Kitchen remodels are some of the most common projects requiring a general contractor. While remodeling your kitchen can be a major project, a remodeled kitchen will reward you with a more stylish, personalized and functional area to perform some of the most routine and yet critical tasks in your household.
There’s lots of planning and preparation involved, but benefits like increased property value, functionality, energy savings, modernization, and financial incentives such as government rebates for energy-efficiency upgrades make it all worth it. However, the key question that remains is: Just what is the cost to remodel a kitchen in California?
We’ll review the costs of different aspects of kitchen renovation later, but the overall cost to remodel a kitchen in Los Angeles can total anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000k+.
The condition of your kitchen and the type of remodel impacts the cost, so keep the following variables in mind as you consider the potential costs:
- Location: If your kitchen is located in back of your house, you may want to add a door, reposition windows, or build a deck that allows access to the backyard.
- Space: Does the current layout meet your needs? If not, you may have to reposition appliances, add counter space, and change the overall shape of the kitchen.
- Efficiency: Replacing dated appliances costs money but can save you in the long run. Reduced energy consumption can mean eventually recouping your investment.
- Children: The kitchen is not always an ideal place for small children. You may want to plan ahead by expanding cooking space, lowering cabinets for kids to reach items, or raising some appliances to keep them out of reach.
- Accessibility: Adapting your kitchen for someone with a disability or who is older can require extensive remodeling, but universal-design techniques can make remodeling simpler.
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that connects homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura or San Diego with reliable general contractors, we get inquiries every day about the cost to remodel a kitchen – here are some of the key components to consider:
Cabinets
Pre-fabricated, ready-to-assemble, semi-custom cabinets range from $10,000 to $15,000. The ultimate price depends on the quantity, design and finish of the cabinets. Cabinetry and hardware represent the biggest expense for a kitchen remodel in Los Angeles. Higher-end custom cabinets can cost as much as $25,000+ to purchase, assemble, and install. This includes products made of premium-quality wood that are tailored to the design of your home. Our contractors will work with you to find the design and budget appropriate for your remodel.
Appliances
Standard-brand appliances like refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, stoves, and hoods can cost a total of $10,000 to $15,000. For high-end brand models, such as Wolf or Thermador, you could spend up to $30,000 or more. Luxury built-in espresso machines and coffee makers will add to the total as well.
Countertops/Backsplash
Investing in new countertops and backsplashes can set you back $8,000 to $12,000. These come at a premium, but the multitude of stone and tile combinations make this an excellent opportunity to create the precise look and feel you desire. There are also many suppliers, so you can spend time searching both for the right style and most reasonable price.
Flooring
The flooring cost to remodel a kitchen is generally about $3,000 to $5,000. This average price range applies to the three primary materials used on kitchen floors—hardwood, tile, and laminate.
Hardwood is one of the most popular flooring options and is highly durable and long-lasting. It is also in the upper end of this price range. Ceramic tile is known for its durability in high-traffic areas, and spill-resistance, while laminate flooring can provide the stylish look you want on a budget. Plus, you can get the look of hardwood, tile, or stone at a much lower price.
Plumbing/Electrical
If you’re keeping the same floor plan, a plumbing and electrical update cost to remodel a kitchen will be about $3,000. However, changing the location of plumbing, wiring, and other components can cost roughly $10,000. Therefore, you can save by not making major changes to the layout and assuming your current plumbing and electrical systems meet the latest code requirements. Also, keep in mind that licensed electricians and plumbers may need to be hired by your remodeling contractor, and their rates may vary.
Fixtures
The options for sinks, faucets, chandeliers, pendant lights, cabinet knobs and pulls, and other fixtures are abundant in the kitchen remodeling market. While there’s variability depending on brand, quantity, and style, you can expect to spend from $1,500 to $2,000 on kitchen fixtures. There are choices for all budgets. However, the less you spend, the cheaper your kitchen will look, and the more you risk issues such as leaks or electrical problems.
Open Concept
Like other layout changes, opening the floor plan can be quite costly. It also requires a structural permit. From engineering support to structural services to tearing down walls and having plumbing and electrical work, opening the floor plan can cost from $10,000 to $50,000. Opening up a second-story kitchen can cost even more. Open-concept remodels also involve dining areas, living rooms, and other spaces in your home, so the work may be more extensive than you think.
Demolition
The demo stage may be the messiest, but it’s not the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. On average, it costs about $1,500. A general contractor with demolition experience will shield the rest of your home from dust and debris and handle all trash requirements. Inquire about what’s included in the service so there are no surprises or delays in the rest of the process.
Obtaining a Permit
In Los Angeles, a non-structural permit is required to remodel your kitchen, and it costs about $300. Permit costs vary by city. Turnaround times for structural permits, if required, depend on where you are. In some parts of the area, you may wait 30 days to get your permit; in other places, it may be as little as a day.
GreatBuildz Can Help Simplify Your Kitchen Remodel
We specialize in connecting homeowners with carefully selected general contractors at no cost. We know how hard it is to find a reliable kitchen contractor in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura or San Diego. We personally match homeowners with rigorously screened and vetted contractors; then provide ongoing project support to make sure contractors are held accountable and the job gets done right.
