How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Sydney?

Kitchen renovations in Sydney cost $15,000 to $100,000+ depending on kitchen size, material quality, and scope of work. A cosmetic refresh sits at the lower end. A full structural renovation with premium finishes and layout changes reaches the top.

At Dura Group Building & Renovations, we’ve renovated kitchens across the Sutherland Shire and greater Sydney for over 25 years. This guide breaks down realistic costs based on what we quote and deliver on actual projects.

Average Kitchen Renovation Costs in Sydney (2026)

Kitchen renovation costs in Sydney fall into three tiers. These figures reflect full project costs including labour, materials, fixtures, and project management.

Budget Kitchen Renovation: $15,000 to $30,000

A budget renovation freshens up your kitchen without changing the layout. This typically includes:

• New doors and benchtops on existing cabinetry
• Replacement of tapware, sink, and splashback
• Fresh paint and updated lighting
• Basic appliance upgrades

This level suits homeowners who want a visual refresh without structural changes. The bones of the kitchen stay the same. You’re updating surfaces and fixtures. For a broader view of renovation budgets across all rooms, see our guide to home renovation costs in Sydney.

Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation: $30,000 to $60,000

This is where most Sydney homeowners sit. A mid-range renovation typically includes:

• Complete new cabinetry (custom or semi-custom)
• Stone benchtops (Caesarstone, Essastone, or similar engineered stone)
• Quality appliance package
• New tiling and splashback
• Updated electrical and plumbing
• New flooring within the kitchen area

At this level, you’re getting a kitchen that looks and functions like new. You’ll have full control over finishes, colours, and layout options. That’s something we encourage at Dura Group. We don’t mark up materials, so your budget goes further.

High-End Kitchen Renovation: $60,000 to $100,000+

A high-end renovation involves structural changes and premium finishes:

• Wall removal to create open-plan living (structural engineer required)
• Custom joinery and cabinetry
• Natural stone benchtops (marble, granite, or porcelain)
• Premium European appliances (Miele, Fisher & Paykel, SMEG)
• Integrated lighting design
• Butler’s pantry or island bench additions
• Relocation of plumbing and electrical

These projects turn your kitchen into the heart of your home. They often require council approvals if load-bearing walls are involved.

What Drives Kitchen Renovation Costs?

Cabinetry (30-35%), labour (25-35%), benchtops (10-15%), appliances (10-20%), and plumbing/electrical (5-15%) are the 5 main cost drivers in a kitchen renovation.

Cabinetry: 30 to 35% of Total Cost

Cabinetry is the single biggest cost in any kitchen renovation. The difference between flat-pack, semi-custom, and fully custom cabinetry can be tens of thousands of dollars. At Dura Group, we work with trusted local cabinetmakers who deliver quality joinery at fair prices, because we don’t add builder markups on materials or trades.

Benchtops: 10 to 15% of Total Cost

Your benchtop choice has a big impact on both cost and the overall look of your kitchen:

• Laminate: $200 to $500 per linear metre (budget-friendly, wide range of styles)
• Engineered stone: $400 to $900 per linear metre (durable, low maintenance)
• Natural stone: $700 to $1,500+ per linear metre (premium look, requires sealing)
• Porcelain: $600 to $1,200 per linear metre (heat and scratch resistant)

Appliances: 10 to 20% of Total Cost

Appliances can range from $3,000 for a basic package to $20,000+ for premium brands. We help you select appliances that match your cooking style and budget. Because you buy directly from suppliers, you avoid unnecessary markups.

Labour: 25 to 35% of Total Cost

Labour covers your builder, plumber, electrician, tiler, and any other trades. At Dura Group, we provide fixed-price contracts so you know exactly what labour will cost before work begins. No surprises at the end.

Plumbing & Electrical: 5 to 15% of Total Cost

Moving a sink, relocating gas lines, or upgrading electrical circuits adds cost. If your kitchen layout stays the same, these costs are minimal. If you’re reconfiguring the space, expect plumbing and electrical to be a solid part of your budget.

Kitchen Renovation Cost by Size

As a general guide, this is what Sydney homeowners can expect based on kitchen size:

• Small kitchen (under 10m²): $15,000 to $40,000
• Medium kitchen (10 to 15m²): $30,000 to $65,000
• Large kitchen (15m²+): $50,000 to $100,000+

These ranges assume mid-quality finishes. Premium materials and structural work push costs toward the higher end. For current per-square-metre rates, see our Sydney building costs guide.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Asbestos removal, structural engineering, council approvals, waterproofing, and temporary kitchen setup are the 5 most common hidden costs in Sydney kitchen renovations:

• Asbestos removal: Common in pre-1990 Sydney homes, especially in the Sutherland Shire where many homes were built in the 1970s and 80s. Testing costs $50 to $150. Removal can add $1,500 to $5,000+
• Structural work: If you’re removing a wall, you’ll need a structural engineer ($1,000 to $3,000) and potentially steel beams ($2,000 to $8,000 installed)
• Council approvals: DA or CDC applications can add $2,000 to $10,000 depending on scope
• Waterproofing: If your kitchen is on a concrete slab or adjacent to a wet area, waterproofing may be required
• Temporary kitchen: Plan for 4 to 8 weeks without a functioning kitchen

At Dura Group, we identify these costs upfront during our book a planning review. We’d rather you know the full picture before signing a contract than discover surprises mid-build.

How to Get the Most Value From Your Kitchen Renovation Budget

After 25 years of kitchen renovations, this is what we tell every client:

1. Keep the Layout If You Can

Moving plumbing and gas is expensive. If your current sink, cooktop, and dishwasher positions work well, keeping them in place can save $5,000 to $15,000 in plumbing and electrical work.

2. Invest in Cabinetry and Benchtops

These two elements define how your kitchen looks and functions daily. Spend more here and save on things you can upgrade later, like appliances or lighting fixtures.

3. Choose a Fixed-Price Builder

A fixed-price contract protects you from cost blowouts. At Dura Group, our quotes include everything. No provisional sums, no allowances that end up costing double. Understanding how to read a building contract helps you compare quotes properly.

4. Don’t Over-Capitalise

A kitchen renovation adds the most value when it stays within 5 to 10% of your home’s value on a kitchen renovation. In most Sutherland Shire suburbs, that means a $40,000 to $80,000 kitchen renovation is the sweet spot. Pairing it with a complete bathroom renovation at the same time saves on trade mobilisation.

5. Ask the Right Questions

Before signing with any builder, make sure you ask the right questions. Understanding inclusions, payment schedules, and warranty terms protects your investment.

Kitchen Renovation Timeline: What to Expect

A typical kitchen renovation in Sydney takes 6 to 12 weeks depending on complexity:

• Weeks 1 to 2: Design finalisation and material ordering
• Weeks 3 to 4: Demolition, plumbing and electrical rough-in
• Weeks 5 to 6: Cabinetry installation
• Weeks 7 to 8: Benchtop templating and installation, tiling, splashback
• Weeks 9 to 10: Appliance installation, final electrical and plumbing
• Weeks 11 to 12: Touch-ups, final inspection, and handover

Structural renovations involving wall removal add 2 to 4 weeks for engineering, approvals, and additional building work. Understanding the building process helps you plan your timeline realistically.

Why Sydney Homeowners Choose Dura Group for Kitchen Renovations

We’re not the lowest-priced kitchen renovator in Sydney, and we wouldn’t want to be. But we deliver real value because:

• Fixed-price contracts so you know exactly what you’re paying
• No material markups because you choose and purchase finishes directly
• 25+ years experience renovating hundreds of kitchens across the Shire
• Mark oversees every project so you deal directly with the owner, not a project coordinator
• Trusted trades with subcontractors who have worked with us for years

We renovate kitchens across the Shire, from kitchen renovations in Cronulla and Menai kitchen remodelling to Caringbah kitchen renovations and Engadine kitchen remodellers. See our full Sutherland Shire builders page for more.

For more about how we can help, visit our our kitchen renovation service page.

Ready to Plan Your Kitchen Renovation?

Knowing how to choose a builder in Sydney makes a real difference. The best first step is a conversation. We’ll visit your home, understand what you want, and give you a realistic idea of costs. No obligation, no pressure.

Contact Dura Group today or call Mark directly on 0424 665 793 to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a basic kitchen renovation cost in Sydney?

A basic kitchen renovation in Sydney starts from around $15,000 to $30,000. This covers cosmetic updates like new doors, benchtops, tapware, and a splashback without changing the kitchen layout.

How much is reasonable to spend on a kitchen renovation?

A good rule of thumb is 5 to 10% of your home’s value. For most homes in the Sutherland Shire, that means budgeting $40,000 to $80,000 for a quality mid-range to high-end renovation.

How long does a kitchen renovation take?

Most kitchen renovations take 6 to 12 weeks. Simple cosmetic updates may be faster, while renovations involving wall removal or structural changes can take up to 16 weeks.

Do I need council approval for a kitchen renovation?

Not usually, unless you’re removing load-bearing walls, changing the building footprint, or your home is heritage-listed. We handle all DA and CDC approvals if required.

Can I live at home during a kitchen renovation?

Yes, but plan for 4 to 8 weeks without a functioning kitchen. Most clients set up a temporary kitchen in their laundry or dining area with a microwave, kettle, and portable cooktop.