Planning your dream kitchen in 2025? With shifting material costs and high demand for quality tradespeople, setting a realistic budget is more crucial than ever. But how much does a kitchen renovation cost NZ? Typically, a basic renovation costs around $10,000 and can exceed $100,000 for more luxurious renovations. This 2025 guide breaks down the costs for basic, mid-range, and luxury renovations in New Zealand, so you can set a realistic budget.
An important aspect of any kitchen renovation is professional plumbing and gasfitting. Flowpro’s team ensures that all appliances are installed safely, legally, and to code, preventing costly issues later on.
Kitchen Renovation Cost Overview: Basic, Mid-Range & Luxury
Here’s a breakdown of typical kitchen renovation cost NZ 2025:
| Renovation Level | Average Total Cost (NZD) | Key Features |
| Basic Kitchen Renovation | $10,000 – $25,000 | Keep existing layout, refresh cabinets, laminate benchtops, standard appliances |
| Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation | $25,000 – $55,000 | Custom cabinetry, stone/engineered stone benchtops, quality appliances, minor layout changes |
| Luxury Kitchen Renovation | $55,000 – $100,000+ | Full custom design, high-end materials, premium integrated appliances, major structural/layout changes |
Detailed Cost Breakdown: Where Your Kitchen Renovation Budget Goes
Understanding where your renovation budget goes helps you allocate funds wisely. Below is a breakdown based on a mid-range kitchen renovation cost:
Cabinetry & Joinery (25–30% of Budget)
The single biggest cost is often cabinetry.
- Pre-made/flat-pack cabinets are budget-friendly, ideal for basic renovations.
- Custom cabinetry offers a tailored fit, but it’s significantly more expensive due to bespoke materials and craftsmanship.
Appliances (10–15% of Budget)
Includes key items like ovens, hobs (gas or electric), dishwashers, and rangehoods.
Important: Appliances—especially gas hobs and modern dishwashers—require licensed plumbing and gasfitting installation for safety, compliance, and warranty protection.
Benchtops (10–15% of Budget)
Your choice of benchtops can affect both cost and durability.
- Laminate: Affordable, easy to maintain, and ideal for basic or mid-range renovations.
- Stone/engineered stone (e.g., Caesarstone, granite): Premium look and durability but higher in price.
Labour & Professional Services (20–30% of Budget)
This includes fees for builders, electricians, and, most importantly, licensed plumbers and gasfitters. Flowpro ensures gas fitting and water installations meet NZ safety standards and comply with all codes, avoiding leaks, hazards, and insurance issues.
Key Factors That Influence Your Final Kitchen Cost
Here’s why kitchen renovation cost per square metre NZ can vary widely:
Size and Layout of the Kitchen
Expect around $1,500–$4,200+ per m², depending on complexity. Larger kitchens require more cabinetry, benchtops, and labour. The bigger the kitchen, the higher the cost.
Quality of Materials and Finishes
Material choice heavily affects price, for example:
- Laminate benchtops vs stone benchtops
- Pre-made cabinets vs custom cabinetry
Changing the Plumbing Layout (Major Cost Driver)
Moving sinks, dishwashers, or installing a gas hob increases plumbing and gasfitting costs significantly. This involves new pipework, gas line rerouting, and possibly opening walls or flooring.
Flowpro handles plumbing layout changes safely and efficiently, ensuring full compliance.
Hiring Qualified Tradespeople
Certified professionals may cost more upfront, but they:
- Prevent leaks and gas hazards
- Ensure compliance with building codes
- Protect appliance warranties
- Avoid expensive repairs later
Flowpro provides licensed plumbers and gasfitters who guarantee safe, long-lasting work.
5 Ways to Manage Your Kitchen Renovation Budget
You can achieve a stunning kitchen without overspending. Here’s how:
1. Keep Your Existing Layout
Keeping your existing kitchen layout saves on plumbing, electrical, and structural changes, which can be expensive. By maintaining the same footprint, you avoid costly relocation of pipes, wiring, and gas lines, which can add up quickly. This also shortens the renovation timeline, reducing disruption and costs.
2. Refresh Instead of Replace
You don’t always need new cabinetry. If the internal structure of your existing cabinets is sound, you can save costs by re-laminating or painting the existing doors and fronts, or simply replacing them while keeping the cabinet boxes.
3. Plan Your Appliances Early
Knowing the specifications for your appliances early helps avoid delays and extra costs. Confirm the dimensions and utility requirements (gas, water, power) of ovens, hobs, and dishwashers during the design phase. Flowpro can then install pipes and gas lines exactly where they need to go.
4. Prioritise Your “Splurge” Items Wisely
A smart budget isn’t about spending the least on everything; it’s about strategically allocating more funds to the elements that deliver the most value in durability, daily use, and overall enjoyment.
- Stone Benchtops: Their superior durability and heat resistance ensure a beautiful, long-lasting surface.
- Premium Appliances: Invest in reliability, energy efficiency, and quieter operation for years of daily use.
- Custom Cabinetry: Tailored storage maximises your space’s functionality and creates a seamless, built-in look.
5. Get Multiple Quotes
Always request at least three detailed quotes before starting your renovation. This helps you compare pricing for materials, labour, plumbing, and gasfitting cost. More importantly, it ensures you’re choosing qualified professionals rather than simply the cheapest option.
Flowpro provides transparent, itemised quotes so you know exactly what you’re paying for and can plan your kitchen budget with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average kitchen renovation cost in Auckland?
While a basic kitchen renovation in Auckland typically starts from $15,000, mid-range projects often fall between $30,000 and $60,000. This higher cost compared to other regions is due to Auckland’s higher labour rates, material costs, and often more stringent compliance requirements. For a high-spec, luxury kitchen with layout changes and premium appliances, budgets often exceed $75,000.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation?
The single largest expense is usually custom cabinetry and joinery, often consuming 25-30% of the total budget. Following this, professional labour costs for builders, plumbers, gasfitters, and electricians form another significant portion. High-end benchtops like stone or engineered quartz also represent a major investment, but one that adds substantial value and longevity to the kitchen.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
A full kitchen renovation typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish. This timeline includes the initial planning and design phase, the demolition of the old kitchen, any necessary structural or plumbing work, the installation of new cabinetry and benchtops, and the final fitting of appliances and fixtures. Delays can occur due to material availability, complex plumbing/gas alterations, or unexpected issues discovered behind walls.
Do I need a plumber and gasfitter for my kitchen renovation?
Yes, absolutely. Any work involving water supply, waste pipes, or gas lines must be performed by a licensed professional. This includes installing your sink, dishwasher, pot filler taps, ice maker plumbing, and any gas hob or oven. Using a certified professional like Flowpro ensures the work is safe, complies with New Zealand building codes, and comes with a mandatory Certificate of Compliance (CoC) to protect your home insurance and warranty.
Ready to Plan Your Kitchen Renovation?
A successful kitchen renovation depends on precise planning and expert tradespeople. Flowpro specialises in kitchen plumbing and gasfitting across Auckland, including the Hibiscus Coast and North Shore, helping homeowners bring their kitchen renovation plans to life without safety or compliance concerns. Contact Flowpro today for a quote on your kitchen’s plumbing and gas fitting.
