Let's discuss cost

We know cost is important to you and we want to be as open and transparent about costs as possible.

How much does a kitchen cost?

Although this is a difficult question to answer without more information, we too care about your money and appreciate you need some early guidance, so we will try to do our best to explain some general pricing guidelines.

Based on what we’re quoting these days:

a small basic kitchen with melamine panels ranges $7000 to $15,000;
a mid-sized kitchen ranges from $15,000 to $26,000;
a larger kitchen (possibly with a scullery or a butlers’ pantry added) or one with more features and more expensive materials range from $26,000 upwards.

Of course, a highly spec’d small kitchen with expensive materials and hardware could drive its cost into a higher category.

All these sums include GST, delivery, and installation. They do not include new appliances or other trade work such as electrical plumbing, building works or the removal and disposal of any existing cabinetry that might be needed, but prices for these can be sought for you from reliable experienced trades.

The biggest drivers of cost are:

Number of cabinets - more cabinets means more cost.
Panel Material – melamine is the most cost effective option – lacquered, veneer (such as Oak, Beech, Ash or Rimu), profile (framed or patterned), thermowrap or solid wood panels do cost more.
Benchtop Material – also driven by size but Laminate (Formica) is the most cost effective, engineered stone is the most commonly used at about twice the price as laminate, ceramic are another level above engineered stone as are acrylic tops and natural wood. Stainless steel tops are around the price of engineered stone. Natural stone varies greatly in price but is usually well above the cost of an engineered stone option. The complexity of the benchtop shape (such as many different angles) will increase fabrication costs.
Sanding & Lacquering – a two pot lacquer urethane finish will add to the cost, more so if the panels are a profile rather than a flat surface. Gloss finishes and darker colours take more time to sand and lacquer and are consequently more expensive.
Hardware: More drawers add to cost, as do specialised cabinetry fittings such as; pullouts, corner storage devices, pantry systems, rubbish units, sinks, LED lighting.

The New Car Analogy

The purchase of a kitchen is much like the purchase of a car or even a home. With so many options available price ranges can vary drastically. Just as a new car can start at a basic price of $56,490, it can quickly rise to over $100,000 when the shopper adds more options and moves to higher spec’d models.

Considering the average New Zealander sells or trades their vehicle within 6 years of purchase, why do so many people elect to get so many upgrades? The answer is because most people understand the importance of getting what they want the first time so as not to have any regrets down the road to make sure their vehicle will provide them with comfort, quality, reliability and ease of use.

These same principles apply to kitchens.

You’re going see and use your kitchen every day for as long as you live in your home. Picking the right kitchen with the right options the first time is critical to ensure maximum enjoyment and efficiency. Because of this, most shoppers elect to get the kitchen that will make them happiest in the long run.

Unfortunately, some people only focus on the initial price of the kitchen with the goal of finding the cheapest contractor, therefore sacrificing, quality, warranty, low-maintenance and aesthetics which inevitably leads to regret – especially considering that unlike a vehicle, a kitchen cannot be traded in if dissatisfied.

Elite will work within your budget and guide you along the way.

What makes some kitchen companies so expensive?

Larger enterprises with more overheads
Higher profit margins
Located in high rent locations
Over specification – using unnecessarily more expensive materials

What make some kitchen companies cheaper:

Using thinner lower quality materials that won't last.
Using untreated particle (weetbix-like) board
Cheaply made low-cost non-branded hardware
Limited range of options
Using cheaper unskilled or unqualified staff
Lack of adherence to health and safety
Poor quality installations and finishing
Little customer service
Flat packed – self assemble and install required
Short-term focused

Some property resellers install the cheapest kitchens they can purchase, knowing they won't be around when they fall apart. House purchasers are becoming better educated and will be put off by cheap hardware and poorly made cabinetry.

Where do Elite's prices fall?

Elite's goal is for a fair price for a quality long lasting kitchen
Our research has consistently shown our prices fall in the lowest quartile of prices in Auckland based on a "apples for apples" comparison of the same plan and using the same quality branded materials.
We have consistently been able to demonstrate a lower competitor price is the result of corners being cut somewhere.

Pricing Trends

The old rule of "never cheaper than today" holds true.
Pricing trends are influenced by inflation.
Inflation is largely driven in New Zealand by currency exchange rates, overseas price inflation (imported inflation) and local costs.
In recent times price increases have fortunately been modest.
Elite will hold its quoted prices for at least 30 days as standard and much longer for the time frame of your project by prior arrangement.

Lifetime cost versus Initial price

A well-made and designed kitchen should last 20-30 years and more. A poorly made one will struggle to last 3-5 years.
An $8,000 kitchen that has to be replaced in 5 years versus a $12,000 kitchen that will last 20 years, has an annual lifetime cost of $1600.00 as against an annual lifetime cost of $600 for a better quality one.
Spending a little more for quality will save you more in the long run.

Where are the hidden costs?

New appliances may need to be purchased – great package deals can be negotiated with appliance retailers in Auckland such as Noel Leeming, Harvey Norman or Magnus Benrow.
Electrical and plumbing/gas disconnections and reconnections
Possible new flooring
Building works and possible council consenting - if you are re-arranging the layout or structure of the property.

Is a new kitchen worth it?

If you are going to sell the property at some point, it will add real value to the property if done well. A Bank study has shown that, on average, $1.00 spent on a kitchen results in a $1.50 return in additional property value. That's a 50% immediate gain on the cost making it the first room of a house that should be renovated.
If you are looking to sell in the not-too-distant future, be wise and avoid wild colour schemes and designs, but to stick to neutrals what will appeal to a broad spectrum of people. Keep the kitchen suitable for the property location, style and its value. A kitchen for first home will be different from that of a high-end property.
If you are planning to stay in the property a while, can you put up with working in an old unhealthy or dysfunctional kitchen? Make life easy on yourself and enjoy the benefit of new kitchen now, rather than handing all the benefits of a new kitchen to a new purchaser?

How can I get my kitchen cost lower?

Review your benchtop choices – costs will vary with materials and colour -laminate is cheapest, then engineered stone and stainless steel is cheaper than porcelain, natural stone can be the most expensive option. Consider a cost-effective option in a scullery.
Reduce the number of drawer units in favour of cupboards
Reduce cupboards in favour of open shelves -especially in a walk-in pantry
Review the hardware used – are there less costly options or can they be eliminated?
Review the design – can the shape of the kitchen be reworked resulting in less cabinets?
Handles – are there less expansive options?

Where should I splash out?

The benchtop – it is the most visible and lived on surface of the kitchen
Appliances – get good quality, reliable and easy to service brands in your area.
Make use of hard to access corner spaces with specialised corner hardware
Use pullout units and pantry systems to maximise use of space and accessibility
Add drawer matting to avoid noisy drawer openings and closing with contents moving around.
Soft close hardware should be non-negotiable today
Good planning and design for your lifestyle.

Elite Kitchens and Cabinets is dedicated to delivering high-quality, cost-effective kitchens tailored to your needs. Contact us today to start your journey toward a beautiful, lasting kitchen.