So you bought a house in Italy—congratulations! Now it’s time to tackle the most lived-in, loved, and likely outdated part of it: the kitchen. Whether you’re dreaming of marble counters and custom cabinetry or just want to rip out that strange 1970s tile backsplash, you’re probably asking yourself:
“How much is this going to cost me?”
You’re in the right place. This no-nonsense guide covers what drives kitchen renovation costs in Italy, how to keep things affordable, and which parts to absolutely leave to the pros. Plus, we’ll share smart design ideas and real-world budgeting advice—because this isn’t your Pinterest board, it’s your actual wallet.
Define Your Kitchen Goals (Before the Dust Flies)
Before swinging a hammer (or calling a geometra), figure out what your ideal kitchen looks like—and why you want to renovate.
- Are you going for open and modern, or rustic and traditional?
- Will this be your forever kitchen, a vacation rental, or a property flip?
- Are you moving plumbing and walls, or just updating the aesthetics?
The more precise your answers, the better your budget will align with your expectations—and the fewer costly surprises you’ll hit mid-reno.
Average Kitchen Renovation Costs in Italy
Kitchen renovations in Italy generally cost between €6,000 and €25,000, depending on size, location, and finishes. Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Item / Service | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Demolition & removal | €500–€1,500 |
| Plumbing & electrical | €50–€70 per hour or project-based |
| Cabinetry (custom/built-in) | €3,000–€10,000+ |
| Countertops | €800–€4,000 (laminate to marble) |
| Appliances | €1,000–€7,000 (entry-level to premium) |
| Flooring | €20–€80 per m² |
| Backsplash tiling | €25–€60 per m² |
| General labor | 30–50% of total project cost |
If you’re in Milan, Florence, or Rome, expect to pay more for labor. In smaller towns or rural areas, you may get better deals—but factor in potential delivery fees for materials and appliances.
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Materials: Where to Splurge (and Where to Save)
You don’t need top-tier finishes across the board. The trick is knowing when to invest and when to simplify.
Smart Material Choices:
- Countertops: Quartz is a great alternative to marble—looks luxe, costs less, and stains less.
- Cabinets: Plywood with a laminate finish is affordable, durable, and customizable.
- Backsplash: Go bold with patterns in a small area and use simpler tiles elsewhere.
- Flooring: Porcelain or ceramic is popular in Italy—easy to clean, timeless, and hard-wearing.
Saving tip: Instead of full custom cabinetry, consider using IKEA bases with locally made wooden doors—modern hybrid, Italian edition.
Labor: Know Who You Need (And Who You Don’t)
If you’re just painting or replacing door handles, go DIY. But if you’re touching plumbing, gas, or electric lines? Call the experts.
Typical Pros Involved:
- General contractor: Manages everything (ideal for full gut jobs)
- Idraulico (Plumber): Needed for sinks, dishwashers, gas lines
- Elettricista (Electrician): Mandatory if updating circuits or lighting
- Falegname (Carpenter): For cabinetry, counters, and custom woodwork
- Piastrellista (Tiler): For floors and backsplash work
Italian law requires certified technicians for water, electric, and gas systems. And rightly so—unless you enjoy explosions and flooding.
Keep the Layout? Save Thousands.
One of the smartest cost-saving moves: leave the plumbing and gas where it is.
Want to install the sink on the opposite wall? That’s going to cost you. But updating the sink in its current spot? Much cheaper and less bureaucratic.
Keep the layout, refresh the surfaces.
Permit or No Permit?
If you’re doing a light refresh—painting, new cabinets, or updated appliances—no permit needed.
But you’ll need a permit if you’re:
- Moving plumbing or gas
- Opening or closing walls
- Renovating in a historic or protected building
In that case, you’ll likely need a CILA or SCIA, and a geometra to handle paperwork.
If you’re unsure whether your project requires a permit, check with your Comune or ask your renovation team (or just ask us—seriously).
Creative Ways to Reduce Kitchen Renovation Costs
Here’s how to keep your kitchen makeover stylish without torching your budget:
Paint Instead of Replace
Give cabinets a fresh coat of paint and swap the handles. It’s one of the cheapest ways to modernize your space.
Open Shelving
Ditch a few upper cabinets and go with floating shelves. Trendy, affordable, and a great excuse to show off your Italian pottery.
Concrete Countertops
Stylish and sturdy—and way cheaper than stone. A DIY-friendly option if you like a raw, modern vibe.
Hybrid Cabinets
Use basic cabinet frames and add handmade doors from a local falegname. Looks bespoke, costs less.
Minimal Backsplash
Tile only behind the stove or sink. Leave the rest painted with washable wall paint.
Kitchen Timeline: How Long Will It Take?
Renovations take time—especially in Italy, where the pace can be… let’s say, leisurely.
General Timeline:
- Demolition: 1–2 weeks
- Plumbing/electrics: 2–3 weeks
- Cabinet and countertop install: 2–4 weeks
- Finishing touches: 1–2 weeks
Avoid August. Everyone goes on vacation. Your site will sit still.
Build in a 10–15% time buffer. There will be delays. There always are.
What Else Do We Offer?
We don’t just write guides—we actually do renovations for international clients in Italy. From permits to project management, we handle it all.
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Summary: Kitchen Renovation in Italy, Made Simple
- Set your goals before you start
- Keep the layout if you can—plumbing moves are expensive
- Choose materials smartly—mix high/low
- Always hire certified pros for electric, gas, and water
- Budget for surprises and delays
- Use creative hacks (like painting cabinets) to save money
- Check with your Comune about permits if doing structural work
- Want it done right? Hire a local team you can trust
Ready to Renovate Your Kitchen in Italy?
Let’s get your dream Italian kitchen off the Pinterest board and into real life. Whether you need full project support or just help with planning, we’re here to make it happen—without drama and without language barriers.
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From dream to done—let’s build it.
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