Use this practical renovation calculator guide to estimate costs and design the right solution for your home. Created by Joyce Kitchens — specialists in custom cabinetry and kitchen renovations in Perth and across WA.
What is a budget for renovations calculator?
A “budget for renovations calculator” helps homeowners estimate the likely cost of upgrading spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes. While no online tool can replace a measured design and a written quote, a renovation calculator (also called a home reno calculator, renovation cost calculator Australia, house renovation calculator or remodeling costs calculator) gives you a reliable starting point for planning and comparing options.
A PC item is an allowance for fixtures not yet selected (e.g., tapware). The final price varies once you choose the exact product.
A PS is an allowance for work where the scope isn’t fully defined (e.g., unforeseen plumbing). It’s adjusted to actual cost after work is completed.
Quick home reno calculator (step-by-step)
Use this simple approach as your renovation calculator Australia guide. It doubles as a renovation cost estimator you can adapt to kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
Step 1: Define scope and size
- Measure the room (e.g., 3.6 m x 3.0 m kitchen). Note service moves (plumbing, gas, electrical) and structural changes.
- Decide finish level: Basic, Mid-range, or Premium.
Step 2: Base cabinetry and benchtops
- Cabinetry (custom, soft-close drawers, quality hardware): Basic $8,500–$12,500; Mid $12,500–$20,000; Premium $20,000–$35,000+
- Benchtops: Laminate $600–$1,200/lin m installed; Porcelain/Sintered stone $1,200–$2,500/m²; Natural stone $1,200–$3,000/m²; Solid surface $900–$1,800/m²
Step 3: Fixtures, appliances and finishes
- Appliances (cooktop/oven/rangehood/dishwasher): $3,000–$9,000 (bundle pricing helps)
- Splashback: Tiles $90–$160/m² installed; Glass $450–$750/m²; Stone continuation $900–$1,600/m²
- Sinks/tapware (PC items): $600–$2,500+
Step 4: Trades and preliminaries
- Demolition and removal: $700–$2,000
- Plumbing and gas: $800–$2,500 (more if relocating)
- Electrical/lighting (AS/NZS 3000): $1,200–$3,500
- Tiling/flooring: Vinyl plank $50–$90/m²; Tiles $110–$180/m² installed
Step 5: Add GST, compliance and contingency
- Compliance: Australian Standards (e.g., AS/NZS 4386 for cabinetry assemblies), licensed contractors, and waterproofing (bathrooms)
- Contingency: 10–15% for variations or PS items
Estimated total = Cabinetry + Benchtops + Fixtures/Appliances + Trades/Preliminaries + Compliance + Contingency (10–15%)
Worked example (Perth, WA)
Mid-range 3.6 x 3.0 m L-shaped kitchen with island, laminate cabinetry, porcelain benchtops, tiled splashback, appliance pack, minor service moves.
- Cabinetry: $16,500
- Benchtops (porcelain): $5,800
- Appliances (bundle): $5,200
- Splashback tiling: $1,400
- Plumbing/electrical: $3,400
- Demolition/disposal: $1,200
- Compliance/PC items: $1,000
- Contingency (12%): ~$4,200
Estimated total: ~$38,700 (inc. GST)
Use the same remodel calculator logic for bathrooms and laundries. For bathrooms, include waterproofing and more tiling. For laundries, allow for appliance gaps, tall storage and ventilation.
The renovation process in WA
- Discovery — Brief, budget, and goals for your kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobes.
- Design and selections — Layouts (galley, U-shaped kitchen, L-shaped with island), style (Shaker kitchen, contemporary flat panel, Hamptons), finishes and appliances sized for Australian standards (common 600 mm and 900 mm widths).
- Measured quotation — Fixed-price quote with PC/PS clarity; HIA or similar contract recommended.
- Scheduling — Lead times for custom cabinetry WA manufacturing and benchtop fabrication.
- Installation — Licensed trades for plumbing/electrical; waterproofing to Australian Standards; ventilation and clearances per appliance manuals.
- Handover — Care instructions, warranties, and after-sales support.
Useful authorities: HIA, Master Builders WA, and WA Building and Energy (DMIRS).
Materials and finishes that shape your budget
Cabinetry
- Fronts: Melamine, thermofoil, 2-pack polyurethane, or timber veneer
- Hardware: Soft-close drawers, quality runners, and hinges (e.g., Blum)
- Profiles: Shaker doors, flat-panel, finger-pull, integrated handles
Benchtops
Popular in Australia: laminate, porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface and natural stone. Note the national restrictions on engineered stone products containing crystalline silica.
Engineered stone containing crystalline silica is subject to a national ban and strict controls. Talk to our team about compliant alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface and natural stone.
Splashbacks
- Tiles (subway, large-format porcelain), glass, or stone continuation
- Consider heat resistance behind cooktops and cleaning ease
Appliances and ventilation
- Standard Australian sizes: 600 mm or 900 mm cookers; allow manufacturer clearances
- Integrated appliances for a seamless look; check cabinet ventilation requirements
Flooring
- Vinyl plank, porcelain tiles, engineered timber — each has different acoustic and maintenance profiles
Comparison: Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Laminate Benchtops
| Feature | Porcelain/Sintered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Typical installed cost | $1,200–$2,500 per m² | $600–$1,200 per linear metre |
| Heat/UV resistance | Excellent; high heat and UV stable | Moderate; use trivets and care with heat |
| Appearance | Stone/concrete/marble looks with tight joins | Wide range of decors; modern square edges |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous, stain resistant | Very low; simple cleaning |
| Suitability | Premium kitchens, outdoor kitchens (check product spec) | Budget to mid-range; excellent value |
Layouts and styles that add value
Kitchen layouts
- Galley kitchen — Efficient for apartments; strong workflow
- U-shaped kitchen — Maximises bench space; great for families
- L-shaped with island — Entertainer’s favourite; easy seating and prep zones
- Butler’s pantry — Hidden prep/storage; increases resale appeal
Style notes
- Shaker kitchen — Classic profile, suits Hamptons and coastal WA homes
- Contemporary flat panel — Clean lines; suits integrated appliances and stone splashbacks
- Hardware and features — Pull-out pantry, corner solutions, soft-close drawers
Two quick WA case-style examples
Subiaco, WA — Galley rework: Replace dated laminate with new custom cabinetry, laminate tops, tiled splashback, appliance package, minor electrical. Outcome: Improved storage and resale appeal. Budget: ~$22k–$28k.
Fremantle, WA — Coastal Shaker: 2-pack Shaker doors, porcelain benchtop with waterfall edge, integrated fridge, butler’s pantry fit-out. Budget: ~$48k–$65k depending on appliances.
Typical renovation costs in Perth and WA
Use these ranges as a renovation cost calculator Australia guide. Actual quotes depend on design, selections and site conditions.
Kitchens (supply and install, inc. GST)
- Cosmetic update (retain layout): $15,000–$25,000
- Mid-range full replacement: $28,000–$45,000
- Premium/custom with stone/porcelain and high-end appliances: $50,000–$90,000+
Bathrooms
- Refresh (keep services): $12,000–$20,000
- Mid-range remodel: $20,000–$35,000
- Premium (feature tiles, custom vanities, walk-in shower): $35,000–$55,000+
Laundries
- Compact: $6,000–$12,000
- Family-size with tall storage: $12,000–$20,000+
Wardrobes
- Sliding built-in: $2,000–$5,000
- Walk-in robe fit-out: $4,500–$12,000+
Trade and line-item cues for your remodel calculator
- Plumbing/gas: $800–$2,500+ (more for relocations)
- Electrical/lighting: $1,200–$3,500
- Waterproofing (bathrooms): $800–$1,800
- Tiling (labour+adhesives): $90–$150/m²
- Removal/disposal: $700–$2,000
- Appliance pack: $3,000–$9,000
All works should comply with relevant Australian Standards (e.g., AS/NZS 4386 cabinetry, AS/NZS 3000 electrical) and the NCC. For advice on approvals and licensed trades, see WA Building and Energy.
Ready to get a fixed renovation cost estimator instead of a range? Book a design consultation with Joyce Kitchens. Our team will measure your space, design to your brief, and provide a detailed quote.
Pre-renovation budget checklist
- Set a target budget and a 10–15% contingency
- Choose a finish level (Basic / Mid-range / Premium)
- Decide on layout changes vs. retaining services
- Shortlist materials: laminate or porcelain benchtops, splashbacks, door finishes
- List appliance sizes (600 mm or 900 mm) and integration needs
- Confirm ventilation and heat-resistance requirements near cooktops
- Identify PC items (tapware, sinks) and keep a record of selections
- Verify licensed trades and standards compliance
- Schedule around lead times for custom cabinetry WA manufacturing
- Request a measured, itemised quote from Joyce Kitchens
Why Joyce Kitchens?
With decades of experience in kitchen renovations Perth and a full in-house design and manufacturing team, we deliver custom solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes. From Shaker kitchens to sleek contemporary spaces with integrated appliances and stone splashbacks, we design for the way Australians live.
FAQ
How do I use a budget for renovations calculator for a kitchen?
Add the big items first (cabinetry and benchtops), then appliances and splashback, then trades (plumbing, electrical, demolition), then compliance/PC items. Finish with a 10–15% contingency. This gives a realistic starting estimate before you seek a measured quote.
What is a realistic cost to renovate a kitchen in Perth?
As a guide: $15k–$25k for a cosmetic update, $28k–$45k for a mid-range replacement, and $50k–$90k+ for premium custom kitchens with porcelain or natural stone and high-end appliances. Your final price depends on scope, materials and services.
Is engineered stone still allowed in Australia?
Australia has introduced a national ban and strict controls on engineered stone containing crystalline silica. Many projects now choose compliant alternatives like porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface and natural stone. Ask us about safe, compliant benchtop options.
How can I save money without compromising quality?
Retain the existing layout and services, choose durable laminates for cabinetry or benchtops, use standard appliance sizes, bundle appliances, and prioritise storage hardware (soft-close drawers) over purely aesthetic extras. Stage works if needed.
Do I need council approval for a kitchen or bathroom renovation in WA?
Like-for-like kitchen/bathroom updates typically don’t need council approval, but structural changes, plumbing relocations and new electrical work must be done by licensed trades and comply with Australian Standards. Check with your local council or WA Building and Energy for specific requirements.
