Complete pricing guide for all kitchen renovation types and budgets
3 min read
Quick Answer
Kitchen renovations in Australia cost $15,000-$200,000+ depending on scope and quality. Budget refreshes with laminate benchtops and vinyl wrap cabinetry start from $15,000-$25,000, mid-range renovations with Caesarstone benchtops and 2-pack polyurethane cabinetry cost $35,000-$55,000, premium kitchens with custom joinery and quality appliances cost $60,000-$90,000, while luxury kitchens featuring natural stone, bespoke cabinetry, and high-end appliances from Miele, Gaggenau, or Sub-Zero can exceed $100,000-$200,000. Standard 10-15m² kitchens typically cost $25,000-$80,000. Timeline is 5-10 weeks including design, demolition, and installation.
Updated January 2026
24,500+ Australians served
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Benchtop Costs: Laminate $200-$400/m², engineered stone (Caesarstone, Essastone, Quantum Quartz) $400-$800/m², natural stone (marble, granite) $800-$1,500/m² installed
Layout & Service Changes: Plumbing relocation $2,500-$8,000, electrical upgrades for induction cooktops (32-40 amp circuit) $1,500-$4,000, gas fitting $800-$2,000
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ROI & Property Value: Kitchen renovations return 60-80% of investment, making it the highest-value renovation for Australian property resale according to REIQ data
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Regional Pricing Variations: Sydney/Melbourne 15-25% above average, Brisbane/Perth at national average, Adelaide/Hobart 10-15% below, regional areas 20-30% below metro
Price Comparison
Kitchen Renovation Cost Guide Australia 2026
Comprehensive pricing for all renovation types
Kitchen Renovation Price Guide - By Scope & Quality
Bespoke joinery, natural marble/granite, Gaggenau/Wolf/Sub-Zero integrated appliances, smart home integration
*Prices include all materials, labour, and installation. Costs vary by location, kitchen size (10-15m² standard), and material selections. Timeline: 5-10 weeks.
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188 verified customer reviews with 5.0/5 average rating from real Australian customers.
Michelle B.
Sydney, NSW
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Complete kitchen renovation for $42K. Got 3 quotes through The Wombat™, saved $8K compared to first quote. New stone benchtops, soft-close cabinets, quality appliances. Took 6 weeks. Kitchen looks amazing and added $55K to property value!
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Tom R.
Melbourne, VIC
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Mid-range kitchen reno $28K. Comparing quotes was easy and contractors were all licensed. New cabinets, quartz benchtops, updated appliances. Project finished on time in 5 weeks. Very happy with the quality and professionalism.
Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation
Lisa K.
Brisbane, QLD
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Budget kitchen refresh $16,500. The Wombat™ made it so easy to get quotes. Cabinet refacing, new benchtops and splashback, updated lighting. Looks like a new kitchen for half the cost of full renovation. Great value!
Budget Kitchen Refresh
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The Wombat™ Kitchen Renovation Guides
Our expert guides to help you plan a successful renovation
A typical kitchen renovation takes 4-8 weeks depending on the scope. A budget refresh takes 2-3 weeks, a standard renovation takes 4-6 weeks, a premium renovation takes 6-8 weeks, and a luxury kitchen takes 10-12+ weeks. Timelines depend on custom cabinetry lead times, benchtop fabrication (stone benchtops need 2-3 weeks), appliance availability, and council permit processing. Always add a 2-week buffer for unexpected delays like concealed plumbing issues or electrical upgrades.
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Can I live in my home during a kitchen renovation?
Yes, most people stay in their homes during kitchen renovations, but it requires planning. You'll need to set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, kettle, and portable cooktop in another room. Expect 1-2 weeks without running water in the kitchen during plumbing work. The most disruptive phases are demolition (2-3 days of noise and dust) and benchtop installation. Protect other rooms with plastic sheeting and expect limited access to your kitchen for 4-8 weeks. Some families with young children choose to stay with relatives during the most disruptive weeks.
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Do I need permits for a kitchen renovation?
Most kitchen renovations require building permits in Australia, especially if you're moving plumbing, gas lines, or electrical outlets, changing the kitchen footprint or layout, removing walls (even non-structural), installing new gas appliances, or upgrading electrical systems. Simple cosmetic updates like painting, changing cabinet doors, or replacing appliances in the same location typically don't need permits. Your contractor should handle permit applications, but always verify this is included in your quote. Permit costs range from $500-$2,000 depending on scope and your local council.
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What is the ROI on a kitchen renovation in Australia?
Kitchen renovations typically return 60-80% of costs in added home value, making them one of the best home improvement investments. A well-executed mid-range kitchen renovation can add $30,000-$50,000 to your property value. Premium renovations in desirable suburbs offer better returns. However, over-capitalizing is a risk - avoid spending more than 10-15% of your home's total value on a kitchen. The best ROI comes from updating an outdated kitchen to modern standards rather than ultra-luxury finishes. For personal enjoyment and resale value, focus on quality fixtures, stone benchtops, soft-close cabinetry, and quality appliances.
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What are the best benchtop materials for Australian kitchens?
Popular benchtop materials include engineered stone (Caesar stone, Quantum Quartz) costing $400-$800/m², natural stone (marble, granite) at $600-$1,200/m², laminate (budget-friendly) at $150-$400/m², timber for warmth at $400-$800/m², and concrete for industrial style at $800-$1,500/m². Engineered stone is most popular in Australia for its durability, low maintenance, and wide range of colors. It's heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and doesn't need sealing. For budget renovations, modern laminates look surprisingly good. For luxury kitchens, marble offers unmatched beauty but requires more maintenance.
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What cabinet options are available for kitchen renovations?
Kitchen cabinet options range from flat-pack DIY cabinets ($5,000-$10,000 for an average kitchen) to semi-custom cabinets ($10,000-$20,000), custom-designed cabinets ($20,000-$40,000+), and cabinet refacing ($8,000-$15,000 - keeping frames, replacing doors). Materials include laminate (budget-friendly, easy to clean), 2-pack polyurethane (smooth modern finish, very durable), timber veneer (natural warmth), and solid timber (premium, classic). Popular styles in Australia include shaker (timeless), slab/flat panel (modern minimalist), and two-tone (on-trend). Always choose soft-close hinges and drawers for a quality feel.
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Should I choose a kitchen designer or a builder for my renovation?
For best results, use both. A kitchen designer ($2,000-$8,000) creates functional layouts, selects finishes, and produces detailed plans. They maximize storage, ensure proper workflow (work triangle), and create a cohesive design. A licensed builder manages construction, coordinates trades, and ensures compliance. Many kitchen companies offer full design-and-build services. For simple renovations (same layout, new cabinets), a builder alone may suffice. For complex layouts or high-end kitchens, a designer's expertise is invaluable. They prevent costly mistakes and often save more than their fee through better material selection and layout efficiency.
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What's the difference between a kitchen renovation and a kitchen remodel?
In Australia, the terms are often used interchangeably, but technically: A kitchen renovation updates existing features - new cabinets, benchtops, appliances, splashback, and flooring while keeping the same layout. A kitchen remodel is more extensive - changing the layout, moving plumbing and electrical, removing walls, relocating appliances, and potentially expanding the kitchen space. Renovations cost less and take less time. Remodels offer more dramatic transformation but cost 50-100% more due to plumbing/electrical relocation and structural work. For most homeowners, a well-planned renovation delivers excellent results without the cost and disruption of a full remodel.
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How do I prepare for a kitchen renovation?
Prepare by setting up a temporary kitchen in another room (laundry, garage, dining room) with essentials like microwave, kettle, portable cooktop, bar fridge, and dishes. Empty all kitchen cabinets and pack items you won't need. Protect adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting and remove artwork from walls due to vibration. Organize meal plans - stock up on easy-to-prepare foods, plan to eat out more, or use a BBQ. Clear access paths for tradies and protect floors with drop sheets. If you have pets or young children, plan to keep them away from the construction zone. Also get quotes for related work like bathroom renovations or complete home renovations while you have contractors on site.
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What should I look for when comparing kitchen renovation quotes?
Compare quotes by checking that each includes detailed scope of works, itemized costs (cabinets, benchtops, appliances, labor), material specifications and brands, demolition and disposal costs, plumbing and electrical work, splashback and tiling, flooring, painting, and permit and compliance costs. Verify the contractor has current licenses and insurance, good recent reviews, kitchen-specific experience, detailed timeline, payment schedule (never pay everything upfront), and warranty terms (minimum 6 years structural, 2 years defects in Australia). Don't automatically choose the cheapest - quality materials and workmanship cost more but last longer. Ask for references and photos of completed kitchens similar to what you want.
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Prices are estimates based on market research and may vary by location, project size, site conditions, and specialist. Always get multiple quotes for accurate pricing. Kitchen renovations require licensed electricians and plumbers, plus building permits for structural work.