The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home – whether you’re renovating to boost resale value or looking to elevate your own space.
Knowing the cardinal rules of kitchen renovation is key to getting the most out of your renovation.
Mike Turner, managing director at Nouvelle, answers some of the most common kitchen renovation questions.
The short answer is yes, but Turner says many factors can affect the cost of a renovation.
The main influencing factor? The quality of products and services that you select.
Choosing affordable materials (like laminate benchtops) and features (like off-the-shelf cabinets) will give you more room in your budget. If you’re after custom joinery, natural stone benchtops, hand-crafted tiles and premium appliances, this is unlikely to fit within the $20,000 range.
The cost will also depend on the extent of the renovation and the size of your kitchen. Luxury inclusions and materials will quickly eat away at your budget.
“Cosmetic updates like fresh paintwork, new hardware and replacement of cabinet doors may be less than a full renovation at first glance,” says Turner.
“But it’s essential to research all associated costs of the items you intend to change, well before embarking on a partial renovation, as it can end up costing the same if not more.”
Be sure to factor in the cost of removing your old kitchen, accounting for things like disconnecting and reconnecting plumbing and electricity. This can add $10,000-$15,000 to the overall project cost.
Based on the number of client requests Turner receives, it’s no surprise that an island bench is a most-wanted feature in kitchen renovations.
These days, kitchen islands often include ample storage, cooktops, seating and even device-charging stations.
“Kitchen islands provide an extra workspace and casual dining area, but it also creates a natural gathering point in your home,” says Turner.
Including an island bench in your kitchen makeover can pay off when it comes time to sell your home, too. According to Domain data, houses with a kitchen island have a median sale price that is $221,000 higher than houses that don’t.
However, an island won’t work in all floor plans. “A functional island requires a decent amount of space, as there needs to be room to walk around it in order to be truly multifunctional,” Turner says.
If space is tight, consider a slender island on castors that you can tuck away when not in use. A peninsula island or breakfast bar are other options worth exploring.
Well-planned kitchen renovations can add significant value to your home. The key to achieving this, Turner says, is knowing your market.
Do buyers in your area value luxury appliances? If not, should you prioritise high-quality benchtop materials, storage solutions and lighting upgrades?
“As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to stick with a neutral or timeless design. You may love bold colours and statement tiles, but features like these can limit your home’s widespread appeal,” says Turner.
“A classic, versatile aesthetic ensures your kitchen appeals to as many buyers as possible while boosting resale value.”
Nicole Gleeson of Kay & Burton says the value of a kitchen renovation can depend on the state of the property.
“Quite often if a kitchen is in really unworkable condition, I would always say a kitchen is worth doing,” she says.
For some buyers, however, there’s more appeal in the blank slate of a kitchen in good condition.
“If you have a kitchen that is high quality but slightly dated, you might consider leaving it for the next person to make their own,” says Gleeson. “That’s just a general rule for me.”
This depends on the scope of your renovation, your property type, and local regulations. Speak to your local council, builder or renovating firm to understand the permits required for your kitchen remodel. Depending on your location, this can add weeks or months to your renovation timeline.
No permits are required if you live in a non-strata property and plan to remove and install a kitchen. However, permits are generally needed for a free-standing structure if you plan to make structural changes, extensions, or updates to external doors, windows, and roof lines.
If you live in a property with strata, your renovation could require approval from the owners’ corporation or body corporate unless the work is cosmetic.
Not following the correct process comes with the risk of having to pay to put the property back to its original state.
Strata approval is needed for kitchen renovations and structural changes or alterations to common property (including plumbing, flooring, ceilings and walls). You may need to submit detailed plans, proof of insurance and contractor licenses for approval.
For major renovations, a special resolution vote (with less than 25 per cent of votes cast against it, based on unit entitlement) will be required at an annual general meeting or other general meeting.
To streamline the process and save time, money and stress:
A straightforward kitchen renovation should take around 4-6 weeks, but this can vary depending on the complexity of your changes – and the size of the room.
Council approval and weather delays are other common reasons a project may take longer than expected.
“Stack up a few hold-ups like these, and a kitchen remodel can run to over six months: especially if it’s not properly coordinated, and you don’t have adequate support,” says Turner.
Skilled project management is key to ensuring the smooth and timely completion of a kitchen renovation, Turner explains.
There’s no set rule here, but every 10-15 years is considered standard.
It may be time for a kitchen renovation if you’re noticing:
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