Cost of a new Kitchen | kitchen Renovations Cost Calculator
The kitchen holds a central role in any home, often considered its heart. It’s where families unite to cook meals, share food, and enjoy snacks together. When it comes to selling your home, the kitchen can significantly impact whether a sale is successful or not.
Some seek spacious, professional-grade kitchens resembling those of chefs, while others prefer a cozy atmosphere like a country cottage.
Regardless of your preference, one question typically arises: “What is the cost of a kitchen?”
We take a look at the current kitchen renovation costs (2023) and provide a simple-to-use kitchen renovations cost calculator at the end of this article.
Table of Contents
Determining a budget for your kitchen renovation
Typically, most people are uncertain about the costs associated with kitchen renovations. Undertaking the task of renovating your kitchen is a venture that often brings both excitement and apprehension.
However, as the heart of any home, the kitchen plays a crucial role in daily life, making it essential to create a space that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and suits individual needs and tastes.
The expenses involved in a kitchen renovation project can vary significantly based on several key elements. First and foremost, the size of the kitchen and secondly the scope of the renovation required. Both are major contributors to the overall cost.
Kitchen renovations can be highly complex, due to multiple construction stages and tradespeople involved, making them very expensive.
The following shows a typical cost range for three levels of renovation. Keep in mind that the costs shown below do not necessarily reflect the total renovation cost but rather how much the average homeowner spends on a kitchen makeover.
- $18,000 to $30,000 for a budget renovation
- $30,000 to $50,000 for a mid-range renovation
- $50,000+ for a high-end renovation
Most homeowners typically spend around $30,000+ on renovating a medium to larger kitchen. A budget renovation of $18,000 can be spent, however, this would only facilitate a cosmetic makeover. Upwards of $40,000 could be spent on a much more customised kitchen.
Additional New Kitchen Costs
The selection of materials for your kitchen significantly influences the overall cost of your renovation. This applies to various elements such as benchtops, splashbacks, cabinetry, handles, tapware, and sinks. The price variation is usually determined by factors such as quality, style, popularity, or a combination of these aspects.
Below is a list of surfaces, listed from generally “less expensive” to the “more expensive”:
BENCHTOP COSTS:
- Laminate (Formica) benchtop.
- Reconstituted stone benchtop
- Hardwood timber or stainless steel benchtop
- Natural stone benchtop
SPLASHBACK COSTS:
- Tile splashback (*depending on the type/quality of tile)
- Acrylic splashback
- Glass splashback
CABINETRY COSTS:
- Meltica – Melamine is crafted through heat-sealing a substrate between paper saturated with thermally-fused melamine resin.
- Two-pac (a special, two-part paint finish that is generally harder and more durable than other coatings)
HARDWARE
Soft-close technology is now becoming standard for new kitchens (mid-to-high-end kitchens). It will add around $1,500-$3000 to your cabinetry budget (dependent on your kitchen cabinetry manufacturer).
At Style Plus Renovations, we use the following trusted NZ kitchen hardware suppliers for our kitchens: Hafele, Blum, Hettich.
KITCHEN APPLIANCES
A mid to high-range budget for a built-in, fridge, double oven, induction hob, microwave, and dishwasher is approx. $20,000+.
Planning your kitchen renovation
When planning a kitchen renovation, numerous factors come into play, and interpreting the costs can be a daunting task.
The initial questions to ask yourself before you embark on a kitchen renovation are typically:
- How much of the kitchen do you want to change – complete redesign or cosmetic?
- The size of the proposed kitchen space? Are you looking to increase the space or use the current space?
- The quality of kitchen materials and wares you would like to use?
COSMETIC
If your kitchen’s layout and size are functioning effectively, but the cabinetry, benches, and hardware are past their best, a simple cosmetic makeover might be all that is needed. In such a scenario, you can retain the existing walls, electrical, and plumbing services, resulting in minimal costs.
KITCHEN REDESIGN
If you decide to redesign your kitchen by altering its size and/or shape to align with modern living and optimise space utilisation, be prepared for higher costs due to the possible involvement of additional trades, architects, and the local council.
Labour costs
The labour costs associated with hiring professionals to carry out the kitchen renovation are another important aspect to consider. Experienced contractors and kitchen designers may charge higher fees, but their expertise can ensure a smoother and more successful outcome, ultimately justifying your investment.
PLUMBER
Prior to dismantling your current kitchen, which includes removing cabinetry and appliances, it is crucial to have a certified plumber on hand. This professional will be responsible for temporarily disconnecting power and water connections, as well as upgrading the pipes to accommodate the new sink, dishwasher, and gas cooktop. The cost of hiring a plumber may vary depending on the complexity of the project and can range from $80 to $120 per hour.
ELECTRICIAN
For any kitchen renovation project, it is essential to hire a qualified and licensed electrician. Electricians typically charge an hourly rate, which can fall within the range of $80 to $110 per hour. The kitchen upgrade often involves significant electrical work, including potential upgrades to the electrical switchboards and the addition of extra circuits to support the power requirements of appliances like induction cooktops and ovens.
KITCHEN INSTALLER
An experienced kitchen installer may charge up to $1,000 per day. The proper and meticulous installation of your kitchen cabinets is of utmost importance. If not installed correctly, the value of your kitchen can diminish significantly over the years. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the installation is done accurately to avoid potential issues and maintain its worth in the long run. Investing in a well-done installation is a wise decision.
UNEXPECTED ISSUES
Additionally, unforeseen circumstances and unexpected issues during the renovation process can add to the expenses. Factors like outdated wiring, plumbing problems, or structural issues discovered during the renovation may require immediate attention and impact the planned budget. Budget 10-15% on top of your calculated estimate for these unforeseen unexpected issues.
To mitigate uncertainties and make informed decisions, it is best to establish a realistic budget before commencing the project. Proper planning and clear communication with renovation professionals can go a long way in avoiding budget overruns and achieving the desired results.
Kitchen design
KITCHEN DESIGNER
When you decide to move forward with the kitchen renovation, initially, it is best to engage the services of a skilled kitchen designer. They possess the expertise to optimise your existing kitchen layout and make necessary modifications.
The design of the kitchen can be sourced through a kitchen manufacturer such as KitchenLink or an independent kitchen designer.
Kitchen design & manufacturers hire skilled kitchen designers, and the concept designs are typically provided as a complimentary part of their service.
However, costs do vary for an independent kitchen designer, but on average the cost starts from $400 for a 1hr home consultation and kitchen concept plans start from $3,500.
Mid-range & high end remodel examples
EXAMPLE MID-RANGE KITCHEN REMODEL
Typically, mid-range kitchen remodels will upgrade kitchen appliances, have higher-end cabinetry and open up the kitchen layout by removing walls to create more space:
- Change in layout such as removing a wall to create more space (dependent on budget)
- Custom-made cabinetry & doors.
- Incorporating organised storage
- Cabinets with built-in bins
- Custom-built pantry with pull-out drawers.
- Engineered stone countertops.
- New laminate flooring or engineered timber flooring (budget dependent)
- Glass splashback
- New mid-range appliances (dependent on budget)
- Project management
EXAMPLE HIGH-END KITCHEN REMODEL
Custom high-end kitchen remodels often involve structural changes to seamlessly integrate the kitchen with other rooms in the home to create a more central and open-plan layout. High-end materials are also used to complete the style you are looking for:
- Layout changes/structural changes
- Plumbing updated
- Redesign of wiring, outlets and switches
- LED Lighting (redesign lighting plan)
- Flooring changed – Solid timber, engineered flooring or high-end tiles
- High-end luxury materials and fixtures
- High-end appliances
- High-quality Countertops
- Specific storage solutions
- Custom-built drawers and cabinets with built-in bins
- Project management (from concept design to installation/handover).
How long does it take to remodel a kitchen?
The duration needed for a kitchen renovation varies significantly, There are a number of factors, such as the scope of renovations, the contractor performing the renovations, and the materials selected.
Potential shortages in tradespeople and materials could also influence the timeline, making it prudent to allocate extra time to any renovation plans.
Based on assessments from multiple companies, the average kitchen renovation could take approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Keep in mind that the lead time for cabinetry could take 6 to 8 weeks (dependent on the manufacturer).
It might be feasible to remain at home during the renovations unless you’re undertaking significant structural changes to the room. However, keep in mind that you likely won’t have access to a kitchen during this period.
wrapping up: Key Takeaways
The cost of a kitchen renovation is typically driven by a huge number of factors. The main ones are the size of your kitchen space, the kitchen materials, finishes, hardware, and components you choose, and the contractors you hire for the renovations, cabinetry build, and installation.
Whether you are spending $18,000 or $60,000+, it is necessary to prepare and plan ahead of time and optimise your money for the best results.
Well-prepared homeowners understand that the first step to any kitchen remodels starts with speaking to a home renovation specialist to understand the scope and costs of the work. Style Plus Renovations is happy to help any homeowner take the first steps to budget, design, and build your perfect kitchen.
To assist you with your initial planning and research, we have created a kitchen renovations cost calculator.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR RENOVATING A KITCHEN
- What is the timeframe for a kitchen renovation?Typically a kitchen renovation duration will be between 3 to 4 weeks. This timeframe will be longer if it involves a building consent.
- What trades are involved with a full kitchen renovation?A full kitchen renovation combines the services of many trades, these include: builder, architect, project manager, plumber, interior designer, cabinet maker for bespoke cabinetry, electrician, carpenter, flooring specialist, waterproofing specialist and painter.
- Who will manage the kitchen renovation?At Style Plus Renovations, we like to work as closely as we can with our clients to make sure that we really are renovating their kitchen to their specifications. This is achieved by having a dedicated project manager as a single point of contact to manage the renovation.
- What is the cost of a kitchen renovation?The cost depends on a number of factors (size, fixtures fittings, quality of fittings, the scope of the renovation) but generally the average is between $27,000 to $35,000 and $60,000+ for high end kitchen renovation)
The purpose of this Kitchen Renovations Cost Calculator is to give you an indication of the potential cost based on the information you provide. It should not be used as a quote. For an actual estimate on your kitchen remodel project, contact us for a free design consultation!
It’s essential to note that other factors may influence the actual cost of your project. The cost indication is tailored for mid and high-end kitchens and services we provide. This includes a full kitchen renovation with custom cabinetry design, manufacturing and installation.
Kitchen Renovations Cost Calculator
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YOUR RENOVATION PROJECT
Tel us about your renovation project and we’ll call you back for a no-obligation chat about your ideas.
Alternatively, if you prefer, we can initially set up a meeting using Microsoft Teams or Zoom (and other meeting apps) for a no-obligation chat about your ideas.
We look forward to hearing from you to discuss your project and get you started on your renovation journey.
If you would like to know more about our renovation process, check it out here.
