How much does kitchen renovation cost in Hong Kong?
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Key takeaways
- Most kitchen renovation jobs in Hong Kong land between HK$50,000–HK$600,000 — known locally as kitchen renovation (廚房裝修).
- Hong Kong kitchen renovations must clear building management rules, use registered gas contractors for town gas, and — for enclosed-to-open kitchen conversions — satisfy fire safety requirements that can include additional fire service installations. Structural and drainage changes fall under the Buildings Department minor works regime.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Kitchen Renovation prices by job size in Hong Kong
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic renovation New cabinets and tiling in the existing layout | HK$50,000 | HK$80,000 | HK$120,000 |
| Mid-range renovation Full strip-out, custom cabinetry, new appliances | HK$100,000 | HK$150,000 | HK$220,000 |
| Designer renovation Layout change or open-kitchen conversion, premium finishes | HK$200,000 | HK$350,000 | HK$600,000 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per foot run (custom cabinetry) | HK$800 | HK$1,500 | HK$3,000 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Hong Kong typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a kitchen renovation pro in Hong Kong
- Notify building management, pay the renovation deposit, and confirm permitted hours before booking
- Check open-kitchen plans against fire safety requirements — converting an enclosed kitchen to open layout in many buildings triggers fire service installations (sprinkler/smoke detector) and approval
- Use a registered gas contractor for town gas work (Towngas-appointed), a WSD-licensed plumber, and an EMSD registered electrical worker
- Get quotes itemized: demolition, tiling per sq ft, custom cabinetry per foot run, benchtop, and appliances
- Confirm cabinet materials handle Hong Kong humidity (moisture-resistant boards)
- Stage payments with retention until snags are fixed
Red flags
- Open-kitchen conversion proposed with no mention of fire safety requirements
- Gas work by anyone other than a registered gas contractor
- Lump-sum quote without cabinetry breakdown
- Most of the payment before cabinets are installed
- No management approval sought
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to HKD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Extrapolated from Hong Kong per-square-foot renovation norms reported by local platforms; Buildings Department minor works regime and fire safety guidance (bd.gov.hk).
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common kitchen renovation mistakes?
Ordering cabinets before finalizing appliance models; demolishing before cabinet delivery is confirmed; skimping on drawers (they beat cupboards for base storage); too few power outlets; no dedicated circuits for ovens and induction hobs; and treating ventilation as an afterthought — a recirculating hood where ducting was feasible is a permanent regret.
How much deposit is normal for a kitchen renovation?
Kitchen projects legitimately need larger deposits than other renovations because cabinetry is manufactured to order — 20-40% at signing is common for supply-and-install packages, though several countries cap contract deposits by law. Make sure the deposit is tied to the cabinet order being placed, and always keep a final 5-10% until installation snags are fixed.
Can I keep my kitchen layout to save money?
Yes, and it is the single biggest saver. Keeping the sink, stove, and appliance positions avoids rerouting water, waste, gas, and heavy electrical circuits — which means less demolition, fewer trades, and no re-certification of services. Spend the savings on better cabinets and benchtops, which you touch every day.
Is it worth just refacing cabinets instead of a full renovation?
If the cabinet carcasses are sound and you like the layout, replacing doors, drawer fronts, hardware, and the benchtop delivers most of the visual change for roughly a third to half the cost of a full renovation. It is not worth it when carcasses are water-damaged, the layout fails you daily, or services need rework anyway — then you'd pay twice.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Hong Kong?
A basic kitchen renovation typically runs HK$50,000-HK$120,000, mid-range HK$100,000-HK$220,000, and designer projects HK$200,000-HK$600,000. Custom cabinetry for compact layouts plus licensed gas and electrical work dominate the bill.
Can I convert to an open kitchen in a Hong Kong flat?
Frequently yes, but it's regulated: removing the kitchen enclosure can trigger fire safety requirements (e.g., additional detectors/sprinkler provisions) and needs building management consent; some buildings and public housing types restrict it outright. Get your contractor to confirm the requirements for your specific building before designing around an island.
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