The price of a kitchen renovation depends on three main variables: the available space, the quality level of the furniture and countertop, and the volume of technical work (plumbing, electricity, coverings). According to market data, the overall cost ranges from a few thousand euros for a flat-pack kitchen to several tens of thousands of euros for a high-end custom project. Understanding the breakdown of these costs allows for informed decision-making without unpleasant surprises.
Often Underestimated Technical Expenses
Before choosing facades or a countertop, the bulk of the budget is determined by less visible items in catalogs. The electrical compliance and the relocation of water inlets represent a significant portion of the total budget, especially in older homes where standards have evolved.
Plumbing becomes more expensive when the sink or dishwasher is moved from its original location. A simple shift of a few meters requires redoing the drainage, and sometimes drilling through the floor. Electricity follows the same logic: adding a dedicated circuit for an induction cooktop or a built-in oven means running a line from the panel, with an appropriate circuit breaker.
Wall and floor finishes (tiling, backsplash, washable paint) come next. They are often postponed until the end of the project, even though they determine the final appearance and durability of the whole.
To delve deeper into the concrete breakdown of these costs, the average budget for a kitchen on Maisons Alternatives details each line with updated ranges.
Flat-Pack, Custom, or Facade Renovation: Real Price Differences
The market is segmented into three main approaches, and the cost difference between them goes well beyond simple or double.
- The flat-pack kitchen (large DIY stores) remains the cheapest solution. The furniture is standardized, the dimensions are fixed, and assembly is the responsibility of the customer or an independent installer. The trade-off is on customization and the quality of hinges or drawer slides.
- The kitchen installed by a kitchen specialist (specialized brands) includes custom design, manufacturing, delivery, and installation. The price includes labor, warranty, and often after-sales support. The additional cost compared to the flat-pack is significant, but the result adapts to the room’s constraints.
- Replacing doors and facades on an existing cabinet is a third option. If the cabinets are in good condition, changing only the facades significantly reduces the budget while transforming the kitchen’s appearance. This option also limits plumbing and electrical work, as the layout remains the same.
The choice directly depends on the condition of the existing structure. A kitchen with twenty-year-old cabinets but a suitable layout is better off being renovated rather than completely replaced.
Countertops and Materials: Where the Budget Shifts
The countertop is the item that most drastically affects the budget at equal surface area. A laminate costs a fraction of the price of quartz or granite, but its lifespan and scratch resistance differ significantly.
Quartz and granite dominate the mid-high-end segment. Their maintenance is straightforward, their heat resistance is good (better for granite), and their standard thickness of a few centimeters gives a solid appearance. Solid wood (beech, oak) is appealing for its warm touch but requires regular treatment against humidity.
Facades also play a role: entry-level melamine does not age like matte lacquer or wood veneer. Lacquer withstands daily cleaning better, while melamine can swell at the edges if the sealing is poorly done.
Reduced VAT and Eco-Contributions: Two Tax Rules to Check Before Signing
The 10% VAT can apply to renovation work in a home completed more than two years ago, but with a specific technical condition. Kitchen equipment must be built-in or incorporated into the structure to benefit from the reduced rate. Easily removable items (freestanding furniture, non-built-in appliances) are generally subject to the normal rate of 20%. Source: BOFiP, BOI-TVA-LIQ-30-20-90-20, updated September 9, 2026.
Since February 16, 2025, the process has been simplified: the customer certifies directly on the estimate or invoice that the home meets the conditions, without a separate certificate. This simplification does not exempt the customer from verifying that the installer applies the correct rate line by line.
Eco-Contributions and Removal of Old Furniture
The AGEC law has extended the extended producer responsibility to furniture and electrical equipment. Specifically, the estimate must mention who is responsible for the removal, disposal, and sorting of old furniture and appliances. These overlooked items can add several hundred euros if no clause is included and the customer has to arrange for removal themselves.
Checking these two points (applicable VAT rate item by item and end-of-life management) before signing the estimate avoids discrepancies between the quoted amount and the final bill. A serious kitchen specialist or craftsman details these items without needing to be asked.
