How much does it cost to Renovate a Kitchen?

As expert renovators in Auckland, Whenever we at Trade Guys meet a potential new kitchen renovation client, their first question is, “How much does a kitchen renovation cost?”

There are many things that will influence a kitchen project’s cost. From basic construction issues, such as repairing walls, to client selections for custom cabinets, appliances and everything else, to whether or not to plan on moving things around or adding space, there are many variables that come into play.

Generally speaking there are 3 three types of kitchen renovations. The first we’ll call basic, but it’s anything but. The second is a little more upmarket, and the third is high end.

The Basic Kitchen Renovation

This kitchen renovation is proof that basic doesn’t mean boring. The colours, sense of fun and attention to detail all contribute to a kitchen that is a joy to use.

A $10,000 to $20,000 kitchen renovation (done by kitchen designers and tradesmen) normally has:1. The same structure as your current kitchen. By keeping the appliances and fixtures in the same locations and keeping the space intact, there’s no need to adjust locations for the plumbing and electrical.

2. Simple lighting. In most Auckland kitchens & homes, the traditional recessed lights might be nice, but updating light fixtures will illuminate the space efficiently and inexpensively (each recessed light will typically hold only a 60-watt bulb, whereas a decorative fixture can have 120, 180 or even more total watts). Increased light in the kitchen can make a remarkable difference.

3. Basic appliances. No built-in appliances, built in dishwasher drawers, wine coolers, hidden microwave cabinets and so on.

4. Ceramic tile backsplash and vinyl flooring. Whether it’s the backsplash, flooring or other surfaces, using basic and inexpensive materials will help you keep costs down. Simple and straightforward white ceramic tile works well as a backsplash, and a vinyl floor can make a real design statement.

If you don’t like it or don’t have the budget for ceramic tile, try using a simple laminate 150mm tall backsplash and paint the rest. Just use a durable, easy-to-clean paint. And for the floor, try sheet goods such as linoleum.

5. Resurfacing cabinetry or replacing kitchen doors. Keep your costs down by reusing the existing cabinets. Maybe some resurfacing or new doors or a few new cabinets (Have a look at your local DIY store for ‘Flat-pack’ cabinets) are all that you need to get the function and style you’re looking for. Have a look at your existing cabinets to assess their condition, size and whether it makes sense for them to be resurfaced. After all, it wouldn’t make sense to resurface or put new doors on cabinet boxes that were damaged beyond simple repair.

6. Stylish details. With touches such as glass at the cabinet doors, you can incorporate a lot of style at a minimal cost.

7. Laminate counters. Laminates have developed quite a bit over the past few years. With better designs and photo printing, it’s easy to save the money and use laminate. Another low-cost option for a countertop is ceramic tile, especially if you do the installation yourself.

The Mid- to Upper-Range Kitchen Renovation

What if the existing kitchen layout doesn’t work? Maybe you want more space because you really love to bake and want a place to roll and cut out all that pastry. Or a kitchen island is something you’ve always wanted so that friends and family can be entertained as you display your culinary skills.

A $20,000 to $60,000 kitchen renovation might include:1. A total rework of the space. Everything, including the kitchen sink, may need to be moved, which means new plumbing, electrical, extraction and so on.

2. Professional appliances. From the double door full sized plumbed in stainless steel fridge to the 8 burner cooktop to the double convection ovens, this kitchen is all about creating wonderful meals.

3. Custom kitchen island. And if you want a kitchen island, why not make it a large solid piece of furniture? It’s a perfect place for the kids to sit and do homework while the evening meal is being prepared and the perfect place to share a few wines with friends as you cook up some nibbles while the boys are watching the big game.

4. Custom cabinetry. Beaded, inset doors with a custom stain and glaze in nonstandard sizes with all the accessories make for a beautiful and functional kitchen at a cost.

5. Designer hardware. Forget about using the weekly bargain knobs and handles from the large DIY stores. Take the time to find the pieces that are different and appealing from specialist suppliers. After all, you will be using these things constantly.

6. Wood flooring. Wood and wood laminates or porcelain tile or a stone floor will be more costly than a vinyl tile or sheet, but the results, look and feel are certainly superior.

7. Stone benchtops and a glass tile backsplash. A manufactured stone or natural stone material such as granite will certainly be more costly than a laminate top. For some, the look and feel of these materials is worth the extra cost. And while laminate may start to look used and nicked up in a few years, stone will be fresh and new looking for years, even decades, after first being installed.

8. Custom storage. With custom cabinets, you don’t have to settle for what’s stocked at the DIY store. So if you want a cabinet designed to handle small appliances with drop-down doors that become extra counter space, or hide some of those appliances, custom is the only way to go.

The high end Kitchen Renovation

If custom cabinetry, built-in refrigeration and mood lighting are all must-haves, you’re talking high style and the price tag that goes with it. This kitchen is for real chefs. It would be a shame to be surrounded by all this gorgeous stuff and not use it.

A $60000 -$100,000+ kitchen renovation might include:

1. A total rework of the space. Just as with the mid- to upper-range kitchen, don’t be surprised if everything, including the kitchen sink, gets moved, which means new plumbing, electrical, extraction and so on. Often, you are gutting the space and starting from scratch.

2. Architectural consistency & Professional Kitchen Designers. A tall ceiling with beaded finish, crown moldings, leaded glass windows, authentic baseboard and casing, plus other architectural details ensure that the kitchen space will visually connect with and feel like a part of the rest of the house after the renovation is done.

3. Rich materials and accessories. Solid Wood floors, marble counters, a chandelier and an commercial residential appliances from Germany will all contribute to the high-end style and elegance you’re after.

4. Custom cabinetry throughout. Well-made, hand-crafted and beautifully finished cabinetry in custom sizes will make your kitchen uniquely yours.

5. A stove and Rangehood that a TV chef would be proud of. Sure it’s the cost of a small (or even a large) luxury car, but why not have a German, hand assembled and custom built stove to an owner’s specification. It has style, beauty and function all in one. Do you or your family like Pizza? A genuine stylish Italian Pizza oven will cost you over NZ $30,000 + installation.

6. Stone or Glass Mosaic Splashback. Reinforce the special nature of the kitchen with a backsplash that draws attention to it.

7. Furniture style. From the solid custom kitchen island to the pantry doors, these details let you know that the cabinetry doesn’t have to look like cabinetry. Of course, we still want all of the accessories that make the cabinetry efficient, but that’s on the inside. So make the exterior appropriate to the style and age of the surrounding house.

8. Built-in appliances that hide behind panel doors. Custom wood panels that match the cabinetry conceal the bigger appliances and give a clean sleek look to the kitchen.

9. Beautiful details. A farmhouse-style sink and a faucet that looks as if it could have been original to the house all add to the period charm. And the edge of the stone counter makes for an elegant top. Of course you’ll pay more for these details and the high-quality plumbing fixtures, but that cost will ensure the renovated kitchen is not only a joy to use, but a visual treat as well.

10. Kitchen Lighting Plan. Have a lighting plan done by professionals that incorporates general lighting, mood lighting and under cabinet LED lighting to enhance your cooking, but make your kitchen a visual feast as well.

Do you need more advice on how much your kitchen renovation will cost? Give us a call 0800 33 66 77