Have you been thinking about changing that dated, less than functional kitchen especially when living and working at home this year, but not don’t know where to start? How about at the very beginning. What will a new kitchen cost? Unfortunately, that’s a bit like asking, how long is a piece of string. Every kitchen has a different size, style and finish. But here’s some cost indications to get you started to set a realistic budget.
What should you spend on a kitchen?
Let’s start with what experts think you should spend on a kitchen. Consider the home prices in your suburb, particularly if it is an investment property or you plan to sell in a few years. For instance, if your property is valued at $1.5 million you can spend more on your kitchen than you can if it is $600,000 property. Buyers for an expensive property will demand a mid to high-end kitchen. Buyers in more reasonably priced suburbs may not be willing to pay for an expensive kitchen. In any case everyone wants an affordable kitchen.
Real Estate’s general rule of thumb is to spend 10% of your home value on a renovation budget. For example if your home is worth $600,000 then you should spend $60,000 on all renovations. This will ensure you don’t overcapitalise. Another good way to work out the ideal spend is to search on realestate.com.au and view the sold prices of homes in your area and see what sort of kitchens are more common in your area. Remember, kitchens and bathrooms sell homes.
Having said that, you may be planning to live in the house for many years. While it is never wise to over capitalise, you have more room to make a choice based on your lifestyle, preferences and what you can afford.
What can you get for your money?
Without knowing the size of the kitchen, it is impossible to come up with estimates, but according to HIA Kitchens and Bathrooms Report 2017/18 the average value of a Kitchen Renovation in Victoria is around $25,000. Following are further price points.
- A budget kitchen – $10,000-$15,000. Often this falls into the category of a flat pack kitchen which costs between $8,000-$10,000. This does not include the cost of appliances, plumbing, electrical work and installation makes up the rest.
- Professionally designed and built – $20,000-$40,000. For this price, you’d get a professional designer to design a fully functional space according to your needs. Recommended trades can co-ordinate your project supplied by the kitchen company. This does not include the cost of structural changes or prepping the area for installation.
- Luxury kitchen – $40,000 – $75,000. Besides design services and project management, these kitchens have high-end material, finishes and hi-tech appliances.
The difference between the price points is more than what meets the eye. The more expensive kitchens are tailored to quality, built for durability, and will look good for many years. Also, don’t underestimate the value of the designer’s advice, design and experience offered by the kitchen supplier.
Zesta Kitchens has been in the kitchen industry since 1946, and in the last decade, we have seen a preference for personalised kitchen designs. Two factors that have contributed Australians have become home renovators and changing lifestyle aspirations. A good kitchen for the family to gather and to entertain in is what everyone wants. There are also higher expectations of quality. Customers want stone benchtops, high quality finishes and loads of storage. It’s no surprise that the fastest growing segment in kitchens has been in the $20,000-$40,000 price range knowing you can achieve this.
What are the major factors that affect the cost of a kitchen?
The first set of factors determining the cost of the kitchen will be the dimensions – the size and the layout. If you have children who study in the kitchen, or you frequently entertain, you may want a large island bench. If you have downsized, but still love to cook, you could opt for a gourmet kitchen with every luxury mod-con, just smaller in size.
- Size: The larger the kitchen, the more it will cost.
- The layout: A good layout creates an efficient working space for your needs. This will mean easy access to the fridge, stove and prep areas. The most common layouts are the L-shape, the U-shape and the galley kitchens. The cost variation could be between $10,000 – $20,000 for different layouts of different models, but of the same size. To get a better idea, calculate your kitchen here.
Size and layout done, the cabinetry, appliances and accessories come next.
- The cabinetry: This is the most dominating element of a kitchen. The style, colour and finish you choose will determine the look and feel, and the cost of the kitchen. There are several styles to choose from, but the first step is deciding between traditional and modern. There are stunning models to choose from in both styles. Each style has is available at different price points. For instance, in traditional kitchens, Hampton or Epicure is the perfect choice. In contemporary styles, our top of the range is Qualia, but there are others like Viva or Mondo to choose from that also look sensational.
- The benchtop: These are as varied in cost as they are in style. Laminate, timber, engineered and natural stone are the more popular ones. The cost will depend entirely on thickness, quality and brand so best to speak with a professional kitchen company to obtain prices.
- The appliances: The quality of appliances impacts the efficiency and functionality of the kitchen. Most appliances are now made in Europe to meet European standards. As you will discover there is a wider range of appliances now on the market. The oven, dishwasher and refrigerator are supplemented by steam ovens, built-in coffee machines and wine chillers. What you finally choose will be determined by your lifestyle and budget. Packages vary from Builders Range at $10,000 to higher end $20,000 packages depending on your selection.
- The accessories: They are the small items, but they are equally important and give the kitchen that final finish – taps, waste-bin systems, drawer systems etc. It is a good idea to choose the best quality, so your kitchen will be functional for many years to come.
Hopefully, this blog has given you plenty to think about. If you’ve got the big picture, it’s time to chat to an experienced designer. Our Showrooms are open by Appointment or we can discuss your needs from the comfort of your own home via virtual kitchen call. We can discuss your needs, styles, quality and budget before we design your perfect kitchen. Our staff can show you our Virtual Design Program and discuss your options when you organise an in-home design consultation.