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 Coburg in 2026?

A budget kitchen refresh in Coburg starts around $15,000. A mid-range full kitchen renovation ranges $30,000 to $55,000. High-end custom kitchens run $55,000 to $85,000, and kitchens combined with a rear extension range $130,000 to $200,000.

Does my Coburg home have a heritage overlay?

Parts of Coburg fall under the Merri-bek City Council heritage overlay, particularly around older Victorian and Edwardian streetscapes. External changes usually require a planning permit. Internal kitchen renovations typically do not, but always check with council or your builder before starting.

Kitchen Renovation Costs in Coburg 2026

Coburg is one of Melbourne's most diverse and in-demand inner-northern suburbs. A mix of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, interwar California bungalows, post-war brick homes and contemporary infill, Coburg has been reshaped by a decade of gentrification — and Coburg homeowners are renovating in record numbers to modernise ageing homes and unlock property value in a competitive market.

Kitchen renovations are the most popular starting point. Original Coburg kitchens are often small, closed off from living areas, and out of step with modern open-plan expectations. Here is what a kitchen renovation costs in Coburg in 2026, what drives the price, and how to find the right builder.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Ranges in Coburg (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 – $85,000
Kitchen plus structural wall removal	$45,000 – $75,000
Kitchen plus rear extension	30,000 – 00,000

What Affects Kitchen Renovation Cost in Coburg

Coburg's mixed housing stock creates specific cost drivers homeowners should understand before getting quotes.

Heritage overlay

Parts of Coburg — especially around Bell Street, Sydney Road and the older Victorian streetscapes — fall under the Merri-bek City Council heritage overlay. External changes to heritage overlay properties require a planning permit. Internal kitchen renovations typically don't need a heritage permit, but any structural changes visible from the street may.

Structural wall removal

Many Coburg terrace and interwar homes have small, walled-off kitchens at the rear of a long floor plan. Opening the layout requires a structural engineer's assessment, a building permit and steel beam installation — adding

5,000 to $30,000 to the project but transforming how the home functions.

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 $65,000 and above. Coburg'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 Coburg

Yes — consistently. Coburg has seen sustained price growth as buyers priced out of Brunswick and Northcote move north along Sydney Road. Buyers in Coburg's price bracket expect a renovated kitchen. Original kitchens leave money on the table at auction, and a well-executed renovation typically returns more than its cost 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.

How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take in Coburg

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 needs a planning permit for heritage reasons, allow an additional 3 to 6 months for the permit process.

Finding a Kitchen Renovation Builder in Coburg

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. Ask for a current public liability insurance certificate (minimum $5 million cover) and insist on a written quote specifying scope, inclusions, exclusions, timeline and payment schedule.

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

Ready to Get Kitchen Renovation Quotes in Coburg

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