Kitchen renovation quotes are notoriously hard to compare. One builder gives you a $28,000 quote. Another gives you $52,000. Are they quoting the same job? Almost certainly not — and figuring out what's different is where most homeowners get lost. Here's a practical guide to getting fair kitchen renovation quotes and understanding what you're actually comparing.
Why kitchen renovation quotes vary so much
The variation usually isn't the builder padding their margin — it's scope. Two quotes that both say "kitchen renovation" can differ on whether they include: demolition, plumbing rough-in and fit-off, electrical rough-in and fit-off, new flooring, wall patching and painting, appliance supply, and waste removal. A quote that leaves any of these out will look cheaper but blow out once work starts.
The 5 line items to check in every kitchen quote
- Plumbing rough-in and fit-off. Moving or adding a sink point requires rough-in ($180–$350) and fit-off ($120–$200). If the quote doesn't mention plumbing as a line item, ask where it is.
- Electrical rough-in and fit-off. New powerpoints, under-cabinet lighting, and rangehood wiring all need licensed electrical work. It should be itemised separately.
- Benchtop supply and fabrication. Stone benchtops take 2–3 weeks to fabricate after templating. Labour to install is separate from supply. A quote "including stone benchtop" should specify thickness, material, and the included edges.
- Appliance supply vs. install-only. The quote should clearly state whether appliances are included or if it's install-only (you supply). This alone can be a $3,000–$15,000 difference.
- Waste removal and demolition. Demo and skip bin hire adds $500–$1,500. If it's not in the quote, it will appear as a variation once work starts.
How to compare quotes fairly
Create a simple spreadsheet with each quote's scope broken down. For each quote, note whether the following are included (Y/N) and at what cost:
| Item | Quote 1 | Quote 2 | Quote 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition + skip bin | — | — | — |
| Cabinetry (brand/style) | — | — | — |
| Benchtop (material/thickness) | — | — | — |
| Splashback | — | — | — |
| Plumbing (rough-in + fit-off) | — | — | — |
| Electrical | — | — | — |
| Flooring | — | — | — |
| Appliances | — | — | — |
| Painting | — | — | — |
| Project management | — | — | — |
Once you fill this in for each quote, the "cheap" quote often turns out to be missing 3–4 items that will add $8,000–$15,000 once work starts.
Red flags in kitchen renovation quotes
- A quote given without a site inspection
- No itemised breakdown — just a total figure
- Request for more than 20–25% upfront deposit
- No mention of PC (provisional cost) items or variations process
- No written contract or quote validity period
- Pressure to sign quickly ("price only valid this week")
Have a kitchen renovation quote? Check it against current market rates.
Check My Quote →Frequently asked questions
How many quotes should I get for a kitchen renovation?
At least 3 quotes from different builders. For jobs over $30,000, getting 4–5 quotes is worthwhile — the variation between the highest and lowest is often $10,000–$20,000 for the same scope.
Why is one kitchen quote so much cheaper than the others?
The most common reasons: different scope (items excluded), different materials specification (flat-pack vs. custom cabinetry, laminate vs. stone), different labour model (sole trader vs. builder managing subcontractors), or the builder is hungry for work and pricing below market. Always get a full scope breakdown before concluding a cheap quote is equivalent.
What should a kitchen renovation quote include?
A complete quote should itemise: demolition, cabinetry (brand and style), benchtop (material, thickness, edges), splashback, plumbing, electrical, flooring, painting, appliance supply or install-only, waste removal, and project management. Anything not listed is not included.
How long is a kitchen renovation quote valid for?
Most builders quote 30 days. Material prices (particularly stone and cabinetry) fluctuate, so quotes given verbally or without a validity period shouldn't be relied on. Get your quotes in writing with a clear expiry date.
Do I need a building permit for a kitchen renovation?
In most Australian states, a kitchen renovation (even a full fit-out) doesn't require a building permit if the structural layout isn't changing. Removing a load-bearing wall, moving the location of the kitchen within the home, or changing the floor plan does require a permit and engineer sign-off.