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What changes the cost of a kitchen renovation?
A cosmetic update might keep the cabinets and layout and replace the doors, paint or splashback. A full replacement includes new cabinetry and worktops and may involve appliances, flooring and changes to services. For current planning ranges by project size and finish, use our kitchen cost guide. Then use the checklist below to turn that allowance into a quote brief.
Separate the budget into work you can compare
- Strip-out and preparation. Include removal of old cabinets and appliances, disposal, protection for adjoining rooms and repairs after the strip-out.
- Cabinets and benchtops. List the layout, finishes and hardware. Check for delivery, installation, joins and cut-outs for the sink or cooktop.
- Appliances and finishes. List exact appliance models where possible and confirm who supplies and installs them. Include flooring, splashback, lighting, painting and any plaster repairs.
- Services. Mark which plumbing, electrical or gas points need moving. Ask how that work is priced and who will organise it.
Find out who coordinates the trades
A cabinetmaker can quote the cabinetry. Ask whether they also arrange the benchtop template, trades and finishing work. If you’re booking separate contractors, write down who measures, who installs, and who returns after the cabinets and benchtop are fitted. Ask what needs to be ready before each visit so you can spot gaps between quotes.
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Compare a supply-only quote with a full renovation quote
Say one contractor prices cabinets and a benchtop, and another also includes removal, installation and trade connections. Ask for the first quote’s missing work to be priced before comparing totals. Ask the second contractor to identify any fixtures or appliances you still need to buy.
| Line to compare | What to get in writing |
|---|---|
| Cabinets and benchtop | Materials, hardware, delivery, fitting and cut-outs. |
| Appliances and connections | Who supplies each model and who disconnects and reconnects plumbing, power or gas. |
| Strip-out and finishes | Removal, disposal, splashback, flooring and making good after the old kitchen comes out. |
| Allowances and GST | The amount included for any undecided item, what changes if you exceed it and whether the total includes GST. |
Check allowances and changes before you accept a quote
Give each contractor the same layout and product list. Ask what’s a fixed price and what’s an allowance, such as a benchtop material you haven’t chosen. Compare totals including GST and check how extra work will be priced if the strip-out exposes damage. Ask who handles waste, when the kitchen will be out of use and how the contractor will document changes before starting them. The NSW Government’s guide to getting renovation quotes has a checklist for writing a brief.