How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Melbourne?
Kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne ranges from $20,000 to $80,000 or more in 2026. Most family kitchens fall between $30,000 and $55,000. The final price depends on your kitchen size, material choices, whether you move plumbing, and the quality of tradespeople you hire.
Cabinetry alone takes 30 to 45% of your total budget. Add stone benchtops, new appliances and trade costs, and you can see how projects add up fast.
This guide breaks down real costs so you can plan properly.
Kitchen Renovation Price Tiers
| Renovation Level | Price Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | $15,000 – $25,000 | New doors and benchtops on existing cabinets. Same layout. Basic appliances. |
| Mid-Range | $30,000 – $55,000 | Custom cabinetry. Stone benchtops. Layout tweaks. Quality appliances. |
| Premium | $60,000 – $110,000+ | Full redesign. Walls moved. Butler’s pantry. High-end appliances. Custom joinery. |
These figures are based on Melbourne metro pricing for 2025-2026. Regional Victoria may be 10 to 15% lower.
Cost Per Square Metre
Another way to estimate your kitchen renovation cost:
| Finish Level | Cost Per m² |
|---|---|
| Budget (flat-pack, laminate) | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Mid-range (custom cabinets, stone) | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Premium (bespoke joinery, marble) | $4,000+ |
A typical Melbourne kitchen is 10 to 15 square metres. That puts most mid-range projects at $25,000 to $52,500 for the space alone.
Where Your Money Goes
Cabinetry: 30–45% of Budget
Cabinets are your biggest expense. The difference between flat-pack and custom joinery can be $15,000 or more.
Typical cabinetry costs:
- Flat-pack (Kaboodle, Bunnings): $4,000 – $8,000
- Semi-custom (modular with upgrades): $10,000 – $18,000
- Fully custom: $20,000 – $40,000+
Soft-close drawers, corner pull-outs and butler’s pantry storage all add cost.
Benchtops: 10–20% of Budget
| Material | Cost Per Linear Metre |
|---|---|
| Laminate | $150 – $350 |
| Engineered stone (Caesarstone, Silestone) | $400 – $900 |
| Natural stone (granite, marble) | $800 – $1,800 |
| Porcelain | $500 – $1,000 |
A standard L-shaped kitchen needs 4 to 6 linear metres of benchtop.
Labour: 40–50% of Budget
Trade costs in Melbourne 2026:
- Cabinet makers: $120 – $180 per hour
- Electricians: $110 – $160 per hour
- Plumbers: $110 – $150 per hour
- Tilers: $70 – $120 per hour
- General labourers: $50 – $80 per hour
A mid-range kitchen takes 2 to 4 weeks. That’s a lot of trade hours.
Appliances: 10–20% of Budget
| Package Level | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic (Westinghouse, Chef) | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Mid-range (Bosch, Fisher & Paykel) | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Premium (Miele, SMEG, Sub-Zero) | $15,000 – $30,000+ |
Integrated fridges, induction cooktops and built-in coffee machines push costs higher.
What Adds Cost Fast
Moving Plumbing or Gas
Relocating your sink, dishwasher or gas cooktop adds $3,000 to $8,000 per relocation. Keeping services where they are saves money.
Structural Changes
Removing a wall to create open-plan living costs $5,000 to $15,000 depending on whether it’s load-bearing. You’ll need an engineer and possibly council permits.
Complex Layouts
L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens cost 15 to 30% more than galley layouts due to corner cabinetry and additional benchtop runs.
Butler’s pantries and island benches add $8,000 to $25,000.
Premium Finishes
- Marble benchtops vs laminate: +$5,000 to $15,000
- Integrated appliances vs freestanding: +$3,000 to $8,000
- Custom handles and hardware: +$500 to $2,000
- Feature lighting (pendants, under-cabinet): +$1,000 to $4,000
Hidden Costs to Budget For
These surprise costs catch homeowners off guard:
| Hidden Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Asbestos removal (older homes) | $1,500 – $5,000+ |
| Electrical upgrades (switchboard) | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Water damage repair | $500 – $5,000 |
| Plastering and painting | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Flooring (if replacing) | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Skip bins and waste removal | $500 – $1,500 |
| Temporary kitchen setup | $200 – $500 |
Always add a 10 to 15% contingency to your budget. Melbourne renovations regularly reveal issues once demolition starts.
How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take?
| Scope | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Mid-range renovation | 3 – 6 weeks |
| Full custom with structural work | 8 – 12 weeks |
Custom cabinetry has 4 to 8 week lead times. Order early.
How to Keep Costs Down
Keep plumbing where it is. Moving your sink costs thousands. Work with your existing layout where possible.
Choose semi-custom over full custom. You get 80% of the look at 60% of the cost.
Retain existing cabinets if solid. New doors and benchtops can transform a kitchen for $8,000 to $15,000 instead of $30,000+.
Time your renovation for quieter months. Winter bookings often have better availability and sometimes discounted trade rates.
Get fixed-price quotes. Hourly rates without a cap lead to budget blowouts.
Questions to Ask Before You Start
- What’s included in the quote and what’s excluded?
- Is the quote fixed-price or estimate only?
- What’s the lead time for cabinetry?
- Who coordinates the trades?
- What happens if you find asbestos or water damage?
- What warranty covers materials and workmanship?
Is a Kitchen Renovation Worth It?
Yes. A well-planned kitchen adds value to your home and improves daily life. The Housing Industry Association reports kitchens and bathrooms drive the strongest returns on renovation investment.
The key is matching your spend to your suburb and how long you plan to stay. Overcapitalising in an entry-level suburb makes no financial sense. Underspending in a premium suburb leaves money on the table.
Kitchen Renovation Cost Melbourne: Summary
| Component | % of Budget | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry | 30–45% | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Benchtops | 10–20% | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Labour | 40–50% | $12,000 – $35,000 |
| Appliances | 10–20% | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Contingency | 10–15% | $3,000 – $8,000 |
Total mid-range kitchen: $30,000 – $55,000
Ready to Plan Your Kitchen Renovation?
HBK Constructions handles kitchen renovations across Melbourne’s eastern and bayside suburbs. We provide fixed-price quotes with itemised breakdowns so you know exactly where your money goes.
No hidden costs. No hourly rate blowouts. Just clear pricing and quality work.
Call 0400 200 415 for a site visit or visit hbkconstructions.com.au to see our recent projects.
FAQs: Kitchen Renovation Cost Melbourne
How much does a small kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne?
A small galley kitchen (under 10m²) costs $20,000 to $35,000 for a mid-range renovation with stone benchtops and quality cabinetry. Cosmetic refreshes start around $15,000.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation?
Cabinetry takes 30 to 45% of your budget. Custom joinery with soft-close drawers, corner solutions and butler’s pantry storage can reach $40,000 alone.
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Melbourne?
Most mid-range renovations take 3 to 6 weeks once work begins. Add 4 to 8 weeks lead time for custom cabinetry orders.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen renovation in Victoria?
Internal cosmetic renovations usually don’t need permits. Structural changes (removing walls, changing windows) require building permits. Always check with your council.
Can I renovate my kitchen for $20,000?
Yes. A $20,000 budget covers new doors on existing cabinets, laminate or entry-level stone benchtops, basic appliances and cosmetic updates. You’ll need to keep the existing layout.
What adds the most value to a kitchen renovation?
Quality cabinetry, stone benchtops and good lighting deliver the strongest returns. Avoid overspending on appliances most buyers won’t use.
Ready to Plan Your Kitchen Renovation?
HBK Constructions handles kitchen renovations across Melbourne’s eastern and bayside suburbs. We provide fixed-price quotes with itemised breakdowns so you know exactly where your money goes.
No hidden costs. No hourly rate blowouts. Just clear pricing and quality work.
Call 0400 200 415 for a site visit or fill the form for a free quote.