Layout
U-shaped kitchens
Three runs of bench enclosing the cook on three sides.
When it works
Square-ish footprints where you want maximum bench and storage. The serious-cook layout.
When it doesn't
Smaller rooms — you'll feel boxed in. And the two inside corners eat budget on specialty pull-outs.
Cost matrix — 2026 NZD
All-in pricing: demolition, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, benchtop, splashback, appliances install, painting. Treat them as bands, not quotes.
Compact
<8m² · apartment / sleep-out
| Tier | Cost band | Weeks on site |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh Doors, bench, splashback | $11k–$19k | 2–4 |
| Mid-tier reno Full new cabinetry | $26k–$45k | 5–8 |
| Premium full Layout changes, top finishes | $48k–$80k | 8–12 |
Medium
8–14m² · most NZ homes
| Tier | Cost band | Weeks on site |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh Doors, bench, splashback | $14k–$25k | 2–4 |
| Mid-tier reno Full new cabinetry | $32k–$55k | 5–8 |
| Premium full Layout changes, top finishes | $60k–$100k | 8–12 |
Large
>14m² · open-plan extensions
| Tier | Cost band | Weeks on site |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh Doors, bench, splashback | $18k–$32k | 2–4 |
| Mid-tier reno Full new cabinetry | $40k–$70k | 5–8 |
| Premium full Layout changes, top finishes | $75k–$135k | 8–12 |
Tier breakdown
Cosmetic refresh
Doors, bench, splashback
Cabinet boxes stay. Doors, drawer fronts, benchtop and splashback get replaced. Often new appliances. No structural work, no services changes.
Full scope detail →Mid-tier reno
Full new cabinetry
Full new cabinetry, benchtop, splashback, appliances. Services upgraded as needed. Layout broadly stays the same; walls don't move.
Full scope detail →Premium full
Layout changes, top finishes
Down to the framing. Walls open, services rerouted, structural where needed, top-tier appliances and finishes (engineered stone or solid surface, integrated everything).
Full scope detail →Renovators who specialise in u-shaped kitchens
7 of 12 directory renovators list this as a speciality.
North Shore specialist — bigger footprints, bigger islands, bigger sliders out to the entertaining deck.
Wellington hill-suburb specialist — split-level villas, awkward access, structural surprises managed calmly.
Christchurch's volume mid-tier renovator — sharp pricing, predictable lead times, no nonsense.
Selwyn district new-build specialist — handles the full kitchen package from architect's plan to PC sum sign-off.
Coastal-spec specialist — humidity-aware finishes, marine-grade hardware, salt-air honest about what'll last.
Premium-tier only — holiday-home and high-end residential kitchens, alpine-spec finishes.
Manawatu's straight-shooter — refresh and mid-tier work for sensible Palmerston North families.