The kitchen is the heart of the home, a place to gather, regroup and socialise. But when the dream of a bespoke, modern kitchen meets the reality of bank accounts, things can get stressful.
One of the most common questions we get at Caliber Kitchens is: "How much should I actually budget?"
The truth is, a "realistic" budget varies wildly depending on materials, size and structural changes. However, having renovated Canberra and Queanbeyan homes for over 20 years, we know the benchmarks.
Here is your guide to setting a budget that delivers a kitchen you’ll love without the nasty surprises.
Know the Canberra Market Rates (2026 Estimates)
Before you start pinning designs, it helps to know the local price brackets. In the ACT region, renovations generally fall into three tiers:
- Budget Refresh ($15,000 – $30,000): Usually involves keeping the existing layout (plumbing and electrical points stay put) using standard laminate benchtops and melamine cabinetry. Perfect for a rental property or a quick update.
- Mid-Range Renovation ($30,000 – $55,000): This is the "sweet spot" for most Canberra families. You can expect stone benchtops (like Quantum Quartz), custom joinery with soft-close Blum drawers, better appliances and perhaps some minor layout tweaks to improve flow.
- Luxury / Bespoke ($60,000+): The sky is the limit here. Think high-end natural stone or porcelain surfaces, premium Tesrol finishes, smart appliances, structural wall removals and completely custom storage solutions like butler’s pantries.
Account for the "Invisible" Costs
A common mistake homeowners make is budgeting only for what they can see - the cabinets and the benchtops. But a functional kitchen requires a team of trades.
If you are managing this yourself, you need to pay separate invoices for:
- Plumbers (disconnecting and reconnecting gas/water)
- Electricians (moving power points, installing LED strip lighting)
- Tilers and plasterers
- Rubbish removal and demolition
The Caliber Kitchens Advantage: We believe in stress-free renovations. We coordinate all aspects of the project - including plumbing, electrical and tiling so your quote is comprehensive. We use trusted in-house tradespeople who have been with us for years, meaning we can accurately predict costs that DIYers often miss.
Splurge Where It Counts (And Save Where It Doesn't)
To keep your budget realistic, you need to know where your money goes furthest.
- Splurge on Hardware: Cheap hinges and drawer runners fail after a few years. We use Blum hardware because it stands the test of time. Soft-close drawers are a "luxury" feel that you use every single day.
- Splurge on Benchtops: This is your main workspace. Investing in quality stone or high-end laminate ensures durability against hot pans and spills.
- Save on Gadgets: Do you really need the Wi-Fi-enabled fridge? Often, standard high-quality appliances work just as well, freeing up budget for better joinery.
Don’t Forget the "Contingency" Buffer
If you are renovating an older home in Canberra - especially an ex-govie - you never quite know what is behind the walls until the old cabinets come off.
We always recommend setting aside a 10–15% contingency fund. Best case scenario? You don’t use it and can spend it on new bar stools or a celebratory dinner. Worst case? You are covered for unexpected wiring upgrades or plumbing fixes without stalling the project.
The Value of 3D Planning
Changes are cheap on paper (or screen) but expensive in real life.Moving a pantry after it has been built costs thousands. Moving it during the design phase costs nothing.
At Caliber Kitchens, we use 3D imaging software to show you exactly how your new kitchen will look before a single tool is lifted. This visualization helps you spot potential issues and make decisions with confidence, ensuring your budget is spent on the final result, not on fixing mistakes.
Ready to crunch the numbers?
A kitchen renovation is a major investment, but it adds significant value to your home and lifestyle.
Whether you are looking for a simple refresh or a complete architectural transformation, the team at Caliber Kitchens is here to guide you. We offer free quotes and handle the entire project management process, so you can enjoy the excitement of a new kitchen without the stress.
Contact us today to book your consultation or visit our Queanbeyan showroom to see the quality for yourself.
