Kitchen Planning Checklist: What to Decide Before You Request a Quote
A room-by-room kitchen planning checklist you can use before a measure or quote, with a printable download for notes, dimensions and priorities.
A kitchen planning checklist turns a loose collection of inspiration images into information that can be measured, designed and quoted. You do not need every answer before the first conversation, but identifying what is known, what is undecided and what matters most makes the process more useful.
Use the checklist below on screen, print this page, or download the H&R Kitchens planning checklist to write on.
1. Property and room
- Project suburb and property type
- House, townhouse, terrace, apartment or other building type
- Strata or building renovation requirements, if applicable
- Heritage or known planning constraints
- Clear photos from each corner of the room
- Photos of the kitchen's connection to dining and living areas
- Approximate wall lengths and ceiling height
- Window, door and opening positions
- Current plumbing, gas, electrical and ventilation positions
2. Household and priorities
- Number of people who use the kitchen
- One cook or several people working at once
- Everyday cooking, entertaining and meal-preparation habits
- Two or three problems the renovation must solve
- Features that are useful but not essential
- Seating and dining requirements
- Accessibility or reach considerations
Name the problems before the products
“More clear bench beside the cooktop” and “plates accessible from the dishwasher” are stronger design instructions than a list of colours.
3. Appliance list
- Refrigerator make and model
- Oven and cooktop make and model
- Rangehood and ventilation approach
- Dishwasher make and model
- Microwave position
- Small appliances that remain on the bench
- Appliances that need a dedicated cupboard or pantry zone
- Owner-supplied appliance delivery dates
Use exact model information before cabinetry dimensions are approved.
4. Layout and workflow
- Preferred one-wall, galley, L-shape, U-shape, peninsula or island direction
- Clear preparation area near the sink and cooktop
- Dishwasher and bin relationship
- Refrigerator and pantry relationship
- Appliance, door and drawer opening conflicts checked
- Main traffic route kept clear
- Island seating and clearance tested
- Service moves identified
Compare the options in the Sydney kitchen layout guide.
5. Storage inventory
- Everyday plates, glasses and cutlery
- Pots, pans and baking equipment
- Pantry food and bulk storage
- Small appliances
- Waste, recycling and cleaning items
- Oversized or occasional pieces
- Drawer, shelf and tall-storage priorities
- Corner access decision
- Butler's pantry or appliance zone, if needed
The small kitchen storage guide is useful even for a large room because it focuses on storage quality rather than cabinet count.
6. Materials and finishes
- Cabinet door profile and finish
- Carcass and internal cabinet specification discussed
- Handles or integrated pull direction
- Benchtop material and edge direction
- Splashback material and set-out
- Flooring interface
- Tapware and sink
- Lighting and power points
- Real samples compared together in the room's light
7. Scope and responsibilities
- Old-kitchen removal
- Waste removal
- Plumbing isolation, changes and connection
- Electrical isolation, changes and connection
- Gas work, if applicable
- Structural or wall work
- Flooring and wall preparation
- Cabinetry manufacture and installation
- Benchtop measurement, fabrication and installation
- Splashback installation
- Painting, silicone and final finishes
- Handover and care information
8. Access and programme
- Parking and delivery position
- Stairs, narrow doors or long carries
- Lift dimensions and booking process
- Building working hours and protection
- Temporary kitchen plan
- Preferred timing and any fixed dates
- Appliance and owner-supplied item availability
- Contact person for strata or building access
9. Quote comparison
For each quote, check:
| Item | Confirmed? |
|---|---|
| Measured cabinetry and material specification | [ ] |
| Inclusions and exclusions | [ ] |
| Related trade responsibilities | [ ] |
| Access assumptions | [ ] |
| Surface and appliance allowances | [ ] |
| Production and installation programme | [ ] |
| Change and variation process | [ ] |
| Licence, insurance and applicable warranty information | [ ] |
10. What to send H&R Kitchens
Attach room photos and include the suburb, property type, intended layout changes, appliance list, finish direction, access conditions and preferred timing. If you have drawings or measurements, include those too.
Before appointing a contractor, ask for the licence, insurance and written scope that apply to the proposed work. Confirm who is responsible for cabinetry, installation and each related trade.
When your notes are ready, send the project brief.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need exact measurements before requesting a quote?
No. Approximate dimensions and clear photos help the first conversation. Final custom cabinetry dimensions follow the appropriate site measure.
Should I choose appliances before the kitchen is designed?
You should know the required appliance types and confirm exact models before cabinet dimensions are released. The layout and appliance specification need to inform each other.
What is the most important part of the checklist?
The problems the renovation must solve. They guide the layout, storage and scope when decorative options compete for attention.
