When a makeover makes sense
- The layout already works for how you cook and live.
- The cabinet boxes are sound — no swelling, sagging or water damage.
- You are preparing to sell or rent and want a fresh look without a full renovation.
- You want to spend on something else — the bathroom, a deck or the holiday.
When the layout is the real problem, a full kitchen renovation is better value in the long run.
What typically changes
| Element | Makeover option |
|---|---|
| Doors and drawer fronts | New laminate, two-pack or timber-look fronts |
| End panels and kickboards | Replaced to match |
| Benchtops | Laminate, porcelain, natural stone or timber |
| Splashback | Tiles, glass or porcelain slab |
| Sink and tapware | New undermount or drop-in sink, new mixer |
| Handles | Updated or handle-free profiles |
| Hinges and runners | Upgraded to soft-close where possible |
| Lighting | LED strip under wall cabinets |
| Appliances | Optional replacement to fit existing openings |
Common Coast makeover candidates
1990s and 2000s estate kitchens at Wadalba, Hamlyn Terrace, Lake Haven and Kanwal. The layout is usually open plan and practical, but the laminate and benchtops look dated.
Investment properties and holiday rentals at Terrigal, The Entrance and Umina Beach, where durability and turnaround time matter most.
Kitchens renovated 15 to 20 years ago that are structurally fine but no longer suit the rest of the home.
What a makeover cannot fix
- A layout where the fridge, sink and cooktop are in awkward places.
- Cabinets that are water damaged or falling apart.
- Too little storage or bench space.
- A closed kitchen you want opened up.
- Out-of-date wiring, plumbing or gas that needs relocating.
Benchtops on existing cabinets
Stone and porcelain are heavy, so existing carcasses are checked for strength and levelled. Older engineered stone tops being removed need care to manage silica dust, and new engineered stone cannot be installed since the July 2024 ban. See benchtops and splashbacks.
Costs
A makeover usually sits well below the cost of a full replacement kitchen. The cost guide shows how the bands compare.
Call 02 4307 6053 or send your kitchen details through.
Questions people ask before they commit
What does a kitchen makeover include?
Typically new doors, drawer fronts and panels, new benchtops, a new splashback, sink and tapware, handles, and sometimes new appliances and lighting. The existing cabinet carcasses and layout stay in place.
How do I know if my cabinets are good enough to keep?
The boxes need to be square, dry and solid. Swelling around the sink, sagging bases, broken sides or water damage mean replacement is the better option. A quick inspection at the site visit sorts this out.
How long does a kitchen makeover take?
On site, often a few days to around two weeks. Most of the time goes into making doors and fabricating benchtops beforehand, and the kitchen is only out of action for part of that.
How much does a kitchen makeover cost?
As a 2026 guide, most Central Coast makeovers fall between $12,000 and $22,000, depending on kitchen size, door finish and benchtop material.