Kitchen Renovation Cost Malaysia 2026: Do Not Sign a Quote Before You See These Prices
Kitchen renovation is where Malaysian homeowners burn the most money without realising it. A contractor says "kitchen package RM28,000" and it sounds reasonable until you discover the hood is weak, the countertop is not the grade you expected, electrical points are excluded, and the wet kitchen cabinet carcass is cheap chipboard that starts swelling after two years.
Here is the uncomfortable truth: two kitchens that look almost identical in a 3D render can be RM20,000 apart in real cost. The difference is hidden inside cabinet materials, countertop thickness, hardware, waterproofing, hood ducting, plumbing points, electrical work, and whether your quotation actually includes the messy work needed before the pretty cabinets go in.
This guide breaks down what kitchen renovation really costs in Malaysia in 2026, from a simple condo refresh to a full wet and dry kitchen rebuild. Read this before you sign a quotation, because the most expensive kitchen mistakes usually happen before hacking even starts.
How Much Does Kitchen Renovation Cost in Malaysia?
Real 2026 price ranges by scope
The cost depends on how much you are changing. A light cabinet refresh is not the same thing as hacking, rewiring, replumbing, waterproofing, and rebuilding the whole kitchen.
Basic kitchen refresh: RM8,000 to RM18,000
Best for rental units or newer condos where the layout still works. Usually includes replacing cabinet doors, installing a new countertop, changing sink and tap, minor backsplash work, and repainting. No major hacking, no plumbing relocation, and limited electrical changes.
Standard condo kitchen renovation: RM18,000 to RM38,000
This is where most Malaysian homeowners land. It usually includes new kitchen cabinets, quartz or solid surface countertop, sink, tap, backsplash, hood and hob installation, minor electrical point additions, and some hacking or patching.
Full wet kitchen rebuild: RM25,000 to RM55,000
This includes hacking old cabinets and tiles, waterproofing, new plumbing, new electrical points, full-height backsplash or wall tiles, wet-rated cabinets, heavy-duty hood, and more durable countertop materials.
Wet and dry kitchen renovation: RM35,000 to RM85,000+
Common for landed homes and larger condos. You are effectively renovating two kitchen zones: the wet kitchen for heavy cooking and the dry kitchen for prep, coffee, baking, or entertaining. Islands, display cabinets, fluted glass doors, and premium countertops can push this above RM100,000.
The Real Cost Breakdown
Where your money actually goes
A kitchen quotation is dangerous when it only says "kitchen renovation package." You need to know what each part costs because that is where contractors hide cheap specs or missing scope.
Cabinets: RM12,000 to RM45,000+
Cabinets are usually the biggest line item. A small condo galley kitchen may need 12 to 16 linear feet. A larger wet and dry kitchen can easily need 30 to 45 linear feet.
Countertop: RM2,500 to RM18,000+
Solid surface is cheaper. Quartz is the standard mid-range choice. Sintered stone or premium imported surfaces cost much more but handle heat and stains better.
Hood, hob, oven, and appliances: RM2,500 to RM18,000+
A serious wet kitchen needs a stronger hood than a light-cooking dry kitchen. Underspec this and your living room will smell like frying oil.
Sink, tap, and accessories: RM800 to RM5,000
A basic stainless steel sink and tap can be affordable. Large double-bowl sinks, pull-out taps, water filters, waste disposers, and built-in organisers add cost fast.
Electrical work: RM1,500 to RM8,000
Kitchen appliances need proper power planning. Oven, induction hob, fridge, water filter, microwave, coffee machine, rice cooker, air fryer, and under-cabinet lighting all need points.
Plumbing and gas work: RM1,000 to RM6,000
Keeping the sink and hob in the same location saves money. Relocating them can require hacking walls, floors, and cabinets.
Hacking, disposal, tiling, and patching: RM3,000 to RM15,000
This is the part cheap quotations often exclude. Removing old cabinets, tiles, and debris is messy and costly, especially in condos with strict management rules.
Kitchen Cabinet Costs in Malaysia
The line item that decides your budget
Cabinet pricing is usually quoted per linear foot, but that number is meaningless unless you know the carcass material, door finish, hardware, and internal accessories.
Budget cabinets: RM180 to RM300 per linear foot
Usually melamine or particle board. Acceptable for dry kitchens or rental properties, but risky under sinks or in heavy wet kitchens.
Mid-range cabinets: RM320 to RM550 per linear foot
Usually plywood carcass with melamine, acrylic, or laminate doors. This is the practical sweet spot for many Malaysian homes.
Premium cabinets: RM600 to RM1,200+ per linear foot
Better plywood, lacquered doors, fluted glass, aluminium frame doors, branded hinges, drawer systems, pull-out baskets, tall pantry units, and custom detailing.
The trap is that contractors often quote "kitchen cabinet RM18,000" without stating the carcass material. If that RM18,000 uses chipboard in a wet kitchen, it is not cheap. It is delayed replacement cost.
- •Ask whether the cabinet carcass is particle board, plywood, marine plywood, aluminium, or stainless steel.
- •Ask for plywood thickness in writing. 18mm is a common serious spec.
- •Ask which hinges and drawer runners are included, especially for heavy drawers.
- •Ask whether internal accessories such as pull-out baskets, tall pantry units, corner trays, and soft-close drawers are included.
- •Ask whether the price includes dismantling and disposal of old cabinets.
Countertop Costs: Solid Surface vs Quartz vs Sintered Stone
Why the same kitchen can jump RM10,000
Countertops are another place where vague quotations cause trouble. "Stone top" can mean very different things.
Solid surface: RM120 to RM280 per running foot
Cheaper, seamless-looking, and easy to repair. Good for dry kitchens. Less ideal beside heavy cooking because it scratches and handles heat poorly.
Local quartz: RM250 to RM500 per running foot
The normal mid-range Malaysian choice. Durable, stain-resistant, and widely available. Good balance of price and function for most homes.
Branded or premium quartz: RM500 to RM900+ per running foot
Better patterning, stronger brand support, and more consistent slab quality. Worth considering if the countertop is highly visible in an open dry kitchen.
Sintered stone: RM650 to RM1,300+ per running foot
Very heat-resistant and tough. Strong option for serious cooks, but not necessary for every home.
Natural marble or granite: RM500 to RM1,500+ per running foot
Beautiful but high-maintenance. Marble stains and etches from acidic foods, turmeric, sambal, and citrus. It looks premium, but many Malaysian kitchens are too hard-working for it.
Wet Kitchen vs Dry Kitchen: Which One Costs More?
The answer depends on how you cook
Most homeowners assume the dry kitchen costs more because it looks nicer in renders. That is only sometimes true.
The wet kitchen costs more when it is built properly for Malaysian cooking. It needs tougher cabinet materials, better ventilation, full-height tiles in splash zones, stronger sink and tap specs, a more powerful hood, and sometimes waterproofing or floor slope correction.
The dry kitchen costs more when it becomes a showpiece. Islands, pendant lights, fluted glass doors, display shelves, premium countertop slabs, integrated coffee stations, wine chillers, and decorative backsplashes add up quickly.
For a practical Malaysian household that cooks daily, spend first on the wet kitchen. A beautiful dry kitchen will not save you if the wet kitchen hood is weak, the cabinet under the sink swells, or the floor tiles become slippery every time you wash up.
- •Tight budget: prioritise wet kitchen function first, then keep the dry kitchen simple.
- •Mid-range budget: use plywood cabinets, quartz countertops, a strong hood, and enough power points in both zones.
- •Premium budget: upgrade visible dry kitchen finishes only after the wet kitchen ventilation, carcass material, and workflow are settled.
Hidden Costs Contractors Leave Out
The reason your RM28,000 kitchen becomes RM43,000
The cheapest quotation often wins because it excludes work you will eventually need anyway. Watch for these missing items before you compare prices.
Hacking and disposal
Old cabinets, tiles, countertops, and wall finishes must be removed. Condo disposal rules can add cost and time.
Electrical point upgrades
Modern kitchens need more points than older layouts. Adding points after cabinets are installed is expensive and ugly.
Plumbing relocation
Moving a sink or adding a water filter point can involve wall and floor hacking.
Gas pipe or induction wiring
Gas hobs and induction hobs require different planning. Induction may need a dedicated circuit.
Backsplash and wall patching
Some quotes include cabinets only, then treat backsplash, plastering, and paint touch-up as extras.
Appliance installation
Hood ducting, hob cut-outs, oven ventilation, and fridge clearance are not always included.
Condo management requirements
Lift protection, renovation deposits, hacking permits, work-hour restrictions, and loading bay rules can affect both cost and timeline.
Before you sign, ask one direct question: "What is excluded from this quotation that I will still need to pay for?" Get the answer in writing.
The Quote Red Flags That Should Make You Pause
Clickbait title, serious warning
If you only remember one section from this article, make it this one. Bad kitchen quotations usually look attractive because they hide the decisions that matter.
Red flag #1: One-line kitchen package
"Kitchen cabinet and countertop RM25,000" is not enough detail. You need materials, dimensions, hardware, countertop type, sink and hob cut-outs, and installation scope.
Red flag #2: No linear feet measurement
If the quotation does not show how many linear feet of upper and lower cabinets are included, you cannot compare it fairly.
Red flag #3: "Good quality plywood" with no thickness or grade
Good quality according to who? Put the exact material spec in writing.
Red flag #4: No hood ducting details
A hood is only as good as where it vents. If it recirculates into the room or vents into a ceiling void, smoke and grease stay inside your home.
Red flag #5: Payment schedule is front-loaded
Avoid large upfront payments. Kitchen work should be paid by milestone, such as deposit, cabinet fabrication, installation, countertop installation, final testing, and handover.
Red flag #6: No warranty terms
Cabinet hinges, drawers, countertop joins, plumbing leaks, and workmanship defects need written warranty coverage.
How to Save Money Without Building a Cheap Kitchen
Smart cuts that still hold up
There is a big difference between saving money and making choices you will regret. These are the cuts that usually make sense.
Keep plumbing where it is
Moving the sink is one of the fastest ways to add cost. If the existing location works, keep it.
Use premium material only where visible
Use a nicer countertop or door finish for the dry kitchen or island, then use practical plywood and quartz in the wet kitchen.
Skip the oversized island
An island looks great in renders but can ruin circulation in a condo kitchen. A peninsula or breakfast counter often works better and costs less.
Choose local quartz or porcelain tiles
Imported materials can look great, but local mid-range options often deliver 80% of the look at far lower cost.
Buy selected appliances yourself
If the contractor allows owner supply, compare appliance prices directly. Just make sure dimensions and installation requirements are confirmed before cabinets are fabricated.
Do not save on these items
Do not underpay for hood capacity, cabinet carcass material in wet zones, waterproofing if needed, electrical safety, or proper installation. These are the parts that fail expensively.
A Practical Budget by Home Type
What to budget before asking contractors
Use these as starting numbers before you request quotations.
Small condo kitchen, 600 to 850 sqft unit
Budget RM15,000 to RM28,000 for a practical renovation. Keep the layout simple, avoid a full island, and focus on storage and ventilation.
Standard condo kitchen, 900 to 1,200 sqft unit
Budget RM25,000 to RM45,000. This usually covers new cabinets, quartz countertop, backsplash, hood and hob installation, moderate electrical work, and some finishing.
Landed terrace wet kitchen
Budget RM30,000 to RM60,000 depending on size, hacking, wall tiling, plumbing, and whether you are adding a kitchen extension.
Wet and dry kitchen for larger condo or landed home
Budget RM45,000 to RM90,000 for a solid mid-range setup. Premium finishes, large islands, and high-spec appliances can push it beyond RM120,000.
If a quote is far below these ranges, do not celebrate yet. Check what is missing. Cheap quotations usually become expensive after work starts.
What to Ask Before You Sign
The kitchen quotation checklist
Use this checklist before you pay any deposit.
- •How many linear feet of upper cabinets and lower cabinets are included?
- •What is the cabinet carcass material, thickness, and door finish?
- •What countertop material, brand or series, thickness, and edge profile are included?
- •Are sink, tap, hood, hob, oven, and appliance installation included or excluded?
- •How many electrical points are included, and where will they be placed?
- •Does the hood duct outside the building, and how long is the duct run?
- •Are hacking, disposal, wall patching, painting, backsplash, and tile works included?
- •What is the payment schedule, and which milestones trigger each payment?
- •What warranty is provided for cabinet workmanship, hardware, countertop joints, and plumbing leaks?
- •What happens if the final measurements differ from the quotation drawings?
Final Thoughts
A kitchen renovation in Malaysia can be RM15,000 or RM100,000, and both numbers can be reasonable depending on scope. The danger is not the price itself. The danger is signing a vague quotation without knowing what materials, measurements, appliances, electrical work, plumbing, hacking, and warranty terms are actually included.
If you want a kitchen that lasts, spend where failure is expensive: wet kitchen cabinet carcass, hood capacity, countertop durability, plumbing quality, electrical planning, and proper installation. Save money on cosmetic upgrades that can be changed later.
Before you commit, compare at least three itemized quotations from kitchen contractors. If you want help getting matched with contractors who can quote your actual kitchen scope, get a free renovation quote from FindContractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does kitchen renovation cost in Malaysia in 2026?
A basic kitchen refresh costs RM8,000 to RM18,000. A standard condo kitchen renovation usually costs RM18,000 to RM38,000. A full wet kitchen rebuild costs RM25,000 to RM55,000, while a wet and dry kitchen renovation commonly costs RM35,000 to RM85,000 or more depending on size, materials, appliances, and scope.
How much do kitchen cabinets cost in Malaysia?
Kitchen cabinets typically cost RM180 to RM300 per linear foot for budget melamine or particle board, RM320 to RM550 per linear foot for mid-range plywood cabinets, and RM600 to RM1,200+ per linear foot for premium finishes, better hardware, and custom internal accessories.
What is the biggest hidden cost in kitchen renovation?
The biggest hidden costs are usually electrical upgrades, plumbing relocation, hacking and disposal, backsplash or wall patching, hood ducting, and appliance installation. Many cheap kitchen quotations exclude these items, which is why a low package price can increase sharply once work starts.
Is quartz or solid surface better for a Malaysian kitchen?
Quartz is usually better for a Malaysian wet kitchen because it is more durable, more stain-resistant, and handles daily cooking better than solid surface. Solid surface can work for dry kitchens or light-use areas, but it scratches more easily and is less heat-resistant.
Should I renovate wet kitchen or dry kitchen first?
If budget is limited, prioritise the wet kitchen first because it handles heavy cooking, washing, grease, steam, and heat. Spend on a strong hood, durable cabinet carcass, practical countertop, and enough electrical and plumbing points. The dry kitchen can use simpler finishes and be upgraded later.
How do I compare kitchen renovation quotations fairly?
Compare quotations by linear feet, cabinet material, countertop type, appliance installation, electrical points, plumbing scope, hacking and disposal, backsplash work, warranty, and payment schedule. Do not compare only the final total. A lower quote may simply exclude work that another contractor included.
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