The bands
| Kitchen | Typical range (2026) | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | $12,000 – $20,000 | New doors, benchtop, splashback, tapware in the same carcasses and layout |
| Replacement, same layout | $20,000 – $35,000 | New cabinetry and benchtops, standard finishes |
| Mid-range custom | $35,000 – $55,000 | Custom cabinetry, island, better hardware and benchtops |
| Designer / large | $55,000 – $90,000+ | Butler's pantry, premium finishes, layout changes |
| Butler's pantry (add-on) | $8,000 – $25,000 | Depending on size, plumbing and benchtop |
| Outdoor kitchen | $8,000 – $40,000+ | Barbecue bench to full alfresco kitchen |
Appliances are often priced separately and can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
The four decisions that move the price
1. Layout. Same layout is cheapest. Moving the sink, cooktop or walls adds plumbing, gas, electrical, structure and patching.
2. Cabinetry. Laminate versus two-pack versus veneer, how many drawers, internal organisers, and the quality of hardware.
3. Benchtops. Laminate, natural stone, porcelain, solid surface or timber — plus thickness, edges, waterfalls and cut-outs. Engineered stone has been banned since 1 July 2024.
4. Appliances. Integrated fridges, steam ovens, induction cooktops and ducted rangehoods add up quickly.
Also in the budget
- Demolition and waste.
- Plumbing, gas and electrical.
- Splashback.
- Flooring repair or replacement.
- Painting and making good.
- Asbestos removal in older homes.
- Structural engineering where walls are removed.
Payments in NSW
The maximum deposit under NSW home building law is 10 percent. For residential work over $20,000, home building compensation cover must be in place before a deposit is requested, and progress payments should follow completed stages.
Get a real number
A design consultation turns a band into a fixed written price.
Call 02 4306 7538 or send your kitchen details through.
Questions people ask before they commit
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in 2026?
As a planning guide for Sydney and the Sutherland Shire: a straightforward replacement in the same layout typically $20,000 to $35,000, a mid-range custom kitchen $35,000 to $55,000, and a larger designer kitchen with island and butler's pantry $55,000 to $90,000 or more. Appliances can add significantly on top.
What is the biggest cost in a kitchen?
Usually cabinetry, followed by benchtops and appliances. Moving walls, plumbing and gas, and choosing premium finishes are the biggest multipliers.
Is it cheaper to keep the same layout?
Yes. Keeping the sink, cooktop and dishwasher roughly where they are avoids relocating plumbing, gas and electrical, which saves time and trade costs.
How much is the deposit?
Under NSW home building law, the maximum deposit you can be asked to pay is 10 percent. For work over $20,000, the builder must also have home building compensation cover in place before asking for a deposit.