d love to help.

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