30/03/2026
What electrical work should you plan before a kitchen renovation?
One of the biggest mistakes I see in kitchen renovations is leaving the electrical planning too late.
By the time the cabinetry is being built, stone has been measured and other trades are booked, the electrical layout is often being squeezed around decisions that have already been made.
That is when problems start.
A well planned kitchen is not just about how it looks. It is about how it functions every day, how safe it is, and whether everything has been thought through properly before the walls are closed up.
In a modern kitchen, electrical planning needs to go far beyond just picking where the oven and cooktop go.
You need to think about power points above the benchtop, whether the island bench needs GPOs, appliance locations, feature lighting, under cabinet lighting, fridge space, microwave position and whether the existing switchboard can actually handle the added load.
Island bench power is a big one.
A lot of homeowners want a clean, modern island, but they also want to use it properly. Phone charging, small appliances, laptops, mixers, air fryers, or even a temporary workspace for the kids. If GPOs are not planned early, you either end up without enough usable power or you are trying to retrofit solutions later, which is never ideal.
There is also the compliance side.
Power point heights, clearances, spacing from sinks and cooking areas, appliance isolation, and ventilation all need to be considered properly. It is not just about making things fit. It has to be safe, practical and in line with regulations.
Coordination is crucial too.
The electrician needs to work in with the cabinet maker, builder, plumber, tiler and the stone mason. Everyone has their part, but if the planning is rushed or disconnected, the homeowner is usually the one who feels it at the end.
I always say kitchen renovations are won in the planning stage.
A kitchen should not just photograph well. It should work properly for years to come, and be a space where you can enjoy time with family and friends.
