Kitchen Renovations Gowanbrae

Usually not a planning permit from Merri-bek City Council when the work is inside the house. A building permit is generally needed only if the structure changes. All gas, plumbing and electrical changes are made by licensed trades, who certify the work. For a townhouse with an owners corporation, check whether it needs to approve the work.

Sometimes. If the cabinet carcasses in your Gowanbrae kitchen are sound and dry, new doors, benchtops, handles and a splashback can change the look. Laminate carcasses from the late 1990s are often swollen near the sink and dishwasher, though, and a stone benchtop needs a strong, level base. We inspect them before recommending a partial or full replacement.

Many Gowanbrae family rooms open to a patio or small yard, and on sloping blocks the outdoor area may sit higher or lower than the floor. A servery window, wider sliding doors and a deck built to floor level make the connection easier. We plan the kitchen and the outdoor link together so the levels work.

Gowanbrae buyers are often families comparing similar homes in the same streets, so a tired kitchen stands out when the rest of the house is in good order. Replacing swollen cupboard doors, a chipped benchtop, worn appliances and dated lighting is usually enough. A full redesign makes more sense if you plan to stay long enough to enjoy it.