Kitchen Renovations Northern Beaches
A full kitchen renovation takes care of the whole job around your new kitchen: strip-out, cabinetry, benchtops, trades and any layout, electrical, plumbing or wall changes required. James manages every trade involved from strip-out to handover. If your current kitchen isn’t working for you and a simple refresh won’t fix it, this is the straightforward, single-point-of-contact way to get the entire renovation completed without coordinating several different trades yourself. Red Hot Kitchens keeps full kitchen renovations affordable and competitively priced without cutting into the quality of the build.
What's Included in a Full Renovation
A full renovation covers the entire kitchen: strip-out of your existing setup, new cabinetry, new benchtop, and coordination of every trade needed to get it installed and working, electrical, plumbing, and rendering or gyprocking where walls need it. It’s the option when the existing kitchen needs more than new cabinetry or a simple cosmetic update, particularly where strip-out, service changes, wall work or multiple trades are involved.
Depending on your project, this can include:
- Kitchen design advice
- Custom cabinetry
- Pantry storage
- New benchtops
- New cabinet doors and panels
- Installation
- Trade coordination
- Laundry or joinery additions
- Full project management
If your layout already works and your cabinetry is sound, a kitchen reface is usually the faster, lower-cost option: new doors, panels and benchtop on what you’ve already got. James will tell you plainly at the quote stage which one actually suits your kitchen.
If what you’re after is a brand-new made-to-measure kitchen focused on the cabinetry, storage and benchtops, see our Custom Kitchens service. A full renovation goes further by managing the wider work around the kitchen, including strip-out, trades, service changes and finishing work where required. Many full renovations still include custom-built cabinetry, but this page is about managing the whole renovation, not cabinetry and kitchen design alone.
Our Renovation Process, Week by Week
Design
Production
Install Week, Day by Day
- Monday: Strip-out of the existing kitchen
- Tuesday: Electrical and plumbing rough-in
- Wednesday: Rendering or gyprocking of walls, and delivery of the new kitchen
- Thursday–Friday: Kitchen install
Benchtop & Finish
- If you've chosen a stone benchtop, we'll check-measure it once the kitchen is installed, then manufacture it off-site. Stone typically takes 7–10 business days. Once it's installed, the plumber and electrician return to fit off all appliances, and the splashback goes in last.
- If you've chosen a laminate benchtop, it's installed with the rest of the kitchen, so there's no separate stone wait and the job wraps up faster.
- Looking at benchtop replacement on its own rather than a full reno? That's a dedicated service too.
One Point of Contact, Start to Finish
You deal with James directly through the whole job: design, trades, install and handover. If anything comes up, he sorts it, because every trade on-site is working from the same plans he’s put together. Once you’ve made your door, benchtop and appliance choices and the job goes into production, there’s nothing left for you to manage.
Materials & Price Bands
| Renovation Details | $20,000–$30,000 | $30,000–$45,000 |
| Suits | Apartments, entry-level homes, first renovations | Larger homes, renovations including a pantry or laundry |
| Doors | Laminate and entry-level polyurethane | High-end polyurethane finishes |
| Benchtops | Laminate and entry-level engineered stone | Mid-range engineered stone through to high-end natural stone |
| Drawers & hardware | Standard | Additional drawers and pull-out hardware |
Laminate doors and benchtops remain a practical choice for keeping costs down, while entry-level polyurethane doors and engineered stone can also be achievable within the $20,000–$30,000 range, depending on the overall kitchen design and inclusions.
For projects in the $30,000–$45,000 range, finishes can step up to higher-end polyurethane cabinetry, mid-range engineered stone and, depending on the selection, high-end natural stone. Pricing also varies depending on how many drawers, pull-out fittings and other cabinetry features are included.
Price is driven mainly by the choices you make, not the size of your kitchen alone. Laminate generally sits at the more affordable end, followed by entry-level polyurethane, with higher-end polyurethane finishes increasing the cabinetry cost. Benchtops follow a similar scale, from laminate and entry-level engineered stone through to mid-range engineered stone and premium natural stone. Adding more drawers and pull-out hardware can push the price up further.
These price bands relate to a full kitchen renovation and its overall scope, rather than the cabinetry-focused Custom Kitchens service.
Every quote is free, so you’ll know exactly where your job lands before committing to anything. If you’d like to get a better idea of what your renovation may cost, email or call James to discuss your project, finishes and budget.
What It's Like Having Us On-Site
A full renovation takes your kitchen out of action for roughly 3–4 weeks, from strip-out through to handover. Council approval isn’t required for any of James’s renovation work, but if you’re in an apartment, you will need strata approval before work starts. James will give you the information you need, and lodging it is handled by you directly with your strata body.
Why Northern Beaches Clients Choose a Full Renovation with Red Hot Kitchens
You’re dealing with James alone through the entire renovation, not a sales team, project coordinator and installer from three different departments. He runs every trade off the same plan, so nothing gets lost between strip-out and handover, and pricing stays competitive and affordable without cutting into the quality of materials or finish.
James holds a joinery licence and has been operating on the Northern Beaches for over 7 years, so you’re working with an established local, not someone new to the trade.
If you’re also weighing up a bathroom renovation at the same time, James can manage both under one point of contact.
Our Recent Work
North Curl Curl
— Full Renovation, Kitchen & Laundry
This North Curl Curl project brought a full renovation to both the kitchen and laundry, finished in a modern coastal style with warm timber-panelled cabinetry, soft white uppers and gold hardware for contrast. A large island with a waterfall benchtop anchors the space, with a built-in coffee station and wine storage designed into the layout. James also built a matching built-in study desk to tie in with the kitchen’s cabinetry and finish. Vaulted ceilings and full-height glazing were worked around to keep the design light and open throughout.
Manly
— Full Kitchen Renovation, Apartment
Red Hot Kitchens was appointed to replace an existing kitchen in this small Manly apartment, delivering a full renovation within a compact footprint. The finished kitchen features clean white cabinetry, a light stone-look benchtop and a classic subway tile splashback, with an integrated oven, cooktop and fridge fitted neatly into the space to make the most of every corner. James was proactive on design and layout from the outset, taking full responsibility for the supply and installation of all cabinetry and appliances, working directly with the owner as principal, start to finish.
Collaroy Plateau
— Kitchen Renovation
This Collaroy Plateau kitchen was given a fresh, classic update with white Shaker-style cabinetry, stone benchtops and a matching stone splashback. A large island creates plenty of room for food prep, seating and everyday use, while the warm timber floors soften the crisp white finish. Just off the main kitchen, a butler’s pantry adds extra storage and bench space, with subway tiles and timber shelving tying the whole look together.
More renovations are added regularly as new projects wrap up. Head over to our work to see the full gallery, or get in touch if you’d like to see examples closer to your own suburb.
Hear From Our Satisfied Customers
Verified Google Review
I recently engaged Red Hot Kitchens to renovate a very old kitchen in my mother’s apartment in preparation for sale, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. James attended promptly, and within just a couple of days I had a detailed plan for a brand‑new kitchen.
Throughout the process, James provided extremely helpful styling advice, particularly around modernising the unit to maximise appeal for buyers. He assisted with selecting all appliances, the sink, and every finishing detail. The renovation itself was seamless — James organised and supervised the plumber, electrician, and tiler, and was hands‑on for every stage of the work.
The entire project was completed in a remarkably short timeframe, and the result is fantastic. The new kitchen has completely transformed the unit, giving it a fresh, modern feel. James’s styling guidance was spot on, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome
Verified Google Review
James and his team just finished our kitchen renovation on time, within budget and exceeded expectations. The process was well organised and managed with great attention to detail. James listened to what we wanted, came up with great ideas and with his experience, professionalism, experience and knowledge of design, he achieved more than we hoped for. Excellent communication, pride in quality of workmanship. I would thoroughly recommend James and Red Hot Kitchens
Verified Google Review
We appointed Red Hot Kitchens (RHK) to replace an existing kitchen in an apartment in Manly. We were delighted with the outcome. RHK were proactive in the design and layout and took responsibility for all aspects of the supply and installation of all cabinetry and the installation of all appliances. We dealt with the principal James, who is a professional and reliable. I have no hesitation in recommending RHK. Regards John Creeley
Verified Google Review
James and his team completely gutted our old kitchen and put in our kitchen of dreams. We were recommended James by our friends who had had their kitchen done and we are so happy they gave us his details. From the get-go, James was super helpful, honest and reasonable. He gave us great advice on what he thought would work/ wouldn’t and we were so happy to have his input. I was heavily pregnant when the time came to insert the new kitchen, so wanted it done as soon as possible and James and his team had us up and running in just over a week. We just left them to it and they installed all cabinetry, worktops and appliances to an extremely high standard. We get so many compliments on our kitchen and it is just perfect. I would highly recommend James and we will definitely be using him again when we renovate our laundry room! Thanks again.
Areas We Serve
Red Hot Kitchens completes full kitchen renovations right across the Northern Beaches, including Manly, Dee Why, Freshwater, Frenchs Forest, Brookvale and Mona Vale. Wherever you’re located, James manages the design, trades and installation from start to finish, so you get the same hands-on process no matter the suburb.
Not on this list? We still cover the rest of the Northern Beaches and the Lower North Shore. Get in touch and let us know your suburb.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen renovation cost on the Northern Beaches?
It depends on the size, scope and finishes you choose. Smaller renovations, apartments and entry-level homes typically sit around $20,000–$30,000. At this level, options can include laminate or entry-level polyurethane doors, with laminate or entry-level engineered stone benchtops.
Larger homes, renovations that include a pantry or laundry, or projects with more premium finishes usually sit in the $30,000–$45,000 range. This can include higher-end polyurethane cabinetry and benchtops ranging from mid-range engineered stone through to high-end natural stone.
Every kitchen is different, so the final price will depend on your layout, materials, cabinetry and inclusions. James can provide a free measure and quote so you know exactly what your renovation will cost before you commit.
How long does a full kitchen renovation take?
On-site, a full renovation typically takes 3–4 weeks from strip-out to handover, plus around 4–5 weeks of production time before the trades start.
Will I be without a kitchen during the renovation?
Yes. Your kitchen will be out of action for the 3–4 week install period. James will talk you through what to expect and how to plan around it at the quote stage.
What's the difference between a full renovation and kitchen refacing?
A full renovation takes the kitchen back further, replacing the existing cabinetry and benchtops while also covering the strip-out, trades and any layout, plumbing, electrical or wall changes required. A kitchen refacing keeps your existing layout and cabinetry structure but updates doors, panels, benchtops and handles; a faster, lower-cost option if your layout still works and your cabinetry is in good condition. If it’s not, a reface ends up being a waste of money and a full renovation is the better call. James will tell you plainly which one suits your kitchen at the quote stage.
Do I need council or strata approval?
Council approval isn’t required for any of James’s renovation work. If you’re in an apartment, you will need strata approval. James will give you what you need to lodge it, but the approval process itself is handled by you directly with your strata body.
Who will I be dealing with throughout the project?
You deal directly with James, from your first measure and quote through to final handover, not a sales team or multiple departments. He manages every trade on your behalf.
Do you only do full renovations, or smaller jobs too?
Red Hot Kitchens focuses on full kitchen renovations rather than small jobs like single-door changes or repairs. If you’re after a lower-cost refresh, kitchen refacing may suit better. Ask about the difference when you get your free quote.
Is a full renovation available across the whole Northern Beaches?
Yes. See our Areas We Serve section above, and get in touch if your suburb isn’t listed. We also cover the Lower North Shore.
How far in advance should I book?
Get in touch as early as you can once you’re thinking about renovating. Availability is the question we get asked most on quote calls. Design takes around a week and production 4–5 weeks before trades start on-site, so booking early gives you more flexibility on timing.