{"id":11923,"date":"2025-04-04T19:16:57","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T09:16:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skilledtradiesmelbourne.com.au\/?p=11923"},"modified":"2026-03-09T21:17:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T11:17:02","slug":"kitchen-renovation-cost-melbourne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skilledtradiesmelbourne.com.au\/?p=11923","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Start Your Kitchen Reno in Melbourne Until You Read This 2026 Cost Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Thinking about renovating your kitchen in Melbourne<\/strong>? You\u2019re not alone. Kitchen renovations remain one of the most popular home upgrades across Melbourne as homeowners modernize outdated spaces, improve storage, and increase property value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But before you start choosing cabinets and benchtops, one question usually comes first: How much will a kitchen renovation actually cost?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer depends on many factors including the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, and whether you plan to change the layout. Some Melbourne homeowners complete small upgrades for under $10,000, while full designer kitchens can exceed $50,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide explains real kitchen renovation costs in Melbourne<\/strong>, using updated pricing, homeowner experiences, and expert renovation insights so you can plan your project with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Kitchen Renovation Costs Can Vary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every kitchen is different. So is every renovation. The size of your space, the materials you choose, whether you’re changing the layout, and how much work you do yourself all affect the final price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melbourne\u2019s pricing also depends on things like your suburb, the time of year, and how busy local tradespeople are. For example, a renovation in a small Brunswick unit will likely cost less than a full luxury makeover in a Port Melbourne townhouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Melbourne Homeowners Are Really Paying in 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Small Budget Renovation \u2013 $10,000 to $15,000<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re sticking with your current layout and focusing on cosmetic updates like new cabinet doors, benchtops, a splashback, and maybe a new oven, this range is achievable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI spent $10k on a full small kitchen reno, including all trades.\u201d
u\/Electronic-Fun1168<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Some homeowners even go cheaper using secondhand materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWe reused appliances, painted benchtops, and did it all for $1,300.\u201d
u\/maursby<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Mid-Range Renovation \u2013 $20,000 to $35,000<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lot of Melbourne families fall into this category. It usually includes custom cabinetry, a stone benchtop, new tiling, splashback, appliances, and layout tweaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI\u2019m up to $23k for a small kitchen with IKEA cabinets, new induction cooktop, electrical, and plumbing.\u201d
u\/Zealousideal_Ad642<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Even a mix of budget and quality materials, like combining IKEA with Bosch appliances, typically hits this range when you’re hiring professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Premium or Designer Renovation \u2013 $40,000 and Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This level includes luxury materials, full redesigns, custom cabinetry, smart appliances, and premium brands. While fewer Reddit users had done luxury kitchens, some pointed out that costs could rise above $50k if you\u2019re adding flooring, removing walls, or making major structural changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several Melbourne renovators pointed out unexpected expenses that caught them off guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flooring can become an issue. If you move cabinets, you may expose missing flooring underneath and end up needing to redo your kitchen, dining room, or even hallway floors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trades wait times can also surprise people. One user said the price wasn’t the problem, but waiting for good tradespeople took longer than expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Layout changes can drive up costs quickly. Moving plumbing or electrical points will increase your bill, even if the rest of the renovation is fairly simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“I didn\u2019t move anything, just upgraded with new cabinets and a splashback. That saved thousands.”
u\/More_Push<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Can You Renovate a Kitchen on a Budget?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, but it takes planning and flexibility. Here’s what local DIYers and budget-conscious renovators suggest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stick with your current kitchen layout to avoid plumbing and electrical changes. Consider secondhand cabinets and appliances. Use flat-pack brands like IKEA or Kaboodle, although opinions differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cKaboodle looked cheap. IKEA was way better for us. Their product is good and the turnaround was fast.\u201d
u\/Bug_eyed_bug<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Others strongly recommended avoiding both and going with local cabinetmakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cYou\u2019re not saving money with Bunnings or IKEA. Find an independent kitchen manufacturer instead.\u201d
u\/Prior-Commercial9229<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

What About Doing It in Stages?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This was one of the most common pieces of advice from Melbourne renovators. Don\u2019t feel pressure to do everything at once. Start with what matters most, maybe new appliances or a splashback, and complete the rest when time and money allow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cA shabby kitchen you can still keep clean and cook in is fine. Upgrade as you go. It\u2019s your house.\u201d
u\/Give_it_a_Bash<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

You can also reuse your upgraded appliances later when you do a full kitchen build. It\u2019s a smart way to spread costs and stay in control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summary of Real Melbourne Kitchen Costs (2026)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Renovation Type<\/th>Price Range<\/th>Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Budget or DIY Reno<\/td>$1,300 \u2013 $10,000<\/td>Often includes reused items or flat-pack kitchens<\/td><\/tr>
Mid-Range Reno<\/td>$20,000 \u2013 $35,000<\/td>Includes trades, custom cabinets, appliances<\/td><\/tr>
Premium or Full Designer<\/td>$40,000+<\/td>High-end materials, major layout or structure changes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kitchen Renovation Cost Trends Melbourne Homeowners Are Seeing in 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kitchen renovation costs in Melbourne continue to rise in 2026 due to increasing labour costs, supply chain changes, and higher demand for skilled trades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, many homeowners are still finding ways to renovate efficiently by focusing on high-impact upgrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the most popular cost-saving strategies include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n