Quick answer: Kitchen renovations in Wellington typically cost between $15,000 and $70,000+, depending on the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, and the scope of work involved. A basic refresh might start around $15,000, while a full gut-and-rebuild with premium finishes can exceed $60,000.
If you’re a Wellington homeowner thinking about renovating your kitchen, cost is probably the first thing on your mind. The challenge is that no two kitchen renovations are the same, and prices vary significantly depending on dozens of factors.
In this guide, we break down the real costs involved in a Wellington kitchen renovation so you can plan your budget with confidence.
What’s in This Guide
- Kitchen renovation cost tiers
- Cost breakdown by component
- What affects your kitchen renovation cost
- Small kitchen renovation costs
- Hidden costs most homeowners miss
- How to save on your kitchen renovation
- Why choose Clearcut Building Solutions
- FAQs
Kitchen Renovation Cost Tiers in Wellington
The cost of a kitchen renovation in New Zealand varies widely. Here’s what Wellington homeowners can generally expect across three common tiers.
Budget Kitchen Renovation: $15,000–$25,000
A budget renovation focuses on cosmetic updates that make a big visual impact without major structural changes. This typically includes replacing benchtops, repainting or refacing cabinetry, updating hardware, new splashback, and swapping out older appliances.
This tier works well for homeowners who are happy with their current kitchen layout but want a modern refresh. It’s also a popular option for investment properties and renovating on a budget in Wellington.
Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation: $25,000–$45,000
The mid-range tier is the most common for Wellington homeowners. It covers new custom cabinetry, quality stone or engineered benchtops, modern appliances, new flooring, updated lighting, and potentially minor plumbing or electrical work.
At this level, you’re getting a kitchen that looks and functions significantly better than what you had before, with durable materials that will last 15–20 years. Many of the kitchen design trends popular in Wellington can be achieved in this range.
Premium Kitchen Renovation: $45,000–$70,000+
A premium renovation often involves a complete gut-and-rebuild, including layout changes, wall removals, high-end materials like natural stone benchtops, custom joinery, top-tier appliances, underfloor heating, and premium lighting design.
If you’re renovating a character home in Wellington, a premium renovation allows you to blend period features with modern functionality. This tier is also common when kitchens are being opened up into living areas as part of a broader home renovation.
Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown by Component
Understanding where your money goes helps you make smarter decisions about where to invest and where to save. Here’s a typical breakdown of kitchen renovation costs in New Zealand.
Cabinetry: 30–35% of Total Cost
Cabinetry is usually the single biggest expense. Off-the-shelf flat-pack cabinets are the most affordable option, while custom-built joinery costs more but gives you a perfect fit, especially in older Wellington homes where walls are rarely straight.
Benchtops: 10–15%
Laminate benchtops are the most budget-friendly at $200–$500 per linear metre installed. Engineered stone sits in the mid-range at $500–$1,000, while natural stone and premium surfaces like dekton or porcelain can exceed $1,200 per metre.
Appliances: 10–20%
You can fit out a kitchen with quality mid-range appliances for $5,000–$10,000. Premium European brands can push this to $15,000–$25,000+. A good strategy is to invest in the appliances you use daily (oven, cooktop) and save on those you don’t.
Plumbing and Electrical: 10–15%
If your renovation stays on the same layout, plumbing and electrical costs are minimal. Moving a sink, adding a dishwasher, or relocating gas lines increases costs significantly. In Wellington, registered tradespeople are required for all plumbing and electrical work.
Flooring: 5–10%
Vinyl plank is the most popular choice for Wellington kitchens due to its durability, water resistance, and affordability ($50–$90/m²). Tiles and engineered timber are also common choices at higher price points.
Installation and Labour: 15–25%
Labour is a significant cost in Wellington due to high demand for skilled builders and tradespeople. A straightforward installation might take 3–4 weeks, while a full renovation with structural work can take 6–10 weeks. Our guide on how long a kitchen renovation takes covers timelines in more detail.
Design and Consents: 3–5%
Professional kitchen design typically costs $1,500–$5,000. Building consent is required for structural changes, plumbing relocation, or changes to drainage. Wellington City Council consent fees start around $2,000–$3,000.
What Affects Your Kitchen Renovation Cost in Wellington
Beyond the basic components, several Wellington-specific factors influence your final cost.
Kitchen Size and Layout Changes
A standard 10–15m² kitchen is significantly cheaper to renovate than a large open-plan space. If you’re changing the layout, particularly moving plumbing or removing walls, expect costs to increase by 20–40% compared to a like-for-like replacement.
Your Home’s Age and Condition
Wellington has many older homes from the early-to-mid 1900s. Renovating in these properties often uncovers unexpected issues like outdated wiring that doesn’t meet current code, old plumbing that needs replacing, asbestos in flooring or wall linings, and uneven floors and walls that require additional prep work.
It’s not uncommon for renovation costs in older Wellington homes to run 10–20% higher than initial estimates once these issues are addressed.
Access and Site Conditions
Many Wellington homes are built on hills with limited vehicle access. If materials need to be carried up steep driveways or through narrow hallways, this adds labour time and cost. Multi-storey homes without internal access to the kitchen also require more planning.
Material Availability
Supply chain delays can impact pricing and timelines. Imported benchtops, specialty tiles, or custom appliances may have lead times of 6–12 weeks. Choosing locally available materials can save both time and money.
Small Kitchen Renovation Costs in Wellington
If you have a smaller kitchen (under 8m²), you might assume costs will be proportionally lower. While smaller kitchens do cost less overall, the cost per square metre is often higher because you still need the same core elements: plumbing, electrical, a full set of appliances, and enough bench and storage space.
A small kitchen renovation in Wellington typically costs:
- Basic refresh: $12,000–$18,000
- Mid-range renovation: $20,000–$35,000
- Premium small kitchen: $35,000–$50,000
The key to a successful small kitchen renovation is smart design. Clever storage solutions, lighter colour palettes, and multi-functional elements make compact kitchens feel larger and work harder. Choosing the right builder who has experience with Wellington’s older, compact homes makes a significant difference in the outcome.
Hidden Costs Most Wellington Homeowners Miss
When budgeting for your kitchen renovation, it’s important to account for costs that aren’t always included in the initial quote.
Temporary Kitchen Setup
You’ll be without a kitchen for several weeks. Many homeowners set up a temporary kitchen in the garage or laundry with a microwave, portable cooktop, and chilly bin. Others budget for more takeaways and eating out, which typically adds $500–$1,500 to the total cost over a 4–6 week renovation.
Building Consent Fees
Not all kitchen renovations require consent, but if you’re making structural changes, moving plumbing, or altering drainage, you’ll need one. Wellington City Council processing can take 20+ working days, and fees range from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on complexity.
Waste Removal and Demolition
Removing an old kitchen generates a surprising amount of waste. Skip bin hire in Wellington typically costs $300–$600, and demolition labour adds another $1,000–$2,000 depending on the scope.
Painting and Making Good
Once the new kitchen is installed, the surrounding walls and ceiling usually need repainting. If flooring extends into adjacent rooms, matching or replacing it can add unexpected cost.
Contingency Buffer
Every experienced builder recommends keeping a 10–15% contingency buffer. In Wellington’s older housing stock, it’s common to discover issues behind walls or under floors once demolition begins. A $40,000 renovation should have $4,000–$6,000 set aside for surprises.
How to Save on Your Kitchen Renovation Without Cutting Corners
There are smart ways to reduce costs without compromising quality.
- Keep the existing layout: Avoiding plumbing and electrical relocation saves thousands. If your current layout works, focus your budget on better materials instead.
- Mix high and low: Invest in durable benchtops and quality cabinetry, but save on handles, splashback tiles, and paint. Our guide on where to save and spend on your Wellington kitchen breaks this down further.
- Choose a builder who does design-and-build: Working with a builder who handles both design and construction avoids mark-ups between separate designers and builders.
- Be decisive early: Changes during construction cost significantly more than changes during the design phase. Lock in your selections before work begins.
- Time it right: Booking your renovation during quieter months (typically autumn and winter) may give you more flexibility on scheduling.
Why Choose Clearcut Building Solutions for Your Kitchen Renovation
At Clearcut Building Solutions, we specialise in kitchen renovations across Wellington, from compact apartment kitchens to large open-plan family spaces.
- NZ Certified Builders — We’re registered with New Zealand Certified Builders, which means your project is backed by industry-leading standards and accountability.
- 10-Year Halo Guarantee — Every kitchen renovation we complete is covered by the Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee, giving you long-term peace of mind.
- Transparent Quoting — We provide detailed, itemised quotes so you know exactly where your money is going. No surprises.
- Wellington Specialists — We understand the unique challenges of renovating in Wellington, from hillside access to character home quirks.
Ready to find out what your kitchen renovation will cost? Get in touch for a free consultation and we’ll walk you through your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an average kitchen renovation cost in Wellington?
Most Wellington homeowners spend between $25,000 and $45,000 on a mid-range kitchen renovation. Basic cosmetic refreshes start around $15,000, while full premium renovations with layout changes can exceed $60,000. Your final cost depends on kitchen size, materials, and scope of work.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation?
Cabinetry is typically the biggest single cost, accounting for 30–35% of your total budget. Custom joinery costs more but gives you a better result, especially in older Wellington homes where walls aren’t always straight.
Can I renovate my kitchen for under $20,000?
Yes, if you focus on cosmetic updates rather than structural changes. Replacing benchtops, refacing cabinets, updating hardware, adding a new splashback, and swapping appliances can transform a kitchen within a $15,000–$20,000 budget.
Do I need a building consent for a kitchen renovation in Wellington?
Not always. Cosmetic changes like new benchtops and cabinetry don’t require consent. However, structural changes (removing walls), plumbing relocation, or changes to drainage will need a building consent from Wellington City Council.
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Wellington?
A straightforward kitchen renovation typically takes 4–6 weeks from demolition to completion. More complex projects involving structural work, layout changes, or custom joinery can take 8–12 weeks. Read our detailed guide on kitchen renovation timelines for a full breakdown.
Is it worth renovating a kitchen before selling?
In most cases, yes. A well-executed kitchen renovation can add significant value to a Wellington property. Kitchens are one of the first spaces buyers assess, and a modern, functional kitchen can be the difference between a quick sale and a property sitting on the market.
