Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we do. We offer a free initial in-home design consultation along with a detailed quotation. One of our skilled and experienced designers will visit your home to assess and measure your space. They’ll work closely with you to understand your needs and create the best possible kitchen layout.

Once we have presented your quote and initial design, and you decide to proceed with your project the design progression fee becomes payable. This fee allows us to complete detailed computer-generated drawings and 3D images, giving you a realistic visualisation of your new kitchen.

At this stage, we will also organise your colour selection appointment, a check measure, and the preparation of contracts.

The design progression fee is fully redeemable and will be deducted from the total job cost.

If you decide not to proceed with your new cabinetry, the design progression fee is non-refundable. This fee helps cover the time and resources invested in designing and progressing your project.

We understand that choosing colours and finishes is an exciting part of the journey. Our designers have extensive knowledge of the latest trends, products, and finishes to help guide you. Once the Request to Proceed form has been signed and the design progression fee has been paid, we can schedule your colour selection appointment.

Once you have approved and signed off on the production drawings, we will prepare a contract for your review and signing.

By law, a written Major Domestic Building Contract is required for works valued over $10,000. However, it is recommended to have a written contract in place for all building works, regardless of size or cost.

For projects exceeding $16,000, we are required to take out Domestic Building Insurance on your behalf. This insurance protects you in the event the builder dies, becomes insolvent, or disappears. Only registered builders are permitted to enter into a Major Domestic Building Contract and obtain this insurance

At Central Kitchens, we take our responsibility to you seriously and that includes making sure you're protected throughout your renovation journey.

For any project over $20,000, we organise Domestic Building Warranty Insurance on your behalf, as required by law in Victoria. This insurance provides peace of mind, covering you in the unlikely event that we’re unable to complete the work due to insolvency, death, or disappearance.

Importantly, only Registered Building Practitioners are eligible to take out this insurance. This is a real safeguard that not all smaller or unregistered operators can offer. Unfortunately, some companies skip this step, which can leave homeowners exposed if things go wrong.

We’re proud to be a Registered Builder, giving you the confidence that your project is being managed professionally, responsibly, and with your long-term protection in mind.

When comparing quotes, it’s important to do your due diligence and ensure your cabinet maker is fully qualified and properly registered. 

Your peace of mind isn’t just important — it’s essential.

We use progress payments to make your renovation easier and more manageable. By spreading the cost over key stages of the project, you enjoy greater flexibility, clearer budgeting, and confidence that each step is completed to our quality standards. Importantly, the final 5% isn’t payable until your project is fully completed, ensuring you're satisfied with the finished result.

Our progress payment schedule is as follows:

• 5% upon signing the contract 
• 45% at the commencement of manufacturing
• 45% prior to installation

5% upon completion

Once you have approved and signed off on the production drawings, we can schedule your installation date. This timing will depend on factory workload, the complexity of your project, and the materials selected. The manufacturing process generally takes between 6–10* weeks from final sign-off.

Installation for an average-sized kitchen generally takes approximately 1–3 days to complete. If your project includes stone benchtops and/or a splashback, we will then advise when the site is ready for these areas to be measured.

1. Cabinetry Installation
   Installation of an average-sized kitchen typically takes 1–3 days. Once the cabinets are in place, we can proceed with measuring and preparing for your benchtops and splashbacks.

2. Stone Benchtops
   After cabinetry installation, the stonemason will visit your home to take precise measurements. Stone benchtops usually take around 10 working days from the date of measurement to be manufactured and installed.

3. Splashbacks
   Once the cabinets and benchtops are installed, final measurements for your splashback can be taken. Manufacturing time depends on the material chosen:
   • Stone / Glass / Porcelain: approximately 10 working days after benchtop installation.

4. Re-connection of Services
   Once benchtops and splashbacks are installed, you can arrange for your plumber and electrician to return and reconnect all services. Please note that if you have stone or porcelain benchtops/splashbacks, this may occur a few weeks after the cabinetry installation.

We can assist with coordinating trades for your renovation. Please note this is a complimentary service we provide and does not include full project management.

With your permission, we will pass on your contact details to the relevant trades, who will then contact you directly to confirm the required works and arrange a suitable time.

Trades operate independently from us and will invoice you directly. If works are required, we recommend requesting a quote prior to proceeding.

We can custom design and supply your bathroom vanity; however, we don’t carry out full bathroom renovations such as shower screens, toilets, or tiling. That said, we’re happy to recommend a Builder who specialises in bathroom renovations and can coordinate with them during the installation process to ensure everything runs smoothly.

A bulkhead is a structure added to the top of tall kitchen cabinetry to help integrate it seamlessly into your space. It is a custom-built filler piece, installed by the Central Kitchens team in a raw, unfinished state.

To complete the bulkhead, external tradespeople are usually required to plaster, paint, and, if applicable, install matching cornice.

At Central Kitchens, we’re committed to quality and longevity. Every kitchen comes with a 7-year warranty on the structural integrity of cabinet carcasses. If a carcass cracks or breaks due to a manufacturing defect, we’ll repair or replace it.

We also use premium hardware and materials from a range of trusted suppliers. Each brand provides its own manufacturer warranty, which may vary. These warranties generally cover faults or defects only—misuse, improper care, or normal wear and tear are not covered. 

 For full details, check the relevant supplier’s warranty information page.

Not Covered

• Normal wear and tear, misuse, or improper care 
• Damage from water, heat, steam or sunlight
• House movement causing cabinets to go out of level
• Modifications or use outside product instructions

Making a Claim

Email admin@centralkitchens.com.au with your project address, contact details, a description of the issue, and photos.
We will review your information and arrange an inspection if required.
Please note: call-out fees may apply if the issue is not covered under warranty.