In Sydney, most kitchen renovations cost between $15,000 and $100,000+, depending on size, materials, and layout changes.
Bit of a shock, right? If you were sitting there with a cup of tea, daydreaming about your dream kitchen, there’s a good chance that number made you pause for a second.
So, where does your kitchen actually sit in that range?
That’s the question most people get stuck on and the one we’re going to break down clearly: How much does a kitchen renovation really cost?
How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Sydney?
Many kitchen renovation contractors keep their prices hidden. Why? Because costs can change based on the type of work needed.
Some clients dream of luxury kitchens with two island benchtops. Others prefer a simpler, more elegant design. As a result, there’s no set price for kitchen renovations.
But let’s start with the average kitchen renovation cost (without including the variables).
|
Budget Kitchen |
Mid-Range |
High-end |
|
AUD $15,000 – $25,000 |
AUD $25,000 – $50,000 |
AUD $50,000 – 100,000 + |
Note: A $15K kitchen is usually DIY or flat-pack. Professionally designed and installed kitchens typically start from $25K+. If you want to explore the difference in DIY vs custom, here is our comparison.
Average Kitchen Renovation Cost by Kitchen Size
This is where those variables I mentioned above come into play.
The bigger your kitchen, the higher the cost; it’s that simple.
Just like ordering McDonald’s, the small meal will cost less, whereas the larger meal will cost more. Kitchens work the same way: the bigger the space, the more it costs. So, let’s dive in to explore the cost to renovate a kitchen based on size.
Small Kitchen Renovation Cost
$15,000 – $30,000
Small kitchens are typically compact spaces, like apartments or smaller homes. Costs stay lower due to reduced cabinetry, benchtop area, and appliance requirements.
Usually includes:
• Standard cabinetry (often flat-pack or basic flat custom doors)
• Laminate benchtops or entry-level (builder grade) stone
• Basic splashback
• Standard appliances
• Simple layout with minimal structural changes
Medium Kitchen Renovation Cost
$30,000 – $60,000
This is the most common renovation range for family homes. It allows for better materials, improved storage, and more custom design features.
Usually includes:
- Semi-custom or custom cabinetry, such as shaker or v-groove
- Stone benchtops (engineered stone commonly)
- Tiled or glass splashback
- Mid-range appliances
- Improved layout and storage solutions
- Soft-close drawers and upgraded fittings
Large Kitchen Renovation Cost
$60,000 – $100,000
Large kitchens often involve bigger spaces, more cabinetry, and higher-end finishes. These projects usually include more detailed design work.
Usually includes:
- Fully custom cabinetry, such as provincial door profiles
- Premium stone or porcelain benchtops
- Large island benches
- High-end appliances
- Butler’s pantry (often included)
- Custom lighting and detailed joinery features
Luxury Kitchen Renovation Cost
$100,000 – $250,000+
Luxury kitchens are highly bespoke, designed around lifestyle, architecture, and premium materials.
Usually includes:
- Architectural, fully bespoke joinery
- Premium natural stone
- Integrated appliances (hidden or panelled)
- Butler’s pantry / secondary prep kitchen
- Custom lighting design
- Feature joinery, curved cabinetry, or statement elements
Tip: A detailed quote from us is the best way to understand your exact investment. Contact us here to get a quote.
What Affects Kitchen Renovation Costs?
Apart from size, the selections you choose will have a big impact on your overall kitchen renovation costs. To make it easy to understand, we’ve put together a simple “this vs that” comparison so you can see how different choices can change your budget.
Material Selections (Budget vs Premium)
|
THIS “BUDGET” |
THAT “PREMIUM” |
|
Flat Panel Doors |
Provincial/ Shaker Panel Doors |
|
16 mm Doors |
21 mm Doors |
|
Melamine Doors |
Polyurethane Hand-Painted Doors |
|
5mm back panel |
16 mm back panel |
|
Laminate Benchtop |
Natural Stone Benchtop |
|
Tiled Splashback |
Stone Splashback |
|
Keeping the existing Footprint |
Moving Plumbing/Electrical |
|
No Handles |
Handles |
|
Cupboards |
Drawers |
Cost Breakdown by Key Kitchen Elements
Once you’ve determined your size, layout, and selections, the breakdown of each component comes next.
Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown (Full Budget Split)
Note: Your selections can dramatically shift these numbers.
| Element | % of Budget | Cost Range |
| Cabinetry | 30-40% | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Benchtops | 10-25% | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Appliances | 15-25% | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Labour | 25-35% | $8,000 – $25,000 |
| Total | 100% | $26,000 – $90,000 + |
Kitchen Cabinet Costs Explained
Your kitchen cabinets are the foundation of your kitchen and will usually take up the largest portion of your budget. Think of them like the slab of a house; if the foundation isn’t right, nothing else really holds up the way it should.
Costs of Kitchen Cabinets vary based on:
• Size of kitchen
• Material selection
• Door profile
• Internal storage systems
Explore why quality kitchen cabinets matter.
Benchtop Cost Guide (Big Decision)
Since your kitchen benchtops get a lot of use, it’s worth spending a bit more on this part of your kitchen. As a guide, see the list of benchtop options in order of most to least cost-effective below:
- Laminate Benchtop
- Engineered stone
- Timber Benchtop
- Stainless steel Benchtop
- Porcelain or Sintered Stone
- Natural Stone Benchtop (Granite)
- Natural Stone Benchtop (Marble)
Curious about stone kitchen benchtops? Check out our friendly pros-and-cons guide to the most popular options to help you choose the perfect one for your kitchen.
Appliance Costs in a Kitchen Renovation
Just like a car needs an engine, your kitchen needs good appliances to function. Appliance costs can vary based on your preferences. You can choose high-end models or stick to more affordable options that work just as well.
Tip: While brand names can be appealing, you can often find high-quality alternatives at a fraction of the cost.
Labour Costs in Kitchen Renovations
Creating a fantastic kitchen is a team effort, and the tradespeople you bring on board are absolutely essential! While their services typically make up about 25-35% of your renovation budget. This is an investment worthwhile.
Kitchen Renovation vs Kitchen Remodel: What’s the Difference?
You may be asking: Is it cheaper to renovate or remodel a kitchen?
Kitchen Renovation
- A full transformation where the existing kitchen is completely removed and redesigned.
- Focuses on improving layout, flow, and overall functionality.
- May involve moving plumbing, electrical, and appliances to better suit how you use the space.
- Example: repositioning the fridge closer to the prep area or placing the dishwasher next to the sink for easier workflow
- Best suited for homeowners wanting a more functional, custom-designed kitchen.
- Typically, a higher investment depending on the scope of work.
Kitchen Remodel
- A cosmetic update that refreshes the look without changing the existing layout
- Keeps plumbing and electrical positions in place to reduce costs.
- Includes surface upgrades such as new paint, tiles, cabinet doors, or benchtops.
- Example: updating finishes while keeping the same kitchen footprint and layout
- Ideal for homeowners happy with their current layout but wanting a fresh, modern look.
- Approximate starting cost from $10,000 (DIY or light updates)
Tip: Many remodels cost 70–80% of a full renovation, with less impact.
Want to know how much a kitchen renovation adds value to your home? Explore kitchen renovation value here.
Hidden Costs in a Kitchen Renovation
You don’t know what you don’t know. Some existing faulty wiring could be an unexpected cost that nobody can prepare for. Here are some unexpected costs that can occur:
- Electrical surprises
- Plumbing adjustments
- Structural issues
Pro Tip: A good rule of thumb is to always prepare for the unexpected. We always recommend to our clients to set aside an extra 10-20% as a buffer for these unexpected expenses.
Essential Trades in a Kitchen Renovation
#1 Demolition Team
Expect $1,000–$5,000 depending on scope, including safe disconnection, cleanup, and removal of old materials. If you’re planning to sell your existing kitchen, consider a demo team with a carpenter; it can make the process smoother and more valuable.
#2 Electrician & Plumber
Keeping your layout helps reduce costs. Moving services = higher spend. These trades handle rough-in (pipes and wiring) and fit-off (connecting sink, appliances, power, and lighting).
#3 Plasterer
The unsung hero repairs and smooths walls after demolition, wiring, and plumbing, so everything looks seamless.
#4 Installation Team
Often, the same as your demo team, they assemble and install your kitchen, working alongside other trades to bring everything together. A great team stays until everything works perfectly.
Does Hiring a Kitchen Designer Save You Money?
Short answer – YES!
A good designer maximises your layout, prevents costly mistakes, helps you stay on budget and helps coordinate all the trades efficiently on your behalf.
Tip: Most designers won’t charge for design changes before manufacturing, but don’t assume. Always check the fine print, as some may include additional fees for revisions.
Want to know how to pick a Kitchen Designer? Here are our tips on choosing the right one.
How to Save Money on Your Kitchen Renovation
Kitchen renovation costs can quickly spiral out of control. However, we’re here to show you that you can achieve a sophisticated look while being budget-conscious. Here are our top three recommendations for items to save on and items to spend more on.
SAVE
✅ If you opt for a slab-based benchtop surface (porcelain, natural stone, engineered stone) utilise the entire slab! You can do this by adding a cohesive flow from the benchtop to the splashback.
✅If you are confident and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, consider completing the demolition yourself.
✅Choose cost-friendly hardware. You can easily replace the handles in your kitchen. These days there are quality, budget-friendly options that do not compromise on style.
SPEND
💰 You will thank yourself later if you select quality kitchen cabinets. Not only are they durable, but they also don’t date quickly, meaning you get more bang for your buck.
💰Choose qualified and insured professionals for your kitchen renovation. Highly recommend!
💰Choose the right kitchen renovation contractor. Someone who can ease your stress and guide you through your kitchen renovation, from concept to budget to installation and beyond.
Start Your Kitchen Renovation with Harrington Kitchens
Renovating your kitchen can be an exciting journey filled with many steps or a total nightmare. Finding the right kitchen remodelling contractor is key to a stress-free process. You need someone with experience, strong connections to quality tradespeople, and a solid aftercare system to help with any issues along the way.
If you’re now looking for a reputable kitchen renovation company, here we are! At Harrington Kitchens, we have over 30 years of experience pairing clients’ vision with their budget and our experience. Think of us as your go-to partner for your entire kitchen renovation in Sydney, Camden, Narellan, Bowral, the Southern Highlands, and more!
Don’t forget to check out our online kitchen design gallery for some fun inspiration on kitchen renovation projects!
Next, contact one of our friendly teams of custom kitchen renovation experts and skilled builders who can help bring your dream kitchen to life. Feel free to book a consultation with our design team or stop by our showrooms in Narellan and Bowral!
We can’t wait to meet you!
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