How Much Does A Kitchen Renovation Cost in Australia?

The costs alone are one of the main barriers for homeowners who are looking to upgrade their kitchen with a renovation. However, renovating costs can vary enormously, and can often be completed while sticking to a budget.

As the most popular type of home improvement, kitchen renovations can range from a simple update of cabinets and drawers to a full-scale overhaul, and understanding how much your ideal kitchen renovation may cost can help you make a more informed decision.

In this article, we will shed some light on the average cost of kitchen renovation in Australia, as well as how different renovation elements in the kitchen can impact the costs and timeframe. 

Average cost of kitchen renovations in Australia

In 2017, a survey conducted by Houzz.com.au revealed that almost one out of every four (23%) homeowners who had a kitchen renovation spent upwards of $40,000 in costs. The largest proportion of homeowners (38%) in this survey spent between $20,000 to $40,000 on kitchen renovations. 

Looking at the data we have now for 2024, the average cost for kitchen renovations has increased slightly, but not too far out of sight. Here are the average costs for the different scales of kitchen renovations in 2024:

• Small/budget kitchen renovation cost range: $15,000 - $30,000
• Mid-size kitchen renovation price range: $25,000 - $40,000
• Large/premium kitchen renovation cost: $50,000+

It’s important to note that these costs should be used as estimates to help you budget for your kitchen renovation, and not relied on as industry-standard prices.

As for how long it will take to renovate a kitchen, it will again depend on the size and extent of your renovation project. On average, most kitchen renovations will take between 6-9 weeks to complete.

Factors that impact the cost of kitchen renovations

When it comes to kitchen renovations, budgeting is your best friend. Be sure to accurately plan what you’re planning to shell out for, to avoid any nasty surprises when the bill comes in. 

Size of your kitchen

Having a large kitchen is a luxury in itself, but when it comes to renovation, bigger spaces typically mean more work, and consequently, higher costs. Unless you’re only looking at changing isolated aspects of your kitchen, like having a bigger sink or replacing the countertop material, the size of your kitchen will definitely contribute to the overall renovation cost.

Extent of works carried out (remodel vs. rebuild)

A complete tear-down and rebuild job to change the entire layout of your kitchen will incur higher costs compared to a surface-level refresh. Rebuilding your kitchen will also significantly lengthen the time taken for the renovation to complete, so you should consider sticking to improving your current kitchen’s layout instead of starting from scratch if time and finances are a concern.

New fittings and fixtures required

Having new cabinets across your whole kitchen can add a lot of value in terms of utility and design style. Likewise, implementing new fixtures like lighting or shelves can add to the natural flow of your kitchen. The more fittings and fixtures you add or replace in your kitchen, the more you should expect to pay.

Custom vs. off-the-shelf cabinets & joinery

To add to what we’ve mentioned about fittings, there’s also the decision of whether to have custom-made cabinets or simply install standard ones off the shelf. Custom cabinet designs are the premium option and will add to the cost of kitchen renovation, but they also come with the benefit of being customised to fit your kitchen’s space and functionality.

Quality of fittings and equipment

Opting for higher-quality materials for your fittings like stone or timber finishes area great way to ensure their durability, but they will come at a premium price. You pay for what you get, so you’ve got to weigh up the upfront costs vs long term durability.

Electrical/plumbing works required

In some cases, electrical or plumbing services may be necessary to reroute existing power and water systems to better-positioned areas in your kitchen. Don’t forget to account for this when planning renovation costs as these issues may not appear during the planning phase, but can arise unexpectedly as construction is carried out.

Quality of workmanship

Last but not least, the expertise of the renovation builder who puts all of the above elements together will make a huge difference in the final result of your kitchen renovation. Higher quality building services will command higher prices, but it’s well worth the cost. After all, no one wants a half-baked kitchen renovation result.

Final thoughts

Like any large project, managing the cost of kitchen renovations is the key to a successful home improvement project that not only raises the value of your home but also makes it more comfortable and convenient.

If you have a home in Townsville and North Queensland and are looking for a reliable home builder to carry out your kitchen renovation, look no further than our team at John Munro Builder. We offer home building renovations for properties in Townsville and can help you create a kitchen space that is both aesthetic, functional, and within your budget.