Typical kitchen renovation budgets
| Scope | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets only (overlay) | $3,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$10,000 | $10,000–$15,000 |
| Full kitchen (cabinets + wet works) | $8,000–$15,000 | $15,000–$22,000 | $22,000–$30,000+ |
| Open-concept / island kitchen | $15,000–$25,000 | $25,000–$35,000 | $35,000–$50,000+ |
These figures cover carpentry, countertop, sink, hob/hood and basic fittings. Structural changes (hacking walls, moving gas points) add on top.
Where the money goes
Carpentry — cabinets & wardrobes ($120–$450 per linear ft). By far the biggest line item. Laminate finishes sit at the low end; soft-close mechanisms and solid wood or aluminium framing push toward the top. Kitchen carpentry runs longer than most rooms since it wraps base cabinets, wall cabinets, and often a tall pantry unit into one continuous run.
Countertop ($80–$300 per linear ft). Quartz and engineered stone dominate the mid-range; natural stone (marble, granite) and imported solid surfaces sit at the top.
Kitchen overhaul — sink, hob, hood, fittings ($3,000–$25,000 per kitchen). Priced as a lump sum. A basic gas hob and slimline hood sit at the bottom; a built-in oven, induction hob and premium ducted hood push toward the top.
Backsplash & wall finishes ($4–$25 per sqft). Standard subway tile at the low end, feature tiles or full-height stone slab backsplashes at the top.
Common questions
Is $10,000 enough for a kitchen renovation? For a basic cabinet-only refresh in a smaller HDB kitchen, yes — especially if you're keeping the existing layout and just swapping cabinet fronts, countertop and a sink. A full overhaul with wet works usually needs closer to $15,000+.
What actually makes a kitchen renovation expensive? Carpentry volume (linear feet of cabinets) and material choice move the number more than anything else. An island or open-concept layout also adds cost since it usually means relocating plumbing and electrical points.
How long does a kitchen renovation take on its own? If it's the only room being renovated, typically 2–4 weeks. As part of a full-home renovation, kitchen works usually run in parallel with the rest of the project rather than adding separate time.
What's a realistic example? A recent 4-room BTO full unit renovation I completed in Tengah Garden — including the kitchen — landed at $35,000 over 8 weeks for the whole flat, which gives a sense of where kitchen costs sit within a full-home budget.