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The Complete Kitchen Renovation Guide (Australia 2025)

by Corey Douglas | 16/04/2025

Thinking about giving your kitchen a major upgrade? This guide is your ultimate companion for renovating your kitchen the smart way — packed with practical tips, real costs, common pitfalls, expert insights, and modern tools to help you get started instantly and get it right from day one.


Why Kitchen Renovations Are Worth Every Cent

Kitchens are the heart of the home — and one of the most powerful spaces to add value to your property. A well-designed kitchen isn’t just a space for cooking, it’s a multifunctional zone for entertaining, family connection, and everyday living. That’s why it’s the number one room Aussie homeowners choose to renovate.

In 2024, Australians invested between $25,000 and $50,000 on average in kitchen renovations. Luxury kitchens in prestige homes often exceeded $70,000. The rise in remote work, family time, and property-focused investment has driven this trend, with open-plan layouts, integrated appliances, and stylish finishes now expected rather than optional.

Done well, a kitchen renovation can:

  • Boost your property’s resale value dramatically
  • Improve energy and water efficiency
  • Make cooking and cleaning faster and more enjoyable
  • Increase usable storage and improve traffic flow
  • Add a major design feature to your home

And in today’s real estate climate, buyers and renters alike pay a premium for a fresh, functional, and modern kitchen.


How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Australia?

Kitchen costs vary widely depending on scope, materials, and layout complexity. Here’s a breakdown to help you benchmark:

Kitchen Type Budget Range (AUD)
Small Apartment Kitchen $15,000 – $25,000
Mid-Range Family Kitchen $25,000 – $45,000
Premium Designer Kitchen $50,000+

Key cost categories:

  • Cabinetry: Custom joinery or flatpack units
  • Benchtops: Laminate, stone, granite, or composite
  • Appliances: Oven, cooktop, dishwasher, rangehood
  • Lighting: Downlights, pendants, task lighting
  • Splashbacks: Tiles, mirror glass, or stone
  • Plumbing and electrical: Including relocation work
  • Flooring: Tiled, timber, or hybrid
  • Demolition & waste removal
  • Project management or builder’s margin

💡 Need pricing for your exact project? Use AIreno’s Instant Kitchen Quote Tool for a detailed cost estimate based on your layout and inclusions.


Step-by-Step: Kitchen Renovation Process

1. Assess Your Current Layout

Start by identifying what’s working and what isn’t. Ask:

  • Are my cooking, cleaning, and fridge zones efficient?
  • Do I have enough bench space and prep areas?
  • Are my appliances in the right spot?
  • Does the kitchen flow well into dining or living areas?

Reconfiguring layouts can increase cost but deliver major functional rewards. Especially in older homes, a layout overhaul can completely transform how you live.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Always factor in:

  • Contingency fund (10–20%) for hidden issues
  • Appliance upgrades (often 20–30% of your total budget)
  • Design fees, trades, and permits if required
  • Waste removal, delivery costs, and site protection

AIreno helps you generate accurate pricing instantly and lets you toggle inclusions to suit your budget.

3. Plan and Visualise Your New Kitchen

Map out:

  • Cabinet layout: L-shape, U-shape, galley, island
  • Zones: Cooking, prep, cleaning, pantry, dining
  • Storage solutions: Deep drawers, lazy susans, pull-outs
  • Lighting: Task (e.g., under-cabinet), ambient, and feature

Use AIreno’s design tools or upload your own sketches to test your floorplan with real-world measurements.

4. Choose Materials and Finishes Wisely

Your choices should balance form, function, and budget:

  • Benchtops: Laminate is budget-friendly; engineered quartz offers durability; natural stone gives high-end wow factor
  • Cabinetry: Flatpack MDF, 2-pack polyurethane, timber veneer or custom joinery
  • Splashbacks: Subway tiles, coloured glass, or continuous stone slab
  • Flooring: Porcelain tiles for durability, hybrid planks for warmth

Don’t forget accessories like handles, drawer inserts, and lighting automation.

5. Hire Licenced and Experienced Trades

Kitchen renovations involve multiple licensed trades:

  • Electricians (for new circuits, lighting, ovens)
  • Plumbers (sink, dishwasher, gas cooktops)
  • Cabinet installers
  • Tilers and flooring specialists

With AIreno, you can browse real contractor quote pages, compare options, and hire directly via our platform. It’s like having your tradie network sorted before you start.

6. Renovate With Confidence

Standard kitchen builds take 3–5 weeks. Complex projects may extend to 6–8. AIreno’s project tools track timelines, coordinate trades, and ensure clear communication between all parties.


Kitchen Trends Australia Loves in 2025

Here’s what Aussie renovators are loving this year:

  • Waterfall stone benchtops that anchor the room
  • Mixed textures — oak, matte laminate, rattan
  • Brushed brass & graphite tapware
  • Concealed rangehoods and push-to-open drawers
  • Integrated dishwashers and fridges for a seamless look
  • Open shelving with LED strip lighting
  • Feature pendant lighting over islands and breakfast bars
  • Butler’s pantry nooks tucked behind hidden doors
  • Smart ovens, induction cooktops, and Wi-Fi fridges

Functionality is still king, but design flair is more important than ever.


Common Kitchen Reno Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Avoid these common pitfalls:

🚫 Skimping on storage or bench space
🚫 Putting style over practicality
🚫 Inadequate power points and lighting
🚫 Poor ventilation planning for cooking zones
🚫 Not future-proofing appliance space
🚫 DIYing plumbing or electrical work (illegal!)
🚫 No clear budget tracking

Planning with AIreno helps you dodge these costly mistakes. Our scope builder walks you through every decision so you don’t miss a thing.


Why Use AIreno for Your Kitchen Renovation?

  • ✅ Get instant, detailed quotes tailored to your layout
  • ✅ Build your renovation scope step-by-step
  • ✅ Visualise layouts with AI-powered design tools
  • ✅ See tradie quote pages and order jobs directly
  • ✅ Track your renovation timeline in real time
  • ✅ Speak to AIreno planners or chat with Ari (our AI assistant)
  • ✅ Ensure your project meets all compliance requirements
  • ✅ Partnered with realestate.com.au for renovation pricing tools

AIreno is built for Aussie renovators who want clear pricing, smart support, and reliable results.

📅 Kick off your kitchen project today. Get an instant quote now and see what’s possible.


Final Word

A kitchen renovation is a big decision. It’s a major investment in your lifestyle, your home, and your property’s value. Whether you’re flipping, building your forever kitchen, or simply updating an old layout, the key is getting it right from the start.

Plan with confidence. Use tools that make quoting and project management easy. And work with a platform that connects you to the best trades in the game.

Start your kitchen renovation journey the smart way — with AI-powered tools, instant pricing, and expert help every step of the way. Start with AIreno.


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