Kitchen Renovation Costs in Johannesburg (2025 Guide)
If you are planning a kitchen renovation in Johannesburg in 2025, you are probably asking one thing first: “What is this really going to cost me?”
This guide gives realistic ranges for kitchen renovation Johannesburg projects, based on typical Gauteng labour and material prices. All figures are approximate, for a standard 8–15 m² kitchen, and will vary by contractor, suburb, and site conditions.
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Typical Kitchen Renovation Budgets in Johannesburg for 2025
Quick overview: what most homeowners spend
For 2025, typical total budgets (labour + materials + VAT where applicable) for a standard Johannesburg kitchen are roughly:
- **Cosmetic refresh / light upgrade** - Repaint or reface doors, small carpentry fixes - New counters, basic sink/tap, simple lighting changes - Possibly one or two new appliances - **Approximate total: R40 000 – R120 000**
- **Mid-range renovation** - New cabinetry (often semi-custom), new counters - Improved lighting and electrical, some layout tweaks - Mid-range appliance package - **Approximate total: R120 000 – R280 000**
- **High-end / custom kitchen** - Fully new layout, custom cabinetry, premium stone - Integrated or premium appliances, detailed lighting design - Possible structural work, extensive electrical and plumbing changes - **Approximate total: R280 000 – R600 000+**
These ranges assume an 8–15 m² kitchen in a typical Johannesburg house or apartment. Very small kitchens can come in below these figures; large entertainer kitchens or complex apartments can exceed them.
All prices are indicative only and not formal quotes.
Factors that push your budget up or down
Your final kitchen remodel cost SA will depend on several key drivers:
- **Kitchen size** - More cupboards, counters and flooring = higher cost. - A 6 m² galley kitchen can be half the price of a 20 m² open-plan space.
- **Layout changes** - Keeping plumbing and electrical in roughly the same positions is cheaper. - Moving sinks, stoves, or walls adds plumbing, electrical and building work.
- **Structural work** - Knocking out walls, adding beams, or changing windows/doors can add tens of thousands of rand.
- **Material choices** - Laminate vs quartz, melamine vs solid wood, basic tiles vs large-format porcelain. - Finishes are one of the biggest drivers of renovation prices Gauteng-wide.
- **Cabinet type** - Flat-pack or standard modules are cheaper. - Custom-built, sprayed, or specialised storage significantly increases cost.
- **Appliance level** - Basic freestanding units vs premium, integrated brands. - Gas hobs, inverter-ready appliances and energy-efficient options may cost more upfront.
- **Building type and access** - Apartments and estates often mean extra time for deliveries, parking, and working within rules. - Difficult access (stairs, no lift, narrow passages) increases labour.
- **Timeline** - Very tight deadlines can mean more labour on site and higher costs.
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Cost Breakdown by Major Kitchen Components
Cabinetry and Storage
Cabinetry is often **30–45%** of a kitchen renovation Johannesburg budget.
Typical installed prices (carcasses + doors + handles + standard hardware):
- **Flat-pack / entry-level modular** - Melamine carcasses and doors, basic hardware - **R2 500 – R4 500 per linear metre** (base and wall units combined) - For a small kitchen: **R25 000 – R50 000+**
- **Semi-custom cabinetry** - Better-quality melamine, PVC edging, soft-close hinges and runners - Choice of colours and some custom sizes - **R4 500 – R8 000 per linear metre** - Typical 8–15 m² kitchen: **R45 000 – R120 000**
- **Fully custom cabinetry** - Made-to-measure, often with sprayed MDF, veneer or solid timber fronts - Internal organisers, pull-outs, corner solutions, drawer systems - **R8 000 – R15 000+ per linear metre** - High-end kitchen: **R120 000 – R250 000+** just for cabinetry
Extras that add to cost:
- Soft-close hardware upgrades: **+R5 000 – R20 000** depending on kitchen size - Internal organisers, spice racks, pull-out pantries: **R500 – R5 000 each** - Tall pantries and appliance garages: **R5 000 – R20 000+** each
Countertops and Work Surfaces
Installed price ranges in Johannesburg (including templating, cutting, and fitting):
- **Laminate** - Budget-friendly, wide range of looks - **R800 – R1 500 per m²** - Good for tight budgets and rentals.
- **Engineered stone (quartz)** - Very popular in Gauteng; durable and low-maintenance - **Entry to mid-range brands:** R2 200 – R3 500 per m² - **Premium brands/colours:** R3 500 – R5 500+ per m²
- **Granite** - Natural stone, varies by colour and origin - **R1 800 – R4 500 per m²**
- **Solid wood / bamboo** - Warm look, needs sealing and maintenance - **R1 800 – R3 500 per m²**
- **Porcelain / sintered stone slabs** - Thin, large-format, heat and stain resistant - **R3 500 – R6 000+ per m²**
Additional costs:
- Cut-outs for sink and hob: often **R500 – R1 500 each** - Special edge profiles (e.g. bullnose, mitred): **R300 – R700 per linear metre** - Matching splashback in stone: similar rate per m² as counters, plus extra labour
Appliances and Ventilation
Appliance packages in Johannesburg vary widely. Approximate ranges for a typical package (hob, oven, extractor, fridge, dishwasher, microwave):
- **Budget package** - Basic brands, freestanding units - **R20 000 – R40 000**
- **Mid-range package** - Well-known brands, decent energy ratings - Built-in oven and hob, chimney extractor - **R40 000 – R80 000**
- **Premium / integrated package** - High-end brands, integrated or flush appliances - Gas hobs, smart ovens, large-capacity fridge/freezer - **R80 000 – R200 000+**
Load-shedding and energy considerations in Gauteng:
- Gas hob: **R4 000 – R15 000+** depending on brand and size (excluding gas installation) - Inverter-ready or energy-efficient appliances: usually **10–30%** more upfront - Basic extractor: **R2 000 – R6 000** - Premium, quiet or integrated extractor: **R6 000 – R20 000+**
Plumbing and Sanitaryware
Typical costs in Johannesburg for 2025:
- **Keeping plumbing in the same place** - Connecting new sink, mixer and dishwasher - **R3 000 – R8 000** (labour and basic materials)
- **Moving or adding plumbing points** - Relocating sink, adding water point for fridge, or adding washing machine point - **R2 000 – R5 000 per point**, depending on distance and access
- **Sinks and mixers (taps)** - Basic stainless steel sink: **R800 – R2 000** - Mid-range composite or nicer stainless sink: **R2 000 – R5 000** - Premium or double bowl sinks: **R5 000 – R10 000+** - Basic mixer: **R800 – R1 800** - Mid-range mixer: **R1 800 – R3 500** - Premium designer or pull-out mixer: **R3 500 – R8 000+**
- **Extras** - Water filtration systems: **R2 000 – R10 000+** - Gas geyser supply and install (if part of a bigger change): **R10 000 – R25 000+**
Electrical, Lighting, and Load-Shedding Considerations
Electrical work must be done by a qualified electrician who can issue a **Certificate of Compliance (CoC)**.
Typical costs:
- **New plug points** - **R800 – R1 800 per point**, depending on distance and wall type
- **Dedicated circuits for major appliances** - For oven, hob, dishwasher, microwave, etc. - **R1 500 – R4 000 per circuit**
- **Lighting** - Basic downlights (supply and install): **R400 – R900 per fitting** - Under-cabinet LED strips: **R300 – R800 per metre** - Feature pendants over island: **R1 000 – R5 000+ per fitting**
- **DB board upgrades / compliance work** - Minor upgrades: **R3 000 – R8 000** - More extensive DB work: **R8 000 – R20 000+** - Electrical CoC (often part of broader work): typically **R1 000 – R3 000**, depending on scope
Load-shedding-related extras:
- Provision for inverter connection (extra plug circuits, changeover points): **R3 000 – R10 000+** - Small dedicated inverter/UPS for lights and plugs (supplied and installed): **R10 000 – R40 000+**, depending on capacity - Always discuss your overall power strategy with a qualified electrician, not just the kitchen scope.
Flooring and Wall Finishes
Installed prices in Johannesburg generally include adhesive, grout and basic preparation, but **extensive levelling or screeds** are extra.
Common flooring options:
- **Ceramic or porcelain tiles** - Budget tiles: **R250 – R450 per m² installed** - Mid-range: **R450 – R700 per m² installed** - Premium / large-format: **R700 – R1 200+ per m² installed**
- **Vinyl (glue-down or click)** - Popular for renovations over existing floors - **R350 – R700 per m² installed**
- **Laminate** - **R300 – R600 per m² installed** - Not ideal for very wet areas unless properly detailed.
- **Engineered wood** - **R700 – R1 500+ per m² installed**
Preparation costs:
- Levelling/screed: **R80 – R200 per m²**, depending on thickness - Waterproofing in wet zones (if required): **R150 – R350 per m²**
Splashbacks:
- Standard ceramic tiles: **R250 – R500 per m² installed** - Porcelain or decorative tiles: **R500 – R900+ per m² installed** - Glass splashback: **R1 200 – R2 500+ per m²** - Stone splashback: similar to countertop rates, plus cutting and fitting
Labour, Design Fees, and Project Management
In Johannesburg, **labour and contractor mark-up** typically account for **35–55%** of the total kitchen renovation cost, depending on your finishes and how much work is done.
Labour and contractor fees usually include:
- Site protection and preparation - Demolition and removal of old cupboards, tiles, and rubble - Installation of cabinetry, counters, flooring and splashbacks - Basic making good (plastering, patching, painting) - Coordination of trades (carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tilers)
Design and professional fees:
- **Kitchen designer or cabinet supplier design** - Sometimes included if you proceed with them - Standalone design fees: **R3 000 – R15 000+**, depending on detail and 3D visuals
- **Interior designer / architect** (if part of larger project) - Often a percentage of project cost (e.g. **8–15%** of build cost), or a fixed fee
- **Project management / main contractor mark-up** - Overheads and profit typically **10–25%** of total build cost - This covers coordination, supervision, and risk.
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Example Budget Scenarios for Johannesburg Kitchens
These examples assume a roughly 10 m² kitchen in Johannesburg and are for guidance only.
Budget-friendly refresh (keep layout, upgrade finishes)
Scope: keep cabinets where they are, no structural work.
Typical line items:
- Refacing or repainting existing cabinet doors: **R10 000 – R25 000** - New laminate countertops: **R8 000 – R15 000** - New sink and mid-range mixer: **R3 000 – R7 000** (supply and install) - Basic tile splashback: **R3 000 – R8 000** - Minor electrical (few new plugs, basic downlights): **R5 000 – R12 000** - One or two budget appliances (e.g. stove + oven): **R8 000 – R20 000** - Painting, small repairs, and labour: **R8 000 – R20 000**
**Approximate total: R45 000 – R100 000**
Mid-range renovation (new layout, better finishes)
Scope: new cabinets, some layout changes, mid-range finishes.
Typical line items:
- Semi-custom cabinetry with soft-close: **R60 000 – R120 000** - Mid-range quartz countertops: **R25 000 – R45 000** - New mid-range appliance package: **R40 000 – R80 000** - Plumbing changes (move sink, add dishwasher point): **R8 000 – R18 000** - Electrical upgrades (extra plugs, new lighting, a few dedicated circuits): **R15 000 – R30 000** - Floor tiles mid-range, with some levelling: **R15 000 – R30 000** - Splashback tiles mid-range: **R5 000 – R12 000** - Painting, making good, and general labour: **R15 000 – R30 000** - Contractor/project management and contingencies: **R15 000 – R40 000**
**Approximate total: R140 000 – R280 000**
High-end / custom kitchen (designer finishes and appliances)
Scope: full redesign, high-end finishes, strong focus on detail.
Typical line items:
- Custom cabinetry with premium hardware and internal organisers: **R140 000 – R250 000+** - Premium quartz, granite or porcelain slab counters: **R50 000 – R120 000+** - Premium or integrated appliance package: **R90 000 – R200 000+** - Advanced lighting design (downlights, under-cabinet, feature pendants): **R25 000 – R60 000+** - Extensive electrical upgrades, DB work, inverter provision: **R30 000 – R80 000+** - Plumbing upgrades, possibly including filtration or gas geyser: **R15 000 – R40 000+** - High-end floor and wall finishes: **R40 000 – R90 000+** - Structural changes (e.g. removing a wall, adding a beam, new openings): **R30 000 – R120 000+** - Professional design and project management fees: **R30 000 – R100 000+**
**Approximate total: R320 000 – R650 000+**
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Johannesburg- and Gauteng-Specific Cost Factors
Local labour and material pricing in 2025
In 2025, renovation prices Gauteng-wide continue to be affected by:
- **Inflation and fuel costs**, which push up both labour and material prices. - **Imported materials and appliances**, which track exchange rate movements. - **Suburb differences** – central and northern suburbs of Johannesburg often see higher labour and overhead costs than some outlying areas. - **Contractor experience** – established Johannesburg kitchen installers with strong portfolios often charge more, but can save you money by avoiding mistakes.
Expect costs to be somewhat higher than pre-2020 figures; allow for price changes between quote and installation dates.
Complex buildings, estates, and access issues
Certain Johannesburg and Gauteng properties are more complex to work in:
- **Apartment blocks** - Limited parking, lifts, noise restrictions and set working hours - Can add days to the programme and increase labour charges.
- **Security estates and complexes** - Access control, induction processes, and delivery time slots - Possible penalties for rule breaches, which contractors price into their quotes.
- **Difficult access homes** - Steep driveways, narrow staircases, or no direct vehicle access - More labour time to move rubble and materials.
These factors can easily add **5–15%** to your kitchen renovation Johannesburg budget.
Regulations, compliance, and safety
For safety and insurance reasons, Johannesburg homeowners should insist on:
- **Electrical CoC** from a registered electrician for all electrical work - **Gas CoC** from a registered gas installer for any gas hob or gas geyser - **Plumbing done by qualified plumbers**, especially if tying into municipal supply or drainage
Non-compliant work can cause problems with insurance claims and future property sales, so it is worth the cost to use properly registered trades.
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How to Plan and Control Your Kitchen Renovation Budget
Set a realistic budget and contingency
Once you decide on your target level (cosmetic, mid-range, or high-end), set a budget and then add a **10–15% contingency** for:
- Hidden damage (water damage behind cupboards, rotten subfloors) - Unseen electrical or plumbing issues - Small design changes during the build - Price changes or availability issues on selected materials
For example, if you aim for **R180 000**, plan for **R200 000 – R210 000** to be safe.
Where to save and where not to cut corners
Areas where you can often save:
- Door styles and colours (standard melamine instead of sprayed) - Handles (simple, off-the-shelf options) - Splashback choices (standard tiles instead of glass or stone) - Open shelving in some areas instead of all closed cupboards
Areas where you should invest:
- **Cabinet carcasses and hardware** – cheap carcasses and hinges fail quickly. - **Electrical and plumbing** – safety and compliance are non-negotiable. - **Waterproofing and preparation** – prevents future leaks and tile failures. - **Good design and layout** – a practical layout makes daily life easier and helps resale value.
Getting and comparing quotes in Johannesburg
To keep your kitchen upgrade prices Gauteng project on track:
1. **Get at least 2–3 detailed written quotes** from reputable contractors. 2. Ask each contractor to **specify what is included and excluded**: - Rubbish removal - Electrical and plumbing CoCs - Painting and making good - Appliance supply vs installation only 3. Compare **like-for-like**: - Same cabinet type and finish - Same countertop material and thickness - Same appliance level 4. Check **references and recent work**: - Speak to at least one previous client in Johannesburg. - Ask to see photos or, ideally, visit a completed kitchen. 5. Confirm that contractors are **insured and compliant**: - Use registered electricians and gas installers. - Ensure public liability insurance is in place for on-site work.
A slightly higher quote from a reliable, well-reviewed contractor is often cheaper in the long run than redoing poor-quality work.
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Summary: What to Expect to Pay for a Kitchen Renovation in Johannesburg in 2025
For 2025, most homeowners in Johannesburg can expect:
- **Cosmetic refresh:** around **R40 000 – R120 000** - **Mid-range renovation:** around **R120 000 – R280 000** - **High-end / custom kitchen:** **R280 000 – R600 000+**
Your final cost will depend on kitchen size, how much you change the layout, and the finishes and appliances you choose. Use these ranges as a starting point, then get detailed, site-specific quotes from reputable Gauteng renovation companies.
**Disclaimer:** All prices in this guide are approximate and based on typical 2025 kitchen projects in Johannesburg and broader Gauteng. They are for general guidance only and do not constitute a formal quotation. Always obtain written, itemised quotes for your specific kitchen from qualified, compliant contractors.