The kitchen makeover process
You know what frustrates you about your kitchen. You do not need to know every product or technical answer before getting in touch. Start with the room you have, tell Leon what you want to change, and work through whether a makeover is the right approach.
Show us your kitchen as it is
Start with at least three photos from different angles, your suburb and a short description of the changes you have in mind. Include a view of the whole kitchen as well as closer photos of doors, panels and any problem areas. Everyday photos are useful. You do not need professional pictures or a finished design.
Tell Leon what works well, too. Perhaps you like the layout and have enough bench space, but the colour makes the room feel dated. Or the kitchen mostly works, apart from a particular cupboard or an appliance you want to replace. That detail helps separate the improvements you need from things you can keep. Include any timing constraints with your suburb and priorities.
Work out what is worth keeping
A makeover starts with the existing kitchen. The important questions are whether the cabinet boxes are sound, whether the layout suits your household and whether the surfaces are suitable for the proposed treatment. Photos help begin that conversation, but they cannot confirm every detail of the condition.
Describe any swelling, loose panels, sticking doors or past water damage rather than trying to diagnose it yourself. Those details matter to the recommendation. If the existing kitchen cannot support the result you want, a full renovation may be a better direction. You can discuss both approaches with Leon before deciding.
Choose changes around how you use the room
Think about a normal day in your kitchen before choosing finishes. Where do you prepare food? Which cupboards do you avoid? Will your current appliances stay? These questions help keep the project focused on a room that works for you, rather than a collection of products that happen to look good together.
Smart Makeover’s resurfacing scope covers cabinet doors and panels. Other improvements can involve replacing selected parts or discussing changes to storage and functionality. What is suitable depends on your existing kitchen and the agreed work. Share inspiration pictures to explain your taste, then discuss which elements can realistically be carried into your room.
If you plan to buy appliances, fittings or other products yourself, discuss them before ordering. Product dimensions and installation requirements can affect surrounding cabinetry and the work required. A choice made early can influence several later decisions.
Get clear on the proposed work
Before proceeding, make sure you understand what is being retained, what is being changed and what the quote includes. A useful scope names the proposed work clearly enough that you can recognise the finished result. Ask about any item that is important to you rather than assuming it is part of the project.
It can help to separate your essentials from optional improvements. If you need to adjust the scope, that gives you a practical starting point for the discussion. Compare quotes against the same work, finishes and responsibilities, as a different total may reflect a different project. Clarify who supplies each product and discuss access, preparation and anything outside the quote.
Plan the work around your household
A kitchen makeover typically involves 10 business days on site, depending on scope. That is the work period in your home, with planning and manufacture beforehand. Confirm the timing for your particular project, especially if you are organising work around travel, family commitments or another room being updated.
You may be planning to stay at home during the makeover. Talk through what that will mean for cooking, storage, appliances and access while work is underway. Kitchen use may be limited at particular stages. Make arrangements around the actual schedule rather than assuming every part of the room will be available each evening.
Ask what needs to be emptied or moved, where materials can be brought in and how access will work on the days you are away. Raising these ordinary household questions early makes it easier to prepare.
Check the result against the agreed scope
As the project reaches completion, go through the agreed work and raise questions about any remaining items. Ask how to care for the finishes and products in your kitchen, including any instructions relevant to newly completed surfaces. Keeping the quote and product information together gives you a useful reference afterwards.
The next step does not require a complete design. Send your kitchen photos and describe what you want to improve, or call Leon if you would rather talk it through first. You can work out the appropriate approach before committing to a makeover or renovation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to choose all my finishes before getting a quote?
No. Start with photos of your kitchen and the changes you want. You can discuss suitable finishes and products as the scope becomes clearer. If you have inspiration pictures or appliances in mind, include them in the conversation.
Does the 10 business day timing include planning and manufacture?
No. The typical 10 business days refers to work on site, depending on scope. Planning and manufacture happen beforehand. Confirm the full schedule and the arrangements for your kitchen before proceeding.
Can I stay at home while the makeover happens?
Discuss that with Leon when planning the work. Kitchen use may be limited at certain stages, so confirm access, cooking arrangements and appliance availability against your project schedule.
Talk through the work your kitchen needs
Send Leon your suburb, photos and the changes you have in mind. Start with the questions that matter to your home.