Kitchen renovations in New Zealand: costs and how to choose
Kitchen renovators design and install new kitchens: cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, plumbing, electrical and finishes. Most of the cost is in cabinetry, benchtops and appliances, and changing the layout or removing walls adds trades, time and often a consent.
Best kitchen renovators by city
- Best kitchen renovators in Auckland Ranking in progress
We publish city by city, and only once every business on a list is verified. More cities follow Auckland.
Browse kitchen renovators by city
- Kitchen renovators in Auckland 261 listed
- Kitchen renovators in Wellington 84 listed
What kitchen renovators do
- Kitchen design
- Layout, cabinetry and finishes, often with 3D drawings.
- Cabinetry and benchtops
- Custom or flat-pack cabinets, and laminate, timber or stone benchtops.
- Full renovation
- Strip-out, plumbing, electrical, installation and finishing.
- Kitchen refresh
- New doors, benchtops and appliances without changing the layout.
Who needs to be licensed for a kitchen renovation?
Plumbing for sinks and dishwashers must be done by a PGDB-licensed plumber, and electrical work by a registered electrician. If walls are removed or structure changes, that is restricted building work for a Licensed Building Practitioner and usually needs a building consent.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost?
One Auckland renovator estimates $30,000–$50,000 for its budget kitchen scope, $50,000–$90,000 for mid-range work and $90,000–$200,000 or more for a premium fit-out. Confirm cabinetry, appliances, structural work and GST in an itemised quote.
| Job or rate | Typical price (NZD) | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget kitchen refresh | $30,000–$50,000 | per kitchen | [1] |
| Mid-range kitchen | $50,000–$90,000 | per kitchen | [1] |
| Premium kitchen | $90,000–$200,000 | per kitchen | [1] |
| Example: mid-range 20 m² kitchen, Mt Eden | $62,500 | total | [1] |
| Wall removal, general renovation add-on estimate | $2,000–$10,000 | extra construction cost, and up | [1] |
How to choose a kitchen renovator
- Get a fixed-price quote with allowances for appliances, benchtops and hardware spelled out.
- Ask whether changing the layout or removing walls will need a building consent.
- Check the licences of the plumber and electrician who will do the work.
- Ask for the timeline, including how long you will be without a kitchen.
- Compare the warranties on cabinetry, benchtops and workmanship.
Red flags
- Low allowances for appliances or benchtops that blow out later.
- A large deposit with no design sign-off.
- No written timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in NZ?
In Auckland, a budget kitchen refresh usually costs $30,000 to $50,000, a mid-range renovation $50,000 to $90,000, and a premium kitchen $90,000 to $200,000 or more.
What drives the cost of a new kitchen?
Cabinetry quality, benchtop material, appliances, and whether plumbing, walls or the layout change.
Do I need a building consent for a new kitchen?
Not usually for a like-for-like replacement. Removing walls, structural changes or major plumbing changes can need one. Building consent fees typically start around $2,000.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
It depends on the scope and lead times for cabinetry and benchtops. Ask for a written timeline before you sign.