According to Hipages.com.au (2025) most Australian homeowners should budget between $30,000 and $50,000 for a basic kitchen renovation.
Our prices are in line with this range and are generally between $25,000 and $35,000. For a basic, small sized kitchen our cost would be approximately $21,100, broken down as below:
Category | Cost |
|---|---|
Melamine Cabinets | $9,000 |
Laminate Bench Tops | $1,800 |
Trades | $6,800 |
Appliances | $3,500 |
Total | $21,100 |
Three Things...
We say to all our clients that there are three things that determine the cost of a kitchen:
Generally, higher quality or larger kitchens cost between $35,000 and $50,000 and premium kitchens could cost more than $50,000. As a general guide homeowners should spend between 3-5% of their house's value excluding trades and appliances.
Cost of Fronts...
There are 3 types of cabinet in the kitchen:
- Base Units
- Wall Units &
- Tall Units
And there are 4 choices in the type of material used:
- Melamine
- Laminate
- Vinyl
- 2 Pac
A 2 Pac kitchen is approximately 50% more expensive than a melamine kitchen. Base and Tall cabinets can come in the form of a cupboard or drawers and drawers are more expensive than cupboards.
Approximate Cost of Fronts...
Type | Measurement | Unit | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Base unit (cupboard) | 800ml wide | Each | $580 |
Base unit (3X drawers) | 800ml wide | Each | $1,000 |
*Two pack kitchens are 50% more expensive ($870 and $1,500).
Wall units vary based on the hinges used and whether you use glass fronts. The glass option doubles the cost. Generally though, wall units are cheaper than base units.
Tall units cost $1,000 each, however adding 5 drawers will double the cost to $2,200.
Cost of Hardware...
Drawers add more functionality and ease of use than cupboards and there are different levels of cupboard and drawer mechanisms.
The three options are:
- No Soft close (Standard runners and hinges)
- Soft close (Two levels of soft close)
- Automatic (Electrified) Servo-drive
Approximate Cost of Cabinetry (600ml) with Soft Close Drawers and Hinges...
Type | Cost |
|---|---|
Wall 1 door | $300 |
Base 1 door unit | $350 |
Tall pantry with shelves 1 door | $950 |
Base 3 door unit | $1,000 |
Cost of Benchtops...
There are two main types of bench top:
- Laminate
- Stone
Stone benchtops are 2.5 - 3 times more expensive than laminate on average but this does depend the stone type and thickness. 40mm Engineered stone is about 30% more expensive than 20mm
Approximate Cost of Benchtops...
Type | Unit | Cost |
|---|---|---|
Laminate (35mm) | Square Meters | $425 |
Compact Laminate (15mm) | Square Meters | $825 |
Engineered Stone (20mm) | Square Meters | $1,095 |
Natural Stone (20mm) | Square Meters | $1,195 |
Additional Costs...
Cost of splash back:
There are two main options for splash backs:
Tiles
The cost of tiles depends on the tiles you choose. A tiler will charge between $600-$800 for labour for a reasonable sized splashback.
Glass
Glass costs approximately $560 per square meter plus an extra $44 for every powerpoint.
Cost of Appliances:
We use a variety suppliers:
- Newtons Appliances
- Home Appliances
- Dilusso
- Hafele &
- Arisit
Check out their websites to get a good idea about pricing.
Cost of Trades
Cost of installation:
On average the installation cost for a small kitchen is approximately $4,000 (cabinetry only). This includes $1,800 to remove the old kitchen which includes the skip bin.
The installer charges $95 for each base and wall unit and $145 for each tall unit.
Cost of Electrical:
The average electrical cost is $1,500, however we have seen electrical costs as high as $4,000. Some of the activities that increase electrical costs include:
- New cable for the oven
- Induction cooktop to new cable for oven
- LED lighting
- New GPO's
- Isolation Switch
- Safety Switch
Cost of Plumbing:
The average plumbing cost is $850, however we have seen plumbing costs as high as $2,000. Some of the activities that increase plumbing costs include:
- New underground pipes
- Line for gas
- Moving sinks
Building costs:
For most kitchens, there isn't a building cost. However, if you plan on knocking down walls and/ or building new ones then there will be a building cost involved.
Word of warning:
The only way you can determine the exact cost of your kitchen is by taking exact measure- ments, preparing an accurate design using 3D CAD software and incorporating all the trades, ancillary services and appliances needed to complete your kitchen.
How Can We Help...
Exclusiv Kitchens has been operating for 20 years and is essentially a design company delivering Bespoke kitchen renovations. We will design and cost your kitchen for FREE.
Here's how our process works:
- We'll visit you at your house.
- We'll accurately measure your oor space.
- We'll discuss and take notes on your kitchen design ideas
- We'll provide advice, but only if you ask us to do so
- We'll design a prototype using our 3D CAD software*
- We'll invite you to our showroom to inspect the design and make changes
*Our 3D CAD software interfaces with our local kitchen manufacturer so as soon your design is done we can provide a quote.
Unlike other kitchen companies we pride ourselves on having a strict no sales pressure policy. We don't employ any sales tricks like buy this now and we'll give you a 50% discount on the cabinets OR we'll give you stone for the price of laminate. This means the design and quote we provide really is obligation free.
Kitchen Pricing FAQ...
A good budget for a kitchen renovation depends on the size and quality of the kitchen.
- Basic, small kitchens: Approximately $21,100.
- Higher quality or larger kitchens: Between $45,000 and $75,000.
- Premium kitchens: More than $75,000.
Please note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost of your kitchen renovation may vary depending on your specific needs and requirements.
The cost to renovate a kitchen can vary greatly depending on the size, materials used, and complexity of the project. However, here are some general guidelines:
- Basic, small kitchens: Approximately $21,100. This includes melamine cabinets, laminate benchtops, trades, and appliances.
- Higher quality or larger kitchens: Between $45,000 and $75,000.
- Premium kitchens: More than $75,000.
It's important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost of your kitchen renovation may vary depending on your specific needs and requirements. Factors that can affect the cost include the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, the complexity of the design, and the cost of labor in your area.
The most expensive parts of a kitchen renovation are the cabinetry fronts, benchtops, and hardware. The cost of these items can vary depending on the materials you choose. For example, laminate is typically less expensive than stone. The cost of hardware can also vary depending on the features you select, such as soft-close or automotive systems.
The cost of a new kitchen in 2025 can vary depending on the size and quality of the kitchen.
- Basic, small kitchens: Approximately $21,100.
- Higher quality or larger kitchens: Between $45,000 and $75,000.
- Premium kitchens: More than $75,000.
It's important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost of your kitchen renovation may vary depending on your specific needs and requirements. Factors that can affect the cost include the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, the complexity of the design, and the cost of labor in your area.
The "hardest" part of a kitchen renovation depends on your particular circumstances. Several aspects that can be challenging:
- Decision-making: Choosing from a wide variety of options for fronts, benchtops, hardware, and appliances can be overwhelming.
- Budgeting: Accurately estimating and managing costs can be difficult, especially with potential hidden costs.
- Coordination: Managing tradespeople like installers, electricians, and plumbers requires careful coordination.
- Disruption: Living through a renovation can be disruptive and inconvenient.
Ultimately, the hardest part of a kitchen remodel will vary depending on individual circumstances and priorities.
The time it takes to remodel a kitchen can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the kitchen, the scope of the project, and the materials used. On average, a kitchen renovation can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. However, some projects can take as little as 4 weeks, while others can take up to 24 weeks or more.
Here are some of the factors that can affect the timeline of a kitchen renovation:
- The size of the kitchen: Larger kitchens will obviously take longer to renovate than smaller kitchens.
- The scope of the project: If you are making extensive changes to your kitchen, such as moving walls or adding plumbing, the project will take longer than if you are simply replacing cabinets and countertops.
- The materials used: Some materials, such as stone countertops, can take longer to install than others.
- The availability of contractors: If you are having a busy contractor, it may take longer to get them to schedule your project.
It is important to factor in the time it will take to renovate your kitchen when planning your project. This will help you to avoid any delays or disruptions to your daily life.
Here's a breakdown of countertop vs. cabinet costs, generally speaking:
Generally, cabinets are a significantly larger expense than countertops in a kitchen renovation.
Here's why:
- Quantity: Kitchens typically require many cabinets to provide storage. The sheer number of units drives up the overall cost. Countertops, while essential, cover a smaller area.
- Complexity: Cabinets involve more intricate construction, including boxes, doors, drawers, hardware, and often specialized features like pull-outs or organizers. This complexity translates to higher manufacturing and labor costs.
- Material Variety (Cabinets): While countertop materials have a price range, cabinet materials offer a wider spectrum of cost. From budget-friendly particleboard with melamine facing to high-end custom wood cabinetry, the price difference can be substantial. This wider range means it's easier to spend a lot more on cabinets.
Countertops can be expensive, though:
- High-end materials: Natural stone like granite or marble, or engineered stone like quartz, can be very pricey, especially for larger kitchens.
- Installation: Countertop installation often requires specialized skills and equipment, adding to the cost.
In summary: While a small kitchen with basic cabinets and high-end countertops could have comparable costs, in most typical kitchen renovations, cabinets will be the larger expense. It's crucial to get detailed quotes for both cabinets and countertops to understand the cost breakdown for your specific project.
Whether putting in a new kitchen is "worth it" is a very personal and financial decision, but here's a breakdown of factors to consider to help you decide:
Reasons why it might be worth it:
- Increased home value: A well-designed, modern kitchen is a major selling point for potential buyers. A good renovation can often increase your home's value, sometimes even exceeding the cost of the renovation itself (though this isn't guaranteed).
- Improved functionality and enjoyment: A new kitchen can significantly improve your daily life. Better layout, more storage, and updated appliances make cooking and spending time in the kitchen more enjoyable.
- Modernization: If your current kitchen is outdated, a new kitchen can bring your home into the 21st century, making it more comfortable and appealing.
- Addressing specific needs: A renovation allows you to customize your kitchen to your specific needs and lifestyle. For example, you might add more storage, create a larger island, or improve accessibility.
- Return on investment (ROI): While not always guaranteed, kitchen renovations often have a good return on investment compared to other home improvements.
Reasons why it might not be worth it:
- Cost: Kitchen renovations are expensive. Even a small refresh can cost thousands of dollars, and a full remodel can easily cost tens of thousands.
- Disruption: Living through a kitchen renovation can be disruptive and inconvenient. You'll likely be without a functioning kitchen for several weeks or even months.
- Time commitment: Planning and executing a kitchen renovation takes time and effort. You'll need to research materials, hire contractors, and manage the project.
- Over-improving for the neighborhood: If you live in a neighborhood where home values are relatively low, it might not be worth it to invest in a high-end kitchen. You might not recoup your investment when you sell.
- Personal preferences vs. market appeal: While it's important to create a kitchen you love, it's also important to consider what will appeal to future buyers if you plan to sell your home. Highly personalized or trendy designs might not be the best investment.
To decide if a new kitchen is worth it for you, ask yourself these questions:
- What are my goals for the renovation? Am I trying to increase my home's value, improve functionality, or simply update the look of my kitchen?
- What is my budget? How much can I afford to spend on the renovation?
- How long do I plan to stay in my home? If I plan to sell soon, a more modest renovation might be the best approach. If I plan to stay for many years, I might be more willing to invest in a more extensive remodel.
- How much will the renovation increase my home's value? Research comparable home sales in your area to get an idea of how a new kitchen might impact your home's value.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to put in a new kitchen is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider your individual circumstances before making a decision.
