#06
LICENSED TRADES & REGULATED WORK
Written by Ivan Bodnar, Independent Home Renovation Specialist
Moving a sink, adding a dishwasher or changing the cooktop can all involve regulated work. Ivan Bodnar is an independent sole trader. He doesn’t personally carry out licensed plumbing or electrical work, and he doesn’t claim trade licences or builder registration that haven’t been verified. This guide covers which kitchen changes usually involve authorised specialists, where their work fits in the renovation sequence, and why the requirements differ from one Brighton kitchen to another.
#01 WHICH CHANGES
Not every kitchen renovation changes the services. If the sink, cooktop and power points stay where they are, the regulated work may only be disconnecting and reconnecting. If anything moves or is added, expect an authorised specialist to be involved. Whether you keep the layout or change it has a lot to do with which way this goes.
CHANGE · WHAT IT USUALLY INVOLVES
#01 MOVING THE SINK
New water supply and drainage positions. This is licensed plumbing work, and access below the floor or behind the wall can affect what’s practical.
#02 ADDING A DISHWASHER OR PLUMBED FRIDGE
A new water connection and waste outlet, and often a dedicated power point. Plumbing and electrical work may both be needed.
#03 CHANGING THE COOKTOP OR OVEN
Depending on the appliance, this can mean a different electrical circuit or a gas connection. Both are regulated, and gas work is done only by an appropriately authorised practitioner.
#04 POWER POINTS, LIGHTING, RANGEHOOD
New or relocated outlets, under-cabinet lighting and rangehood connections are electrical work. That includes any new circuits.
#05 DISCONNECTING & RECONNECTING
Even when nothing moves, taking out and refitting a sink, cooktop or hardwired appliance can still involve regulated connections.
Reference photo: exposed wiring during a kitchen renovation.
#02 THE SEQUENCE
01 On-site assessment. Ivan looks at the existing services, the access behind the cabinets and what a new layout would require of them.
02 Written quotation. The scope is set out after the assessment, including where licensed trades are needed.
03 Disconnection and strip-out. Where it’s required, an authorised specialist disconnects the existing fixtures before the cabinets come out.
04 Rough-in. New pipework or cabling is run while the walls and floor are open, before any preparation is closed over.
05 Preparation and installation. Surface preparation, cabinetry, benchtop and splashback go in on a checked substrate.
06 Fit-off. The specialists connect the sink, appliances, power points and lighting.
#03 WHO HANDLES WHAT
The first discussion about how your kitchen needs to work
The on-site assessment of the existing condition
The written quotation, prepared after the assessment
Practical options for layout and cabinetry, and choosing suitable materials
Surface preparation and his own part of the installation
Direct communication with you throughout
REGULATED WORK
Licensed plumbing work, including water supply and drainage
Licensed electrical work, including circuits, outlets and hardwired appliances
Gas connections, where the kitchen has them
Structural engineering, architecture and asbestos removal, each done by an appropriately qualified practitioner
#04 WHY IT VARIES
The age and condition of existing pipework and wiring, where the services run, and how easy they are to reach all affect what a kitchen renovation involves. An on-site assessment shows a great deal. It can’t reveal every concealed issue, though, and some conditions only come to light once the cabinets are removed. Scope, permits, registration, insurance and licensed trade requirements vary from project to project. Contract, insurance and approvals wording is checked for each job, not assumed from a previous one.
#05 FURTHER READING
