Melbourne Kitchen Renovation Costs: What to Expect in 2025
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Melbourne, chances are you’re wondering: What’s it going to cost me? How much should you budget? What are the hidden expenses? Is it even worth it?
This guide gives you real answers. Straight numbers. No fluff. No upsell. Just everything you need to plan smart and renovate with confidence.
How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Melbourne?
In 2025, most full kitchen renovations in Melbourne fall into one of three categories:
Entry-Level (Basic Upgrade)
$15,000 – $25,000
Ideal if you're keeping the layout, using flatpack or Kaboodle cabinetry, and making cosmetic changes. Think new benchtops, paint, splashback, and mid-range appliances.
Mid-Range (Full Renovation)
$25,000 – $40,000
This is where most homeowners sit. Custom cabinetry, layout tweaks, better fixtures, stone benchtops, and stylish finishes.
High-End (Designer Kitchens)
$40,000 – $80,000+
Full reconfiguration, butler’s pantry, integrated appliances, premium finishes, soft-close everything. Often includes structural work and lighting design.
Where Your Money Goes
Let’s break it down — no table needed:
1. Cabinetry
Usually your biggest cost. Flatpack is cheaper, but custom-built cabinets give you freedom with space and finishes. Expect this to eat up 30–50% of your budget.
2. Benchtops
Laminate is cheap. Caesarstone or porcelain is not. Waterfall edges, longer runs, and integrated sinks all add cost.
3. Appliances
If you’re reusing your old oven, great. But if you’re upgrading to integrated fridge, double ovens, or cooktops with ventilation hoods — be ready to spend $10k+ here.
4. Plumbing & Electrical
Moving sinks or ovens = moving services. That adds up fast. Budget for rewiring, extra powerpoints, new taps, and sometimes gas relocation.
5. Tiling / Splashbacks
Glass splashbacks are slick, but tiles are timeless. Herringbone or kit-kat tiles? Beautiful — but labour-intensive.
6. Flooring
Timber, tile, hybrid? Each has its pros. If you’re tying into an open plan, flooring costs can blow out fast.
7. Labour / Project Management
This is what keeps your reno on track. Skilled builders and project managers save you from delays, rework, and costly mistakes. Don’t cheap out here.
Hidden Costs You Need to Know
Most blowouts happen because people forget the “invisible” stuff. Like:
Asbestos removal (common in older homes)
Structural beams (if you’re removing walls for open plan)
Temporary kitchen setup
Permit and compliance costs
Waste removal
Factor in a 10–15% buffer above your budget. If you don’t use it, great. But if you need it — you’ll be glad it’s there.
Biggest Factors That Change the Price
1. Layout Changes
If you’re keeping the sink, stove, and fridge in the same place, your costs drop dramatically. Moving them? That’s a whole different ball game.
2. Custom vs Flatpack
Flatpack saves cash, but costs time and flexibility. Custom joinery makes life easier — and adds resale value.
3. Appliance Choices
A $500 oven works. A $4,000 oven works better. Appliances are where budgets either stay lean or blow out.
4. Surface Selections
Tiles or vinyl? Stone or laminate? Push-to-open or handles? These choices affect not just the look — but your budget, timeline, and long-term happiness.
How Long Will a Kitchen Renovation Take?
Most kitchen renovations in Melbourne take 3 to 6 weeks, depending on:
Scope (cosmetic update vs structural changes)
Material delays (custom items take longer)
Trade availability
The bigger risk? Getting stuck without a kitchen for weeks because your builder doesn’t coordinate trades properly. At Bluestone, we schedule every step before demo begins — no gaps, no ghosting.
Renovating for Resale vs Forever Home
If you're selling:
Keep it neutral. Think white or soft grey cabinetry, subway tiles, stone-look benchtops, matte black or brushed nickel tapware. Don’t overcapitalise — just make it clean, modern, and functional.
If you're staying long-term:
Make it yours. Go bolder with colour, lighting, or layout. Add in that hidden pantry, wine fridge, or oversized island — things buyers might not pay for, but you’ll enjoy daily.
Do You Need Permits in Melbourne?
For most internal kitchen renovations, you don’t need a permit — as long as you’re not making structural changes or touching external walls.
But if you’re removing load-bearing walls, changing plumbing locations through concrete slab, or expanding into other rooms, you’ll need to comply with local building codes.
Bluestone handles all this in-house. No council headaches for you.
Design Mistakes That Cost You Later
Don’t fall for Pinterest traps. Here are real-world blunders we see constantly:
Putting the fridge in a corner (door can’t swing properly)
No prep space next to the stove
Cupboards you can’t reach or open fully
Overspending on stone but skimping on drawers
Forgetting where bins go
Installing island benches too close to back cabinets
Want help planning the layout properly? That’s exactly what our consultations are for.
When’s the Best Time to Renovate a Kitchen?
There’s no “perfect” time, but here’s what to know:
End of financial year (June–July) – Great for tax write-offs if you run a business from home
Winter – Less demand = easier to book top trades
Spring – Ideal if you want it done by Christmas
The real key? Book your slot early. Kitchen renos aren’t a one-week turnaround — good builders are booked months in advance.
What Bluestone Build Co. Does Differently
We handle everything — from design to completion
No random tradies showing up late
No vague pricing or “we’ll see how we go”
No headaches for you
Just a straight-up, well-built, beautifully finished kitchen — the kind you don’t have to worry about again for 20 years.
Book Your Kitchen Renovation Consult
We’ll talk you through costs, options, timelines — and give you real advice. No push. No jargon. Just clarity.
