Kitchen Renovation Cost Guide for Melbourne Homeowners

The most common question Melbourne homeowners ask before starting a kitchen renovation is: how much is this going to cost? It is also the question that is hardest to answer without knowing the scope, the finishes, the condition of the existing kitchen, and the size of the space.

This guide breaks down kitchen renovation costs across three realistic tiers, explains what drives costs up or down in each category, and gives you a framework for building a budget before you speak to a single contractor. The figures below are based on typical Melbourne market pricing and reflect the full cost of a renovation including labour, materials, and project management.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Tiers in Melbourne

Kitchen renovation costs in Melbourne generally fall into three broad tiers. Understanding which tier aligns with your goals and property will save you time during the quoting process and help you evaluate whether a quote is realistic or suspiciously low.

Basic refresh: $15,000 to $25,000

A basic kitchen refresh at this price point typically involves replacing cabinetry, benchtops, splashback, and sink and tapware while keeping the existing layout and plumbing in place. No walls are moved and appliances may be owner-supplied or replaced selectively. This tier suits homeowners who want a clean, modern result without undertaking a full structural renovation.

At this budget, expect flat-pack or semi-custom cabinetry, a laminate or reconstituted stone benchtop, a subway tile or glass splashback, and standard tapware. The result can look highly polished with smart material choices, but the options narrow as you approach the lower end of this range.

Mid-range renovation: $25,000 to $50,000

The mid-range tier covers a full renovation with custom or semi-custom cabinetry, engineered stone or natural stone benchtops, a quality integrated sink, designer tapware, and a full appliance package. Layout changes are possible at this budget, including moving the island, extending cabinetry to the ceiling, or opening up to an adjacent dining space.

This is the most common tier for Melbourne homeowners renovating a family kitchen in a suburban property. It covers the full scope of a kitchen transformation while leaving room for quality finishes without entering luxury territory.

Full premium renovation: $50,000 and above

At $50,000 and above, you are in the territory of fully custom cabinetry, premium European appliances, stone benchtops from natural slabs, integrated refrigeration, concealed joinery, custom lighting, and structural changes. This tier is common in higher-end Melbourne suburbs and in homes where the kitchen is the centrepiece of an open-plan living area.

Costs can rise well beyond $100,000 for large kitchens with luxury specifications, heritage homes requiring additional building approvals, or projects involving significant structural work.

Cost Breakdown by Component

The table below gives a component-by-component breakdown across all three tiers. Use this to identify where your budget will be allocated and where trade-offs are worth making.

Note: these figures are indicative ranges based on Melbourne market pricing. Your actual costs will vary depending on kitchen size, existing condition, and the specific products and brands you select.

What Drives Kitchen Renovation Costs Up

Understanding the factors that push costs higher helps you make informed decisions about where to invest and where to compromise.

Moving plumbing or gas

Relocating the sink, dishwasher, or cooking appliances requires a licensed plumber and, in the case of gas cooktops, a licensed gasfitter. Each relocation adds between $800 and $2,500 to the project cost depending on the distance and complexity. If your budget is tight, keeping the plumbing in its existing position is one of the most effective ways to reduce cost without affecting the visual outcome.

Structural changes and wall removal

Opening up a kitchen to create an open plan living area is one of the most requested changes in Melbourne renovations. Removing a wall involves an engineer's assessment to determine whether it is load bearing, a structural steel beam in most cases, and a building permit from your local council. Budget $5,000 to $15,000 for wall removal depending on the beam size and council requirements, on top of the kitchen renovation cost itself.

Cabinetry to the ceiling

Taking cabinetry all the way to the ceiling is a popular choice in Melbourne kitchens because it eliminates the dust-collecting gap above upper cabinets and creates a more tailored, finished look. The additional cabinet height adds cost, typically $1,500 to $4,000 depending on the ceiling height and number of upper cabinets, and may require a cornice or shadow line detail to meet the ceiling cleanly.

Island benches

A kitchen island adds significant cost because it requires additional cabinetry, a larger benchtop slab, and often additional electrical work for under-bench appliances or pendant lighting above. A basic island can be added for $4,000 to $8,000. A fully fitted island with integrated sink, dishwasher, and seating overhang will sit between $10,000 and $20,000 or more depending on the stone slab selected.

Premium appliances

Appliances are one of the most variable cost items in any kitchen renovation. A builder-grade appliance package covering oven, cooktop, rangehood, and dishwasher can be sourced for $2,000 to $5,000. A full European appliance suite from brands such as Miele, Gaggenau, or V-Zug will cost $15,000 to $40,000 or more. Most Melbourne homeowners land somewhere in the middle, allocating $5,000 to $12,000 for a quality mid-range package.

What You Can Do to Reduce Kitchen Renovation Costs

There are several areas where homeowners can reduce spend without compromising the overall quality or finish of their kitchen renovation.

• Keep the layout: Retaining the existing position of the sink, dishwasher, and cooktop avoids plumbing and gas relocation costs.
• Supply your own appliances: Many renovation companies allow owner-supplied appliances. Buying during a sale or clearance event can save $2,000 to $5,000 compared to contractor-supplied pricing.
• Choose engineered stone over natural stone: Engineered stone benchtops offer a consistent, durable result at a lower price point than premium natural stone slabs, typically saving $2,000 to $6,000 depending on the size of the benchtop.
• Select standard cabinet sizes: Custom cabinet dimensions cost more than standard sizes. Designing the layout around standard module widths reduces cabinetry fabrication costs while still achieving a tailored look.
• Tile the splashback rather than using a full stone slab: A tiled splashback using large format porcelain or classic subway tiles costs significantly less than a continuous stone slab splashback while still looking sharp. 

Hidden Costs to Budget For

Several costs sit outside the main renovation quote and catch Melbourne homeowners by surprise if they are not anticipated in advance. 

• Building permit: Required for structural work, typically $800 to $2,000 depending on the council and project value.
• Engineer's report: Required if a load-bearing wall is being removed, typically $600 to $1,500.
• Asbestos removal: Older Melbourne homes built before 1990 may contain asbestos in wall linings, floor coverings, or ceiling materials. Asbestos removal by a licensed contractor costs $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the extent.
• Temporary kitchen setup: During a renovation lasting three to six weeks, you will need to budget for meals out or a temporary kitchen arrangement. This is a real cost that rarely appears in renovation budgets.
• Contingency: A ten percent contingency on the total renovation budget is standard practice. Unforeseen issues behind walls, including old plumbing, deteriorated substrates, or pest damage, are common in Melbourne's older housing stock.

How to Evaluate a Kitchen Renovation Quote

Once you have a quote in hand, use the component breakdown in this guide to assess whether it covers everything you need. A quote that is significantly lower than the ranges above is worth scrutinising: it may exclude appliances, tiling, or electrical work that you are assuming is included.

Ask the company to confirm: 

• Whether the quote is fixed price or an estimate
• What is included and excluded in writing
• How variations are priced and approved
• What the payment schedule looks like and whether it complies with the Domestic Building Contracts Act 

A fixed price, fully itemised quote from a VBA-registered builder is the standard you should hold every company to. Anything less leaves you exposed to cost increases once work has started. 

Getting a Quote for Your Kitchen Renovation

APD Design provides free, fixed-price kitchen renovation quotes for Melbourne homeowners. Our Nunawading showroom is open Monday to Friday and stocks a full range of kitchen sinks, mixers, and accessories so you can see and select your finishes in person before the quote is finalised.

To book a consultation, call 03 9034 6490 or email APD@apadanadesign.com.au. Our team will visit your home, assess the existing kitchen, and provide a detailed written quote covering every component of the project.