Kitchen Renovations Northcote
Northcote Kitchens,
Built to Last
Delivering outstanding kitchen renovations in Northcote and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, fixed pricing, no hidden costs.
Your Northcote Kitchen, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been delivering outstanding kitchen renovations in Northcote for over 20 years. Established in early 2002, our family-run business is proud to provide friendly, fast, fair, and efficient home renovation services across metropolitan Melbourne.
What Our Clients Say
5.0 out of 5 stars, based on 25 reviews
Outstanding Service
“Tony and Milan redid my tired old-looking floor and skirting in the whole kitchen area. Their attention to detail, prompt, friendly, value for money and service is A+. It's good to see that they take your job as if it's their own home they are renovating. LOVE YOUR WORK GUYS AND THANK YOU. I highly recommend.”
Kitchen and outdoor renovations
“Fantastic service and fantastic price. We had our outdoor area fully tiled and our kitchen renovated. They talked me through the process step by step, did what they promised in the time they promised, were always on time and so very friendly. They even went out of their way with additional extras, running around Melbourne buying everything I needed to take the pressure off me. Would recommend you give them a try. The pricing is very reasonable and affordable, and nothing was too big for them to do. Father and son service, fantastic team.”
Kitchen Renovation
“I was very happy with the high quality service provided by Tony and his team. He was professional, skilled and was focused on delivering a high quality result within our budget. Tony was always available to answer my questions and addressed all concerns promptly. The kitchen looks amazing. I highly recommend Smarter Home Renovations.”
Renovating Kitchens in Northcote Homes
Northcote mixes Victorian and Edwardian homes, many from the land boom that spread housing along High Street from the 1880s, with Californian bungalows and post-war brick houses across the streets between Merri Creek and Darebin Creek. The original kitchen in these homes is typically a separate room at the back, sometimes with a small meals area, and often turns its back on a good-sized garden instead of opening onto it.
That shapes most of our Northcote kitchen renovations: removing walls to create open kitchen and living areas at the rear, adding an island with seating, building in a walk-in or butler’s pantry, and fitting large doors or windows that connect the kitchen to the backyard. Parts of Northcote are in heritage areas, so external changes there can need a planning permit from Darebin City Council, which we check early.
Northcote at a Glance
- Postcode
- Northcote VIC 3070
- Council
- Darebin City Council
- From the CBD
- About 6 km north-east
- Typical Homes
- Victorian and Edwardian homes
- Californian bungalows
- Post-war brick homes
- Townhouses and apartments
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,675,000
- Median unit price$680,000
- House rent$880 a week
- Unit rent$590 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Before You Renovate a Kitchen in Northcote
Structure
Walls That Hold Up the Roof
Opening the kitchen to a living room in a Victorian or Edwardian home usually means removing a wall that supports the roof or ceiling. That needs a beam sized by an engineer and generally a building permit. We work this out before the design is fixed, so the open-plan layout you choose is one that can actually be built.
Floors
Step Downs to the Old Lean-to
Many Northcote kitchens sit in a rear lean-to that is a step or two below the main house, with a lower ceiling and a different floor structure. Bringing the floors to one level and lifting the ceiling line often makes a bigger difference than the cabinetry, and it is far easier to do while the kitchen is stripped out.
Heritage
Rear Changes in Heritage Areas
In Northcote’s heritage areas, such as Ruckers Hill and Gladstone Avenue, the front of the house is what the controls mainly protect. New doors and windows at the back are usually less of a concern, but some changes can still need a planning permit from Darebin City Council. We check the overlay for your address before ordering windows.
Electrical
Old Wiring and Switchboards
A modern kitchen with an induction cooktop, oven, dishwasher and island power points draws far more than many original Northcote switchboards were built for. Our licensed electricians check the switchboard and circuits early, upgrade what is needed, and the work is finished with a Certificate of Electrical Safety.
Storage
Compact Kitchens in Townhouses
Townhouses on subdivided Northcote blocks often have a narrow kitchen along one wall of the living area. Here the gains come from full height pantry joinery, integrated appliances and a better rangehood, rather than moving walls. Plumbing in a two-storey townhouse may run through the floor above, so we confirm service locations first.
Get a Free Kitchen Estimate in Northcote
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Northcote home.
- 1Tell us about your project
Two quick steps. It takes about two minutes.
- 2We call you back
Tony will be in touch within one business day to talk through your ideas.
- 3Free on-site consultation
We visit, measure up and listen to how you want the space to work.
- 4Fixed-price quote
A detailed, itemised quote. What we quote is what you pay.
No obligation, no pressure
Family-run since 2002. Your estimate is free and your details are never shared with third parties.
Your Kitchen Renovations in Northcote
Custom Cabinetry
Designed and built to your exact dimensions, with a finish and hardware selection that suits your taste.
Benchtops & Splashbacks
Stone, engineered quartz, or laminate, paired with tiled or glass splashbacks that tie the room together.
Appliance Integration
We source and install quality appliances that fit seamlessly into your cabinetry for a clean, cohesive look.
Plumbing & Fixtures
Sink, tap, and under-bench plumbing handled by licensed plumbers. We also install dishwashers and filtration systems.
Electrical & Lighting
Pendant lights, under-cabinet LEDs, and power point placement designed around how you actually use your kitchen.
Design & Planning
A dedicated designer works with you to finalise the layout, finishes, and timeline before a single tradesperson arrives.
Your Northcote Kitchen in 5 Steps
Meet & Greet
We get to know you and your specific needs. And you find out more about us to make sure we are a good fit.
Consult & Design
We ask lots of questions to understand your ideal outcome for your project. We discuss layout, budget, colours and more.
Quote
A comprehensive quotation outlining all the details, costs and timelines to complete your project.
Construct & Manage
Time to get to work with all our suppliers and trades to construct your project and deliver it as promised.
Deliver
We strive to deliver your project on time and on budget. We believe in 100% customer satisfaction from start to finish.
Kitchen Renovations In and Around Northcote
Northcote (3070) is about 6 km north-east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We renovate kitchens in Northcote and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Kitchen Renovations MelbourneNearby suburbs we service
Do I need a permit to knock out a wall for an open-plan kitchen in Northcote?
If the wall is load-bearing you will generally need a building permit, along with engineering for the new beam. A planning permit is not usually needed for internal changes, even in a Heritage Overlay. We assess the wall at the first visit and organise the permit as part of the job.
Can I add large rear doors to the kitchen if my Northcote home is in a heritage area?
Often, yes. Heritage controls in Darebin focus mostly on what can be seen from the street, and the back of the house generally has more flexibility. Some changes can still need a planning permit depending on the overlay and how visible the work is, so we check your address with Darebin City Council before the design is final.
Can we stay in our Northcote home during a kitchen renovation?
Most people do. We contain the work area, keep a path through the house where there is no side access, and clean up at the end of each stage. Setting up a small temporary kitchen with a fridge, kettle and microwave in another room makes the weeks without a kitchen much easier.
Is a butler’s pantry practical in a narrow Northcote house?
It can be, if the room allows. In narrower period homes a full walk-in pantry may take space you need for dining, so a wall of tall pantry cupboards with a benchtop appliance zone is often the better fit. We draw both options against your room’s measurements so you can compare them.
Should I renovate my Northcote kitchen before selling or putting tenants in?
Northcote buyers and renters, whether in a cottage or an apartment near High Street, expect a kitchen that works for everyday cooking. In older cottages the kitchen is often small and at the back with little bench space. New benchtops, a better rangehood and storage can improve it without moving walls. In High Street apartments, focus on appliances and finishes. Check the stovetop, sink and preparation area meet Victoria’s rental minimum standards.
Ready to Start Your Renovation?
No matter the project, our team has the right solution. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote, and let's get your renovation underway.