Buying guide
Budget kitchen renovations: Getting big results, with little $
You don’t need to spend $50k to make your kitchen beautiful

AI summary
A beautiful kitchen renovation is possible on a budget under $25,000. The key is to save on labour by doing as much DIY as you can and being creative with materials.
Simple, high-impact updates include:
- Painting walls and cabinets
- Replacing handles and tapware
- Sourcing second-hand items from Trade Me
For larger changes, consider affordable kitset kitchens and laminate benchtops. Always know your limits and leave complex electrical or plumbing work to professionals.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost?
| heading 1 | Budget | Mid-range | Premium | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price range | Price range | $25,000 and under | $25,000 and under | $25,000 to $60,000 | $25,000 to $60,000 | $60,000+ | $60,000+ |
| DIY required? | DIY required? | Yes / Possibly | Yes / Possibly | No | No | No | No |
How to keep costs down in your budget kitchen renovation
DIY as much as possible
Reusing existing materials
Doing a little yourself can make a big difference.
Update taps and other fixtures
Paint walls
How to DIY - 5 tips
A budget kitchen renovation can still look premium.
What materials can I afford if I’m renovating on a budget?
Countertop
| Material | Price range ($ per sqm) | Price for 4 sqm benchtop | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | Laminate | $120 to $350body 2 | $120 to $350body 2 | $480 to $1,400 | $480 to $1,400 |
| Timber | Timber | $350 to $650 | $350 to $650 | $1,400 to $2,600 | $1,400 to $2,600 |
| Engineered stone | Engineered stone | $400 to $800 | $400 to $800 | $1,600 to $3,200 | $1,600 to $3,200 |
Flooring
Cabinetry
Lighting
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