Kitchen renovations are one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to a home — and one of the most complex. More trades are involved, lead times on cabinetry can add weeks to the schedule, and the specification range is wider than almost any other room. This guide will help you understand what a kitchen renovation realistically costs in NSW in 2026.
Quick answer: Kitchen renovations in NSW start from $22,000 for a standard kitchen and range to $80,000+ for a large premium kitchen. Most mid-range kitchens land between $28,000 and $45,000 fully installed.
Kitchen Renovation Pricing NSW 2026
| Kitchen type | Standard finish | Mid-range finish | Premium finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (<12 linear metres) | $22,000–$28,000 | $30,000–$40,000 | $45,000+ |
| Standard kitchen (12–18 linear metres) | $28,000–$38,000 | $40,000–$55,000 | $60,000+ |
| Large / open-plan kitchen | $38,000–$52,000 | $55,000–$75,000 | $80,000+ |
| Kitchen + butler's pantry | $45,000–$60,000 | $65,000–$90,000 | $100,000+ |
What's included in a complete kitchen quote: Demolition and disposal, cabinetry (supply and install), benchtop fabrication and fitting, splashback (tiled or stone), plumbing (sink, dishwasher, gas if applicable), electrical (lighting, power points, rangehood), appliance installation, and final clean.
The Biggest Cost Drivers in a Kitchen Renovation
Cabinetry
Cabinetry is typically the single largest line item in any kitchen renovation — often 35–45% of the total cost. The choice between flat-pack, semi-custom and fully custom painted cabinetry is one of the most significant decisions you'll make.
- Flat-pack (IKEA, Kaboodle): $4,000–$9,000 supply — functional but limited in quality and customisation
- Semi-custom imported: $9,000–$18,000 supply — wider range, better quality, less bespoke
- Australian-made custom painted: $18,000–$40,000+ supply — superior quality, longevity, fully tailored
For Southern Highlands homes — particularly heritage properties in Bowral and Berrima — we recommend Australian-made cabinetry that can be precisely tailored to non-standard ceiling heights, bay windows and period details.
Benchtops
Benchtops are a highly visible element and a major price variable:
- Laminate: $800–$2,000 supply — budget-friendly, durable
- Reconstituted stone (Caesarstone, Silestone): $2,500–$6,000 supply — popular mid-range choice
- Natural stone (marble, granite, quartzite): $5,000–$18,000+ supply — premium, unique, requires maintenance
- Porcelain slab: $4,000–$10,000 supply — increasingly popular, very durable
Appliances
Appliances are often excluded from cabinetry quotes and can add significantly to the total. A realistic mid-range appliance package (oven, cooktop, rangehood, dishwasher) runs $4,000–$12,000 supplied. Premium European appliances (Miele, Gaggenau, Wolf) can add $20,000–$50,000 to a project.
Want a real number for your kitchen?
We visit your property and provide a fixed-price quote.
Kitchen Renovation Timeline
Kitchen renovations take longer than bathrooms — primarily because of cabinetry lead times. Here's a realistic schedule:
- Design and quote: 1–2 weeks
- Cabinetry manufacture (custom): 6–10 weeks lead time
- Demolition: 1–2 days on site
- Rough-in (plumbing, electrical): 3–4 days
- Cabinetry installation: 3–5 days
- Benchtop templating and fabrication: 1–2 weeks after cabinetry
- Splashback and fit-off: 2–3 days
- Total on-site time: 3–5 weeks (total project from sign-off: 10–16 weeks)
Kitchen Renovations in the Southern Highlands
Kitchen renovations in the Southern Highlands carry some unique considerations compared to Sydney projects:
- Heritage homes often have non-standard layouts, low ceilings or load-bearing walls that limit reconfiguration
- Open-plan kitchen/living renovations are particularly popular in the Highlands — many clients extend into the living area to create a genuine entertainer's space
- Gas vs induction — many Highlands properties have existing gas connections; we work with both
- Timber species and finishes — clients in the Highlands tend toward warmer tones, timber accents and natural stone that suit the regional aesthetic
Return on Investment
Kitchen renovations deliver strong ROI across both the Southern Highlands and Sydney markets:
- A $32,000 standard kitchen typically adds $45,000–$60,000 in property value
- A $55,000 premium kitchen in a quality Bowral or Burradoo home often adds $80,000–$110,000
- Kitchen + bathroom renovation packages consistently outperform individual rooms in terms of total return
Ready to start planning?
Free consultation across the Southern Highlands and Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in NSW in 2026?
Kitchen renovations in NSW start from $22,000 for a standard kitchen. Most mid-range kitchens cost $28,000–$45,000 fully installed. Premium and large open-plan kitchens run $55,000–$100,000+.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
Total project time from sign-off is typically 10–16 weeks, with 3–5 weeks on-site. Custom cabinetry manufacture accounts for most of the lead time.
What's included in a kitchen renovation quote?
A complete quote includes demolition, cabinetry, benchtop, splashback, plumbing, electrical, appliance installation and final clean. Always confirm appliances are included — many quotes exclude them.
Are kitchen renovations more expensive in the Southern Highlands?
Not significantly. Costs are broadly comparable to Sydney outer suburbs. Custom cabinetry and stone benchtop pricing is consistent across both regions.
Do you provide fixed-price quotes for kitchen renovations?
Yes, always. Every quote is fixed-price with a detailed scope. No surprises, no scope creep.