The 7 Hidden Costs of Kitchen Renovations You Probably Didn’t Budget For
A kitchen renovation should feel exciting—not like a budget spiral you never saw coming.
Yet most Melbourne homeowners are blindsided by costs they didn’t expect, and worse—weren’t warned about. If you’re planning a mid to high-end kitchen renovation in 2025, here’s what can derail your budget—and how Bluestone Build Co. helps you avoid it.
1. Appliance Installation Isn’t Always Included
Yes, even if the quote mentions "appliances supplied."
Integration, cabinetry resizing, rewiring and fitting often add thousands in labour if not scoped early.
2. Moving Plumbing = Big Money
Changing your layout from a galley to an island kitchen? That sink relocation could mean new trenching, waste pipes, and waterproofing—fast money burn.
3. Structural Surprises
Especially in older homes (like many in Brighton and Bayside), once you strip plaster, hidden framing issues, damaged joists, or old electricals can add unplanned costs.
4. Stone Waste Factor
Natural stone benchtops are cut from slabs—if your design isn’t optimised, you could waste up to 40% of the material, which you’ll still pay for.
5. Low-Quality Quotes That Skip Project Management
Some contractors quote low because they skip the most important part: coordination. Without it, timelines blow out, trades clash, and mistakes multiply—all at your expense.
6. Lighting + Electrical is Always Underrated
Three downlights won’t cut it in a premium kitchen.
LED strip lighting, pendant wiring, and appliance loads all require smart planning early on—or you’ll pay twice to retrofit it later.
7. Rubbish Removal, Clean-Up, and Site Prep
“Demo” doesn’t always mean removal. Neither does “site clean.”
Factor in skip hire, tipping fees, and final cleans—especially in stricter councils like Bayside.
Final Thought:
Kitchen renovations are complex. But they don’t have to be chaotic.
At Bluestone Build Co., we manage the entire process—from layout planning and quoting to final clean—so there are no surprise costs, no guesswork, and no regrets.
Want total clarity before you spend a cent?
👉 [Book a free consultation] with Bluestone Build Co. and get a transparent breakdown of what your kitchen will really cost—before anyone picks up a hammer.
