Look, I’m gonna be straight with you about kitchen facelifts. Because honestly? The internet’s full of vague pricing guides that don’t actually tell you anything useful.
So let’s talk real numbers.
## **The Short Answer: $3,000 to $15,000**
Yeah, I know. That’s a huge range. But stick with me here.
The thing is, a kitchen facelift isn’t like buying a TV where you just pick a size and boom – there’s your price. Every kitchen’s different. Every homeowner wants different things.
## **What Actually Affects The Cost**
Alright so here’s what really moves that price needle:
**Kitchen Size** (obviously)
– Small galley kitchen? You’re looking at the lower end
– Massive open-plan situation? Yeah… budget more
**What You’re Actually Changing**
– Just cabinet doors? That’s your budget option
– New benchtops too? Add a few thousand
– Splashback, handles, soft-close hinges? It all adds up
**The Materials You Pick**
– Laminate = wallet-friendly
– Real timber veneer = pricier but gorgeous
– Two-pack polyurethane = somewhere in the middle
## **Breaking Down The Numbers**
Okay let me give you some actual examples from what I’ve seen in Melbourne:
**Basic Refresh ($3,000 – $6,000)**
– New cabinet doors
– Maybe new handles
– Keep existing benchtops
– Perfect if your kitchen’s structurally fine but just looks tired
**The Popular Choice ($7,000 – $12,000)**
– New doors AND benchtops
– Updated splashback
– New handles and hinges
– This is what most people go for. It’s like… the sweet spot
**The Works ($12,000 – $15,000+)**
– Everything above PLUS
– Maybe some layout tweaks
– Premium materials
– Fancy storage solutions
## **Why It’s WAY Cheaper Than A Full Reno**
Here’s the thing – a full kitchen renovation? You’re looking at $25,000 minimum. Probably more like $35,000-50,000 for anything decent.
Why?
Because with a full reno you’re paying for:
– Demolition
– Plumbing changes
– Electrical work
– New cabinetry frames
– Installation from scratch
– Weeks of disruption
With a facelift? You’re keeping the bones. Just making them pretty again.
## **Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About**
Let’s be real for a sec. The quote you get? Might not include:
– **Removal of old doors** (sometimes that’s extra)
– **Repairs** to damaged cabinet frames
– **That one weird corner cabinet** that needs custom work
– **Delivery** if you’re not in the metro area
## **How To Get The Best Value**
Look, I’ve seen people blow their budget on stuff that doesn’t matter. And I’ve seen people pinch pennies on things they’ll regret.
Here’s my advice:
**Spend money on:**
– Quality hinges (trust me on this one)
– Decent benchtops
– Professional installation
**Save money on:**
– Fancy handles (nice ones are fine, just don’t go crazy)
– Keeping your current layout
– Doing some prep work yourself
## **The Melbourne Factor**
Since we’re talking Melbourne specifically – prices here tend to run about 10-15% higher than regional areas. It’s just… the reality of city pricing.
But here’s the good news. Melbourne’s got tons of suppliers. More competition = better prices if you shop around.
## **Getting A Real Quote**
Honestly? Stop reading blog posts (after you finish this one obviously) and get someone out to actually look at your kitchen.
Because here’s what they need to see:
– How many cabinets you’ve got
– What condition they’re in
– Any weird angles or custom sizes
– What you actually want changed
Most places like Kitcab will come out for free. Takes maybe 30 minutes. Then you’ll have real numbers instead of my estimates.
## **Final Thoughts**
A kitchen facelift’s probably the smartest renovation you can do. Seriously.
You get 80% of the visual impact of a full reno for like… 30% of the cost. And it only takes a few days instead of weeks of living without a kitchen.
Just be realistic about your budget. Don’t try to do a facelift for $1,500. It’ll look cheap and you’ll hate it in a year.
But also don’t feel like you need to spend $20,000 to get a great result. That sweet spot of $8,000-10,000? That’s where most people end up really happy.
Now go get some quotes. Stop procrastinating. Your ugly kitchen isn’t getting any prettier while you’re reading this.
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