We answer the most common kitchen renovation question with expert advice from Nobby Kitchens Managing Director, John Hall.
A kitchen renovation is one of the most important and valuable investments you can make in your home. But one of the most common questions renovators ask is how much should a new kitchen cost? While there is no single answer, several trusted sources provide helpful benchmarks and John Hall breaks it all down for us to give you some real insight into this common question.
A kitchen is made up of a number of moving parts. You have your joinery doors and panels, accessories inside your joinery and drawers etc, bench tops, splashbacks, appliances, and trades. What most customers underestimate is the trades. Building a kitchen is like building a small home. You need up to ten trades people to build a kitchen and these costs can quickly blow out if you don’t receive an upfront fixed price contract with no hidden extras. Things like appliances and bench tops can cost up to tens of thousands, so you really do need to formulate a budget and give the experts a call to help you keep to a budget.
So What Does A New Kitchen Cost?
According to the kitchen renovation estimator on “realestate.com.au”, the average costs across Sydney for a smaller kitchen ranges from $24,000 to $34,000 for a basic renovation, $33,000 to $45,000 for mid range and $46,000 to $64,000 for a luxury kitchen renovation. For a larger kitchen, the cost range increases from $35,000 for basic through to $90,000 for a luxury renovation.
In addition, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) reports that in 2024, the average kitchen renovation in Australia will cost around $35,000. In Sydney, however, where labour rates and material costs are generally higher, renovation prices often surpass this national average.
While these figures provide a useful guide, what they don’t always clarify is what’s included in the quote. In many cases, costs can rise quickly once you add in appliances, trades, high end benchtops, project management, and design services.
According to John Hall, Managing Director of Nobby Kitchens, the answer depends on several key factors.
“A quality kitchen renovation can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on the size, materials and inclusions,” says John. “But the real cost comes from not doing it properly the first time. We speak to homeowners all the time who thought their kitchen would cost one thing, but once they added in trades, installation and design services, appliances and more, the final cost had doubled.”
Why DIY Isn’t Always Cheaper
In an era of YouTube tutorials and Pinterest inspiration boards, many homeowners are tempted to go the DIY route or coordinate separate trades themselves. But John warns this can often lead to costly mistakes.
“We see it all the time, projects that run over budget, drag on for months, or end up needing to be redone entirely,” he explains. “DIY can seem cheaper upfront, but without the right expertise, it rarely saves you money in the long run.”
Beyond just installation errors, sourcing and managing trades individually can introduce delays, miscommunication and added expense, especially if unexpected issues arise.
The Power of a Fixed Price Contract
What sets Nobby Kitchens apart is their full service approach. From design and supply to installation, licensed trades, project management, and Home Warranty Insurance, everything is managed under one roof with a single fixed-price contract. This is possible because Nobby holds a builder’s licence, allowing them to legally include all aspects of your renovation in one comprehensive agreement. Without a builder’s licence, other kitchen companies are required to split contracts, leaving customers to deal directly with trades and benchtop suppliers, often resulting in unexpected costs and coordination headaches.
“There’s no guesswork, no running around and no surprise costs,” says John. “We handle everything, and our clients know exactly what they’re paying from day one.”
This approach gives homeowners peace of mind and the confidence that their renovation is being completed to the highest standard by a team of licensed builders and professionals.
Save More by Bundling Trades
Working with a company like Nobby Kitchens also means you’re not paying multiple call-out fees, managing schedules or risking price blowouts with separate contractors.
“By bundling all trades under our project management team, we deliver both efficiency and savings,” John says. “You’re also covered by Home Warranty Insurance, which is essential for renovations over $20,000. Most kitchen companies and renovators don’t offer this, even though it’s a legal requirement in NSW. That kind of protection isn’t guaranteed when you go it alone.”
Quality and the Latest Trends
With decades of experience, Nobby Kitchens is committed to using only the best materials and partnering with the most trusted names in the industry. From moisture resistant cabinetry to world-class hardware and finishes, every detail is carefully considered.
“We work with the best brands in the business like Blum, Caesarstone, Dekton, Polytec, Kleenmaid, Häfele and many more,” says John. “It’s all about delivering a kitchen that not only looks stunning, but performs flawlessly for years to come.”
Because Nobby installs over a thousand kitchens every year, their buying power allows them to offer premium products at unmatched value.
“Our scale means we can offer pricing that simply isn’t possible in the DIY space or through smaller builders and architects,” John adds. “You’re getting the best of the best, and for less than you might expect.”
Transparent Pricing and the Nobby Design Appointment
It’s easy to underestimate the total cost of a renovation. While a kitchen might initially appear to cost $20,000, by the time you add architectural fees, multiple trades, appliance upgrades and delays from unexpected site issues, the real price can double.
“At Nobby, if we quote $30,000, that’s exactly what you’ll pay, with everything included,” John says. “There are no hidden costs, no budget blowouts, and everything is backed by a fixed price contract with a builders license and Home Warranty Insurance.”
The Nobby Design Process
“We’re one of the few kitchen companies in Sydney that offers a free in-home design appointment with one of our expert kitchen designers,” John explains. “We come to you, discuss your needs, measure your space, and bring your vision to life in full 3D CAD, right there in your home. And we give you an on-the-spot quote, so there’s no waiting weeks for a price that might change.”
“Our fixed-price contract means no surprises or shifting costs. Everything is included, from building to plumbing to electrical, even if you need a wall removed. It’s all covered in one clear, fixed price.”
“There’s real value in knowing exactly what you’re getting, what it costs and when it will be delivered,” John says. “That transparency and peace of mind is what the Nobby difference is all about.”
Whether you’re updating your family kitchen or creating an entertainer’s dream, Nobby Kitchens takes the stress out of renovating with their all inclusive, transparent approach.
“It’s about delivering real value, not just cutting costs,” John says. “With the right team behind you, your kitchen renovation can be an exciting, rewarding experience, not a stressful one.”
To find out more or book your free showroom consultation or in home design appointment with Nobby Kitchens visit nobbykitchens.com.au.