- Kitchen renovations can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000+, depending on how far you go, the materials you choose, and whether you change the layout.
- You don’t need a luxury budget to make a meaningful upgrade - DIY jobs, flat-pack or second-hand kitchens, and smart planning can cut costs significantly.
- Hidden costs can derail even the best plans, so budgeting a contingency and planning around trades, materials, and surprises can be just as important as the design.
Ever tried cooking without enough bench space, you panini head? Even an idiot sandwich knows a kitchen with no storage is a recipe for frustration. If your cooking space simply doesn’t cut it, you may be looking at a kitchen renovation.
According to tradie connection platform Hipages, a basic kitchen renovation will typically come in at around $30,000 to $50,000, but yours might come in at much less, or much more if you keep adding ingredients.
How much might a kitchen renovation cost?
The cost of a kitchen renovation varies greatly, often depending on exactly what you want changed. For example, are you doing a basic renovation, or are you completely starting over? Regardless, let’s talk about how much you can expect to pay.
Hipages notes that a $10,000 kitchen renovation might be possible for homeowners who want to make simple changes to cabinetry and appliances, while those seeking to make a bigger difference could get by on $30,000. For people planning to overhaul their kitchen using high quality materials, a budget of $50,000 or more might be more realistic.
- Basic changes: $10,000
Budget renovation: $30,000
Major overhaul or high-end materials: $50,000+
Savings.com.au’s two cents
There's no ‘one size fits all’ approach to renovating a kitchen, but hopefully you can use this article as a starting point when it comes to budgeting, getting ideas, and finding out how you could get the job done.
Refreshing your kitchen doesn’t need to be a super expensive endeavour. It will come down to you and your home, what it looks like now, what you want it to look like, and how much you’re willing or able to spend.
Even a budget of $100 can make a visible difference. Swapping cupboard handles, painting tired cabinetry, or adding peel-and-stick tiles can buy you time and functionality while you plan a more substantial renovation.
What can influence the cost of a kitchen renovation?
The cost of your kitchen renovation will largely depend on the scale of the work. Simply replacing benchtops or cupboard doors will usually be far cheaper than reconfiguring the kitchen layout, which can involve moving plumbing and electrical points.
Other factors that can influence the cost of a renovation project can include:
- Labour costs
Even with a DIY approach, you’ll likely need to hire licensed trades such as electricians and plumbers. - The scale of the renovation
A cosmetic renovation will probably cost less than structural changes. - Material costs
Want a marble benchtop and hardwood cabinetry? Be prepared to pay for it. Or, you might shave a few dollars off the cost by purchasing a flat pack kitchen from the likes of IKEA. - Size of the kitchen
Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, and smaller jaunts typically cost less to renovate than their larger counterparts.
Kitchen renovation financing options
Kitchen renovations can add up quickly. If you don’t have the cash on hand to fund the upgrades, a personal loan or home renovation loan could help take the heat off your bank account. Here are some of the most competitive options available right now:
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Expert tips to save money on a kitchen renovation
If MasterChef has taught us anything, it’s that planning matters just as much as talent - and that’s also true when renovating a kitchen. These expert tips can help you rein things in before costs start to boil over:
DIY what you can
If you’re somewhat handy, there are plenty of small tasks you can take on as part of a kitchen renovation, saving you from paying trades to do the same work. You’re likely more than capable of installing cupboard handles and drawer pulls, after all. Though, it's typically illegal to perform plumbing or electrical work without appropriate licensing.
If you’re less handy, sourcing trades individually can help save money - dollars better spent on the fancy cheeses you’ll serve at the dinner party celebrating your new kitchen.
“If you go to a one stop kitchen or bathroom company, you will pay a premium to cover their overheads including a full time designer, showroom and so on.
“You will also pay a mark-up on the trades, materials, and cabinetry, plus some padding, which can all add up to quite a lot of money.
“We organise our trades and cabinet maker individually. This means we have to coordinate the work but to be honest, it's how I like it because it gives me full control of the project.”
Shop around for a secondhand kitchen (yes, really)
If you’re not into thrifting - even when it comes to kitchen cabinetry - you’re not alone. I recently completed my own kitchen renovation using a kitchen removed from another home, while Ms Janson saved thousands by opting for a second-hand luxury kitchen in 2021.
“We were doing a project in Newcastle and ... were looking at a four month wait [for trades] - minimum,” Ms Janson told Savings.com.au.
“In the end, I bought a new display kitchen from a developer. [I purchased a] full Miele kitchen including an integrated fridge and dishwasher, oven, microwave, cooktop and range hood with Carrera Marble benchtops and an island for $8,000.
“We needed to adjust our plan and colour scheme slightly to accommodate the new changes, but it delivered a quality kitchen instantly.”
Kitchens renovated by Bernadette Janson, images supplied.
Look into flatpack kitchen options
Flat-pack kitchens can be a cost-effective alternative to custom cabinetry. The likes of IKEA and Kaboodle offer modular kitchen systems that can come in significantly cheaper than custom options.
However, this may come at the cost of quality and customisation options. Flat-pack kitchens also aren’t always the cheapest option once everything is factored in. While the cabinetry itself may be affordable, professional installation, benchtops, appliances, and plumbing or electrical work can still add up quickly.
Saving tradies' time = saving your money
Many tradies charge an hourly rate (though, you might prefer to negotiate a fixed cost). Thus, saving their time is often equivalent to saving you money. Ms Janson recommends homeowners source materials themselves and ensure they're delivered by the time tradies arrive on site.
Hidden costs and time blowouts to watch for
Even the best-planned kitchen renovation can run into unexpected costs or delays - particularly in older homes. Some common budget and time blowouts include:
Asbestos removal
Older homes may contain asbestos in walls, flooring, splashbacks, or old cabinetry. If asbestos is found, it must be professionally removed, which can add thousands to the cost and stall work while it’s dealt with.Plumbing or electrical upgrades
Moving sinks, cooktops, or appliances often requires upgrading plumbing or electrical systems to meet current standards. Resulting costs aren’t always obvious at the planning stage.Structural surprises
Once walls or floors are opened up, issues like water damage, uneven floors, or outdated wiring can come to light, requiring additional, unexpected repairs.Delays in trades or materials
Trades availability, delayed appliances, or late deliveries can all push timelines out, potentially increasing labour costs or leaving you without a functioning kitchen for longer than expected.Temporary living costs
If your kitchen is out of action for weeks, you may need to budget for takeaway meals, temporary cooking setups, or even short-term accommodation.
Factoring in a contingency buffer - around 10% to 20% of your renovation budget - can help soften the blow before costs get overcooked.