How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne's northern suburbs?

Kitchen renovations in suburbs like Brunswick, Reservoir and Preston typically range from $15,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $60,000+ for a full structural renovation with new cabinetry, benchtops, splashback and appliances. We collect quotes from multiple local tradies so you can compare real prices side by side.

Are the builders and tradies VBA registered?

Yes. Every tradie we connect you with holds a current Victorian Building Authority (VBA) registration. We don't list unlicensed operators. You can also verify any tradie's licence yourself at vba.vic.gov.au before signing anything.

Will I get cold-called by random tradies after submitting my details?

No. Your details are only shared with tradies who are a genuine match for your job and suburb. We don't sell your information to lead brokers or third-party lists. You choose who to engage — nothing gets passed on without your knowledge.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Melbourne?

A basic bathroom renovation runs from around $8,000–$15,000. A full wet area renovation with new tiles, plumbing, waterproofing and fixtures is typically $18,000–$35,000. Getting at least two or three quotes is essential — and that's exactly what we help you do.

Do I need a building permit for a home extension in Victoria?

Most extensions over 10m² require a building permit in Victoria. Your builder is legally required to obtain it before work starts. The tradies we work with handle permits as part of the job.

How long does a kitchen or bathroom renovation actually take?

A bathroom typically takes 2–4 weeks once trades are booked. A kitchen runs 3–6 weeks depending on whether cabinetry is custom or flatpack. Extensions vary widely — a single-storey rear extension might be 10–16 weeks from permit to completion.

What areas in Melbourne do you cover?

We focus on Melbourne's northern suburbs — Brunswick, Coburg, Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury, Northcote, Bundoora, Lalor, Pascoe Vale, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Strathmore, Oak Park, Glenroy, Hadfield, Fawkner, Broadmeadows, Tullamarine, Gladstone Park, Mill Park, Thomastown, Greensborough, Eltham, Fitzroy North and Diamond Creek.

Is it actually free to get quotes through Melb Renovations?

Yes — completely free for homeowners. You describe your project, we match you with vetted local tradies, they quote you directly. You're under no obligation to accept any quote. We're paid by the tradies, not you.

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Brunswick in 2026?

A budget kitchen refresh in Brunswick starts around $15,000. A mid-range full kitchen renovation ranges $30,000 to $55,000. High-end custom kitchens run $55,000 to $90,000, and kitchens combined with a rear extension range $120,000 to $200,000.

Does my Brunswick home have a heritage overlay?

Large parts of Brunswick fall under the Moreland City Council heritage overlay. External changes typically require a planning permit. Internal kitchen renovations usually do not, but you should check with the council or your builder before starting.

How do I find a licensed kitchen renovation builder in Brunswick?

Verify any builder's Domestic Builder licence at vba.vic.gov.au before signing anything. MelbRenovations connects Brunswick homeowners with vetted, VBA-licensed local builders for free.

Kitchen Renovation Costs in Brunswick 2026

Brunswick is one of Melbourne's most in-demand inner-northern suburbs — and its housing stock reflects that. A dense mix of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, interwar semis, and contemporary infill apartments means Brunswick homeowners are constantly renovating to modernise, extend, and add value to properties in a fiercely competitive market.

Kitchen renovations are among the most popular projects in Brunswick. The suburb's heritage homes frequently feature original kitchens that are cramped, isolated from the rest of the home, and completely at odds with the open-plan living expectations of today's buyers and renters.

Here is what a kitchen renovation costs in Brunswick in 2026, what drives the price, and how to find the right builder.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Ranges in Brunswick (2026)

Project Type	Cost Range
Budget kitchen refresh	5,000 – 5,000
Mid-range full kitchen renovation	$30,000 – $55,000
High-end custom kitchen	$55,000 – $90,000
Kitchen plus structural wall removal	$45,000 – $80,000
Kitchen plus rear extension	20,000 – 00,000

What Affects Kitchen Renovation Cost in Brunswick

Brunswick's terrace and semi-detached housing presents specific cost drivers that homeowners should understand before getting quotes.

Structural wall removal

Most Brunswick kitchens sit at the rear of a long, narrow floor plan separated from living areas by walls. Opening the floor plan requires a structural engineer's assessment, a building permit, and steel beam installation. This adds

5,000 to $30,000 to the project but delivers an enormous improvement in how the home functions and feels.

Heritage overlay

Large parts of Brunswick fall under the Moreland City Council heritage overlay, particularly around the Victorian-era streetscapes of Breese Street, Glenlyon Road, and Albert Street. External changes to heritage overlay properties require a planning permit. Internal renovations including kitchen work typically do not require a heritage permit but any structural changes visible from the street may.

Joinery quality

Custom cabinetry is the single largest cost variable in a kitchen renovation. Flat-pack from a big box retailer runs $5,000 to

5,000. Semi-custom from a local joiner runs

5,000 to $35,000. Full custom bespoke joinery runs $35,000 to $70,000 and above. Brunswick's design-conscious market increasingly favours locally made custom joinery.

Benchtop material

Laminate from $500. Engineered stone from $3,000. Natural stone marble or granite from $6,000 to

5,000 depending on size and material.

Appliances

A basic freestanding appliance package runs $3,000 to $6,000. A mid-range integrated package runs $8,000 to

5,000. Premium European appliances run

5,000 to $40,000.

Plumbing and electrical

Any relocation of the sink, dishwasher connection, rangehood ducting, or powerpoints adds cost. Budget $3,000 to $8,000 for plumbing and electrical changes.

Does a Kitchen Renovation Add Value in Brunswick

Yes — consistently. Brunswick's property market is highly competitive and buyers are acutely sensitive to kitchen quality. A dated kitchen in otherwise good condition can cost you tens of thousands of dollars at auction. A well-executed renovation with quality finishes removes that discount and frequently adds more than its cost to the sale price.

Brunswick sits in a price bracket where buyers expect a renovated kitchen as standard. Properties with original kitchens typically sell at a discount to comparable renovated homes. The return on a quality kitchen renovation in Brunswick is strong, particularly when combined with structural work that opens the floor plan.

For owner-occupiers, the return is even more compelling. Your primary residence is exempt from capital gains tax, meaning any uplift in value from a renovation is yours to keep in full when you sell.

Finding a Kitchen Renovation Builder in Brunswick

Brunswick has no shortage of builders advertising kitchen renovations. The challenge is finding one who is genuinely qualified, insured, and experienced with the suburb's specific housing stock.

Things to check before hiring any builder:

VBA licence

Any builder carrying out structural kitchen work in Victoria must hold a current Domestic Builder licence issued by the Victorian Building Authority. Check any builder's licence at vba.vic.gov.au before signing anything.

Public liability insurance

Minimum $5 million cover. Ask for the certificate before work starts.

Heritage experience

If your Brunswick property is within a heritage overlay, use a builder who has demonstrable experience working within Moreland's heritage requirements and understands how to handle lath-and-plaster walls, original timber floors, and Victorian-era structural quirks.

Written quote

Any quote should specify scope of works, inclusions, exclusions, timeline, and payment schedule. Never accept a verbal quote or a single-line estimate.

MelbRenovations connects Brunswick homeowners with vetted, VBA-licensed local builders for kitchen renovations — completely free, no obligation.

How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take in Brunswick

A straightforward kitchen renovation with no structural changes: 3 to 5 weeks on site. A kitchen renovation involving wall removal and structural work: 5 to 8 weeks on site. A kitchen renovation as part of a rear extension: 12 to 20 weeks depending on scope and permit timing.

Factor in 4 to 8 weeks for design, quoting, and permit approval before any work starts. If your project requires a planning permit for heritage reasons, allow an additional 3 to 6 months for the permit process.

Ready to Get Kitchen Renovation Quotes in Brunswick

MelbRenovations matches Brunswick homeowners with vetted, VBA-licensed local builders for kitchen renovations. Free for homeowners, no obligation, no cold calls.