If your kitchen isn’t serving your needs or reflecting your style, a renovation might be on your mind. But before you dive into demolition, one question deserves careful consideration: how much will it cost to do a kitchen remodel?
Kitchen remodeling costs in Adelaide can vary dramatically, influenced by everything from the materials you choose to the complexity of the work required.
At The Local Carpenter, Ethan and his team have guided countless Adelaide homeowners through kitchen transformations that balance beauty, functionality, and budget. We’ve seen firsthand how proper planning prevents those budget blowouts that can turn your dream renovation into a financial nightmare.
Understanding the actual costs involved—not just the figures you see on renovation shows—is crucial for making informed decisions that you’ll be happy with for years to come. Let’s break down what you can expect to invest in your Adelaide kitchen remodel.
Factors Influencing Kitchen Remodel Costs
Every kitchen renovation is unique, especially in Adelaide, where homes range from heritage villas to contemporary builds. Several key factors will determine whether your project falls at the lower or higher end of the cost spectrum:
Size and Layout Changes
The footprint of your kitchen significantly impacts your budget. A straightforward refresh of a small 10m² kitchen will naturally cost less than expanding a kitchen into neighboring spaces.
Layout changes that require moving plumbing or electrical systems can add substantial costs. Moving a sink or dishwasher means rerouting water lines and drainage while relocating a cooktop involves electrical work and possibly gas line modifications.
In Adelaide’s older homes, these changes often reveal unexpected complications like outdated wiring that needs upgrading to meet current standards.
Materials and Finishes
Your choice of materials creates the most significant variability in kitchen renovation costs. Cabinetry alone can range from $5,000 for basic options to $30,000+ for fully custom designs with specialized storage solutions.
Benchtops offer similar flexibility: laminate surfaces might cost $150 per linear meter, while natural stone like marble can exceed $1,500 per linear meter. Engineered stone offers a middle ground at $550-$1,200 per linear meter, providing durability and aesthetic appeal without the maintenance requirements of natural stone.
Splashbacks, flooring, and even the handles you choose for your cabinetry all contribute to your bottom line. We often advise our Adelaide clients to invest in quality for the elements they interact with daily—your benchtops and cabinet hardware will see more hands-on use than decorative ceiling details.
Average Cost of Kitchen Remodels in Adelaide
When planning your kitchen renovation budget in Adelaide, understanding the typical price ranges can help set realistic expectations. Based on our extensive experience working across Adelaide’s diverse suburbs, here’s what you can expect to invest:
Small Kitchen Remodel
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- Suitable for kitchens under 12m²
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- Typically involves cosmetic updates rather than structural changes
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- Includes refreshed cabinetry (repainting or replacing doors)
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- Basic to mid-range appliances
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- Laminate or entry-level stone benchtops
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- Standard tiled splashback
You can expect a cost of $15,000–$30,000 for a small kitchen.
Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel
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- Ideal for average-sized kitchens (12-20m²)
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- Possible minor layout adjustments
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- Semi-custom cabinetry with quality hardware
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- Mid to high-range appliances
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- Engineered stone benchtops
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- Glass or premium tiled splashbacks
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- Quality flooring (porcelain tiles or engineered timber)
A $30,000–$50,000 budget should be an excellent idea for a midsize kitchen.
High-End Kitchen Remodel
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- Perfect for larger kitchens (20m²+) or complex designs
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- Extensive layout changes or structural modifications
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- Fully custom cabinetry with specialized storage solutions
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- Premium appliances (integrated refrigeration, high-end cooktops)
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- Natural stone or premium engineered surfaces
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- Designer lighting fixtures
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- Luxury flooring options (natural stone, solid timber)
Set aside a budget of $50,000+ if you want that dream kitchen.
Budgeting Tips for Kitchen Renovations
Start with a realistic contingency fund. It is recommended to set aside a certain part, (about 15-20%) of your total budget for unexpected issues, particularly in older Adelaide homes where surprises behind walls are typical.
Prioritize your spending with these guidelines:
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- Worth the splurge: Cabinetry construction (it’s the backbone of your kitchen), quality drawer systems, and hard-wearing benchtops
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- Mid-range sweet spot: Appliances that balance performance with value, tapware, and lighting
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- Save wisely on Cabinet finishes (paint vs. expensive veneers) and decorative elements that can be easily updated later.
Get detailed quotes that specify exactly what’s included. Vague allowances for “fixtures and fittings” can hide potential cost overruns. At The Local Carpenter, we provide itemized quotations that break down every element of your kitchen—from the exact drawer mechanisms to the specific stone selection for your benchtops.
Consider timing for potential savings. Many Adelaide suppliers offer significant discounts during quieter periods (typically late summer and winter). Planning your renovation during these times can stretch your budget further, sometimes by 10-15% on significant components.
Popular Kitchen Styles and Their Costs
The style you choose for your kitchen renovation significantly impacts materials and labor costs. Here’s how different aesthetics typically compare in the Adelaide market:
Modern/Contemporary
Typical cost range: $25,000-$60,000
Defining elements:
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- Flat-panel cabinetry with minimal hardware
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- Bold contrasting colors or monochromatic schemes
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- Sleek-engineered stone benchtops
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- Integrated appliances
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- Glass or large-format tile splashbacks
Cost-driving factors: The clean, minimalist look requires precise installation and premium materials. Hidden storage solutions and integrated appliances add to the cost but create the streamlined appearance that defines this style.
Hamptons/Coastal
Typical cost range: $30,000-$70,000
Defining elements:
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- Shaker-style cabinetry in whites and soft blues
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- Natural stone or marble-look engineered stone
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- Subway tile splashbacks or shiplap details
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- Statement pendant lighting
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- Timber accents
Cost-driving factors: The detailed cabinetry work (including corbels, paneling, and crown molding) involves more materials and labor. Quality timber elements essential to this style add to material and installation costs.
Industrial/Urban
Typical cost range: $28,000-$55,000
Defining elements:
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- Mixture of materials (timber, metal, concrete)
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- Open shelving instead of wall cabinetry
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- Concrete or butcher block benchtops
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- Exposed brick or subway tile walls
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- Statement lighting fixtures
Cost-driving factors: Specialized materials like polished concrete benchtops require skilled craftsmen. However, some elements, like open shelving, can reduce costs compared to full cabinetry installations.
The right style choice balances your aesthetic preferences with practical considerations for your Adelaide home and lifestyle—something Ethan and our team at The Local Carpenter excel at identifying during our initial consultation process.
Material Choices and Their Impact on Costs
The materials selection for your kitchen renovation represent the most tangible aspect of your investment. Each choice carries both immediate cost implications and long-term value considerations that savvy Adelaide homeowners should weigh carefully.
Benchtops: The Workspace Foundation
Benchtops occupy the middle ground between practicality and statement pieces. Your selection here significantly influences both budget and functionality:
Laminate ($150-$500 per linear meter) While budget-friendly, today’s premium laminates shouldn’t be dismissed as merely “cheap” options. They are durable and convincingly mimic stone or timber. Laminate can provide exceptional value for young families in areas like Prospect or Marden while standing up to daily wear.
Engineered stone ($550-$1,200 per linear meter) The sweet spot for many Adelaide kitchens, engineered quartz offers consistent patterning and exceptional durability. Unlike natural stone, it resists staining without sealing and comes in many designs. We’ve found clients particularly drawn to these surfaces for their balance of practicality and aesthetics.
Natural Stone ($800-$2,000+ per linear meter) Marble, granite, and quartzite each have distinctive characteristics that are impossible to replicate artificially. However, they demand both financial investment and ongoing maintenance commitment.
Solid timber ($600-$1,500 per linear meter) Timber benchtops bring warmth and character while aging beautifully with proper care. For Adelaide homes with heritage elements, reclaimed timber benchtops can create meaningful connection with the property’s history.
Cabinetry: The Largest Component of Your Budget
No element consumes more of your kitchen budget than cabinetry, typically representing 30-40% of total costs:
Stock/Modular ($5,000-$15,000) Pre-made cabinets offer cost efficiency but limited customization. While perfectly adequate for standard kitchen layouts, they often leave awkward spaces in Adelaide’s character homes with non-standard dimensions. The quality of hinges, drawer runners, and construction materials varies dramatically in this category—making it crucial to inspect samples in person.
Semi-Custom ($15,000-$30,000) This middle-ground option allows dimensional modifications to stock cabinet designs, offering better space utilization while controlling costs.
Fully Custom ($25,000- $50,000+): Truly bespoke cabinetry addresses every centimeter of available space while accommodating specific storage needs.
Construction methods matter as much as materials—dovetailed drawers, solid timber frames, and quality hardware can double the lifespan of your cabinetry, particularly in Adelaide’s fluctuating humidity conditions, which challenge less robust construction.
Flooring: The Foundation of Your Design
Kitchen flooring must balance aesthetic appeal with practical considerations like water resistance and durability:
Vinyl/Laminate ($30-$80 per square meter): These economical options have evolved dramatically. They offer convincing timber and stone looks with excellent durability. For investment properties or budget-conscious renovations, these materials deliver impressive value.
Porcelain Tiles ($60-$150 per square meter) The workhorse of Adelaide kitchen floors, quality porcelain provides excellent durability with minimal maintenance. Large-format tiles with minimal grout lines have become particularly popular in contemporary designs, while patterned encaustic-look tiles bring character to period homes.
Engineered timber ($120-$220 per square meter) This middle-ground solution offers the warmth of wood with enhanced stability—crucial in Adelaide’s climate where temperature fluctuations challenge solid timber installations. The click-lock installation methods have improved dramatically, though we still recommend professional installation for kitchen areas prone to water exposure.
Natural Stone ($150-$400+ per square meter) Travertine, limestone, and slate bring unmatched character and permanence to kitchen floors. However, they require regular sealing and careful cleaning regimens.
Labour Costs and Project Management in Adelaide
The craftsmanship behind your kitchen renovation represents the critical difference between a merely adequate result and an exceptional one. Labor typically accounts for 30-45% of your total budget, varying based on complexity and the specific trades required.
Trade-Specific Costs
Carpentry ($65-$95 per hour) Skilled carpentry forms the backbone of quality kitchen installations. The precision cutting, fitting, and installation of cabinetry requires experienced hands, particularly in Adelaide’s older homes where walls rarely offer perfect right angles.
Plumbing ($85-$120 per hour) Relocating sinks, dishwashers, or gas lines involves specialized knowledge of both current building codes and the quirks of Adelaide’s diverse plumbing systems—from the galvanized pipes in Victorian-era homes to the copper prevalent in mid-century builds. Allow 8-15 hours for standard kitchen plumbing work.
Electrical ($75-$115 per hour) Modern kitchens demand robust electrical systems to support multiple appliances, task lighting, and increasingly popular smart home features. Older Adelaide homes often require switchboard upgrades to handle increased loads—an important consideration when budgeting safely. Typical kitchen renovations require 12-20 hours of electrical work.
Tiling/Stonework ($60-$90 per hour) The visible finish work demands technical skill and artistic sensibility, particularly for complex backsplashes or large-format tiles. The substrate preparation—often invisible in the finished product—determines long-term performance, making experienced tilers worth their premium rates.
Project Management Value
Effective coordination between these trades can reduce your overall renovation timeline by 30-40%—a significant consideration when you’re without a functional kitchen. Professional project management typically adds 15-20% to labor costs but often delivers savings through:
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- Precise scheduling that eliminates costly trade delays and conflicts
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- Bulk purchasing power for materials
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- Established relationships with reliable subcontractors
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- Experience navigating council requirements and building regulations
For a recent Mitcham renovation involving structural changes, our project management approach reduced the kitchen’s “out of commission” time from an expected 6 weeks to just 3.5 weeks—a significant quality-of-life improvement for the family of five.
How to Save Money Without Compromising Quality
If you want that dream kitchen but don’t want to break the bank, it’ll require some strategic decision-making rather than across-the-board cost-cutting. Here’s how to allocate your budget for maximum impact:
Preserve Existing Assets Where Possible
Work with existing layout ($2,000-$5,000 savings). Maintaining your kitchen’s current footprint eliminates costly plumbing and electrical relocations.
Cabinet refreshing rather than replacement ($4,000-$12,000 savings) If your existing cabinet frames are structurally sound, consider these approaches:
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- Door and drawer front replacement
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- Professional respraying with quality two-pack paint
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- New hardware that transforms dated cabinetry
Strategic Material Selection
Hybrid material approach ($3,000-$7,000 savings) Consider using premium materials only where they create maximum impact.
Open shelving as a design feature ($1,500-$3,000 savings) Replacing some upper cabinets with open shelving reduces cabinetry costs and creates visual spaciousness in smaller kitchens. This approach works particularly well in Adelaide’s character cottages, where maintaining a sense of openness enhances period charm.
Lighting as a transformer ($800-$2,500 investment): Quality lighting often delivers an impact disproportionate to its cost, as how you highlight elements matters as much as the elements themselves.
Timing and Planning Strategies
Off-season renovation scheduling (10-15% potential savings) Adelaide’s renovation industry experiences predictable seasonal fluctuations. Planning your project for February-March or July-August often secures preferential pricing and contractor availability.
Single-source responsibility Rather than coordinating multiple contractors yourself, working with a comprehensive service like The Local Carpenter can actually reduce overall costs through efficiency and reduced errors—even if the initial quote seems higher than piecing together separate tradespeople.
Phased implementation For budget-constrained projects, consider a strategic phased approach. We helped one family implement their renovation across two stages—first addressing critical functional elements and later completing aesthetic upgrades—allowing them to spread costs while enjoying immediate improvements to their daily kitchen use.
The most successful budget-conscious renovations we’ve completed don’t feel like compromises—they represent thoughtful prioritization of elements that truly matter to the specific homeowners and their lifestyle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Kitchen Remodel
Even with careful planning, kitchen renovations can go awry—often in predictable ways. After completing hundreds of kitchen transformations across Adelaide, we’ve identified critical pitfalls that smart homeowners can avoid:
Budget Miscalculations
Underestimating actual costs The most common error is setting an unrealistic budget based on television renovation shows or outdated information. Adelaide’s construction costs have increased significantly in recent years, with quality materials seeing considerable price jumps. Start with research specific to current local market conditions rather than national averages.
Neglecting contingency funds Every kitchen project—especially in Adelaide’s heritage homes—holds potential surprises once walls are opened. A 15-20% contingency fund provides peace of mind when these unexpected elements emerge.
Overspending on trendy features Too many homeowners allocate disproportionate budgets to trendy features that quickly feel dated. Instead, invest in timeless quality for permanent elements (cabinetry, benchtops) while incorporating trends through easily changeable components like pendant lights or cabinet hardware.
Design and Functionality Oversights
Prioritizing aesthetics over workflow: A beautiful kitchen that’s frustrating to cook in fails its primary purpose. Before selecting finishes, ensure your design addresses functional considerations like:
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- The working triangle between the sink, cooktop, and refrigerator
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- Adequate bench space on both sides of the cooking areas
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- Logical storage placement (heavy items at accessible heights)
Ignoring storage requirements When we measure existing kitchens before renovation, we count every item to ensure sufficient storage in the new design. A common mistake is reducing cabinetry to create an “open feel” without accounting for where displaced items will go. Your kitchen should accommodate your actual cooking equipment, not an idealized minimal version.
Overlooking lighting design Effective kitchen lighting requires multiple layers: ambient illumination, task lighting for work areas, and accent lighting to highlight design features. We’ve rescued numerous Adelaide kitchens where beautiful materials were undermined by inadequate or poorly placed lighting, creating shadows exactly where precision work happened.
Contractor Selection Errors
Choosing on price alone The gap between the lowest and highest quotes often reflects fundamental differences in material quality, construction methods, and attention to detail. We were called in for a St Peters renovation to remedy another contractor’s work where cheap cabinetry began deteriorating within months—ultimately costing the homeowner substantially more than choosing quality initially.
Failing to verify credentials and portfolio, Adelaide’s building industry includes professionals with vastly different skill levels. Before committing, verify:
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- Current builder’s license and appropriate insurance
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- Genuine examples of similar completed projects (not stock photos)
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- Direct references from recent clients with similar projects
Poor communication protocols Establishing clear communication channels and decision-making processes before work begins prevents costly misunderstandings. Our project management system includes scheduled check-ins at key milestones and a documented approval process for any variations—creating transparency that protects homeowner and contractor.
Why Choose The Local Carpenter for Your Kitchen Remodel?
What distinguishes our approach to kitchen renovations in Adelaide’s diverse neighborhoods is our commitment to both craftsmanship excellence and an exceptional client experience. Here’s why homeowners from all of South Australia entrust their kitchen transformations to us:
Adelaide-Specific Expertise
Having worked across Adelaide’s varied housing stock—from sandstone villas to mid-century modern homes—we bring a nuanced understanding of local construction methods and materials. This translates to fewer surprises during renovation and solutions tailored to your specific property type.
Our familiarity with council requirements across different Adelaide municipalities streamlines approval processes that can otherwise cause frustrating delays. This regulatory knowledge proves particularly valuable for heritage-listed properties or homes in character preservation zones.
Craftsman-Led Approach
Unlike renovation companies, where sales representatives hand off to anonymous installation teams, Ethan Haylock personally oversees critical aspects of every project. This owner-led approach ensures that the promised attention to detail actually materializes in your finished kitchen.
Our cabinetmakers bring traditional woodworking skills increasingly rare in today’s construction landscape—hand-cut dovetail joints, perfectly fitted inlays, and custom solutions that mass-produced cabinetry cannot match. These techniques create kitchens that maintain their precision and functionality for decades rather than years.
Transparent, Client-Centered Process
From your initial consultation through completion, our process emphasizes clarity and collaboration:
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- Detailed quotations that specify exact materials, fixtures, and labor components
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- 3D visualization tools that help you understand the proposed space before committing
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- Regular progress updates with photos documenting behind-the-scenes quality measures
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- Systematic quality control inspections at critical project milestones
Our client portal provides 24/7 access to project documents, selections, timeline updates, and communication history—eliminating the information gaps that often create renovation stress.
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?
Understanding the costs involved in kitchen remodeling is just the first step toward creating a space that enhances your home and lifestyle. The actual value emerges from thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and seamless execution—elements that define every project we undertake.
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation in Adelaide, we invite you to experience The Local Carpenter difference. Our complimentary, no-obligation consultation provides:
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- An honest assessment of your existing kitchen’s challenges and potential
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- Preliminary budget guidance based on your specific goals and property
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- Creative solutions that maximize value within your investment parameters
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- Clear explanation of the renovation process and timeline
Contact us today for a free, honest estimate.
Call us at 0468572294 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation. We can transform your kitchen into a space that’s as functional as it is beautiful—crafted with the care and precision your Adelaide home deserves.
