Kitchen renovations in Sydney typically cost $15,000 to $25,000 for a cosmetic refresh, $28,000 to $50,000 for a mid-range renovation with new cabinetry and benchtops, and $60,000 to $100,000 or more for a fully custom luxury kitchen. NSW Builder Licence No. 387501C backs every project, and Ali's 15+ years covers everything from compact apartment kitchens through to full custom rebuilds.


| Renovation Tier | Typical Cost Range (AUD) | What's Usually Included |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | $15,000 – $25,000 | Existing layout retained, new cabinet fronts or basic cabinetry, laminate benchtop, splashback, minor electrical updates |
| Mid-Range | $28,000 – $50,000 | New cabinetry, benchtop, appliances, splashback, plumbing and electrical fit-off, same footprint |
| Luxury / Custom | $60,000 – $100,000+ | Custom joinery, stone benchtops, integrated appliances, structural or layout changes |
Small kitchens often cost more per square metre than larger ones, since the baseline trade costs, plumbing, electrical, and cabinetry installation, stay largely fixed regardless of room size. A tight apartment kitchen doesn't get proportionally cheaper just because it uses less floor space, the same licensed plumber and electrician are needed either way.
A quality kitchen renovation in Sydney typically costs $2,500 to $4,500 per square metre. A 12 square metre kitchen at mid-range finishes works out to roughly $30,000 to $54,000, depending on cabinetry and benchtop choices.
Benchtop material makes a genuine difference to the total budget, laminate benchtops typically cost $920 to $2,300 installed, while stone benchtops run $2,300 to $6,900 depending on the stone type and size. Custom cabinetry adds further cost over flat-pack alternatives, and layout changes that move plumbing or electrical services add labour cost beyond a like-for-like renovation.
| Cost Driver | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Laminate benchtop | $920 – $2,300 |
| Stone benchtop | $2,300 – $6,900 |
| Tiled splashback | $920 – $2,875 |
| Custom cabinetry (upgrade from flat-pack) | $9,200 – $28,750 |


Kitchen renovations generally fall into three categories: a cosmetic refresh that keeps the existing layout, a mid-range renovation with new cabinetry and benchtops, and a full custom rebuild involving layout changes and premium finishes. Every renovation includes compliance certificates for plumbing and electrical work at handover.
| Renovation Type | Typical Scope | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | New cabinet fronts, benchtop, splashback, same layout | Apartments and homes needing a quick, budget-friendly update |
| Mid-Range Renovation | New cabinetry, benchtop, appliances, minor layout adjustments | Most Sydney homeowners renovating on a standard budget |
| Full Custom Rebuild | Complete strip-out, layout redesign, premium cabinetry and finishes | Homeowners after a fully bespoke result, often combined with an open-plan living space |

Yes, and combining renovations into one project can reduce overall disruption compared to running them as two separate jobs, since trades can move between the two spaces during the same visit.
Yes, relocating plumbing or gas/electrical connections beyond a like-for-like layout adds genuine cost, since it requires licensed trade work beyond a standard cabinetry and benchtop swap.
Flat-pack cabinetry costs less upfront and suits standard layouts well, while custom cabinetry costs more but fits irregular spaces and specific storage needs more precisely. The right choice depends on the kitchen's layout and your budget.
A cosmetic refresh typically takes one to two weeks, a mid-range renovation usually takes three to four weeks, and a full custom rebuild with layout changes can take five to eight weeks depending on scope.