kitchen renovation
cost guide
A clear breakdown of what kitchen renovations cost — what drives the price, and how we keep every job on a fixed-price contract with no surprises.
Average Kitchen Renovation Costs by Tier
Basic Refresh
- Existing layout retained
- New cabinet doors & benchtop resurfacing
- Paint, minor fixtures & hardware
- Appliances stay in place
Mid-Range
- New cabinetry & benchtops
- Flooring & lighting upgrades
- New appliances
- Minor layout changes
Full / Luxury Renovation
- Complete redesign
- Custom cabinetry & joinery
- High-end appliances
- Structural layout changes, premium finishes
Estimates include labour, materials, demolition, plumbing and electrical coordination. Final pricing is confirmed in a fixed-price quote after an on-site consultation.
What Each Part of Your Kitchen Costs
The biggest swings in price come from the products and finishes you choose, not the size of the room. Here's roughly what different options cost per item:
| Item | Budget Option | Premium Option |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry | Off-the-shelf, standard sizes — from $6,000 | Custom cabinetry, perfect fit & finish — $15,000+ |
| Benchtop | Laminate — approx. $250/lm | Engineered stone — approx. $600+/lm |
| Splashback | Standard tile — from $80/m² | Full-height stone or feature tile — $250+/m² |
| Appliances | Mid-range freestanding — from $3,000 | Premium integrated appliance package — $10,000+ |
| Sink & Tapware | Standard stainless sink & mixer — from $400 | Designer sink & tapware — $1,500+ |
| Flooring | Vinyl — approx. $85/m² | Tiled or engineered timber — approx. $180+/m² |
Supply costs only — labour, plumbing and installation are quoted as part of your fixed-price contract.
Complete Kitchen Renovation Service
Whether you need a full concept-to-completion renovation or a straightforward refresh, we manage the whole job under one fixed-price contract:
Design & Layout Planning
Working through the floor plan, cabinetry layout and flow before pricing is finalised.
Sourcing Materials & Fixtures
Two trusted kitchen suppliers — Palmerston North and locally on the Kāpiti Coast — across budget through to premium ranges.
Project Management
One point of contact coordinating demolition, plumbing, electrical and cabinetry installation.
Licensed Trades
All work carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner.
Consent Management
We handle council consent where structural or layout changes require it.
Fixed-Price Contract
A clear, itemised quote before work begins — no surprises along the way.
What Affects the Cost of a Kitchen Renovation
Cabinetry
Off-the-shelf vs custom-made is the single biggest swing factor in most kitchen budgets.
Layout Changes
Moving plumbing or electrical for a new layout increases both trade time and cost.
Materials & Finishes
Benchtops, splashbacks and hardware range from budget to premium, affecting total cost significantly.
Appliances
Mid-range vs premium brands, and integrated vs freestanding, both move the budget noticeably.
Access & Age of Home
Older homes and difficult-access sites can add cost through rewiring, replumbing or structural repairs.
Labour & Trades
Quality workmanship from licensed builders, plumbers and electricians ensures durability and NZ Building Code compliance.
Typical Cost by Area
| Area | Typical Range | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raumati & Raumati Beach | $18,000 – $50,000+ | Common in older weatherboard & brick-and-tile homes | Get a Quote → |
| Paraparaumu & Paraparaumu Beach | $18,000 – $50,000+ | Wide mix of home ages, our busiest area | Get a Quote → |
| Waikanae & Waikanae Beach | $18,000 – $50,000+ | Mix of inland & beachfront homes | Get a Quote → |
| Ōtaki & Ōtaki Beach | $18,000 – $50,000+ | Includes rural & lifestyle-block properties | Get a Quote → |
| Wellington, Porirua, Lower & Upper Hutt | $20,000 – $50,000+ | Site access & older housing stock can add cost | Get a Quote → |
How to Keep Your Kitchen Renovation on Budget
- Keep plumbing and gas fittings in the same position where possible
- Choose mid-range cabinetry for the best value and durability
- Use a feature splashback in one area instead of full-height premium tiling
- Plan storage early to avoid costly custom joinery changes later
- Allow a contingency for unforeseen issues such as old wiring or plumbing
Kitchen Renovation Cost FAQs
How much does a kitchen renovation cost on the Kāpiti Coast?
A basic refresh keeping the existing layout starts around $18,000–$28,000. Mid-range renovations with new cabinetry and benchtops typically run $28,000–$45,000, and full or luxury renovations with custom joinery and premium appliances start from $50,000+, depending on size, layout changes and finishes.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
Small updates take around 2–3 weeks. Mid-range to full/luxury renovations typically take 4–6 weeks depending on scope and supplier lead times.
Do I need consent for a kitchen renovation?
Consent is usually not required for a like-for-like refit. Structural changes, such as removing a wall to open up the space, typically require building consent. We can advise on your specific project.
Is the quote fixed, or can the price change during the job?
We provide a detailed fixed-price quote before work begins. Price only changes if you request additional scope, or if unforeseen issues (such as old wiring or damaged framing) are found once demolition is underway — these are always discussed with you first.
Do your prices include GST?
Quotes are provided with GST clearly stated, in line with NZ requirements.
Should I choose stock or custom cabinetry?
Stock cabinetry is more affordable and comes in standard sizes — a good option for straightforward layouts. Custom cabinetry costs more but gives a perfect fit, better workmanship and near-unlimited finish and layout options.
What benchtop material is best?
Laminate offers the best value and comes in a wide range of finishes. Engineered stone costs more but offers superior durability, heat resistance and resale appeal. We'll help you weigh cost against look for your kitchen.
Should I move the sink or keep it where it is?
Keeping plumbing fixtures in their existing position keeps costs down. Moving the sink or dishwasher is possible but adds plumbing cost — worth discussing during design if a new layout genuinely works better for how you use the space.
Get an Exact Price for Your Kitchen
Free on-site consultation. Fixed-price quotes. Licensed Building Practitioner.
Get a Free Quote