Complete Kitchens

Renovate or Facelift?

When it’s time to upgrade your kitchen, deciding between a full renovation or a partial facelift can be challenging for some people, without a clear understanding the costs, timelines, and benefits of each option. It’s worth taking the time to research thoroughly, as your choice will guide you towards different specialists and outcomes.

Renovate or Facelift?

 

At Complete Kitchens, we receive many inquiries every day about kitchen facelifts and modifications. To provide the best advice, we always start by asking a few key questions: 

  • What would you like to achieve?
  • What is the scope of the changes you have in mind?
  • How old is your current kitchen?
  • How satisfied are you with the layout and functionality?
  • What is your budget?

 

The answers to these questions help us guide clients towards the most suitable solution, as different needs require different approaches. While Complete Kitchens focuses exclusively on full redesigns and renovations, we understand that some clients may prefer smaller updates.  

In this blog, we’ll explore why we focus exclusively on full renovations, and when partial kitchen modifications might be the right choice, and how to identify the right professionals for those projects. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of both options, enabling you to make an informed decision that best suits your needs.  

1. What is the Difference?

 

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 Facelift | Partial Modification

A Kitchen facelift focuses on refreshing the part of 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 fewer materials are required, the labour costs tend to make up the bulk of the expenses. 

Unlike a full renovation, a facelift or partial modification is limited in scope and doesn’t provide the opportunity to rework layouts or address deeper structural needs. However, a facelift can still refresh the look and extend the lifespan of your current kitchen by enhancing specific elements. 

2. Cost Comparison

 

  • Redesign & Renovation with Custom Cabinetry $$$-$$$$
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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.  

 

  • Facelifting with Partial Modification $-$$
  •  

A kitchen facelift 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.

3. Find a Specialist 

 

Different companies specialized in different scopes of works.

  • Full Kitchen Renovations
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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.

 

  • Facelifting | Partial Modifications
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Facelifting 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? 

Explore our Design & Quote process to get started!