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The Complete Kitchen Renovation Guide 

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Thinking of renovating your kitchen?

Great choice!

Whether you are looking to increase the value of your home, or just want to turn the most used area in your home into an inspiring space, a kitchen renovation is absolutely worth it!

However, planning a kitchen renovation can get real intimidating real quick.

While you don’t have to be a design expert, the key to getting it done smoothly is to plan it right and get the research aspect of the project down.

A kitchen renovation can be overwhelming, all the choices, decisions, hidden costs not to mention the layout, appliance options, cupboards and splashback designs- the possibilities are endless, and if not planned properly can turn your fun, new kitchen dream into a daunting nightmare.

To take that load off your mind, we’ve come up with this informative kitchen renovation guide.

From the basics to design-related costs to the process and everything in between, we have put it all in one place, so y ou don’t have to open any more tabs!

How long does it take to renovate a kitchen?

Depending on the size of your kitchen as well the scope of work, the time taken to renovate a kitchen will vary accordingly.

On an average, our kitchen renovation services take about 7 to 20 days for completion. In case of bigger projects, it can take up to 4 weeks to complete.

At GT Kitchen and Bathroom, we like to get it done as swiftly and with as minimum downtime as possible.

How much does a kitchen renovation cost?

This is one of the most commonly asked and important questions when it comes to kitchen renovations.

After all, most decisions on your kitchen renovation plan will have to be made according to the budget you have allocated towards it.

Let’s look at what different types of kitchen cost to renovate

Average cost of kitchen Renovation in Australia

In Australia, it can cost around $15,000 to $45,000 on average while kitchen renovations in Sydney can be a little higher, averaging between $20,000- $50,000 or more. This can either be higher or lower depending on your kitchen renovation desires.

The average cost of a kitchen varies depending on a range of factors including; the size, design complexity, condition, materials you wish to use, what plan to change, labour fees and extra costs such as compliance certifications.

The largest impact on a kitchen renovation budget are the materials used. For example, tile counters are a cheaper alternative to marble or granite worktops and vinyl flooring costs less than wood or tiles.

When factoring in budget, consider asking yourself

“What must I have?

What is nice to have?

What do I need?”

This brings us on to the next major budget factor – appliances.

The types of appliances you choose, the ranges, the brands and how they can make your life easier affects if they are needed, how much you spend on them and the space you need to accommodate them.

The size of the job needed, the size of the kitchen and how to redesign or fit these appliances in will all come down to space planning, including electrical fitting and safety precautions.

When embarking on your kitchen renovation journey and considering your budget, it is important to ask yourself what you are renovating for.

Is it to add value to your household for resale? Or to add value to yours and your family’s life and home?

It is important that you feel confident that the renovation is lower than the value added to ensure return-on-investment. Of course, when we are considering a kitchen of our dreams, resale seems far from our minds, but it is important to consider for future plans.

Ask yourself –

Is this a good investment?

Is this worth the trouble?

Does this add to the value of my home?

Do I wish for a complete gut and start from the ground up?

Do I just need cosmetic changes, new appliances or cabinet refinishes?

Answering these basic but loaded questions can help you determine what type of renovation is for you.

How much does a small kitchen cost in Sydney?

The average cost of a small kitchen in Sydney will be anywhere between $15,000 – $20,000 for a kitchen makeover and $20,000 – $30,000 for a brand-new kitchen.

The price can increase or decrease dependant on your materials, design complexity, your plans, labour fees and anything else you wish to add to your kitchen. Depending on the scale on your project, a small kitchen takes around 7 to 20 days for completion.

Where cabinetry is involved, we will revisit your home or place of project and do a final measure to finalise all decisions on kitchen appliances, colours and finishes.

After the measurements are confirmed, our experienced cabinet makers at our Brookvale factory will start working on building everything that is required for your renovation.

We can also organise your plumbing, electrical and other required trades, so you can rest knowing your kitchen is taken care of. Our custom cabinetry is all manufactured in our Sydney factory, giving us full control over our product quality & lead time.

Kitchen renovations comes in all shapes and sizes, changing a small kitchen may appear logistically to mean a budget kitchen- but these should not be confused!

You may have a small kitchen and wish for every premium material on the earth and appliances to suit, you may have a larger kitchen and wish for budget-saving alternatives or simple improvements.

A small kitchen can cost as much or as less as you wish but the hidden costs of a smaller kitchen should not be overlooked. Sometimes size really does matter- other times it doesn’t.

At GT Kitchen and Bathroom, our kitchen makeover provides the best quality materials and top-tier workmanship without the price tag of a new custom-made kitchen. Best of all, it can be installed in as little as 1-2 days!

How much does a budget kitchen cost in Sydney?

 

In Sydney, the average basic budget kitchen renovation costs in the range of it costs around $15,000 – $20,000 for a budget kitchen renovation, depending on your needs and specifications.

A budget kitchen renovation can include:

  • Keeping your existing kitchen layout
  • Simpler design and layout
  • Using existing appliances
  • Replacing fixtures such as lighting, faucets cabinet hardware
  • Budget materials and alternative flooring, countertop or tiling options

Generally, with a basic kitchen renovation you retain the existing layout of the kitchen, including the plumbing, electricity lines and fixture placement, this cuts down on cost considerably.

Cabinetry can account for the largest expense in a kitchen, as a whopping 30% of the entire budget!

Therefore, those hoping for a budget renovation may wish to refinish, reupdate the existing cabinets but changing the doors and updating the hardware or even replacing with a new modern look such as glass panels. Small differences that can make repurpose cabinets look like new!

There are a variety and whole spectrum of materials, styling choices and designs available to you that can accommodate your budget. Choosing alternative materials such as vinyl than hardwood or porcelain tiles can keep your budget on track which still feeling new and exciting.

And don’t let the word ‘basic’ fool you, basic does not need to mean boring, just like how using a new fresh lick of paint can make a room feel fresher, a basic renovation can have the power to completely transform your space and how you live. A small change can go a long way towards practicality and improve the overall feel of the space.

Our experienced design consultants guide you through your kitchen design and will work with you on every detail of your project, from start to finish. Enquire today and one of our experienced designers can visit your home to provide a personalised quote.

How much does a Mid-Range kitchen cost in Sydney?

In Sydney, Mid-range kitchens costs on average $25,000-$35,000 for a kitchen makeover and $30,000 – $40,000 for a brand-new kitchen. Depending on the scale on your project, it can take around 7 to 20 days for completion or 4 weeks to complete bigger projects.

Mid-range is generally seen as anything more than a budget kitchen but less than a premium kitchen. A budget kitchen may involve rearranging the layout and can include using premium materials, upgraded appliances and semi-custom or customer cabinets.

A mid-range renovation can include :

  • Removing walls or altering the existing floorplan or layout design
  • Semi-custom or custom cabinetry
  • Clever, handy storage solutions
  • Speciality or professional appliances (including a few smart appliances)
  • Premium, high-end material such as granite or hardwood
  • Baking stations, butlers’ pantries and custom hood ranges.
  • Budget conscious decisions with a few luxury splurges.

A mid-range cabinet generally tiptoes between both budgetary considerations of a budget kitchen but with premium finishes. A mid-range kitchen can have a more intricate, complex design than a budget design and can often involve the removal of walls or at least partial removal of walls. It may also involve changing or altering the existing layout, plumbing and electrical wiring.

Mid-range renovations allow you to splurge on a few more luxury items but still with a budget in mind. The appliances may be a more mid-range collection and may cater to various tasks than the basic range appliances, such as custom range hoods or a baking station with beautiful marble countertops.

Additional space is also commonplace for all those custom storage cabinet cravers with pull-out bins, spice racks, pop-up mixer trays even custom butler pantries. As more and more these once luxury items now gaining more demand within most households.

There are still ways to stay in budget with a mid-range kitchen but there are factors that can have the costs creep slowly up to a luxury/premium kitchen, but with a keen design eye and a combination of premium and budget materials you can still finish within budget. Considering the questions above and adding some of these handy tips to your mid-range renovation can help keep costs down.

Whether you are investing in a kitchen makeover or a new kitchen, we provide solutions that meet your every requirement from start to finish. Not only do we use the highest quality, trusted materials and fittings, but our services also come with several offerings, all of which help in giving your kitchen an upgraded and fresh, new look.

How much does a luxury/premium kitchen cost?

It can cost you anything between $48,000-$58,000 for a luxury or high-end kitchen makeover and $50,000- $70,000 for a renovation.

Luxe Renovation costs can vary on the fittings, fixtures and custom detailing you desire. Depending on the scale on your project, it can take around 7 to 20 days for completion or 4 weeks to complete bigger projects.

A luxury/Premium kitchen remodel can include :

  • Adding square footage or completely gutting the existing kitchen
  • Changing, moving or adding to existing electrical lines or plumbing
  • Custom-made cabinetry with specialised storage solutions
  • Unique, detailed architectural detailing
  • High-end, premium fixture and materials
  • Custom lighting
  • High-tech, professional-grade, smart appliances

With a luxury or premium kitchen is often more ‘custom’ and no expense is spared. Luxury kitchens are usually in open-space houses and often require a professional interior design to merge the kitchen and living or dining room spaces seamlessly.

Seamlessly blending all the rooms together can often involve structural changes, adding or removing walls, adjusting ceiling height, adding square footage which can be very costly.

Luxury kitchens typically use high-end, rich, premium materials and architectural detailing such as crown mouldings, authentic baseboards and casings, chandeliers or custom lighting, wood-lined windows for a cohesive, opulent look.

Luxury kitchens often have all the high-end branded automated appliances such as smart built-in kitchen appliances and sub-zero fridges which can make the cooking processes more automated, quicker and easier. Complete with all the must-have kitchen elements, luxury kitchens are perfect for gourmet chefs or people that just love to entertain. It is often a highly efficient kitchen with all the modern amenities available on the market.

If budget is not your primary consideration, then a luxury or premium kitchen is for you.

Factors that affect Kitchen Renovation Costs

When planning a kitchen renovation, there are different factors that will affect the overall cost. Majorly, it’s the design that will determine how much the total cost of renovating your kitchen will come to, which is why it is important to get that aspect of the project down.

Getting a complete understanding of the different types of kitchen designs and layouts will help in zeroing in on and managing your kitchen renovation budget properly.

Kitchen Layouts

Once you’ve picked the floor plan that you want to go with, you will have to choose the kitchen layout that you want for your space. There are different types of kitchen layouts like one wall kitchens, u-shaped kitchens, galley kitchens etc.

This decision is also a huge contributing factor to how much cost you will incur for the process. Let’s take a look at the cost for different types of kitchen layouts.

How much does single wall or one wall kitchen cost?

In Sydney, the average cost of a one-all kitchen makeover will cost around $8,000 – $15,000 while a complete renovation will come to about $10,000- $15,000.

One-wall kitchens are a popular choice to go with open concept floorplan layouts or small kitchens.

How much does Galley kitchen cost?

On an average, galley kitchen renovations in Australia costs approximately $15 to $150 per square foot. Depending on the size, features, countertop square footage, materials and appliances used and finishes, a galley kitchen makeover can range between $15,000 – $25,000 while a new galley kitchen will range between $30,000 to $40,000.

How much does a U-shaped kitchen cost?

The average U-shaped kitchen in Sydney costs on average $25,000 – $35,000 for a makeover and $35,000 to $45,000 to renovate. Costs can vary, depending on countertop materials, the size of the kitchen and the detailing you desire.

Depending on the scale on your project, it can take around 7 to 20 days for completion or 4 weeks to complete bigger projects.

U-shaped kitchens can be very expensive as there is more space to fill, which means more to spend on countertops and appliances to fill the space.

How much does an island style kitchen cost?

The average island style kitchen costs on average $30,000 to $40,00 for a kitchen makeover and $40,000 to $55,000 for a kitchen renovation. However, it can increase dramatically depending on materials, islands, area and fittings.

Adding a kitchen island is one of the best ways to increase your property value. Although it is best to check how much value it adds so you do not overspend and hit the ceiling of value it can add.

How much does a peninsula kitchen cost?

A peninsula kitchen costs around $3,000 upwards for a makeover while the renovation will range from $10,000 onwards. A peninsula kitchen renovation cost, like other styles, will vary according to the shape, size and desired materials, fixtures and function you choose.

In most cases, a peninsula kitchen is cheaper than a standard kitchen island as it is a simple continuation of a kitchen worktop and uses the same material, whereas kitchen islands are built separately and require more labour, time and materials to build.

Kitchen islands also often requires electrical wiring and plumbing to be moved to accommodate islands sinks.

Kitchen Elements

Next up on your kitchen renovation list is the different types of kitchen elements like cabinets, splashbacks, benchtops, etc. which will further affect your kitchen renovation budget. Here’s the cost breakup for different kitchen elements that will be required for the renovation.

Cabinets

Kitchen Cabinetry with doors can cost on average $6,000 – $7,000 and can go up to $20,000, depending on materials, the size of the kitchen and the detailing you desire, including hardware. Kitchen cabinets are known to take up approximately 29% of your entire kitchen renovation budget.

At GT Kitchen and Bathroom, we custom manufacture all cabinetry in our Sydney factory, giving us full control over our product quality & lead time.

Along with our high-quality services, materials and fittings, you enjoy 10 years manufacturer’s warranty for Earthstone and 7 years for doors, panels & workmanship.

Splashbacks

On an average, splashback cost anywhere between $45 – $450 per sq.m., depending on the material used. On an average, the total can range anywhere between $1,500 – 9000, depending on the materials, the size of the kitchen and the splashback you require.

Countertops & Benchtops

The cost to install or replace kitchen countertops and benchtops ranges from $4,500 – $25,000 on average. The cost depends on your desires including countertop and benchtop materials and the size of the countertop/benchtop you require.

The biggest influences on countertop costs are:

  • Material: Natural stone materials have the highest price tag, while laminated or synthetic tend to be cheaper.
  • Countertop Size: The more and larger the material, the higher the cost.
  • Countertop shape Odd shaped countertops can be much more expensive as they require more labour and manufacturing costs for customisation

Sinks

Kitchen sinks will require a budget of $350 to $1,000 on average. However, it can even go beyond $2,000 depending on the style, materials and kitchen sink size you pick.

Flooring

In Sydney, the cost of flooring usually ranges from $20 – $200 per sq.m., depending on the material used.

At GT Kitchen and Bathroom our superior stone is suitable as a flooring surface and is durable and practical. Installed directly over existing flooring with no need for removing tiles.

Kitchen Renovation : The Process

Demolition

The first step of the actual renovation process is demolishing the kitchen. It can take anywhere from 10 hours to a few days to complete depending on the kitchen size, the items you wish to remove and any complications such as mould or asbestos removal.

The demolition step costs around $1000- $3000 or more, depending on the size of your kitchen and any complications that may arise. A large kitchen demolition can cost upwards of $10,000 or more.

Rough-in

The term ‘rough in’ means the installation of various services (electrical, mechanical plumbing, gas, custom fit-ins, pipe relocation) before the final connections or the walls are lined with plasterboard. During the rough in stage of construction plumbing, wiring and ductwork are installed and space constraints or issues are addressed.

A kitchen rough in generally takes a few days for the plumbing and wiring, this is dependent on your kitchen size, any complications and the size of your project.

The plumbing rough in is usually process for a kitchen renovation. A plumber will make strategic holes in the stud walls, so that he can run any pipes, plumbing and drainage through.

The electrical rough in is generally the second process of a kitchen rough in, this includes, lighting, power points, cooktops or ovens, fans, etc. It is important to ensure you use a qualified Electrician, Plumber, Gasfitters or Custom installer that are trained and know the exact specifications needed for your kitchen renovation.

At GT Kitchens and Bathroom, we are your one stop shop for kitchen renovations. From designing and sourcing all materials to engagement of all trades including electricians, builders & plumbers, we can project manage your kitchen renovation seamlessly while you sit back and relax.

Inspection

A kitchen inspection checks the existing condition of your kitchen, identifying any complications, problems or any areas that need initial review or attention, to ensure no hidden cost or surprises. A Pre-Project Condition Report and Final Completion report is then given.

A kitchen inspection includes:

  • Kitchen stumps and floor levels inspection
  • Kitchen internal walls, load-bearing inspection
  • Kitchen plumbing inspection
  • Kitchen electrical inspection
  • Asbestos or termite check
  • Kitchen site draining check

Door and window installation

Installing new door and windows for your kitchen can increase the value of your home and create a more comfortable space. New door and window installation can help with the flow of your kitchen, noise cancellation and help stop drafts or cold air. Installing kitchen can save you money on utility bills and increase your home security.

Always make sure to find an experienced kitchen window and door installer for your kitchen. You can do this by:

Requesting their credentials

  • Asking questions about their product quality, installation times and process.
  • Opting for options that promise quality products, great customer service and time-efficiency.
  • Reading the fine print before signing any kitchen window or door installation contracts.

Floors

Flooring is an essential component of any interior design and has the potential to make or break your space. Good quality flooring improves your home’s interior decor while also improving your home lifestyle. Depending on the type you select, flooring materials might cost anywhere from $20 to $150 per square metre.

Cabinet installation

The installation of your new kitchen cabinets will take a professional one to three days to complete.

At GT Kitchen and Bathroom, we custom manufacture all cabinetry in our Sydney factory gives us full control over our product quality & lead time. Along with our high-quality services, materials and fittings, you enjoy 10 years manufacturer’s warranty for Earthstone and 7 years for doors, panels & workmanship.

Benchtops

A single average benchtop takes around 2 – 4 hours to install, depending on the size and location of the benchtop.

For stone benchtops, it takes around 5 – 10 working days to install on average but this is all dependant on the size of the benchtop and job.

You can also opt for our exclusively made engineered granite benchtops, which is a combination of the world’s finest. Be it resurfacing old benchtops or installing new ones, our lightweight 7mm engineered stone surfaces are perfectly suited for residential and commercial kitchen areas. Our warranty covers our benchtop workmanship for seven years, and 10 years for materials. Our stones don’t require the removal of existing benchtops or splashbacks, an option that significantly reduces the amount of building waste resulting from kitchen and bathroom renovations.

Our engineered stones are precisely cut, durable, extremely hygienic with no grout to clean, can be laid directly over any existing surfaces for fast application and are ideal for a range of applications, including kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, bathroom vanities, walls, floors and even on furniture.

The GT Kitchen & Bathroom Renovation Process

Consultation and Quotes

Once we’ve discussed your kitchen requirements and aligned on your vision, we will arrange for one of our Sydney kitchen designers to visit your home where they can discuss ideas, measure and quote the project.

In-Home Quote

Our experienced designer will come to your home to discuss the latest design advice and provide a free measure and quote. We always adhere to Covid safety measures. Depending on the size of the project, this process will take only 1-2 hours.

Virtual Quote

We also offer video consultations and showroom tours! Chat with our designer using Zoom or FaceTime from our Brookvale Showroom.

Online Quote

You can also request an online quotation service. Simply email us a description of what you want with some photos and measurements for a quick and easy online quote. We usually respond on the same day.

Measure & Craft

Where cabinetry is involved, we will revisit your home or place of project and do a final measure to finalise all decisions on kitchen appliances, colours and finishes.

After the measurements are confirmed, our experienced cabinet makers at our Brookvale factory will start working on building everything that is required for your renovation. We can also organise your plumbing, electrical and other required trades, so you can rest knowing your kitchen is taken care of.

The renovation Begins

When your new kitchen is ready to be installed, we’ll confirm a convenient installation date with you. As a team that values punctuality and tidiness, we always ensure the quality of the work complete meets our standards. We engage all trades including electricians, builders & plumbers, we can project manage your kitchen renovation seamlessly while you sit back and relax.

Kitchen Renovation Checklist

Do your research

Just like with any big purchase the key is to do your research! Research is the key to getting the kitchen of your dreams. Collect images that inspire you to help develop your design, scheme and achieve that perfect result.

Educate yourself on the different processes, by reading and saving this handy guide that you can come back and refer to during your research process.

Research the different options available to you including flooring, cabinets, counters, and appliances and save any ideas you come across that your like- even save the ones you would like to avoid!

Creating a mood board with will help you figure out what you want, need, like and don’t like. Research can also help you establish your budget.

Establish a realistic budget

Determining your budget is one of the most important steps of renovating a kitchen. We all have grand ideas and sometimes realism can get the better of us.

Understanding the design, you want and how much that will cost will help you determine your budget, but so will going through your savings, going through your financial obligations and coming up with a price you are comfortable with.

It is very easy to overspend with a kitchen renovation when you haven’t determined the budget going into it. You should always have a contingency plan of 10 – 20 % of your budget for any unforeseen expenses.

Once a budget is determined you can explore what avenue you wish to take with your kitchen renovation. Remember the small finishes add up and can often cost more than the bigger things you haven’t budgeted for.

We always advise you speak to a kitchen designer or renovation specialist; they can help you talk through what options are available for your budget and the unforeseen budget considerations

At GT Kitchen and Bathrooms, our experienced design consultants guide you through your kitchen design and will work with you on every detail of your project, from start to finish, including a free personalised quote.

Our thoughtfully designed kitchens accommodate your design as well as functional requirements so you can have the best of both worlds. Whether you would like a stunning kitchen makeover or a phenomenal new kitchen, we make it happen for you!

Once we’ve discussed your kitchen requirements and aligned on your vision, our Sydney kitchen designers will visit your home where they can discuss ideas, measure and quote the depending on the size of your project.

Talk to the designers about your budget and design needs

We can’t emphasise enough how important it is to properly plan the budget and design of your kitchen renovation. Talking to a professional designer that can help you with layout, design, material, fixture options, appliances and storage will ensure a smooth, minimum fuss renovation process.

At GT Kitchen and Bathroom, our designers help design and renovate thoughtful, practical kitchen designed around you.

We will arrange for one of our Sydney kitchen designers to visit your home and discuss what layout caters to your needs and how you can use the space, as well as the detailing including colour palette and options to suit your personality, space and budget.

Conclusion

Breathing new life into your kitchen and creating a functional, beautiful space is one of the best investments you will make – not just for property value but also for peace of mind.

And whether you would like a stunning kitchen makeover, or a phenomenal kitchen renovation, GT Kitchen and Bathroom can help bring your perfect kitchen to life.

With us, each kitchen installation is made to measure and handcrafted to your exact specification, so your ideas translate into reality, as our expert design consultants collaborate with you, from start to finish, to ensure this.

Our kitchen renovation process takes care of all key features to deliver a complete home transformation.

Ready to get the kitchen of your dreams? Give us a call on (02) 9939 3800 for a free consultation and quote!

Vicki Chung

Project Manager & Designer