What a realistic kitchen renovation budget looks like in Brisbane (2026)
We break down twelve recent projects line by line — cabinetry, benchtops, trades and the costs most quotes leave out.
The first question almost everyone asks us is “what will it cost?” It’s a fair question, and the honest answer is a range. So rather than a single number, here’s how kitchen budgets actually break down in Brisbane right now, based on the kitchens we’ve finished most recently and the quotes we’ve written this year.
The three price bands
Most kitchens we build fall into one of three bands. All prices include GST.
- Refresh, from about $28,000. Same layout. New cabinetry, benchtops, splashback, sink, tapware and appliance installation. Plumbing and power stay roughly where they are.
- Full renovation, about $45,000 to $70,000. Layout changes, an island, moved plumbing, a new lighting plan and usually some wall or floor work.
- Bespoke, $75,000 and up. Solid timber or veneer cabinetry, stone islands, butler’s pantries, integrated appliances and more complex joinery.
Most of our clients land somewhere between $35,000 and $70,000.
Where the money goes
Here’s an example: a full renovation in an older Brisbane home that came in at about $50,000, not counting appliances. The proportions shift from job to job, but this shape is typical.
| Item | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| Cabinetry and installation | $21,000 |
| Stone benchtops and splashback | $9,000 |
| Plumbing and electrical, including new lighting | $6,500 |
| Design, drawings and project management | $4,000 |
| Plastering, painting and floor patching | $4,000 |
| Demolition, waste and site protection | $3,000 |
| Sink, tapware and hardware | $2,500 |
Cabinetry is nearly always the biggest line. That’s where finish choice matters most: 2-pac, timber veneer and solid timber can swing the total by thousands.
The costs most quotes leave out
When two quotes look very different, it’s usually because one includes things the other doesn’t. Check for these:
- Provisional sums. Allowances for items not yet priced, such as electrical work. If the real cost comes in higher, you pay the difference.
- Asbestos. Many homes built before 1990 have it somewhere. Testing before demolition is cheap. Discovering it halfway through is not.
- Electrical upgrades. Older switchboards sometimes need work before new circuits can be added.
- Making good. Patching walls and floors where old cabinets used to be.
- Appliance installation. Especially ducted rangehoods and plumbed fridges.
How to keep your budget on track
A few decisions make the biggest difference:
- Choose appliances early. Cabinetry is built around them, and late changes cost money.
- Keep the sink where it is, if you can. Moving plumbing is one of the quickest ways to add cost.
- Spend where you touch. Good drawer runners and a durable benchtop matter more than premium finishes on the inside of cupboards.
- Hold a contingency. We suggest setting aside around 10% for surprises, especially in older homes.
Comparing quotes fairly
Ask every builder for a fixed-price quote with the same inclusions, and ask what is provisional. In Queensland, for residential contracts of $20,000 or more, the deposit is capped at 5% of the contract price. Your builder should also hold the right QBCC licence, and work over $3,300 should be covered by the QBCC Home Warranty Scheme.
If you’d like a number for your own kitchen, the quickest way is a free site visit. We’ll measure up, talk through options and give you a fixed price you can plan around.