The kitchen is the room buyers scrutinise most, and the one with the most coordination between trades. A clear kitchen cabinetry specification makes selections easier, reduces variations and gives your site team a consistent standard to check against. Here are the elements builders should define.
Layout types
Most new-home kitchens in Perth follow a few patterns: galley, L-shape, U-shape and island layouts, often with a walk-in pantry or scullery behind. Standardising cabinet modules for each layout type in your range speeds up design and keeps costs predictable.
Sculleries and walk-in pantries
Sculleries are now a common feature in Perth homes. Define what is included as standard: bench length, overhead or open shelving, a sink, and space for appliances. Sculleries are also a good place to use cost-effective finishes, keeping premium finishes for the main kitchen.
Drawers versus doors
Buyers increasingly expect drawers in place of base cupboards for pots and pans. Decide how many drawer banks are standard and offer more as an upgrade. Specify drawer runner type and whether soft-close is included.
Appliance integration
Standard appliances
Confirm standard oven, cooktop, rangehood and dishwasher models and their dimensions. Cut-outs and cabinet sizes depend on them.
Upgrades
Integrated dishwashers, fridges and wall ovens need panels and cabinet sizes designed around specific models. Lock these in by the selections cut-off.
Clearances
Make sure fridge spaces include the manufacturer’s recommended ventilation clearances and that cavities suit common fridge sizes.
Overhead cabinets and bulkheads
Specify whether overhead cabinets run to the ceiling or sit below a bulkhead, and the standard height. Coordinate rangehood type and ducting with overhead layouts.
Islands
Islands often include seating overhangs, drawers on the working side and panelling on the seating side. Specify overhang depth and the support required, particularly for stone benchtops.
Benchtops
Define the standard benchtop, often laminated benchtops, along with standard edge and thickness, and the stone or other custom benchtop upgrades available.
Bins, corners and accessories
Bin pull-outs, corner solutions and pantry fit-outs are popular upgrades. Offer a short list rather than a catalogue to keep things simple.
Handles and hardware
Specify standard handle styles and whether handle-less options are available as an upgrade. Consistent hardware makes installation and maintenance easier.
Services coordination
The kitchen specification should feed directly into plumbing and electrical drawings: sink and dishwasher positions, appliance power, under-cabinet lighting and gas. Confirm before rough-in.
Finishes
Laminate doors are a common standard, with polyurethane and timber veneer as upgrades. Show combinations together in your selections studio.
Bringing it together
A well-documented kitchen specification protects your program and your margin. We design, manufacture and install kitchen cabinetry for builders across WA. See examples in our kitchens gallery.
Frequently asked questions
Should drawers be standard in new-home kitchens?
Many buyers expect at least one bank of drawers. Deciding how many are standard and offering more as an upgrade keeps costs controlled.
When must appliance models be confirmed?
By the cabinetry selections cut-off, because cabinet sizes, panels and benchtop cut-outs depend on them.
Is a scullery worth including as standard?
It depends on the market and the plan. Where sculleries are included, cost-effective finishes help manage the budget.
Can overhead cabinets go to the ceiling?
Yes, and it is a popular upgrade. Coordinate it with bulkheads, ceiling heights and rangehood ducting.
How can kitchen variations be reduced?
Offer clear upgrade packages, show standard and upgrade kitchens side by side in the selections studio and set a firm selections cut-off. When buyers can see their options clearly, fewer changes come later.
Should handles be standardised?
A consistent standard handle range simplifies ordering, installation and maintenance, with handle-less designs or premium handles available as upgrades.
Can kitchens be standardised across a range?
Yes. Standard modules per layout type, adapted to each plan, give consistency while still fitting each home.
Key takeaways for builders
- Standardise cabinet modules by layout type.
- Define scullery, drawer and island inclusions clearly.
- Lock appliance models in by the selections cut-off.
- Feed the kitchen specification into plumbing and electrical drawings before rough-in.
- Offer finish, benchtop and accessory upgrades as packages.
Talk to Character Cabinets
If you are planning upcoming builds and want a cabinetry partner that designs, manufactures and installs in-house, talk to our team. Call 08 9234 3000 or contact us to discuss your next project or request a quote.