What a budget, mid-range and luxury kitchen renovation actually cost

Author: Adam Scougall

The cost of a kitchen renovation, much like any other renovation, can vary dramatically based on a number of different factors. The size, types of finishes, existing and potential plumbing situation, lighting needs and prices of appliances open the door to many different budget scenarios.

In saying this, it is always good to have a ballpark figure based on the three tiers that make up a kitchen design budget. Let’s discover what a “budget”, “mid-range” and “luxury” kitchen means in terms of your hip pocket, and what you should expect to achieve out of your investment (plus some tips to keep you within budget).

Tier 1: The Budget Makeover

Starting at the lower end of the pricing scale, the budget makeover may range anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the size and scale of the work involved. A small kitchen with basic cabinetry, laminate benchtops and economically priced appliances may fall within this price range.

Tip: If you do not want to relocate your kitchen and are not moving plumbing, you are likely to stay within this budget range.

Expense-inducing ideas
Creating any form of custom cabinetry, benchtops in engineered-stone Corian or Caeserstone, and real wood cabinets will move your project into the mid- to high-end range of pricing.

Tier 2: The Mid-Range Makeover

When it comes to a mid-range budget you may be looking at anywhere between $20,000 to $50,000. Surprisingly, even in this price range you need to consider the finishes, as the price of these mounts up. We always get what we pay for, but with a tailored eye you can mix and match finishes and still come out in front in the style stakes.

Budget-saving ideas
Caesarstone’s Calacatta Nuvo, a marble-look quartz, is an excellent substitute for a marble finish. The range works out to be significantly less than Calacatta marble. Using veneer (instead of timber) and marble-look finishes can assist with minimising budget blowouts. Laminex’s timber-veneer range replicates real wood finishes and is a good choice. Forgoing real wood cabinets for veneer can cut costs substantially, but you need to be aware of the outcome from the onset when it comes to wear over time. Veneer will eventually chip or peel, but this may not be a problem if you expect to renovate your kitchen again within seven  to 10 years. Marble-look tiles give a hint of the real thing without the price tag, but again, they are an imitation and need to be used thoughtfully.

Expense-inducing ideas

Using natural stone such as Cararra marble and wood such as walnut or American oak will lift the budget significantly. Team these with intelligent lighting (i.e custom designed for your specific needs) and high-end appliances and you will move into the upper end of pricing for kitchens.

Tier 3: The Luxury Kitchen

High-end, luxe or luxury kitchens deserve their hefty price tags. With bespoke cabinetry, intelligent lighting, natural stone and real wood finishes, you can be looking at anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 plus for the ultimate luxury kitchen.

A kitchen that is integrated with an open-space living area will command the required fee, as you will need a designer to produce a plan that functions successfully. Ever heard of a Sub-Zero fridge or oven? High-end appliances can also catapult your kitchen into another pricing stratosphere.

Expense-inducing ideas
Gold hardware and integrated appliances will amplify budget costs for your renovation project. Customising anything will command higher-end pricing and keep your kitchen firmly within the luxe budget tier, you will not be in danger of slipping down to mid-range budget.