Frequently Asked Questions

We’re a family-run business who have been renovating kitchens in Melbourne and beyond since our first showroom opened in 2010. Our team of designers, cabinet makers and tradespeople – headed by managing director Mark Tonkin – have decades of experience in the industry between them. Many have worked together for more than 12 years.

We have three showrooms in Melbourne. You’ll find:

We’re open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm. You can also book after-hours appointments. As for public holidays, we’re open for some, but always check our website or Facebook page for details.

Yes, we’ve installed kitchens in all parts of Melbourne and as far afield as Gisborne through to Sorrento.

The best way to see what our customers think is to check our reviews on reputable sites like Product Review and Google Reviews. On this site, you’ll also find a number of case studies featuring satisfied customers.

Yes - Rosemount Kitchens is a Registered Building Practitioner (Licence No: CDB-L-48241). We’re also a proud member of the two main industry associations:

• Housing Industry Association (HIA)
• Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA)

We can’t comment directly on other providers, but we can tell you that with Rosemount Kitchens you will get a new kitchen that’s customised precisely to your needs and requirements. If you’re in the market for a $20,000 kitchen (and they do exist) we’re not the best fit for you. Our focus on quality and customisation means we’ll rarely quote below $40,000, but you get a kitchen that is just right for you, and will be in as good condition in Year 10 and Day 1.

We are also passionate about providing customer service that is second to none. We’re a family-run business and we treat your kitchen as if it’s our own.

Our designers are among the most experienced in the business, and know how to maximise a space for both form and function. When comparing quotes, it’s important to remember that one designer might recommend more drawers to meet a client’s requirements, while another won’t because they know they can then provide a cheaper quote. Always compare apples with apples.

Yes. Cabinets, benches, fittings and accessories supplied by Rosemount Kitchens come with a 10-year warranty. Blum hinges and drawer runners are guaranteed for the life of the product, while other accessories are guaranteed for at least one year. For more information on this, scroll down to “Service and After Sales Service”, or contact us to find out full details and any conditions that apply.

We do full kitchen and bathroom renovations, and we also renovate laundries and build other custom cabinetry like vanities, wardrobes and TV units.

Having a consistent design – and products – in your kitchen and laundry not only updates the home, but will add to your property’s value when it comes time to sell.

We accept Direct Bank Transfers, Visa, Mastercard, Cheque and Bank Cheques.

A great way to start is to research different kitchen styles and finishes, and make a note of what you do and don’t like. You’ll find lots of inspiration in kitchen magazines and on design focused websites like Houzz and Pinterest.

The Rosemount website has many picture galleries of our completed projects, and lots of information on styles and finishes, as well as the key components that make up a typical kitchen.

In our view, visiting a showroom is essential. We have three showrooms in Melbourne, and they give you the chance to see and touch different kitchens, and get a feel for what you like. You’ll also get to see first-hand the latest trends, products and space-saving ideas.

You can also ask questions and discuss your own project with our showroom consultants.

Visiting a showroom not only allows you to see the quality of the work, but decide if you like and trust the company.

A kitchen designer will make an invaluable difference to your kitchen renovation. It’s easy to fill a space with cabinets, benchtops and drawers, but much harder to make that space both functional and beautiful.

That’s where a good kitchen designer is worth their weight in gold. They meet with you in your home and use their experience to come up with design and space-saving ideas that’ll make your new kitchen a dream to work in.

Often, the fact a client knows the space intimately – because they’ve lived there for years – can mean they are blind to the kind of insight a fresh pair of expert eyes will bring.

The real question is – why would you risk missing out on your ideal kitchen design by not seeking the assistance of an experienced designer?

Yes, we offer a free in-home consultation with a kitchen designer – and the intended outcome of that process is a custom design and price for your new kitchen.

Some companies will charge up to $800 for a consultation, or up to $4,000 to also include giving you the plans for a new kitchen. The strategy behind this approach is often to weed out people they don’t want as customers.

Our approach is different – we believe the customer chooses us. Sure, before the consultation we’ll establish if you’re in the market for a new kitchen within the next three to six months. Also, if the budget is small – say only $5,000 to $10,000 – we’re not the best fit, and we’ll advise on more suitable alternatives.

Otherwise, we’d love to have the chance to provide a design consultation.

The next step after visiting a showroom and speaking to a consultant is to make an appointment in your home with a kitchen designer. First, the designer phones you to arrange a time for the appointment.

The appointment itself usually lasts two to three hours. First, the designer will ask lots of questions to find out about your lives and lifestyle, your needs and requirements, and what’s most important to you in a new kitchen. 

Then they’ll offer professional advice to make sure you’re aware of everything that can be done, and the most suitable styles, finishes, fittings, materials and components.

Sometimes, the designer will work with you to produce a design and price at this meeting. More typically, you’ll have at least two meetings with the designer to make sure the bespoke design, price and process is right for you and your home.

Unlike some other providers, Rosemount Kitchens is not a high pressure selling-based company. Sure, we’d love to have your business but we only want people to move forward when they are happy that the design, process, investment and time is right.

1. Once you are happy with the design and price, you sign a contract and we get the ball rolling on creating your dream kitchen.

2. You’ll then receive a call from a technical representative called a “check measurer”, who will come to your home, remeasure the space and go over every last detail of the design. The check measurer will confirm all aspects of the build – including colour choices, benchtops, splashbacks and handles – and ensure each appliance and accessory will fit in the new kitchen.

3. Afterwards, the check measurer will prepare final drawings. We believe in clear documented communication that leaves no room for doubt, ensuring the installation process comes with no surprises.
   
   
4. Once you have signed off on those plans, the production process begins and we order the materials for your new kitchen from our factory. Manufacturing times vary based on the materials used. Approximate timings from the date of the order are as follows:
   
   
   • Colour Board - 3-4 weeks
   • High Gloss Board - 4 weeks
   • Thermolaminated - 4-5 weeks
   • 2 pack ‘flat’ - 4-5 weeks
   • 2 pack ‘profiled’ - 5-6 weeks
   • Timber - 4-6 weeks
     
     
5. Once the kitchen materials are ordered, we agree on an installation date at your earliest convenience from when the materials are ready.
   
   
   • We typically start with cabinets, which are installed in 2-4 days.
   • Electrics can be fitted on either on or after day 4.
   • Stone benchtops - templated on day 3-4 - take a further 7-10 days to fabricate.
   • Plumbing can then be fitted off and splashbacks templated.
   • Glass splashbacks take 7-10 working days to fabricate.

Go here to see full details of our proven renovation process.

The contract signed by you and the designer is the final price. The only time this might change is when you want to make a design change or add something new to the renovation. In those circumstances, a variation to the contract will be written up, agreed and signed off on again.

Kitchen renovations do not require council approval.

In preparation for the renovation, you should have the kitchen packed up and ready to be stripped out. Your appliances should be delivered to your home at least one day before the installation begins.

Most people set up a temporary kitchen in another area of the house house, like the laundry. A temporary table – where you can keep a kettle, toaster and microwave etc – helps to allay the inconvenience during this time.

No two kitchens are the same. For example, a kitchen renovation involving the removal of walls and replacement of the flooring will take longer than a project involving the replacement of cabinets, benchtops and splashback. Other considerations include plastering, painting and flooring, which are often completed after the installation.

As a general guide, most renovations take around three weeks to get to the point where you will be able to start using your new kitchen.

Always be aware that a kitchen renovation is a major disruption to a household (and walk away from any provider who tries to tell you otherwise). We make it our priority to keep the process as smooth, quick and hassle-free as possible. 

Every renovation is different, but as a general guide you will be without a working kitchen for around three to four weeks, depending on the scope of works.

Our tradespeople will keep mess to a minimum. They will clean up after themselves and remove all rubbish from the renovation.

Be aware that this is a major project and your kitchen effectively becomes a construction zone. Because some of the work creates fine dust, we recommend you cover furniture or belongings in rooms surrounding the renovation, particularly in large open-plan spaces.

Yes, we organise the tradespeople and manage the whole renovation process.

We understand it can be daunting to have tradespeople coming in and out of your home. It’s one of the reasons you should only deal with a reputable company like Rosemount Kitchens for an important project like a kitchen renovation.

Our experienced tradespeople have an excellent reputation, meaning you can have peace of mind knowing they will show your property the respect it deserves. Each have the appropriate certificates and licenses for their trade.

Each Rosemount renovation also has its own project manager, who you can call at any time to discuss any aspect of the renovation. 

You’ll need to supply all appliances, sinks and taps, and the tiles for a splashback if you choose that style. We can point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing them, and we can fit them all too. 

We always provide the kitchen cabinetry, but apart from that it’s really up to you. We can handle everything, including full project management. Alternatively, if you, for instance, would like us to work with your builder or plumber, that’s fine too. We’re very flexible.

You will receive an email with a schedule of your renovation with expected dates for each step in the project. Your project manager will always be available to discuss any aspect of the renovation.

We use only quality brands. Our custom-made cabinetry is locally manufactured, and so much better than cheaper, lower quality imports not made for Australian conditions. (Read this post for more info). We use great brands like Polytec and Laminex for cabinet doors and benchtops. 

Other top benchtop manufacturers include Caesarstone, Essastone, Stone Ambassador, Stone Italiana, Smartstone and Silestone.

When it comes drawer hinges and runners, it’s hard to go past Blum, which – along with Hafele Kessebohmer – also provides superb storage options.

There are a few points to consider. The price difference between one and another is not always as great as you may think. Also, if you’re working with the same layout, you might be missing out on the advantages of an improved design.

And quite often customers, when they’re refacing, also want to replace cooktops and ovens etc. In this scenario, you should be aware that there are regulations governing cooking areas – height and depth dimensions around hotplates are one example. Before going ahead, always make sure your existing layout is compliant with those regulations.

We mainly work on full kitchen renovations, but we’re always happy to have a conversation, even if it’s just to help you get the right advice.

When we work on a kitchen renovation, our tradespeople install all appliances, taps and sinks. You will, though, need to provide your own appliances.

We can advise you on choosing appliances, and recommend buying them at E&S Trading. They have a number of stores and will be able to answer your questions and provide information on the best appliances for your budget. 

Comparing quotes can be difficult for people looking to renovate their kitchens. There are so many variables involved, and some providers can take advantage of their customer’s lack of knowledge to provide a quote that seems better than it is.

Here are some key factors to consider. First, make sure the provider is a Registered Building Practitioner (Rosemount’s licence number is DB-L-43379).

Also check if the quotes include the exact same finishes in cabinetry and benchtops, and configurations. For example, the layouts may look the same but one might have more drawers and cupboards. (Some providers put less drawers in a design to keep the cost – and quote – low, but this compromises the functionality of the kitchen).

And be sure about what is – and is not – included in the quote. You should look out for things like rubbish removal, installation, plumbing, electrical, plastering etc. All these items should be clearly listed so you don’t get stung later. Equally important is that there should also be a clear list of what’s not included.

There's no firm answer to that question, but we've got a page that goes into how much a kitchen costs that'll give you a very good idea.

Years of experience has taught us that the two main things that can make or break a property sale are the kitchen and the bathroom. Brian Capp, one of Melbourne’s most experienced real estate agents, told us a kitchen renovation is the number one thing you can do to quickly get the best price.

“The kitchen is probably the most important room in the house from a buyer’s point of view,” he says. “A really good new or renovated kitchen makes a huge difference to not only the price, but the saleability of the house.”

You can read more on our post – How Renovating Your Kitchen Will Boost The Value Of Your Home.

Cabinets, benches, fittings and accessories supplied by Rosemount Kitchens come with a 10 year warranty from the date of delivery to the installation address. Other fittings and accessories, such as rubbish bins, are guaranteed for one year. 

All Blum non-electrical components – like hinges and drawer runners – are covered by a lifetime warranty, to the original purchaser.

There are some exceptions you should be aware of:

1. Damage to doors, benches or bench edges caused by abrasion or substances such as cleaners, detergents etc.
2. Bench damage caused by excessive water penetration, by heat from hot items placed on the bench, and not following manufacturers’ cleaning and care instructions.
3. Fair wear & tear, and malicious or accidental damage.
4. Marginal colour changes over time to surface materials on doors, panels and benchtops used in the manufacture of your kitchen. This can be due to wear and tear, cleaning products or exposure to ultraviolet light (particularly sunlight).
5. Door alignment and joint cracking, due to house/foundation movement.
6. Fittings and accessories, such as rubbish bins, are guaranteed for one year, or for the period of the manufacturer guarantee.

Absolutely. One of our core values at Rosemount is to make sure clients are 100% happy with their new kitchen. So you can be sure that if there are any unexpected issues, we will work with you until they are solved and you are happy.

This is something other companies might not tell you, but in a project as large and complex as a kitchen renovation there is sometimes human error. Mistakes are uncommon, but they happen from time to time.

In instances like this, our clients tell us it’s how the company deals with the issue – not the issue itself – that matters most. And we will always rectify any issues and won’t leave a property until the client is 100% happy.

Yes. Melbourne is a city full of older, traditional homes and our kitchen designers have vast experience in creating modern and contemporary designs that blend beautifully with their more traditional surroundings.

Remember, too, that a modern kitchen isn’t only about the latest look or form. It’s also about function, and terrific options – like soft-close drawers or storage solutions – that help transform a space and make it a breeze to work and spend time in.

Custom designing kitchens to blend form and function, and fit the space, is what we do best. Our designers will always make the most of a space – no matter how big or small that space is.

This is one reason why a good designer asks lots of questions.

For instance, they might ask: how many people live in the home, how old are the children, how often do you entertain, do you want an open-plan space with family room / dining room so the kids can do homework at the table while you prepare dinner?

Depending on the answers to these and many more questions, a designer can custom design a kitchen for that family’s specific needs and requirements.

Check out our post on planning for a kitchen to cope with the demands of a young family.

Yes. We’ve done work in many apartments across Melbourne. We’re experienced in working with building managers and project managing the renovation so everything from rubbish removal to tradespeople parking all runs smoothly.