How Much Do Kitchen Renovations Cost in 2026?

In 2026, a kitchen renovation in Perth can cost anywhere from around $10,000 for a simple cosmetic refresh to $55,000 or more for a full renovation. Premium custom kitchens can run well above that. The final cost depends on the size of your kitchen, whether you change the layout, and how much you spend on cabinets, benchtops, appliances, trades and finishes.

I’ve experienced this firsthand. When I renovated my kitchen in 2020, I quickly realised how important it is to set a realistic budget before choosing products. Since then, I’ve revisited the kitchen renovation market to see how costs have changed, and the biggest lesson is clear: the more you can control cabinetry, layout changes and trade work, the easier it is to keep the total cost down.

This guide breaks down the main kitchen renovation cost tiers, what different budgets can usually cover, where the money goes, and how to avoid the hidden costs that catch many homeowners out. It also explains how Ross’s pre-assembled kitchen cabinets can help Perth renovators reduce costs without moving into a fully custom kitchen price bracket.

The Average Cost of a Kitchen Renovation in 2026

Most kitchen renovations fall into three broad cost tiers. These are planning ranges, not fixed prices, but they give you a useful starting point before you speak to trades or start choosing products.

Renovation Type	Typical Cost	What’s Included
Budget / cosmetic refresh	$10,000 – $20,000	New benchtops, doors, handles and appliances, with no layout, plumbing or electrical changes
Mid-range full renovation	$20,000 – $55,000	New cabinets, benchtops, appliances and tiling, plus plumbing and electrical work
Premium / custom	$55,000 – $120,000+	Island, scullery, integrated appliances, custom joinery and higher-end finishes

A mid-range full renovation covers many Perth projects, but the final number depends on scope. A kitchen that keeps the same layout and uses pre-assembled cabinetry can sit well below a custom renovation that moves plumbing, changes walls or adds a scullery.

According to Houzz’s 2023 Houzz & Home Australia study, kitchens remain the top focus during renovations, with 33% of homeowners prioritising kitchen upgrades. That study put the national median spend at around $30,000. Treat that as a reference point, not a fixed Perth price, because local labour, product choices and layout changes can move the total quickly.

The key takeaway is simple: decide what level of renovation you are actually doing before you set your budget. A refresh, a full renovation and a custom kitchen are different projects, and they should not be priced as though they are the same thing.

What Different Kitchen Renovation Budgets Can Get You

Cost ranges are useful, but they only become practical when you understand what each budget can realistically cover. The table below gives a plain-English guide to what different kitchen renovation budgets usually allow for.

Budget	What It Can Usually Cover	Best Suited To
Around $15,000	Pre-assembled cabinets, a benchtop, careful product choices and DIY cabinet installation, with only key trades brought in as needed	Budget-conscious renovators who can keep the layout simple and handle parts of the project themselves
Around $30,000	A more complete renovation with cabinets, benchtops, splashback tiles, appliances and some trade work	Homeowners replacing most major kitchen elements without going fully custom
$55,000+	Custom joinery, premium finishes, more extensive trade work, layout changes, islands or sculleries	Larger kitchens, high-end renovations or projects involving major changes

At Ross’s, a typical kitchen including pre-assembled cabinets and benchtop often comes in around $15,000 when customers install the cabinets themselves and only bring in the plumber and electrician. That is not the average price of a fully trade-installed Perth kitchen. It is what can be achieved when you choose modular, pre-assembled cabinetry and keep the project tightly planned.

How to Determine Your Kitchen Renovation Budget?

The median cost of a kitchen renovation provides a helpful guide, but it will not apply to every home. Your budget should reflect the value of your property, the size of the kitchen, the quality of finishes and how much work you are changing behind the scenes.

Rule of Thumb for Renovating a Kitchen

As a rough guide, many renovators plan to spend around 3% to 8% of the home’s value on a kitchen renovation. For a $900,000 home, that would put the broad planning range between $27,000 and $72,000. This is only a guide, but it helps you avoid spending well beyond what the property can support.

If you prefer a per-square-metre method, hipages suggests budgeting between $2,300 and $4,600 per square metre. That figure can help with early planning, but it still needs to be checked against your actual layout, trades and product selections.

One WA-specific point worth factoring in early: larger kitchen renovations may trigger registered builder or owner-builder requirements, especially once project value passes relevant thresholds. Check the current rules before you finalise your budget. Our guide to kitchen renovations in Perth covers the permit side in more detail.

Avoid Overcapitalising on Your New Kitchen

Keep your renovation budget realistic. Spending more than the kitchen will add in value can lead to overcapitalising, especially if you choose premium finishes in a home that does not need them. A good budget balances function, finish quality and resale sense.

For more help setting your budget, read our blog post on how to calculate kitchen renovation costs.

Breaking Down Kitchen Renovation Costs for 2026

When planning a kitchen renovation budget, break the total into clear categories. As a rough guide, the largest share usually goes to materials, followed by labour and design. The exact split will vary depending on how much work you do yourself and whether you choose pre-assembled, flat-pack or custom cabinetry.

Kitchen Design Costs

Design costs often sit around 5% to 10% of a renovation budget when you engage a designer, architect or planner. These costs may include layout planning, functionality advice, major structural design or council permit application support if approvals are required.

You can reduce or remove kitchen designer fees by using Ross’s free planning options. Use our 3D Kitchen Planner to build your layout from home, or book a free in-store appointment with Fiona, our kitchen and laundry cabinet specialist. Fiona can help you plan your kitchen using our pre-assembled cabinets and practical product advice at no extra cost.

Kitchen Renovation Material Costs

Materials usually take the largest share of a kitchen renovation budget. Cabinetry is often the biggest single cost, followed by benchtops, appliances, splashback tiles, flooring and tapware.

• Cabinetry: Usually one of the largest costs. Pre-assembled kitchen cabinets can reduce the price compared with custom joinery.
• Benchtops: Laminate is usually budget-friendly, while porcelain, sintered stone and natural stone sit higher.
• Splashback tiles: A small area with strong visual impact, often one of the more affordable ways to update the room.
• Flooring: Hybrid flooring and porcelain tiles are popular practical options.
• Tapware and appliances: Costs vary depending on brand, features and finish.
• Windows, doors, walls and ceilings: These can add cost if the renovation becomes a wider room upgrade.

Material choices are where many homeowners can save without making the kitchen feel cheap. Choosing affordable, durable products from Ross’s, such as kitchen cabinets, benchtops, splashback tiles, hybrid flooring, tapware and appliances, can help stretch the budget further.

Kitchen Renovation Labour Costs

Labour is another major cost, especially if the project includes demolition, plumbing, electrical work, tiling, cabinet installation or layout changes. The more trades involved, the more important it is to plan the sequence before work begins.

• Demolition and removal: Taking out the old kitchen and preparing the room.
• Skip bin hire: Disposing of old cabinets, benchtops, tiles and packaging.
• Plumbing and electrical work: Costs rise if you move fixtures, add outlets or upgrade services.
• Tiling and flooring labour: Can vary depending on tile size, pattern, substrate and preparation.
• Cabinet installation: Custom joinery usually carries more labour than pre-assembled cabinetry.

In Perth, trades can be in high demand, and waiting several weeks for a licensed plumber or electrician is not unusual. Book them early. Keeping your sink, cooktop and power points in similar positions is one of the simplest ways to reduce labour costs and avoid delays.

Hidden Kitchen Renovation Costs to Allow For

The headline cost of a kitchen renovation rarely tells the whole story. Many budget blowouts come from smaller items that were not allowed for early enough.

• Demolition and disposal: Old cabinets, benchtops, tiles and appliances need to be removed and disposed of.
• Plumbing changes: Moving the sink, dishwasher or fridge water point can add trade costs quickly.
• Electrical upgrades: New appliances, lighting, power points and rangehoods may need additional electrical work.
• Tiling and surface preparation: Uneven walls or floors can increase the cost of splashback or flooring installation.
• Delivery and handling: Large cabinets, benchtops and appliances may carry delivery or handling costs.
• Permits and approvals: Some projects may need approvals or registered builder involvement.
• Contingency: Allow a buffer for surprises once the old kitchen is removed.

A sensible contingency is not wasted money. It gives you breathing room if a wall needs extra preparation, an appliance needs a different connection or a trade cost comes in higher than expected.

What Is the Most Expensive Part of a Kitchen Renovation?

The most expensive part of a kitchen renovation is usually the cabinetry. Cabinetry can take a large share of the total budget because it affects storage, layout, finish, hardware and installation. Custom cabinetry costs the most because it is measured, built and installed for one specific kitchen.

Why Are Cabinets So Expensive?

• Materials used: Solid timber, higher-grade board, specialty finishes and premium hardware increase the cost.
• Customisation: Custom cabinets are made to suit exact dimensions, which adds design, labour and production time.
• Hardware and features: Soft-close hinges, pull-out shelving, drawer inserts and organisers add to the total.
• Labour and installation: Custom cabinetry takes skilled labour to measure, build, deliver and install.

How to Save Money on New Kitchen Cabinets

New kitchen cabinets do not have to strain your renovation budget. At Ross’s, our kitchen cabinets start from $220 including GST, with a standard 450mm base cabinet at $380. That shows the difference between buying pre-assembled cabinets and going fully custom.

With our range of modular options, including base cabinets, wall cabinets and pantry cabinets, you can design a functional kitchen that suits your space and budget. Because our cabinets arrive pre-assembled, much of the alignment is done at the factory, not on your kitchen floor. They’re made from HMR board with a durable, scratch-resistant 2-pack epoxy finish, so you get a consistent result without custom-cabinet pricing.

Most Ross’s kitchens I see land around the $15,000 mark for cabinets and benchtop, and the reason is usually the same: the homeowner installs the pre-assembled cabinets themselves and only brings in a plumber and electrician. A full Perth kitchen completed entirely through trades will usually sit much higher, so the saving depends on how much of the project you are prepared to manage yourself.

Other High-Cost Elements to Watch

Cabinetry is usually the biggest single cost, but it is not the only area that can push a kitchen renovation budget higher.

• Benchtops: Natural stone and porcelain typically cost between $500 and $2,500 per square metre, well above laminate, especially once fabrication and installation are included.
• Appliances: Premium ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, dishwashers and refrigeration can add $5,000 to $15,000 or more to the budget.
• Labour: Plumbers, electricians and tilers charge more where the layout changes or the job is complex. It pays to understand current Perth tiling rates before requesting quotes.
• Flooring and tiles: Hardwood, porcelain tiles and hybrid flooring typically run $100 to $200 per square metre, depending on material and installation complexity.
• Layout changes: Moving walls, plumbing or electrical services can turn a straightforward renovation into a much bigger project.

Tips for Managing Kitchen Renovation Costs

A lower-cost kitchen does not have to mean a poor result. The goal is to spend where it matters and avoid paying for work that does not improve the way the kitchen functions.

• Prioritise must-have features: Start with cabinets, benchtops, appliances and practical storage before adding extras.
• Choose durable mid-range materials: Laminate, porcelain, sintered stone, tiles and hybrid flooring can give you a strong finish without premium custom pricing.
• Keep the layout efficient: Leaving plumbing and electrical points close to their existing positions is one of the easiest ways to control labour costs.
• DIY where possible: Painting, simple removal work or installing pre-assembled cabinets can reduce labour costs if you have the skill and confidence.
• Plan for hidden costs: Allow for demolition, disposal, small trade changes, delivery and contingency.
• Use free design tools: Use Ross’s 3D Kitchen Planner or book a free consultation with Fiona, our in-store kitchen and laundry cabinet specialist.

Traditional silica-heavy engineered stone can no longer be supplied or installed in Australia following the national ban that took effect on 1 July 2024. For new benchtops, compliant options include laminate, porcelain, sintered stone and natural stone. For official information, see Safe Work Australia’s engineered stone ban information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Perth?

A kitchen renovation in Perth usually costs between $10,000 and $55,000, depending on the scope. A cosmetic refresh starts around $10,000, a mid-range full renovation runs $20,000 to $55,000, and premium kitchens go higher again. At Ross’s, a kitchen with pre-assembled cabinets and a benchtop can often land around $15,000 when you handle the cabinet installation yourself.

What Is the Most Expensive Part of a Kitchen Renovation?

The most expensive part of a kitchen renovation is usually the cabinetry. Custom cabinets cost the most because they are measured, built and installed for one specific room. Pre-assembled cabinets bring that cost down while still giving you a consistent finish and practical storage.

Can You Renovate a Kitchen for Under $20,000?

Yes, you can renovate a kitchen for under $20,000 if you keep the existing layout, choose pre-assembled cabinets, control appliance costs and handle some work yourself. The main savings come from avoiding custom joinery and reducing trade labour where it is safe and practical to do so.

How Much of a Kitchen Budget Should Go to Materials?

Materials usually take the largest share of a kitchen renovation budget, but the exact percentage depends on the project. Cabinetry, benchtops, splashbacks, flooring, tapware and appliances all sit in this category. Choosing affordable, durable materials is one of the easiest ways to stretch your budget.

Is Engineered Stone Still Allowed for Kitchen Benchtops?

Traditional silica-heavy engineered stone can no longer be supplied or installed in Australia following the national ban that started on 1 July 2024. Existing installed engineered stone can remain in place. For new benchtops, porcelain, sintered stone, laminate and natural stone are common alternatives.

What Hidden Costs Should I Allow For?

Common hidden kitchen renovation costs include demolition, skip bin hire, plumbing changes, electrical upgrades, tiling preparation, delivery, approvals and contingency. These costs are easy to miss because they are not always part of the cabinet or product quote, but they can affect the final budget significantly.

What a Kitchen Renovation Really Costs

Kitchen renovation costs in 2026 range from around $10,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $55,000 or more for a full renovation, with premium custom kitchens sitting higher again. The biggest drivers are cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, trade work, layout changes and finish quality.

The biggest savings usually come from two decisions: choosing pre-assembled cabinets instead of custom joinery, and keeping the layout simple so you limit plumbing and electrical changes. If you are comfortable managing parts of the project yourself, a Ross’s kitchen with cabinets and benchtop can often come in around the $15,000 mark.

As you plan your renovation, start with your budget, decide what level of renovation you really need, and compare products before committing to trades. Visit Ross’s Discount Home Centre or start with our 3D Kitchen Planner to explore affordable, practical kitchen options for your Perth home.