HOW MUCH DOES A KITCHEN RENOVATION COST IN 2024?
Are you daydreaming about renovating or remodelling your kitchen? Whether you’re considering a quick cosmetic makeover, an upgrade of your daggy old cabinetry, benchtops and appliances or an entire kitchen remodel, we bet there’s one burning question on your mind: “How much will a kitchen renovation cost me?”
The 'Urban Farmhouse' Kitchen at Three Birds House 16
So, let’s cut to the chase: How much does a kitchen renovation cost in 2024?
Like any project, kitchen renovation costs can vary wildly, depending on things like where you live, the materials you choose, and how complex your project is - making it hard to pinpoint an average kitchen renovation cost. The price tag will look different depending on whether you’re going for a budget-friendly refresh, a mid-range transformation, or an all-out high-end masterpiece. So, let’s take a look at some ballpark figures on how much kitchen renovations cost…
THE TOP-LINE FIGURES
According to Hipages.com.au, kitchen renovation costs fall into three main price brackets, giving you a rough idea of what to expect:
$10,000 to $22,000 for a small, budget or cosmetic kitchen renovation
$22,000 to $45,000 for a mid-range kitchen renovation
$45,000+ for a high-end kitchen renovation
Of course, there are a lot of factors to consider, like the size of the space you’re renovating but let’s break down what these ballpark figures mean for you and your kitchen renovation budget. Understanding the costs associated with a typical kitchen renovation is crucial to achieving your desired kitchen makeover.
Budget Kitchen Renovation
If you’re looking to give your kitchen a quick facelift without breaking the bank, a cosmetic kitchen renovation might be the way to go. This type of renovation involves minor updates such as painting the walls, updating cabinetry hardware, and replacing benchtops. It’s a great option for those on a tight budget, with costs typically ranging from $10,000 to $22,000. Think of it as a makeover that refreshes your space without a complete overhaul.
If you’re replacing rather than upcycling what’s there, expect to use more affordable materials and fittings like flat-pack cabinetry, laminate benchtops, and basic appliances to keep your tight budget in check.
Mid Range Kitchen Renovation
For those looking to make more substantial changes, a mid range kitchen renovation offers a balance between cost and quality. This type of renovation usually involves replacing existing cabinets, drawers, benchtops, splashbacks, fittings, and fixtures. With costs ranging from $22,000 to $45,000, you can expect to see significant improvements in both functionality and aesthetics. Mid range kitchen renovations often include popular choices like engineered stone benchtops, custom cabinetry and higher quality appliances.
This price range often allows for more personalisation and structural changes but chances are you’ll have to make your kitchen reno budget work hard to achieve your vision.
HIGH-END Kitchen Renovation
If you’re dreaming of a high-end kitchen with all the bells and whistles, brace yourself for an impressive price tag to match. If you’re renovating in this price range, it’ll like you’ll have the freedom to start from scratch, allowing for a complete reimagining of the space.
If you’re looking for a luxury kitchen remodel, chances are you have your eyes (and heart!) set on custom cabinetry with a few fancy storage inclusions, premium appliances and perhaps natural stone benchtops and splashback to complete the look. Luxury kitchen renovations can cost upwards of $45,000 and the sky’s the limit! The result will be a stunning, top-of-the-line kitchen that nails your dream kitchen vision board.
At this level, it’s not just about function, but creating a show-stopping space that oozes style.
The Big Ticket Items: Where Does Your Money Go?
Now that you’ve got a rough idea of the price brackets, let’s take a look at where your money actually goes in a kitchen renovation. Understanding the breakdown of the final cost of a kitchen renovation can help you budget more effectively and make smarter decisions along the way.
CABINETRY
Cabinetry is often the biggest chunk of your budget when renovating a kitchen. If you opt for custom cabinetry, you’ll get a kitchen that fits your space perfectly and reflects your style, but it’ll definitely cost more. Alternatively, you could choose flat-pack cabinets, which are more budget-friendly but come in standard sizes and styles.
Custom cabinets can easily take up 30-40% of your kitchen renovation cost, especially if you’re adding soft-close drawers, smart storage solutions, or glass-fronted display kitchen cabinets. Additionally, the installation costs for custom cabinets can vary significantly based on the complexity of the project and necessary trades. Flat-pack cabinets, on the other hand, are a more affordable option and can save you thousands, particularly if you’re handy enough to install them yourself and save on installation costs.
Benchtops & Splashbacks
Benchtops and splashbacks are key features of your kitchen and can set the tone for your space. They are often one of the first things people notice when they walk into your kitchen, and they can drastically affect how much your kitchen renovation costs.
Benchtops can range from budget-friendly laminates to high-end engineered stone, porcelain or natural stone. Prices can vary by thousands of dollars depending on the brand, design, and quality of materials, not to mention where you’re sourcing and installing them. Our tip is to get a few quotes from different suppliers and installers, then compare them to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck! Choosing the right material for your benchtop will depend on your budget, but also how you use your kitchen - stone is more durable, while laminate is more affordable but less hardy.
Splashbacks are another feature that can significantly impact your budget, as their cost can vary depending on the material you choose, the size of the area to be covered, and whether you opt for stone, tiles… or something else altogether.
Appliances
Appliances are another area where your costs can vary dramatically, depending on your choices. New appliances play a significant role in this variation, both in the brand and the items you choose.
If you’re an avid home chef, investing in premium appliances and fancy inclusions like steam ovens and pot-filler taps might be worth the splurge, but for most, mid-range appliances provide a great balance of quality and price.
YOUR TRADIE DREAM TEAM
Your dream team of tradies will be the heroes of your kitchen renovations and their labour will take a large bucket of your budget! You’ll need a variety of tradespeople for a kitchen renovation, including builders, plumbers, electricians, tilers, painters and possibly a cabinetmaker and stonemason. You can either manage the trades yourself or hire a builder or a kitchen renovation company to take care of the entire project for you. Check out this handy tool to find a trusted tradie, fast!
Labour costs generally make up 40% - 50% of your total kitchen renovation cost, and while that might seem high, it's money well spent if you want the job done right. Hiring skilled professionals who take pride in their work is key to a successful kitchen reno. Plus, good tradespeople can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.
When budgeting for labour, keep in mind relocating power points or plumbing lines can vastly increase the costs of your electrician and plumber. If you want to keep your renovation cost down, try to keep your existing layout so that you don’t have to move plumbing or electrical work.
Planning and Permits
You might be wondering, “Do I need permits for my kitchen renovation?” The answer depends on the scale of the renovation. If you’re simply swapping out old cabinets and appliances for new ones without making any structural changes, you likely won’t need council approval. However, if your renovation involves knocking down walls, relocating plumbing, or adding new windows, you’ll definitely need a permit.
Building permits in Australia typically range from $500 to $1,500 for a standard kitchen renovation. If your reno is more complex, involving extensive structural changes, or if you’re renovating your kitchen as part of a bigger home renovation, you could be looking at higher fees.
Before starting your renovation, check with your local council or ask your builder for guidance. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and making sure you have all the necessary permits will keep your project running smoothly.
Budget Buffers: Expect the Unexpected in Kitchen Renovations!
As with any renovation, things don’t always go according to plan. We always recommend setting aside an extra 10% - 20% of your kitchen renovation budget as a contingency for those surprises that inevitably pop up along the way. Maybe you discover old wiring that needs replacing, or maybe you decide halfway through that you simply can’t live without those dreamy brass taps. Whatever the case, having a buffer in your budget will help keep the stress levels down.
Three Birds House 12 - Kitchen in Progress
Three Birds House 13 - Kitchen in Progress
A Real-Life Kitchen Renovation FOR UNDER $10k
You might remember when our friends at Dulux set us the challenge to totally transform a kitchen, using their Renovation Range of paint. But, there was a catch… this kitchen renovation project needed to be unbelievable, unrecognisable and wait for it… under $10k!
We gladly accepted the challenge and set to work to bring a daggy old kitchen back to life. The biggest cost by far was the $3k in labour for our painters. We leave the big jobs to the experts, but you could certainly DIY at home to save money. And then there was the $1,240 on the new sink… take those items out and we’d be down to under $5k!
The stools were our best bargain basement buy - we found these beauties at Kmart for only $70. Lucky for us, the kitchen floor was fine as it was and didn’t need updating, which saved costs on both paint and labour. A good tip to remember if you’re doing a kitchen makeover on a shoestring budget - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Check out the final budget… UNDER $10k!
You can see more before and after pictures and watch this transformation here.
BEFORE: Three Birds Under $10k Makeover
Three Birds’ Tips for a Dream Kitchen to Fit Your Budget
We’ve been around the block (or kitchen!) a few times, and we’ve picked up some savvy tips along the way to help you create your dream kitchen - no matter your budget.
Knowledge is Power
Would you tackle a gourmet meal without knowing how to cook? Nope! The same goes for kitchen renovations. Our Kitchen Bootcamp, brought to you by Three Birds Reno School, will give you all the know-how you need to design, plan, and budget for your dream kitchen. We’ll help you avoid the common pitfalls that can lead to budget blowouts and unnecessary stress. All in as little as 48 hours!
Mix Bougie with Budget
Champagne taste on a beer budget? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. You don’t need to go all out on every single element to create a luxe kitchen. It’s totally possible to achieve a designer look without the designer price tag - here are our top 3 things to splurge and save on:
SPLURGE
✔️Quality Appliances
Investing in reliable, high-performance appliances can make cooking and entertaining a pleasure.
✔️Benchtops
A durable, high-quality benchtop can not only elevate the look of your kitchen but also ensure longevity. It’s one of those surfaces you’ll appreciate every day.
✔️Cabinetry
Good quality cabinets will last longer and add a polished look to your kitchen, and you’ll be grateful for the storage and organisation they provide.
SAVE
✔️Splashback
You can achieve a luxe look with affordable tiles or simple subway tiles, which are stylish but cost-effective.
✔️Lighting Fixtures
While lighting is important, you can find affordable options that still look stunning. Choose well-priced fixtures that make a statement without breaking the bank.
✔️Hardware
Cabinet handles and knobs are an easy area to save on without compromising on style. You can find budget-friendly options to supply to your cabinetmaker.
Shop Smarter with Dream Discounts
Shopping smart can save you thousands of dollars on your kitchen reno. With our Three Birds Dream Discount Card, you can access exclusive savings on everything from cabinetry to tiles, tapware and benchtops. It’s the perfect way to make your budget stretch further and get the kitchen of your dreams for less.
The Bottom Line
So, how much does a kitchen renovation cost? The answer is - it depends! The size of your kitchen, the materials and appliances you choose, and the level of customisation will all significantly impact your total budget. The good news is, there are options to suit every budget.
Remember, a kitchen renovation is an investment in both your home and your lifestyle. It’s where meals are prepared, stories are shared, and memories are made. Whether you’re working with a smaller budget or going all out, kitchen reno can add serious value to your home and make a big impact on your daily life.
From our experience with countless renovations, we know the best way to accurately estimate your costs is to get some detailed quotes from a builder or a few different kitchen renovation companies to get a good comparison. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to turn that dream kitchen into a reality!