Kitchen Renovation Costs in Australia: A Complete 2026 Guide

How much does it cost to renovate a kitchen? This is a question most homeowners ask, and it makes sense because no two kitchens are the same. The price can change a lot depending on where you live, how big your kitchen is, what materials and finishes you pick, and which trades you need to hire. Maybe you’re just doing a simple update, or maybe you want a full, top-end makeover. Either way, it helps to know what you’re paying for and how to plan your budget so the money goes to the things that matter most. This guide explains typical kitchen renovation costs in 2026, shows what different budget levels can get you, and covers the main price factors and a few practical ways to save.

How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost?

The average cost of kitchen renovation varies based on kitchen size, chosen materials, and required trades. According to Rosemount Kitchens, the full kitchen renovation costs generally fall into three key budget ranges.

1. Basic Renovation: $20,000–$35,000
2. Mid-Range Renovation: $35,000–$65,000
3. High-End Renovation: $65,000+

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how kitchen renovation costs typically compare in 2026.

Basic Renovation

A basic or small kitchen renovation cost Australia typically costs $20,000–$35,000. At this level, it’s more about targeted upgrades than starting from scratch. You might replace benchtops, refresh the splashback, or buy new appliances, but the layout often stays the same. Custom work and high-end features are usually limited to keep costs down. To stretch the budget, pay for sturdy cabinets and reliable hardware, then choose simpler, cheaper finishes elsewhere. This price level often leaves project management to you, so expect to organise trades and timing yourself as well.

Mid-Range Renovation

A mid-range kitchen renovation typically costs $35,000–$65,000 and offers a strong balance of quality, functionality, and design. This level often includes replacing cabinets, benchtops, splashbacks, kitchen sinks, and fixtures, with options like engineered stone surfaces, custom cabinetry, and upgraded appliances. With a larger budget, you can incorporate minor structural tweaks, higher-quality materials, and professional project management, enabling you to create a practical, stylish kitchen tailored to your lifestyle.

High-End Renovation

A high-end kitchen renovation starts from $65,000+ and delivers premium design, superior craftsmanship, and luxury materials. At this level, you can reconfigure the layout, remove walls, and fully customise every detail. Expect high-quality finishes, custom cabinetry, integrated premium appliances, top-tier benchtops, and designer kitchen tapware. Popular styles like Hamptons or French Provincial often fall into this range, resulting in a sophisticated, magazine-worthy kitchen built to last.

Factors That Affect Kitchen Renovation Costs in Australia

Kitchen renovation costs vary widely, influenced by structural changes, layout adjustments, and the materials you choose. If you know the main cost drivers early, it’s easier to plan a kitchen you like without spending more than you meant to.

Size of Your Kitchen

Size is a big driver. A big kitchen needs more cabinets, more bench space, more tiles, and more time to install everything. A small kitchen uses less of all that, so it’s usually cheaper. Open kitchens with islands or extra storage also cost more because there’s more to build and fit.

Scope of Renovation

How much kitchen renovation cost depends heavily on the scope of work. Small updates, like new benchtops, a fresh splashback, or new paint, are on the lower end. A full reno costs more because it can mean moving things around, changing the layout, or redoing plumbing and wiring.

Materials and Fixtures

Your material choices can push the cost up fast. Cheaper options like laminate, MDF cabinets, and basic tiles keep things affordable. Pricier picks like stone benchtops, solid timber, custom cupboards, and high-end fittings look great, but they add a lot to the total.

Labor Costs and Professional Help

Labour is often one of the biggest parts of the budget. Builders, plumbers, electricians, and installers all charge for skill and time, and prices change by city and by job size. Good pros usually cost more, but they can save you trouble later because the work is done right the first time.

Appliances

Appliance choices can significantly influence your budget for kitchen renovation. Standard models cost less and are easier to fit. High-end, energy-saving, or built-in appliances cost more, and these kitchen products sometimes need custom cabinets or extra ventilation, which adds to both materials and install time.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional: Cost Difference & How to Choose

With these cost influences in mind, the next step is deciding how you’ll approach the renovation itself. Choosing between DIY and hiring a professional can greatly affect your expenses and overall outcome.

DIY Kitchen Renovation

A DIY kitchen renovation can be a cost-effective and creative option, giving you full control over design choices while avoiding labour fees. It allows you to personalise the space and enjoy the satisfaction of bringing your own vision to life.

1. Benefit of DIY Kitchen Renovation
Here are the benefits of DIY kitchen renovation:

• Personal satisfaction: Learning new skills and completing hands-on tasks brings real pride and a great story to share about transforming your kitchen yourself.
• Cost savings: DIY lets you avoid labour fees, with simple tasks like painting cabinets potentially saving $500–$1,000 depending on kitchen size.
• Adaptable schedule: You control the timeline, whether you renovate intensively over weekends or chip away at the project gradually.
• Skill building: DIY offers the chance to learn practical skills, boosting confidence and helping you tackle future home projects with greater independence.
• Design freedom: You make every design call, from bold feature walls to unique layouts, without needing approval from designers or builders.

2. Cost of DIY Kitchen Renovation
While DIY offers plenty of benefits, it’s worth looking at the numbers. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs you can expect when renovating a kitchen yourself.
Material Costs

• Flooring: $1,000–$3,000 based on material and finish.
• Cabinets: $3,000–$10,000+, depending on style and quality.
• Benchtops: $500 for laminate to $5,000+ for premium stone.
• Appliances: $2,000–$5,000 depending on features and efficiency.

Additional Expenses

• Tools: $100–$500 to rent or buy essential equipment.
• Permits: $100–$1,000+, depending on structural or electrical changes.
• Contingency: Allow extra funds for unexpected issues during the renovation.
• Disposal: $200–$500 for removing old fixtures and debris.

Hiring a Professional

Hiring professionals is ideal when you want expert workmanship, efficient project management, and a stress-free renovation. Unlike DIY, contractors bring specialised skills, proper tools, and full crews to handle complex tasks, ensuring your kitchen is built correctly, safely, and to a high standard while you enjoy a smoother experience.

1.Benefits of Hiring a Professional

The following outlines the advantages of hiring a professional for your kitchen renovation:

• Time savings: A professional team works efficiently, completing in weeks what might take you months, thanks to coordinated scheduling, bulk material ordering, and streamlined workflows.
• Design expertise: Professionals handle complex design elements, like custom cabinetry or intricate tiling, ensuring every detail is functional, stylish, and flawlessly executed.
• Quality workmanship: Skilled trades deliver work that meets Australian standards, from precise cabinetry to safe wiring and plumbing, achieving results far beyond typical DIY quality.
• Reduced stress: Contractors manage permits, inspections, and trade scheduling, keeping the project organised while you avoid the day-to-day headaches.
• Warranty and insurance: Professionals provide warranties and carry insurance, protecting you if issues occur or accidents happen, giving extra confidence and peace of mind.

2.Cost of Hiring a Professional

Here’s what typically goes into the kitchen renovation price of a professionally managed project.
Labour Costs & Pricing
Labour rates vary widely based on trade, experience, and project complexity, typically ranging from $50 to $150 per hour. Specialists such as licensed electricians or plumbers may charge higher rates. The total cost depends on both the hourly rate and the time required, whether billed hourly or as a fixed project fee.
Average Pricing Breakdown
Professional kitchen renovations generally cost $15,000–$40,000+, depending on scope and finishes. A typical cost split includes:

• Materials: 40%–50%
• Labour: 30%–40%
• Overheads & contingencies: 10%–20%

How to Save Money on Your Kitchen Renovation

Managing the cost of kitchen renovation doesn’t have to be overwhelming; these simple money-saving tactics can help your budget go further.

• Mix materials: Use premium surfaces in key areas, like the island, and more affordable finishes elsewhere.
• DIY selectively: Handle simple tasks like demolition, painting, or hardware installation, but leave plumbing and electrical work to professionals.
• Shop around: Compare prices across stores and online to find discounts, sales, or better-value options.
• Reuse or recycle: Repurpose old cabinets or fixtures and sell usable items to reduce waste and save money.

Conclusion

Kitchen renovation costs in Australia can change a lot depending on your kitchen size, the materials you pick, and how much work needs to be done. In 2026, most people will spend somewhere between $20,000 and $65,000 or more. If you understand what drives the cost, decide if you’ll DIY or hire pros, and use a few smart ways to save, you can build a kitchen that looks good, works well, and still fits your budget. For quality pieces to finish it off, MyHomeware provides high-quality kitchen products.

FAQs

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