Kitchen renovation cost is one of the first questions home owners ask us, and the honest answer is that it depends. Two kitchens of the same size can cost very different amounts. The layout, the cupboards, the tops and the hidden work behind the walls all change the kitchen renovation cost.
This guide breaks the cost into simple parts. It will help you plan a budget, compare quotes fairly and avoid the common mistakes that push the price up.
What makes up kitchen renovation cost
Most kitchen budgets are split across the same few items. Knowing them helps you see where your money goes.
Kitchen cupboards
Usually the biggest part of the budget. Board type, door finish, drawers and hardware all affect the price.
Counter tops
Laminate, granite, quartz or solid wood. Granite tops cost more but last for many years.
Plumbing
Moving the sink or dishwasher means new pipes and waste lines. Keeping them in place saves money.
Electrical work
New plugs, lights, a stove circuit or extractor point. More appliances often means more circuits.
Tiling and walls
Splashback tiles, floor tiles, plaster repairs and paint after the old units come out.
Labour and removal
Stripping the old kitchen, disposing of rubble, fitting and finishing. Good fitting makes cheap units look better.
Kitchen renovation cost by type of project
It helps to decide early what kind of project you want. Here is a rough guide for Cape Town homes. Prices vary a lot, so always get a quote for your own kitchen.
| Project type | What it usually includes | Rough guide |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | New doors or paint, handles, a new top, new tap | Around R25,000 to R60,000 |
| Standard renovation | New cupboards and tops, sink, splashback tiles, some electrical work | Around R70,000 to R180,000 |
| Full remodel | New layout, moved plumbing and electrics, new floor, premium tops | From around R180,000 upward |
Kitchen cupboards: where most of the money goes
Cupboards set the look of the room and take the largest share of the budget. A few choices make a big difference.
- Board type. Melamine board is common and affordable. Moisture-resistant board is better under the sink and next to the dishwasher.
- Door finish. Plain melamine doors cost less. Painted, wrapped or solid wood doors cost more.
- Drawers versus doors. Deep drawers are easier to use but cost more than shelves behind doors.
- Hinges and runners. Soft-close hardware costs a bit more but lasts longer. In coastal suburbs, choose hardware that will not rust in salty air.
- Height. Cupboards up to the ceiling give more storage and look neat, but use more board.
Our kitchen renovations include fitted kitchen cupboards and built-in units, so the cupboards and the building work are planned together.
Granite tops and other counter options
The top you pick has a big effect on both price and daily use.
| Top | Good points | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | Lowest cost, many colours | Swells if water gets into joints, burns from hot pots |
| Granite | Very hard, heat resistant, lasts decades | Higher cost, needs a strong level base |
| Quartz | Even colour, low maintenance | Can mark from very hot pans, higher cost |
| Solid wood | Warm look | Needs oiling, can stain and swell near the sink |
As a rough guide, granite tops in Cape Town often cost around R2,000 to R5,000 per square metre installed, plus extra for sink and hob cut-outs. Prices vary by stone and supplier.
Tell us about your kitchen and we will help you plan the work and the budget. Quotes are free.
Get a free quoteCall 076 272 8280Hidden costs that change kitchen renovation cost
Some costs only show once the old kitchen comes out. Plan a buffer of about 10 to 15 percent for these.
- Rotten or swollen board and damp walls behind the sink.
- Old galvanised pipes that leak once they are disturbed.
- Old wiring or too few circuits for modern appliances.
- Uneven floors that must be levelled before units go in.
- Plaster that comes off with the old tiles.
- Waiting time for custom tops, which can delay the rest of the job.
For new plugs, a stove circuit or surge protection for your appliances, our electrical services can be done as part of the same project.
How to plan your kitchen renovation step by step
- 1Set your budget and buffer
Decide your total, then keep 10 to 15 percent aside for surprises. - 2Choose the layout
Keep the sink, stove and fridge in a working triangle. Keeping them where they are saves on plumbing and electrics. - 3Pick materials early
Choose cupboards, tops, tiles and taps before work starts. Late changes cost time and money. - 4Get two or three quotes
Make sure each quote covers the same items so you can compare fairly. - 5Plan your living around the work
Set up a small temporary kitchen in another room. You may be without a sink for a few days.
How to compare quotes on kitchen renovation cost
A low quote is not always the cheapest job. Check what each one includes before you decide.
- Does it include removal of the old kitchen and the rubble?
- Are plumbing and electrical work priced, or left out?
- Is the board type and door finish written down?
- Are the tops, cut-outs and installation included?
- Is tiling, plaster repair and painting part of the price?
- Is there a payment schedule linked to finished stages of work?
When two quotes list the same items, you can compare kitchen renovation cost fairly. If one quote is much lower, ask what is missing.
Ways to save on kitchen renovation cost
- Keep the plumbing points where they are.
- Use standard cupboard widths instead of fully custom sizes.
- Put money into the top and hardware you touch every day, and save on wall units.
- Reuse appliances that are still in good condition.
- Choose water-saving taps. Cape Town households learned the value of saving water in the drought years.
- Tile only the splashback instead of whole walls. Our wall tiling team can match new tiles to the rest of the room.
If you are moving walls or extending the kitchen, check the City of Cape Town building plan rules first. Simple cupboard and top replacements do not usually need plans.
Kitchen renovation cost: your questions
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
Is granite worth it for kitchen tops?
Can I keep my old cupboards and only change the tops?
Do I need building plans for a kitchen renovation?
What is the best way to keep kitchen renovation cost down?
Our team handles home renovations across Cape Town and the Western Cape. Call us or send your details for a free quote.
Get a free quoteCall 076 272 8280A good kitchen is worth planning properly. When you are ready, get a free quote and we will help you turn your budget into a kitchen that works. You can also see our wider renovations Cape Town services.
