Don’t Renovate Your Kitchen in Melbourne Until You Read This 2025 Guide
Renovating your kitchen can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. For many Melbourne homeowners, it’s one of the biggest changes they’ll ever make to their home. Whether you’re buying your first place or finally updating an old 1970s kitchen, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the journey easier.
Why Renovate Your Kitchen?
Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where meals are cooked, conversations happen, and memories are made. Over time, kitchens can become outdated, hard to clean, or simply not fit your needs anymore. Renovating your kitchen can give you more space, better storage, and a fresh look that adds value to your property.
In Melbourne, where the property market is always moving, a well-designed kitchen can also increase your home’s selling price. So even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, a new kitchen is a smart long-term investment.
How Much Will It Cost?
In 2025, the cost of a kitchen renovation in Melbourne can vary depending on your space, your needs, and who you hire. A basic renovation, which includes new benchtops, cabinet doors, and a splashback, might cost between $10,000 to $15,000.
For a more mid-range renovation with new appliances, custom cabinetry, and better finishes, the price can climb to $20,000–$35,000. And for those wanting a luxury kitchen with top-end appliances, stone benchtops, and designer fittings, the total can go beyond $50,000.
But don’t just take our word for it. One Melbourne homeowner shared online that they renovated a small kitchen with stone benchtops, new appliances, and a tiled splashback, all for $12,000. Another spent around $23,000 on a kitchen and laundry setup using IKEA cabinets and switching from gas to induction cooking, which involved extra electrical work.
If you’re willing to go the DIY route or work in stages, some homeowners have completed full makeovers for as little as $7,000 by sticking with the original layout and doing simple upgrades themselves.
What’s Popular in 2025?
Melbourne kitchens this year are all about clean lines, smart features, and sustainable choices. Many people are choosing flat, handle-less cabinet doors, soft-close drawers, and energy-efficient appliances that connect to your phone. Black taps and hardware are still trendy, and open shelving is being mixed with closed cupboards for a modern look.
Eco-friendly materials like recycled timber or bamboo are also becoming popular. Many homeowners are thinking about long-term savings, so water-saving taps and induction cooktops are making their way into more homes across Victoria.
How to Start Your Renovation
The first step is to understand what’s wrong with your current kitchen. Maybe there’s not enough storage, the layout is awkward, or the appliances are outdated. Make a list of the things you’d like to fix or improve. Then, set a clear budget. This will help guide your decisions and prevent spending more than planned.
You don’t need to do everything at once. Some people start with new benchtops or cabinets and save up to finish the rest later. Others work with a designer or renovation company to plan the entire job upfront. If you’re not confident with tools or building work, hiring professionals will save you time and avoid costly mistakes.
Can You Save Money Without Cutting Corners?
Yes, and many Melbourne residents have done it successfully. A common tip is to keep your current kitchen layout. Moving sinks, stoves, or dishwashers means paying extra for plumbing and electrical work. Keeping these in the same spot can save you thousands.
Another trick is to mix expensive and affordable items. For example, you could use a high-quality benchtop just for your island and choose a more affordable option for the rest. You can also repaint cabinet doors or upgrade handles instead of buying brand new cabinets.
One homeowner even shared that they bought a secondhand kitchen, cleaned it up, and installed it themselves, all for $1,300. It might not be perfect, but it was a huge step up from their old 1970s kitchen.
Real Stories from Melbourne Renovators
A lot of real advice can be found in online communities, and here are some things Melbourne locals had to say:
“I spent $10k on a full small kitchen reno, including all trades. Avoid IKEA if you want better value. Look for a cabinet maker.”
— Reddit user“IKEA was great for us. The cabinets cost $8.5k. We paid more for trades, but it made things smoother.”
— Reddit user“If the layout is okay, don’t ditch the current kitchen. Just change the doors, bench tops and splashback. You’ll be surprised what $10k can do.”
— Reddit user“We used secondhand appliances and cabinets and spray painted the benchtop. Our cost? Just $1,300!”
— Reddit user
A few also warned about hidden costs, like replacing floors if your cabinets don’t fit the existing space anymore. And don’t forget: finding good tradespeople can take time. Some people said waiting for the right team took longer than expected but was worth it in the end.
Should You DIY or Hire Professionals?
If you’re handy and confident, you might be able to handle small jobs like painting, tiling, or installing simple shelves. But anything involving gas, electricity, or water needs a licensed professional in Melbourne. Safety is key, and doing it right the first time saves money later.
Hiring a professional team also means you can get things done faster, especially if you’re working or have kids at home. They’ll help you plan, organise trades, and make sure everything meets building codes.
Final Thought: Is It Worth It?
Some people wonder if they should skip the headache and buy a house with a new kitchen already done. But as many homeowners have pointed out, even “perfect” kitchens in new homes might not suit your style or needs. Renovating your own kitchen lets you make it yours, at your pace, and within your budget.
Plus, you can upgrade it in stages. Start with the appliances. Then the cabinets. Then the floor. Do what you can, when you can. And if you’re smart about it, you’ll enjoy the journey as much as the final result.
Why Choose Skilled Tradies for Your Kitchen Renovation?
At Skilled Tradies, we’ve helped families all across Melbourne turn old kitchens into new favourites. Whether you need a quick upgrade or a full renovation, we’re here to guide you, from the first quote to the final tile.
We’re proud to be a local company that understands what Melbourne homes need. Our team includes licensed builders, plumbers, and electricians who care about doing things right. We use trusted materials, work with your budget, and always put quality first.
You don’t need to figure it all out alone. Let us help you create a kitchen that’s not just beautiful, but built to last. Call us today or request a free quote, your dream kitchen starts here.
