Small kitchen renovation costs
A small kitchen renovation (under 8m²) in Australia typically costs $12,000–$28,000 for a full renovation. The surprising thing for most homeowners is how little the cost reduces compared to a medium kitchen — because most of the fixed costs (trades, delivery, project management, demolition) remain the same regardless of kitchen size.
Why small kitchens don't cost proportionally less
Fixed costs that don't scale down with kitchen size include: plumber callout and service, electrician callout and service, demolition and waste removal, benchtop templating and installation minimums, cabinet installation labour, and any design or project management fees.
These fixed costs might represent $6,000–$9,000 of a project regardless of whether the kitchen is 5m² or 15m². Spread across a small kitchen, the cost-per-square-metre is materially higher.
A realistic small kitchen budget
For a small apartment or unit kitchen renovation targeting good-quality but not premium finishes, budget $14,000–$20,000. This buys semi-custom flat-pack or rigid-box cabinets, engineered stone benchtop, a tile splashback, and standard appliance installation — with trades included.
Where to save in a small kitchen
In a small kitchen, the visual impact of each element is amplified. A good benchtop, quality handles, and a considered splashback matter more here than in a large kitchen where they're diluted. Where you can save is on appliance upgrades, complex storage solutions that don't fit the space, and any structural changes that would require moving plumbing.
Small kitchen design tips that affect cost
Keep the layout. Relocating the sink or cooktop in a small kitchen can add $2,000–$4,000 to the project for minimal gain. Work with the existing plumbing positions unless there's a compelling functional reason to move.
Prioritise vertical storage. Take cabinets to the ceiling in a small kitchen. The incremental cabinet cost is modest; the storage and visual height are significant.
Integrated appliances. In a small kitchen, integrated appliances (fridge, dishwasher concealed behind cabinet panels) look cleaner and worth considering if budget allows.