Thinking about a kitchen makeover? Should you opt for a full renovation or a simple upgrade? Understanding the costs, timelines, and benefits of each option can be tricky. Our latest blog breaks it all down to help you make the right choice!
At Complete Kitchens, we receive many inquiries every day from homeowners considering their kitchen renovation options. Should you update or modify certain elements of your current kitchen, or is a full redesign and renovation the better choice?
To provide the best advice, we start by asking a few key questions:
The answers to these questions help us guide clients towards the most suitable solution, as different needs require different approaches. While Complete Kitchens specializes exclusively in full redesigns and renovations, we understand that some clients may prefer smaller updates.
In this blog, we’ll explore why we focus on full renovations, and when partial kitchen modifications might be a suitable alternative, and how to find the right professionals for those projects. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of both options, allowing you to make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Full Kitchen Renovation
A full kitchen renovation involves demolishing the old kitchen and starting fresh with a complete redesign.
This process covers every detail, from replacing cabinets and drawers to installing new benchtops, splashbacks, fittings, and fixtures. Given the comprehensive nature of this project, multiple trades are involved to ensure a seamless transformation, including demolition, plumbing, electrical work, plastering. Depending on the scope of your project, additional trades may be necessary. For example, the flooring might need patching or replacement if the layout changes, and structural works, such as moving walls or installing new windows to open up the space, are also fairly common.
A full renovation provides an opportunity to make significant improvements to your kitchen space, not only enhancing its aesthetic appeal, but also optimizing the layout. In many cases, a new kitchen design will open up the space, improving functionality and flow, giving the area a modern, refreshed look that can serve your family for the next two decades or more.
With a full kitchen renovation, you can expect a dramatic “before and after” effect not just to your kitchen space but the entire home.
Kitchen Upgrade
A Kitchen upgrade, such as a facelift or partial modification, focuses on refreshing certain aspects of your existing kitchen without altering the overall layout. This may involve replacing benchtops and splashbacks, resurfacing cabinet doors, changing handles and fittings, or modifying or adding cabinets to accommodate new appliances. Since the existing structure remains unchanged, fewer materials are required, and the labour costs often make up the bulk of the expenses.
Unlike a full renovation, a kitchen facelift has a limited scope and does not accommodate major layout changes. However, a facelift can still refresh the look and extend the lifespan of your current kitchen by enhancing specific elements.
A full kitchen redesign and renovation with premium custom cabinetry from a company like Complete Kitchens typically ranges between $40,000 to $60,000, including high-quality cabinetry and benchtops, and standard scope of trades work. In addition, many homeowners choose to replace their appliances to enjoy modern conveniences, which adds extra costs beyond above budget.
A kitchen upgrade is a more affordable option, with costs typically ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the scope of work. Since fewer materials are involved, labour costs play a significant role in determining the final price. If cabinet doors or panels require non-standard measurements or precise colour matching, labour costs will increase. Additionally, achieving a perfect match with aged or faded materials can be challenging, even with professional colour matching services.
This approach is ideal if you are happy with your existing kitchen layout and only want to refresh its look without the need for structural changes.
Different companies specialized in different scopes of works.
Engage a reputable kitchen company that provides design-build-installation services and holds a domestic builder’s license. This is essential to ensure you receive a formal contract and that the project is covered by an insurance policy, as kitchen renovations will typically exceed $16,000.
These companies bring together kitchen design expertise and cabinet-making experiences, ensuring your project stays on course with the right balance of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and budget.
At Complete Kitchens, we have been a trusted local cabinet maker since 1978. Our showroom and factory allow you to explore finished products and experience the craftsmanship behind projects in progress. We take pride in our senior design team, with each designer bringing over 15 years of experience in creating bespoke kitchens tailored to our clients’ needs. As a licensed builder since 1988, we collaborate with a trusted network of trades professionals to ensure every renovation is executed to the highest standards, adhering to all industry regulations.
Upgrading a kitchen involves minimal redesign, but requires precise labour, including on-site measurement, repairs, and adjustments. This tyle of work is usually best suited to smaller cabinet makers or specialist resurfacing companies. These professionals can conduct onsite inspections, take precise measurements, and offer quotes based on your kitchen’s existing conditions and needs.
To find the right partner for a facelift, Google “Kitchen facelift” or “kitchen resurfacing” in your area and check reviews to identify reputable companies with a track record of quality work.
Whether you choose a full kitchen renovation or a partial modification depends on your goals, budget, and the current state of your kitchen. A full renovation offers the opportunity for a complete transformation, while a facelift can refresh your space without the cost and disruption of a full overhaul. Both options have their merits, but it’s important to choose a company that aligns with your specific needs.
Thinking of a full renovation?
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