Kitchen renovation quotes are hard to compare. Costs differ, inclusions vary, and the wording can make a kitchen remodel harder to judge.
The Kitchen Design Centre has had this conversation with Australian homeowners since 1994. The same questions come up early, usually about scope, materials, trades, and who manages the work.
Knowing what is included in the overall costing makes the comparison simpler. At TKDC, this is detailed in your Project Costing.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne?
Kitchen renovation costs vary with the scope of the work, not with a single standard price. A full bespoke kitchen build starts with a custom design. It then moves through manufacturing, installation, and trade coordination for the whole space.
Our custom kitchens start at around $45,000, then increase with the scope and selections you choose. Small kitchen renovations sit at the lower end, because there is less cabinetry to make and fit.
We build complete kitchens only. Every renovation we price covers the whole room, and qualified cabinet makers and certified tradespeople do the work.
Why do kitchen renovation costs vary so much?
A costing becomes more meaningful once broad ideas turn into measured plans. The same kitchen size can carry different allowances once layout, cabinetry, trades, and finishes are specified.
A galley kitchen usually needs a different design response than a U-shape or open-plan kitchen. The shape of the room decides how much of the cabinetry has to be made to order.
Common cost drivers include the following.
- Larger kitchens need more cabinetry, benchtop material, hardware, and installation time.
- Layout complexity increases when corners, island benches, appliance zones, and walkways need careful planning.
- Cabinetry specifications affect the costing through door materials, finishes, drawer systems, hardware, and internal storage.
- Benchtop choices matter because material type, thickness, edge detail, joins, and installation all shape the allowance.
- Trade work can increase scope when plumbing, electrical, tiling, or gas work is involved, and kitchen lighting is reworked.
- Structural changes add another layer when walls, openings, supports, or services need alteration.
Two kitchens of the same size can land in very different places once these decisions are made. TKDC manufactures our own cabinetry at our Bayswater factory, so every specification is controlled in-house.
What should be included when comparing kitchen renovation quotes
Kitchen renovation quotes should show exactly what is being designed, built, removed, installed, and managed. A quote that only covers cabinetry and installation leaves the remaining work to be priced and coordinated separately.
Your costing should clearly detail the following.
- What design work is included, such as drawings, selections, revisions, and any design fee.
- The cabinetry details, including material, finish, internal storage, hardware, and Häfele Grass drawer systems.
- How installation will be handled, including cabinetry fitting, benchtops, hardware, and tapware.
- Which trades are included, especially electricians, plumbers, gasfitters, and the tiler or specialist glass installer your splashback needs.
- Whether demolition and disposal of the existing kitchen are are included in the scope of works.
- Who handles project management, trade scheduling, site access, and communication during the renovation.
A costing that excludes demolition, trade work or project management only covers part of the renovation. You then need to price, brief, and manage those items separately.
With Michael Simpson and Peter Schelfhout as registered builders, TKDC can prepare a complete scope under one contract. Trade and construction responsibilities stay within that scope, instead of sitting with separate contractors.
What about appliances and permits?
Appliances are generally budgeted for separately from the TKDC Project Costing. Your kitchen design still needs to account for placement, clearances, ventilation, and specifications before cabinetry is finalised.
Confirm your selections early, so cabinet sizes and service locations are planned around the appliances you choose.
Permits depend on the work involved. Most kitchen renovations do not need one, including the removal of a minor nib wall or another non-load-bearing wall. Permits are generally required where the work involves an external wall, a load-bearing wall, or a new window opening.
The project scope should clearly identify any permit requirements and responsibilities where applicable. At TKDC, your client manager sorts out who is responsible for what before any work starts.
Which benchtop materials should you compare?
Benchtop selection can have a significant impact on the overall costing. The material sets the base, and so do thickness, edge detail, joins, and installation.
We work with premium engineered surfaces, mineral surfaces and porcelain from leading suppliers, as well as natural stone and laminate options. Durable laminate holds up well in a family kitchen where it suits the design.
Stone benchtops all look good under showroom lighting, so our designers talk you through the rest. That means cost, cleaning, joins, heat, and how each surface handles daily use.
Should you compare kitchen renovation quotes on price alone?
No, price is only meaningful when you are comparing the same scope of work. A lower figure may reflect fewer inclusions, different specifications or more work left for you to organise separately.
Compare how the custom cabinetry is specified, including materials, finish, hardware, and internal storage. Check whether trades are included, who manages the project, how payment milestones work, and what workmanship warranty applies.
Two to three quotes is a reasonable benchmark, but only when the scope is identical. When one company designs, manufactures, and installs your kitchen, the work is easier to track through delivery. At TKDC, that whole scope sits in one Project Costing.
How does TKDC prepare your Project Costing?
A reliable figure starts with a proper consultation. A phone call estimate or online calculator only gives you a rough starting point.
Our kitchen renovation process begins with a Showroom Tour. A Showroom Assistant walks you through the displays and explains how we work from there.
A designer then visits your home for your Project Consultation and measures the space. Your layout, materials, finishes, and storage are worked through in 3D, so you see the design before you commit.
We prepare your Project Costing after that, so the figure reflects what you have designed and agreed on.
Talk to a kitchen designer without the pressure
Starting the conversation does not commit you to a renovation. You get to see options, understand the process, and ask questions before making any firm decisions.
Visit one of TKDC’s three Melbourne showrooms in Blackburn, Essendon, or Eltham with no appointment needed. Each showroom has full-size kitchen displays, and a Showroom Assistant will guide you through the materials and cabinetry.
When you are ready for the next step, book a Project Consultation and one of our kitchen designers will visit your home.
