Design is the cheapest stage to change your mind in. Moving a sink on a drawing costs nothing; moving it after the stone is cut costs a new slab. Most kitchen companies fold a design fee into the build, so it is often close to free if you appoint them.
A proper design output is a measured plan, elevations and an appliance schedule - not just a render. Full renovation scope sits under Kitchen Renovations Cape Town.
Send rough wall lengths and a photo. A designer can work from that to start.
Get a Kitchen Design QuoteWhat a Design Should Include
- A measured plan with every cupboard width dimensioned.
- Elevations for each wall, showing heights and appliance positions.
- An appliance schedule with model numbers, because housings are built around them.
- Plumbing and electrical positions marked, so the trades can price accurately.
- A finish and hardware specification.
The Working Triangle, Briefly
Sink, hob and fridge should form a triangle with no leg over about 2.7 m and no through-traffic cutting across it. In galley and single-run kitchens the triangle collapses into a line, and the practical test becomes whether there is landing space beside the hob and the sink.
Kitchen Design Prices in Cape Town
| Item | Indicative range | What moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Measure-up and single layout | R1,500 – R3,500 | One option, plan view only. |
| Full design with 3D renders | R3,500 – R9,000 | Multiple options and revisions. |
| Design plus technical drawings | R8,000 – R18,000 | Everything the trades need to price. |
| Design fee credited against the build | 50% – 100% | Standard where the designer also manufactures. |
| Independent designer, hourly | R450 – R950 per hour | Not tied to a manufacturer. |
| Additional revision rounds | R750 – R2,500 each | Two to three are usually included. |
| Site measure only | R650 – R1,800 | Where you already have a layout. |
These are indicative market ranges, not a quotation. They are compiled from published South African kitchen pricing to give you a starting point for budgeting. They are not the rate card of any company on this platform.
A free design from a manufacturer is a sales tool, and that is not a criticism - it is often excellent. Just be aware it will be drawn around their product range. An independent designer costs money but has no range to sell you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is kitchen design usually free?
Manufacturers commonly design free or credit the fee against the order. Independent designers charge, typically R450 to R950 an hour or a fixed fee.
A free design is drawn around that company's product range, which is worth knowing when comparing.
How long does the design stage take?
A measure-up and first layout is usually a few days. Allow two to four weeks for a full design with revisions before manufacturing starts.
Do I own the drawings if I do not use that company?
Often not. Where the design was free or discounted, the drawings usually remain the company's. Ask before you assume you can take them elsewhere.
What is the standard kitchen counter height?
900 mm is standard in South Africa, with 600 mm depth for base units and roughly 600 mm between the counter and the wall cupboards.
Custom work lets you vary this, which is worth doing if you are notably tall or short.
Request a Kitchen Design Quote
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