A rough guide, not a quote

What a Kitchen Renovation Costs

Kitchen budgets swing more than any other room. Most of that swing comes from four decisions — and you can make them before you speak to anyone.

Licence and insurance details are provided on your discovery call, or whenever you ask. Request them →

Three rough bands

Every kitchen is different, so treat these as a rough guide to help you plan — not a price for your job.

Kitchen As a rough guide (2026) What it usually means
Refresh or like-for-like Roughly $15,000 – $35,000 Same layout; new doors or cabinetry, benchtop, splashback and tapware
Custom kitchen Roughly $35,000 – $60,000 Made-to-measure cabinetry, an island, better hardware and benchtops
Large or designer kitchen $60,000 and up Layout changes, butler's pantry, premium finishes and integrated appliances

Appliances are often chosen and priced separately, and they can change the total considerably.

What moves the price

Layout. Keeping the sink, cooktop and dishwasher where they are is the biggest saving. Moving them, or removing walls, brings in plumbing, gas, electrical, structure and patching.

Cabinetry. The finish (laminate, two-pack or veneer), the number of drawers versus cupboards, internal organisers and hardware quality.

Benchtops. Laminate, natural stone, porcelain, solid surface or timber — plus thickness, edge details, waterfall ends and cut-outs. Engineered stone has been banned in Australia since 1 July 2024.

Appliances. Integrated refrigeration, steam ovens, induction cooktops and ducted rangehoods add up quickly.

Extras. A butler's pantry, an outdoor kitchen or a servery window are each a project in their own right.

The house itself. Access, the age of the home, the condition of walls and floors, and anything found once the old kitchen comes out.

Also in the budget

  • Demolition and waste.
  • Plumbing, gas and electrical.
  • Splashback.
  • Flooring repair or replacement.
  • Painting and making good.
  • Asbestos testing and removal in older homes.
  • Structural engineering where walls are removed.

Why you need an on-site quote

Two kitchens of the same size can be priced very differently once the layout, finishes, services and condition of the house are taken into account. That is why we don't publish per-metre rates or "average" prices. A proper on-site quote is the only way to get a customised price for your kitchen — we measure, talk through how you use the space, and give you a fixed, itemised written price.

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.

Book your quote

Call 02 4306 7538 or send your kitchen details through to book an on-site measure and consultation.

FAQs

Questions people ask before they commit

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in 2026?

As a rough guide only: roughly $15,000 to $35,000 for a refresh or like-for-like replacement, $35,000 to $60,000 for a custom kitchen, and $60,000 and up for a large designer kitchen. Every kitchen is different, so the only reliable number is a customised price after an on-site measure and consultation.

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.

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