Costs for kitchen renovation in Australia can vary greatly based on a number of factors. Generally, the household operation is likely to spend approximately between AUD $10,000 $45,000 or more. For example:
- A basic makeover or cosmetic update to a kitchen might cost starting from $10,000-$20,000.
- A full standard kitchen renovation (new cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, etc) could be expected to be once more upward of $25,000-$35,000.
- Luxury kitchens that include custom joinery and premium finishes can exceed $45,000 depending on the scale of the renovation.
Important Cost Factors You Should Know
Renovating a kitchen in Australia is influenced by many considerations. Knowing what these influences are will help you think about your budget wisely.
The Kitchen Size
One of the most important driving forces or influencers of your overall cost is the size of your kitchen. If you have a larger kitchen, you will use more materials (cabinets, benchtops, flooring), you will potentially use more labour and potentially more trades, which will increase the cost.
Quality of Materials and Finishes
How you specify your materials (cabinetry, benchtops, splashbacks, floors) could have a massive impact on price. If you are using high-end materials (natural stone, custom cabinetry, custom finishes), this will impact price, as compared to budget, laminate benchtops, or flat-pack cabinets.
Complexity of Design/Layout Changes
If your renovation involves changing the layout of a kitchen (moving plumbing, moving electricals, moving structural walls), that will influence the cost. The more complicated change you make (design), the more we have to account for labour and materials.
Labour Costs and Location
You will always want to pay professionals to install and carry out plumbing or electrical work, and depending on your location labour costs could vary. For example, Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive for labour and materials, compared to regional areas.
Appliance Upgrades
Renovating a kitchen can involve changing or upgrading appliances (cooktop, oven, range hood, dishwasher, fridge). Depending on the brands and models you select, you could significantly increase the budget.
Steps to Establish Your Kitchen Renovation Budget
Before you start any kitchen renovation, establishing a budget is very important. Here are some steps to help you accurately estimate your budget.
Step 1: Identify Your Goals for Your Kitchen Renovation
Determine what you want to accomplish with your kitchen renovation. Do you want to modernise the kitchen space? Improve the functionality of the kitchen space? Or, increase the resale value of your home? Identifying your goals will also help to specify your budget.
Step 2: Get at Least Three Quotes for Your Kitchen Renovation
Before you go forward with decisions, it’s helpful to have contacted at least three contractors and/or suppliers and specifically have a quote for your renovation project from each one. Having at least three quotes gives you a better understanding of going market rates and allows you to find places to save costs.
Step 3: Identify and Prioritise Your Costs
Identify what parts of the renovation are fundamentally important to you and strategise accordingly in your budget. For example, if new cabinets are a must, you should budget for them accordingly and find ways to adjust your budget in other areas of the renovation.
Step 4: Allow for Contingency Expenses
Unforeseen expenses often arise during a renovation, so it’s wise to allow for contingency expenses. A contingency expense buffer is typically 10-20% of the budget.
How to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget
Kitchen renovations do not have to cost a fortune. Here are a few budget-friendly renovations. Think about refacing instead of replacing. If the cabinetry is still solid and functional, you can simply consider refacing the doors and pulls instead of a full replacement.
- Use affordable materials. Use accent materials that give you the same look & feel at a fraction of the cost of higher-end materials; for example, substitute laminate benchtops in instead of stone.
- DIY where you can. If do you have the skill, offer to do smaller jobs around the kitchen yourself – such as painting, splashbacks, installing handles – this would reduce labour costs.
- Look out for sales, etc. Keep an eye out for wardware/store sales/discounts online. In particular, appliances and fixtures always tend to go on sale.
- Keep the existing layout. If you keep the plumbing where the plumbing is, and electrical where electrical is, you will avoid large costs associated with changing infrastructure.
Understanding Kitchen Renovation Costs
To show how all of these components can come together, here is a realistic example: A homeowner in Melbourne wants a refresh of their 10m² kitchen with middle-of-the-range materials and appliances.
- Cabinetry: $6,000
- Benchtops: $3,500
- Appliances: $5,000
- Flooring + splashback: $2,000
- Labour (installation, plumbing, electrical): $8,000
- Total Estimated Cost: $24,500
This, of course, is only an example. Actual costs will vary, according to the actual materials chosen, conditions on site and labour rates.
Let’s Discuss Kitchen Renovations with Ark Bathrooms
The cost of kitchen renovations in Australia can vary greatly, but proper planning and budgeting will allow you to create an amazing space without overspending. Knowing the cost factors and spending options will let you maximise the use of your space, while getting a great bargain for your home.
You’ll want to gather multiple kitchen renovation quotes, prioritise expenses, and include a contingency fund for extras if necessary. However, as long as you stick to those tips, you will have a fantastic kitchen renovation.
If you are in South-east Queensland and are ready to evolve your kitchen into a stylish, functional and value-adding space, speak to the team at Ark Bathrooms. With over 35 years of experience with renovations, while serving all of your local knowledge, trusted trades and quality finishes. Speak to Ark Bathrooms today about your kitchen renovation ideas and get a customised quote based on your kitchen renovation goals and budget.
