Older kitchens with potential
Baulkham Hills was one of the first parts of the Hills to become suburban. Many streets have 1960s and 70s brick and brick-veneer homes, with later 1980s homes further out. On sloping land, split-level homes are common.
Typical kitchens in these homes:
- A closed galley or U-shaped kitchen separate from the living area.
- Timber or laminate cabinetry from an earlier update.
- A freestanding upright cooker or wall oven with a gas cooktop.
- Tiled splashbacks with dated patterns.
- Limited power points and a fluorescent ceiling light.
How the transformation usually looks
Walls opened up. Kitchen, dining and family room combined into one space, often with a beam hidden in the ceiling.
An island added. Even a modest island changes how the kitchen works and gives a place for guests to sit.
Gas to induction. Many older homes switch to induction during a renovation, with an electrical upgrade to support it.
New flooring throughout. Continuous timber-look or tiled floors replacing patched areas where walls were removed.
Windows and doors. Larger openings to a rear deck or entertaining area, especially on sloping blocks with a view.
Planning for an older home
- Asbestos testing before any demolition in pre-1990 homes.
- Electrical upgrades to a modern switchboard with safety switches where needed.
- Plumbing replacement where old galvanised pipes are found.
- Structural checks for wall removal and any sagging floors or ceilings.
- Split levels designed so steps and balustrades are safe and look intentional.
Families who stay
Many Baulkham Hills owners have lived in their homes for a long time and are renovating for the next stage: grandchildren visiting, big family lunches, or ageing in place. Drawers instead of low cupboards, wall ovens at a comfortable height and good lighting all help.
Council
Most of Baulkham Hills is in The Hills Shire, with some southern streets in the City of Parramatta. Check your rates notice if structural work needs approval.
Nearby
We also work in Castle Hill and Bella Vista, plus Norwest and West Pennant Hills.
See kitchen renovations and the cost guide.
Call 02 4404 0243 or share your kitchen plans.
Elsewhere in the Hills
Questions people ask before they commit
Is asbestos a concern in Baulkham Hills kitchens?
It can be in homes built or renovated before about 1990. Older splashback sheeting, wall linings, vinyl floor tiles and some adhesives may contain asbestos, so suspect materials are tested before demolition.
Can a split-level home have an open-plan kitchen?
Often, though changes in floor level affect where walls can come out and how the island relates to the living area. Steps, balustrades and sight lines are designed as part of the layout.
What does a Baulkham Hills kitchen renovation cost?
As a 2026 guide, full renovations in older Baulkham Hills homes commonly fall between $38,000 and $60,000 for a custom kitchen, with extra for asbestos removal, wall removal, electrical upgrades and flooring.