The kitchen is the single most expensive room per square foot in most Malaysian home renovations, and the one where quotes vary the most between contractors. Two kitchens of identical size can differ by RM 40,000 depending on cabinet material, countertop choice, and whether wet works are involved.
This guide is written by the team at Sun Synergy Contracts, a CIDB G4-licensed renovation contractor based in Petaling Jaya. The ranges below reflect kitchen projects we have delivered across the Klang Valley since 2016.
Kitchen Renovation Cost by Scope
These ranges cover the kitchen works only, including materials, labour, and installation. They exclude appliances unless stated.
| Scope | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Cabinet refresh (doors, hardware, countertop only) | RM 6,000 - RM 15,000 |
| Standard kitchen (new cabinets + countertop + basic tiling) | RM 18,000 - RM 35,000 |
| Full wet and dry kitchen renovation | RM 35,000 - RM 70,000 |
| Premium kitchen (imported finishes, island, full reconfiguration) | RM 70,000 - RM 120,000+ |
A typical full kitchen renovation for a Klang Valley terrace or condominium, including new cabinetry, a quartz countertop, backsplash tiling, and minor plumbing changes, generally lands between RM 30,000 and RM 55,000.
Where the Money Goes
1. Cabinetry (the biggest single line)
Cabinets usually account for 40 to 60 percent of a kitchen budget. The price is driven by the carcass material and the door finish:
- Basic (laminate doors, moisture-resistant board): RM 8,000 - RM 15,000
- Mid-range (melamine or 4G/acrylic doors, soft-close hardware): RM 18,000 - RM 35,000
- Premium (solid wood, lacquer, or aluminium carcass): RM 40,000 - RM 80,000+
Aluminium-carcass cabinets cost more upfront but are fully waterproof and termite-proof, which is why many Malaysian homeowners now choose them for the wet kitchen.
2. Countertop
| Material | Indicative Cost (per linear foot, supply and install) |
|---|---|
| Solid surface | RM 90 - RM 180 |
| Quartz (engineered stone) | RM 180 - RM 400 |
| Sintered stone / porcelain slab | RM 350 - RM 700 |
| Natural marble or granite | RM 250 - RM 600+ |
Quartz is the most common choice in Malaysian kitchens. It is hard-wearing, non-porous, and far more stain-resistant than natural marble around a cooking zone.
3. Wet Works and Plumbing
If you are moving the sink, adding a second wash point, or relocating the gas and water lines, budget an additional RM 3,000 to RM 12,000. Any work involving water should be properly sealed and pressure-tested before cabinets go in. You can read more on our wet works and plumbing page.
4. Tiling and Backsplash
Backsplash and floor tiling for a typical kitchen runs RM 2,500 to RM 8,000 depending on tile size, format, and the area covered. Large-format and feature tiles cost more to supply and lay.
Wet Kitchen vs Dry Kitchen
Most Malaysian homes are built around a dry kitchen for light cooking and presentation, and a wet kitchen for heavy cooking. Renovating both at once is more cost-effective than doing them separately because the contractor mobilises once, and plumbing and electrical runs can be planned together. A combined wet and dry kitchen renovation typically adds 50 to 80 percent to the cost of a single-kitchen job rather than doubling it.
Common Kitchen Budget Mistakes
Choosing cabinets on price alone. The cheapest carcass board swells the first time it meets a leak under the sink. In a wet zone, moisture-resistant or aluminium carcasses pay for themselves.
Forgetting the appliances. Hob, hood, oven, and sink are often quoted separately. A mid-range appliance set adds RM 5,000 to RM 15,000 on top of the cabinetry.
Skipping the electrical plan. Island sockets, under-cabinet lighting, and dedicated points for ovens need to be set out before tiling. Adding them later means hacking finished walls.
Underestimating lead time. Custom cabinetry typically takes four to six weeks to fabricate after the final measurement, so the kitchen is rarely the fastest room to complete.
How to Get an Accurate Kitchen Quote
- Decide early whether you want a wet and dry kitchen or a single kitchen.
- Choose your countertop material before quoting, as it swings the price significantly.
- Confirm whether appliances are included in the contractor’s quote or supplied separately.
- Ask for an itemised quotation that lists carcass material, door finish, hardware brand, and countertop type, not a single lump sum.
For a sense of how the kitchen fits into a wider home budget, see our home renovation cost guide. When you are ready, our carpentry and joinery team can design, fabricate, and install the full kitchen under one contract.
Sun Synergy Contracts is a CIDB G4-licensed renovation contractor and interior design firm based in Petaling Jaya, serving Klang Valley homeowners since 2016. Contact us for a free site visit and itemised quotation.
