Kitchen renovation is consistently the highest-ROI investment a Malaysian homeowner can make — both in terms of daily quality of life and property resale value. But costs can vary enormously. Here's our transparent breakdown of what to expect in 2026.
Typical Cost Ranges (Malaysia, 2026)
- Basic refresh (repaint, handles, lighting): RM 5,000 – 12,000
- Mid-range renovation (new cabinets, countertop, appliances): RM 25,000 – 55,000
- Full premium overhaul (custom cabinetry, stone surfaces, premium appliances): RM 60,000 – 120,000+
The Biggest Cost Drivers
1. Cabinetry (30–40% of budget)
Cabinets are typically the single largest line item. The main choice is between ready-made (budget, limited customisation), semi-custom (moderate price, better fit), and fully custom (premium, exact dimensions, any material).
For a standard Malaysian kitchen (10–15 linear feet), expect:
- Melamine board cabinets: RM 8,000 – 18,000
- Solid wood / lacquer finish: RM 20,000 – 45,000
2. Countertops (15–25% of budget)
- Laminate: RM 80–150/linear foot
- Quartz (engineered stone): RM 200–350/linear foot
- Marble / granite: RM 300–600/linear foot
- Sintered stone (Dekton, Lapitec): RM 400–700/linear foot
3. Appliances (20–30% of budget)
Built-in appliances (hood, hob, oven, dishwasher) from brands like Bosch, Siemens, or Smeg can easily run RM 15,000–40,000 for a complete package. However, mixing one hero appliance (e.g., a quality hood) with mid-range others is a savvy way to manage costs.
4. Tiling & Flooring (10–15% of budget)
Porcelain tiles remain the most practical choice for Malaysian kitchens due to heat and humidity. Large format tiles (60x120cm or larger) are trending — budget RM 6–15 per sqft including installation.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
- Plumbing relocation: RM 1,500 – 5,000 if moving sink position
- Electrical upgrades: RM 2,000 – 8,000 for dedicated circuits
- Hacking & disposal: RM 1,000 – 3,000
- ID & project management fee: typically 10–15% of total project cost
How to Get the Most from Your Budget
Our advice: spend on the things you touch every day (handles, tap, worktop edge) and save on the things you don't (interior cabinet material, toe-kick colour). A well-designed mid-range kitchen will consistently outperform a poorly designed luxury one. Get a quick estimate using our free Budget Calculator — designed specifically for Malaysian renovation projects. Our interior design packages include full kitchen design coordination, so you don't manage contractors alone.
For design ideas and layout tips, see our kitchen design Malaysia guide. For whole-home budgeting, read our home renovation cost Malaysia guide.