Quick Answer
A kitchen renovation in Victoria costs $15,000–$45,000 for a standard mid-range makeover; budget options using flat-pack cabinetry start from $8,000–$12,000 installed, while fully custom kitchens in Melbourne’s SE suburbs run $40,000–$80,000+. The single biggest cost variable is whether you keep the existing layout (cheaper) or move plumbing and electrics (adds $3,000–$8,000 immediately).
Complete Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown
Flat-Pack vs Semi-Custom vs Custom Cabinetry
| Cabinet Type | Supply Cost (per m run) | Installation | Total for Average Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-pack (IKEA, Kaboodle, Kinsman) | $300–$600/m | $2,000–$4,000 | $8,000–$14,000 |
| Semi-custom (Polytec, Laminex) | $600–$1,200/m | $3,000–$6,000 | $15,000–$28,000 |
| Custom (local Melbourne joiners) | $1,200–$2,500/m | $5,000–$10,000 | $30,000–$65,000 |
Benchtop Costs
| Benchtop Material | Installed Cost (per m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate (Laminex/Polytec) | $200–$400/m² | Budget option, durable but not heat-resistant |
| Engineered stone (Caesarstone, Quantum Quartz) | $600–$1,200/m² | Most popular in SE Melbourne; heat/scratch resistant |
| Natural stone (granite, marble) | $800–$2,000/m² | High maintenance; marble stains easily |
| Solid timber | $500–$1,000/m² | Warm look, requires regular oiling |
Appliances
| Appliance | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven (600mm) | $700–$1,200 | $1,200–$2,500 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Cooktop (gas or induction) | $400–$800 | $800–$1,800 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Rangehood | $200–$500 | $500–$1,200 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Dishwasher (600mm) | $600–$900 | $900–$1,800 | $2,000–$4,000 |
Labour Costs for Kitchen Renovation
| Trade | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen installer/cabinetmaker | $2,000–$6,000 | For flat-pack install; custom joiners quote as package |
| Licensed plumber (sink, dishwasher) | $800–$2,500 | Mandatory for any water connection changes in Victoria |
| Licensed electrician | $800–$2,500 | New circuits, rangehood, under-cabinet lighting |
| Tiler (splashback) | $600–$1,500 | Depends on tile size and complexity |
| Plasterer (if walls disturbed) | $400–$1,200 | Patching after cabinet removal |
| Painter | $500–$1,500 | Kitchen walls and ceiling |
What Affects Kitchen Renovation Costs Most?
1. Whether You Change the Layout
Moving the sink, cooktop, or dishwasher means relocating water pipes, gas lines, and drain connections. In a Melbourne brick-veneer or double-brick home (common in Dandenong, Berwick, Narre Warren), this can mean cutting into walls or concrete slabs. Expect to add $3,000–$8,000 to your budget if you change the layout significantly.
2. Size of the Kitchen
Most SE Melbourne period homes (1960s–1990s) have kitchens in the 8–14m² range. Larger open-plan kitchens in newer estates (Officer, Cranbourne North) run to 20m²+ and increase cabinet and benchtop costs proportionally.
3. Extent of Demo and Prep Work
If the existing kitchen has asbestos-containing materials (common in pre-1990 homes), licensed asbestos removal adds $800–$2,500 to the job. Older homes in Frankston, Mornington and Dandenong frequently have asbestos vinyl flooring under the kitchen lino — always test before demo.
4. Appliance Choices
Switching from gas to induction cooking requires a new 20-amp dedicated electrical circuit ($600–$1,200 extra). Victoria’s gas-to-electric transition incentives may offset some of this cost — check the Victorian Energy Upgrades program for current rebates.
DIY vs Professional Kitchen Renovation
Experienced DIYers can save $3,000–$8,000 by installing flat-pack cabinetry themselves. YouTube tutorials and manufacturer installation guides are comprehensive. However, the following must be done by licensed tradespeople in Victoria: all gas connections and disconnections (licensed gasfitter), electrical circuit installation and modification (licensed electrician), and all plumbing connection changes (licensed plumber).
A realistic DIY-friendly approach: supply the cabinets, do the demolition yourself, install the cabinets, then bring in trades for plumbing, gas and electrical. This captures the biggest labour saving without breaking any laws.
Tips and Gotchas
- Always get 3 quotes. Kitchen renovation quotes in Melbourne vary enormously — we’ve seen identical jobs quoted at $18,000 and $38,000 from different contractors.
- Check for asbestos before demolition — particularly in pre-1990 homes. Budget $200–$400 for a professional asbestos test if you’re unsure.
- Flat-pack timelines: IKEA kitchens require 4–6 weeks lead time for custom ordered items. Don’t book your installer until all boxes have arrived and been checked.
- Stone benchtop measure and template is done after cabinet installation, not before — add 2–3 weeks to your renovation timeline for the benchtop to arrive after templating.
- Don’t tile the splashback before the benchtop is installed — the tiler needs the benchtop surface to work to, or the grout line won’t align.
- Budget 10–15% contingency for hidden surprises — rotted floor sheeting, non-standard plumbing, or mould behind old cabinets are common in SE Melbourne period homes.
- Victorian Energy Upgrades rebates may apply if you’re switching from gas to induction — check before ordering appliances.
- Rangehood compliance: ducted rangehoods exhausting through the roof require penetration flashing and may need a building permit for new penetrations through an external wall.
Local Melbourne Resources
- Victorian Building Authority — Licensed Tradespeople
- Bunnings — Kaboodle Flat-Pack Kitchens
- Victorian Energy Upgrades — Appliance Rebates
- Caesarstone — Stone Benchtop Showrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Melbourne?
A flat-pack kitchen replacement typically takes 5–10 business days on-site once all materials arrive. Semi-custom or custom kitchens run 4–8 weeks from order to completion. Add 2–3 weeks for stone benchtop supply after templating, and allow extra time if asbestos testing or removal is needed.
Do I need a building permit for a kitchen renovation in Victoria?
Most like-for-like kitchen replacements don’t require a building permit if structural walls are unchanged and no new openings are made. However, if you’re opening up a wall, adding a new window, or creating an open-plan layout, a permit may be required. Check with your local council or a registered building surveyor before starting.
What’s the best flat-pack kitchen brand in Australia?
Kaboodle (sold through Bunnings) and IKEA are the two dominant options. Kaboodle is often better for Australian-standard appliance cutouts; IKEA has a broader range of door styles. Kinsman (Harvey Norman) is a third option with similar quality. All three work well with experienced installers.
How much value does a kitchen renovation add to a Melbourne home?
Industry estimates suggest a well-executed kitchen renovation returns $1.50–$2.00 in property value for every $1.00 spent, particularly in Melbourne’s SE suburbs where comparable homes have modern kitchens. However, over-capitalising (spending $60,000 on a kitchen in a $550,000 suburb) rarely pays back in full. Match your renovation spend to your suburb’s price point.
Final Thoughts
Kitchen renovations in Victoria offer some of the best returns of any home improvement — but only when the spend matches the property. A $12,000 flat-pack kitchen with a good stone benchtop in a Cranbourne townhouse will likely out-perform a $60,000 custom kitchen in the same street. Get three quotes, clarify exactly what’s included (especially trades and appliances), and build in a 10–15% contingency. The hidden surprises in SE Melbourne period homes are common enough that budgeting for them upfront prevents nasty mid-reno shocks.
