Kitchen Renovation Costs in Dublin — What to Budget For
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and renovating it is one of the highest-ROI improvements you can make. But kitchen renovation cost Dublin varies dramatically based on your vision. Are you refreshing cabinets and counters, or creating an entirely new open-plan living space? This guide breaks down realistic costs for Dublin kitchens in 2026.
With 35+ years building kitchens in Dublin 16, Ballinteer, and South Dublin, BR Building Services understands the costs, challenges, and opportunities. Let's explore what you'll realistically spend.
Kitchen Renovation Cost Ranges in Dublin
Kitchen costs scale dramatically based on scope. Here's the realistic breakdown:
Cosmetic Refresh
€5,000 - €10,000
New cabinet doors, counters, paint, splash back. No structural changes. Keep existing layout.
Mid-Range Remodel
€15,000 - €30,000
New cabinets, appliances, island, updated utilities. Possible minor layout change.
Full Structural
€30,000 - €60,000+
Open-plan conversion, structural walls removed, new layout, bespoke design, premium finishes.
| Kitchen Type | Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | €5,000 - €10,000 | 2-3 weeks |
| New kitchen, same layout | €12,000 - €20,000 | 4-5 weeks |
| Kitchen with island & appliances | €20,000 - €35,000 | 5-7 weeks |
| Open-plan conversion | €30,000 - €60,000+ | 8-12 weeks |
Dublin Market Reality
These costs reflect current Dublin pricing (March 2026). South Dublin properties—Ballinteer, Castleknock, Dundrum—typically align with these ranges. Older houses might require structural surveys, asbestos management, or damp remediation, adding €2,000-€8,000.
Cost Breakdown: Where Your Money Goes
1. Cabinetry (€3,000 - €12,000+)
Cabinets are typically the largest expense in a kitchen renovation:
- Budget option (flat-pack or standard units): €3,000-€5,000
- Mid-range cabinetry (semi-custom, quality finish): €5,000-€8,000
- Premium/bespoke cabinetry (designer, custom dimensions, finishes): €8,000-€15,000+
Labour to fit cabinets: €800-€2,000 depending on complexity.
2. Countertops (€1,500 - €5,000)
Counter material drives cost significantly:
- Laminate: €1,200-€2,000 (budget-friendly, durable)
- Engineered stone/quartz: €2,500-€4,000 (popular, low-maintenance, premium feel)
- Natural stone (granite/marble): €3,000-€5,000+ (luxurious, requires sealing)
- Installation labour: €500-€1,200
3. Appliances (€2,000 - €8,000+)
Modern kitchens need updated appliances:
- Budget appliance package (hob, oven, extractor): €2,000-€3,500
- Mid-range appliances (good brands, integrated options): €3,500-€6,000
- Premium appliances (designer brands, smart features): €6,000-€10,000+
Don't forget dishwasher (€600-€1,500) and fridge (€800-€2,500).
4. Splashback and Tiling (€800 - €2,500)
Wall finishes protect the kitchen:
- Simple splashback (tiles, paint): €800-€1,500
- Quality wall tiling: €1,200-€2,000
- Bespoke or marble splashback: €2,000-€3,500
- Flooring (if kitchen floor included): €1,500-€3,000
5. Plumbing & Electrics (€1,500 - €4,000)
Modern kitchens demand robust utilities:
- Relocating water/drainage: €1,000-€2,500
- Electrical rewiring, additional sockets, cooker circuit: €1,200-€2,500
- Gas connections (if applicable): €600-€1,200
- Ventilation/extractor installation: €400-€1,000
6. Structural Work (€0 - €15,000+)
This is where costs can explode:
- Same layout, no structural changes: €0
- Moving a door or window: €2,000-€4,000
- Removing a non-load-bearing wall: €3,000-€6,000
- Removing a load-bearing wall (requires steel beam): €8,000-€20,000+
Open-plan conversions often require structural engineers, Building Control approvals, and steel installation—the biggest cost driver.
Cosmetic Refresh vs Full Remodel: The Real Difference
Cosmetic Refresh (€5k-€10k)
Keep the existing kitchen layout. Update:
- Cabinet doors and handles (€1,500-€3,000)
- Countertops (€1,500-€2,500)
- Splash back or paint (€500-€1,500)
- Lighting (€400-€800)
Timeline: 2-3 weeks. Minimal disruption. Best for kitchens with good bones.
Mid-Range Remodel (€15k-€30k)
Replace entire kitchen, possibly with small layout tweaks. New cabinetry, appliances, counters, and finishes. Timeline: 5-7 weeks.
Full Structural Remodel (€30k-€60k+)
This involves:
- Removing walls for open-plan living (€8,000-€15,000 structural)
- Relocating major utilities (€3,000-€5,000)
- New layout and bespoke design (€2,000-€4,000 design fees)
- Premium finishes and appliances (€10,000-€25,000)
Timeline: 8-12 weeks. Significant planning and approvals required.
Island Kitchens: Extra Cost Worth It?
A kitchen island is a desirable feature but adds cost. Budget:
- Basic island (storage and overhang): €2,000-€3,500
- Island with appliances/cooktop: €3,500-€6,000
- Bespoke/luxury island: €6,000-€10,000+
Islands add 15-20% to overall kitchen cost but significantly improve functionality and property value. In open-plan kitchens, they're often worth the investment.
Open-Plan Conversion Costs
Converting a closed kitchen into open-plan living is hugely popular in Dublin. Reality:
- Structural survey: €800-€1,500
- Steel beam design and installation: €5,000-€15,000 (major cost)
- Removing/rebuilding walls: €2,000-€4,000
- Reconfiguring utilities: €3,000-€5,000
- Flooring across entire space: €2,000-€4,000
- Lighting and ventilation for larger space: €1,500-€3,000
Total structural cost for open-plan: €15,000-€35,000 before kitchen itself. This is why open-plan kitchens cost €30,000-€60,000+.
Value return: Open-plan conversion typically adds 10-15% to property value. In a €600k Dublin home, that's €60,000-€90,000 added value—often justifying the investment.
What Adds Cost?
- Complex layouts: L-shaped, U-shaped, or galley kitchens cost more than simple rectangular
- Bespoke/designer cabinetry: Custom finishes, soft-close drawers, internal organization systems add 30-50%
- Premium appliances: Designer brands (Miele, AGA, Falcon) cost 2-3x budget alternatives
- Structural changes: Removing walls, relocating utilities, structural steel are major costs
- High-end finishes: Marble, natural stone, bespoke lighting double the budget
What Saves Money?
- Keep existing layout: No structural work, no utility relocation = massive savings
- Standard cabinetry and appliances: Reliable brands at lower price points work well
- Timeless design: White/neutral cabinets, simple finishes avoid costly trends
- Phase the work: New kitchen now (€15,000), premium appliances in 2 years (€5,000)
- One contractor: Using an experienced builder like BR Building Services eliminates coordination delays
Timeline Matters
Open-plan conversions take 8-12 weeks because of structural work, Building Control inspections, and utility coordination. Even a mid-range remodel takes 5-7 weeks. Budget accordingly—living without a kitchen for extended periods is disruptive.