HOW MUCH DOES A KITCHEN RENOVATION COST IN 2026?
Are you daydreaming about renovating or remodelling your kitchen? Whether you’re planning a quick cosmetic refresh, upgrading tired cabinetry and appliances, or dreaming of a full-blown kitchen transformation, there’s one question we know you’re asking:
“How much does a kitchen renovation cost in 2026?”
And honestly? It’s a good question, because kitchen renovation costs have changed over the past few years.
After a period of rising construction costs, labour shortages and supply chain dramas, the good news is that kitchen renovation costs have stabilised heading into 2026. Prices are higher than they were pre-COVID, but they’re now far more predictable — which makes budgeting (and dreaming!) a whole lot easier.
So let’s break it down and talk real numbers.
The 'Cali Cool' Kitchen at Three Birds House 17
HOW MUCH DOES A KITCHEN RENO COST IN 2026?
Like any renovation, the cost of a kitchen reno can vary wildly depending on:
The size of your kitchen
The materials and finishes you choose
The complexity of the design
Where you live
How much structural work is involved
That’s why there’s no single “average” cost - instead, kitchen renovations tend to fall into three main price brackets.
Based on current industry pricing and our experience renovating homes across Australia, here’s what you can expect to pay in 2026:
💰 Budget / Cosmetic Kitchen Renovation
$15,000 – $30,000
💰💰 Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation
$30,000 – $60,000
💰💰💰 High-End / Luxury Kitchen Renovation
$60,000+
These figures assume professional trades, standard metro pricing and no major structural surprises (we’ll get to those later!).
Budget Kitchen Renovation
If your kitchen layout works well and you’re happy with what you’ve got (but it’s looking a little tired) a cosmetic kitchen renovation could be the perfect solution.
This type of renovation focuses on refreshing rather than replacing everything, and might include:
Painting walls or existing cabinetry
Updating cabinet handles and hardware
New sink and tapware
New laminate or budget benchtops
Minor electrical or lighting updates
2026 cost guide: $15,000 - $30,000
While ultra-cheap kitchen makeovers are still possible, they usually rely on:
DIY labour
Keeping existing appliances
Minimal plumbing or electrical work
Flat-pack cabinetry, laminate benchtops and value appliances are still your best friends at this price point.
👉 Think of this as a facelift, not a full makeover - small changes that can make a big visual impact.
Mid Range Kitchen Renovation
This is where most homeowners land — and for good reason.
A mid-range kitchen renovation offers the best balance between cost, quality and design flexibility. It’s ideal if you’re ready to properly update your kitchen without going all-out luxury.
This level typically includes:
New cabinetry (custom or semi-custom)
Engineered stone benchtops
New appliances
Updated splashbacks
Plumbing and electrical upgrades
2026 cost guide: $30,000 - $60,000
At this price point, you can expect noticeable improvements in both functionality and aesthetics - but your budget still needs to work hard. Smart design decisions are key.
HIGH-END Kitchen Renovation
If you’re dreaming of a show-stopping kitchen with premium finishes, custom joinery and luxury appliances, welcome to the high-end bracket.
This level often includes:
Fully custom cabinetry
Natural stone or porcelain benchtops and splashbacks
Premium appliances
Layout changes or structural work
Bespoke storage solutions and joinery details
2026 cost guide: $60,000+
At this level, the sky really is the limit. It’s not just about function, it’s about creating a beautiful, considered space that elevates your entire home.
The Big Ticket Items: Where Does Your Money Go?
Understanding where your money is spent can help you budget smarter and avoid nasty surprises.
CABINETRY
Cabinetry is often the biggest single cost in a kitchen renovation.
Custom cabinetry offers the best fit and finish, but comes at a premium
Flat-pack cabinetry is more budget-friendly, especially if you can DIY installation
Expect cabinetry to take up around 30–40% of your total kitchen renovation cost in 2026.
Benchtops & Splashbacks
Benchtops and splashbacks set the tone for your kitchen, and can dramatically affect the budget.
Laminate = budget-friendly
Engineered stone = popular mid-range choice
Porcelain or natural stone = premium
Prices can vary by thousands, so always get multiple quotes and consider how you actually use your kitchen.
Appliances
Appliance costs vary hugely depending on brand and inclusions.
Mid-range appliances offer excellent value for most households, while premium appliances (think steam ovens, integrated fridges and pot-fillers) are best saved for splurge budgets.
YOUR TRADIE DREAM TEAM
Labour remains the biggest cost driver in kitchen renovations.
You’ll likely need:
Builders
Plumbers
Electricians
Tilers
Painters
Cabinetmakers and stonemasons
In 2026, labour generally accounts for 40–50% of your total kitchen renovation cost.
💡 Tip: Keeping your existing kitchen layout can significantly reduce plumbing and electrical costs.
Planning and Permits
If your renovation is purely cosmetic, you may not need council approval. However, if you’re:
Knocking down walls
Moving plumbing
Adding windows or doors
You’ll likely need permits.
2026 permit costs:
Typically $500 – $2,000+, depending on your council and project scope.
Always check with your local council or builder before starting work.
Budget Buffers: Expect the Unexpected in Kitchen Renovations!
Renovations rarely go exactly to plan, and kitchens are no exception.
We always recommend setting aside a 10–20% contingency to cover surprises like:
Hidden water damage
Old wiring
Last-minute design upgrades
Trust us - that buffer will save your sanity!
Three Birds House 12 - Kitchen in Progress
Three Birds House 13 - Kitchen in Progress
CAN YOU STILL RENOVATE A KITCHEN FOR UNDER $10k?
You might remember a few years back when our friends at Dulux set us the challenge to totally transform a kitchen, using their Renovation Range of paint. But, there was a catch… this kitchen renovation project needed to be unbelievable, unrecognisable and wait for it… under $10k!
We gladly accepted the challenge and set to work to bring a daggy old kitchen back to life. The biggest cost by far was the $3k in labour for our painters. We leave the big jobs to the experts, but you could certainly DIY at home to save money. And then there was the $1,240 on the new sink… take those items out and we’d be down to under $5k!
The stools were our best bargain basement buy - we found these beauties at Kmart for only $70. Lucky for us, the kitchen floor was fine as it was and didn’t need updating, which saved costs on both paint and labour. A good tip to remember if you’re doing a kitchen makeover on a shoestring budget - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Check out the final budget… UNDER $10k!
You can see more before and after pictures and watch this transformation here.
BEFORE: Three Birds Under $10k Makeover
But is this still possible to renovate a kitchen for under $10k in 2026?
Yes… but it’s the exception, not the norm.
Ultra-low-budget kitchen makeovers in 2026 usually rely on:
DIY labour
Minimal trades
Painting instead of replacing
Keeping existing layouts, floors and appliances
They can look amazing, but they require time, effort and realistic expectations.
Three Birds’ Tips for a Dream Kitchen ON ANY Budget
We’ve been around the block (or kitchen!) a few times, and we’ve picked up some savvy tips along the way to help you create your dream kitchen - no matter your budget.
Knowledge is Power
Would you tackle a gourmet meal without knowing how to cook? Nope! The same goes for kitchen renovations. Our Kitchen Bootcamp, brought to you by Three Birds Reno School, will give you all the know-how you need to design, plan, and budget for your dream kitchen. We’ll help you avoid the common pitfalls that can lead to budget blowouts and unnecessary stress. All in as little as 48 hours!
Mix Bougie with Budget
Champagne taste on a beer budget? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. You don’t need to go all out on every single element to create a luxe kitchen. It’s totally possible to achieve a designer look without the designer price tag - here are our top 3 things to splurge and save on:
SPLURGE
Quality Appliances
Investing in reliable, high-performance appliances can make cooking and entertaining a pleasure.
Benchtops
A durable, high-quality benchtop can not only elevate the look of your kitchen but also ensure longevity. It’s one of those surfaces you’ll appreciate every day.
Cabinetry
Good quality cabinets will last longer and add a polished look to your kitchen, and you’ll be grateful for the storage and organisation they provide.
SAVE
Splashback
You can achieve a luxe look with affordable tiles or simple subway tiles, which are stylish but cost-effective.
Lighting Fixtures
While lighting is important, you can find affordable options that still look stunning. Choose well-priced fixtures that make a statement without breaking the bank.
Hardware
Cabinet handles and knobs are an easy area to save on without compromising on style. You can find budget-friendly options to supply to your cabinetmaker.
Shop Smarter with Dream Discounts
Shopping smart can save you thousands of dollars on your kitchen reno. With our Three Birds Dream Discount Card, you can access exclusive savings on everything from cabinetry to tiles, tapware and benchtops. It’s the perfect way to make your budget stretch further and get the kitchen of your dreams for less.
The Bottom Line
So, how much does a kitchen renovation cost in 2026?
👉 It depends! But there’s an option for every budget.
A kitchen renovation is an investment in your home and your lifestyle. It’s where meals are made, conversations happen, and memories are created. Whether you’re working with a modest budget or going all-out luxury, a well-designed kitchen can add serious value and joy to your home.
Our biggest tip?
👉 Get multiple quotes, plan thoroughly, and design with intention.
That dream kitchen? It might be closer than you think.
