Average Kitchen Renovation Cost in Melbourne (2025–2026 Builder Price Guide)

Planning a kitchen renovation and wondering how much it costs in Melbourne?

Kitchen renovations are one of the biggest investments in any home. Based on current builder rates across Melbourne, most homeowners spend between $40,000 and $70,000, while high-end designer kitchens can exceed $100,000+.

Below is a realistic cost breakdown based on actual renovation projects — not online guesswork — so you can budget with confidence.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown (Melbourne Average)

• Basic Kitchen Refresh

$25,000 – $40,000

Ideal for apartments, rentals or cosmetic upgrades.

Includes:

• Same layout

• Replace cabinets + benchtop

• Standard appliances

• Basic tiles + finishes

• Minimal plumbing or electrical changes

Best for: updating the look without structural work

• Standard Kitchen Renovation (Most common)

$40,000 – $70,000

This is where most Melbourne families sit.

Includes:

• New custom cabinetry

• Mid-range stone benchtop

• Mid-range appliances

• New splashback or tiling

• Lighting upgrades

• Plumbing + electrical works

• Better storage solutions

Best for: functional, modern family kitchens

• Mid–High Quality Kitchen

$70,000 – $100,000

For homeowners wanting a premium finish and better detailing.

Includes:

• Custom joinery

• Premium stone / quartz benchtops

• Integrated appliances

• Feature lighting

• Under-cabinet lights

• Designer handles & fittings

• Higher workmanship detail

Best for: open-plan homes and lifestyle upgrades

• Premium Designer Kitchen

$100,000 – $160,000+

Luxury, architectural kitchens with bespoke finishes.

Includes:

• Bespoke joinery & detailing

• High-end appliances (Miele, Gaggenau, etc.)

• Marble or natural stone

• Custom lighting & splashbacks

• Feature islands

• Luxury finishes

• Full layout redesign

Common in higher-value suburbs like Balwyn, Doncaster, Glen Waverley and Camberwell.

Where does the budget go?

Typical kitchen cost distribution:

• Cabinetry & joinery → 35–45%

• Benchtops → 10–15%

• Appliances → 15–20%

• Plumbing & electrical → 10–15%

• Splashbacks & finishes → 5–10%

• Labour & project management → 15–20%

Joinery is usually the biggest cost because kitchens are highly customized.

What increases kitchen renovation costs?

These factors commonly push budgets higher:

• Moving sinks or cooktops

• Structural wall removal

• Large stone islands

• Integrated appliances

• Premium brands

• Custom joinery

• Feature lighting

• Complex layouts

Tip: keeping plumbing locations the same can save $5k–$15k+

How to keep your kitchen renovation on budget

Smart strategies we recommend:

• Keep the layout similar

• Choose engineered stone over marble

• Mix mid-range appliances with 1 hero appliance

• Avoid over-customising cabinetry

• Plan design before demolition

Good design prevents costly variations later.

Why choose Smarter Renovations?

We deliver complete kitchen renovations across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs with design, build and project management under one team.

Our service includes:

• Design + build

• Custom joinery

• Licensed trades

• Fixed-price contracts

• Material selections

• Full project management

So you get a stress-free renovation with clear costs and no surprises.

Ready to renovate your kitchen?

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation and want realistic pricing or design advice, our team can help.

👉 Book a free consultation today and get a tailored estimate for your home.