Los Angeles Kitchen Remodel Costs and Tips

A kitchen that is stunning and well laid out can make cooking easier. Upgrading the heart of your home is appealing to potential buyers and helps raise the value of your home. But, before you can host your dinner party in your dream kitchen, you need to save up enough money for upgrades. How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen?

The cost of a kitchen remodel in Los Angeles can vary widely depending on the project’s size, finishes, and scope. To get a rough idea of what your project might cost, here are some main variables to consider:

• Size: This is typically determined by square footage, but other factors, like the number of linear feet of cabinets and countertops, can also affect the price.
• Finish level: Renovations can range from budget-friendly to luxurious, depending on the materials, fixtures, and finishes you choose.
• Scope: Are you just replacing some fixtures and finishes? Or are you changing the floor plan entirely – including moving walls and utilities? Adding a completely new kitchen or moving your existing one to a different part of the house will also affect the price. 
• Services: Do you need just construction work? Or do you need professional design or architecture services as well?

As you dive into a kitchen remodel, let’s discuss some things you should consider.

What to Consider Before Remodeling a Kitchen in the Los Angeles Area

When it comes to remodeling a kitchen in the Los Angeles area, several considerations must be taken into account. The possibilities can seem endless, from materials selection and cost-effectiveness to sustainability initiatives. As such, it is essential for California residents contemplating a kitchen remodel to do their due diligence before taking any steps forward.

To begin with, potential homeowners should assess their budget and determine what type of project they can afford within their means. Whether opting for an economical renovation or intending to invest more money in high-end appliances and countertops will make all the difference when creating a concrete plan of action. Additionally, researching local laws about zoning regulations may help ensure compliance during construction – thereby avoiding costly changes if something isn’t up to code.

Finally – from energy efficiency upgrades like LED lighting fixtures or smart temperature control systems -to material choices with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) ratings -remodelers have plenty of options when selecting sustainable alternatives for projects large and small alike! Considering these factors beforehand, LA residents looking forward to modernizing their kitchens can rest assured knowing that renovations will create aesthetically pleasing results while meeting requirements along the way!

Start With Your Kitchen Layout

This will be the most straightforward and cost-effective option if you plan to remodel your kitchen by replacing the cabinets, counters, appliances, and other fixtures in the same location as your old kitchen. Your contractor will clearly understand how much material is needed and where it will be installed.

The remodel cost will increase if you plan to reconfigure your kitchen completely. Moving utilities like water, gas, venting, and electrical to a new spot to accommodate a new layout can get expensive. Removing walls can vary.

Kitchen Layout Tips

Because the kitchen is a high-traffic area, it’s crucial that you plan for enough open space for general use and maneuvering while you cook and clean. Here are a few tips to help you plan the ideal layout for your new kitchen:

• When adding an island to your kitchen, you’ll want to consider its proximity to other appliances and fixtures. In addition, you’ll need enough space to easily walk around the island while still being able to reach essential areas quickly.
• Many designers find it helpful to decide on the placement of the kitchen sink first, as it is typically one of the busiest areas in the kitchen. Some of the best locations for a kitchen sink include underneath a window or as part of an island.
• Stoves should generally be placed on an exterior wall to allow for proper installation of the ventilation system. This will save you money and hassle in the long run.
• The fridge, sink, and range should be arranged to promote an efficient workflow. This layout is often referred to as the kitchen ‘triangle.’
• Vertical storage is a great way to open up more space in your kitchen while adding convenience and dimension. We tend to focus more on designing cabinets and drawers, but it is easy to overlook the utility of vertical storage options like open shelves or overhead racks.

How Much do Kitchen Countertops Cost?

Kitchen countertops usually cost between $50 and $150 per square foot. Just like cabinets, they come in either pre-fab or custom slab form. Pre-fab counters are less expensive but have a limited variety of styles and sizes. Custom slabs have a greater range of style & design options and can be cut to any size required. Fabrication, which is the process of cutting and forming these slabs into custom sizes, is part of the reason why custom slabs are significantly more expensive than pre-fab counters.

If you’re looking to install new countertops, you’ll want to visit a countertop retailer or slab yard. The salesperson should be well-versed in all the different countertop materials available, so make sure to ask about the pros and cons of each one that interests you. This way, you can make an informed decision about which material suits your needs.

When discussing the details of your countertop with your contractor, be sure to mention whether you want a rounded or squared edge. Also, discuss where the countertop joints or ‘seams’ will be and whether you want them to be diagonal or straight.

What Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost? 

Homeowners generally have two cabinet options for kitchen remodels – pre-fabricated cabinets and custom cabinets. Pre-fabricated cabinets, like those from IKEA or Home Depot, are usually lower in cost, starting at around $150 per lineal foot installed. On the other hand, custom cabinets typically cost you $250-$400 per linear foot.

Homeowners who want a kitchen remodel with a more luxurious look and design will probably choose to use custom kitchen cabinets. These can be manufactured in any style and size desired for your specific kitchen, and they usually start at $250 per linear foot installed.

Here are a few things to discuss with your contractor to make sure you get the result you want: 

• Do you want the upper cabinets to run all the way to the ceiling? If so, be aware that most ceilings aren’t perfectly level. Discuss with the contractor how best to deal with this upfront. 
• If there is an upper corner cabinet, decide if you want it at a 45-degree or 90-degree angle. 
• Inform the contractor if you expect specific cabinet features like trash drawers, pull-out shelves, or soft-close doors & drawers.

The Cost of Kitchen Appliances

If you’re planning to save your kitchen appliances, be sure to let the contractor know so they can be treated with respect during the kitchen remodel. First, inform them where you want the appliance stored. Then, tape a large sign to each appliance you want to keep.

It’s essential to select new appliances early and provide this information to your contractor so they can plan for the cabinet/countertop sizes based on the style & dimensions of the chosen appliances.

Depending on your preferences and budget, appliances can make up a small or very large portion of your total remodeling budget.  For example, appliance prices can range from the cost-effective $2,500 total to the much more expensive high-end brands that can easily be over $50,000 in kitchen remodel costs.

Tips For Kitchen Backsplash, Flooring, Lighting, and More

Backsplash

There are so many options to consider for kitchen backsplash nowadays. Though the most straightforward option would be to install a section of your countertop material, there are plenty of other choices. If you’re working with a designer, they can help you decide what looks the best without breaking your budget. 

A few details you should discuss are how you want it to be installed (horizontal or vertical or a combination) and where you want it to start and end on the wall. You should also think about grout colors too! This is an item often forgotten, and it can completely change the look of your kitchen.

Kitchen Flooring Tips

Are new floors a part of your kitchen remodel for 2023? They need to withstand heavy traffic and the possibility of spills and stains. In addition, kitchen floors should be sturdy yet still complement your counters, cabinets, and appliances.

Some of the most durable materials that are affordable and low maintenance are sheet vinyl, porcelain tile, linoleum, and hardwood. Make sure you discuss with your designer or contractor the direction you want your flooring to go and whether it should be installed underneath your cabinets.

Kitchen Sink 

Talk to your contractor early about the size and style of sink you want, as this will help contribute to the width of the cabinet underneath. In addition, your contractor or kitchen designer can help you decide where the garbage disposal should go and if you need holes for soap or a fancy faucet. 

There are plenty of materials for your kitchen sink, including enamel and metals. Stainless steel is the most popular, as it looks good with most cabinets and counters and is very affordable. Stainless steel is also known for being easy to maintain and highly durable, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it for quite some time.

Kitchen Electrical/Lighting

Be specific about where your contractor wants outlets, light switches, and recessed lights placed. You’ll also need to decide if you need overhead lighting over the sink and whether it will hang from the ceiling or wall. Finally, be sure to inform the contractor about any other lighting locations.

When choosing outlet placement, remember that significant appliances require dedicated circuits. So before starting any electrical work, be absolutely sure about where you want them placed.

Tips For Hiring The Right Contractor In Los Angeles

Once you’ve researched kitchen remodeling in Los Angeles and understand the costs and your budget, the next step is to meet with some experienced kitchen contractors. The best way to find local contractors is through referrals from people you trust. Ask your friends and family if they’ve recently had kitchen work done, and ask who they hired and if they enjoyed the experience. You can also check online directories or ask your local home improvement store for recommendations.

Welcome Renovations Can Help You With Your 2023 Los Angeles Kitchen Remodel

Remodeling your kitchen in the Los Angeles area can be a daunting task. But armed with the knowledge of the associated costs, best materials, and helpful tips for budgeting for success, you should have all the confidence necessary to take on your 2023 remodel. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by where to start or need help finding resources as you plan your project, let Welcome Renovation help you make it happen!

Homeowners who complete their home improvement projects by themselves often end up spending up to 60% more on materials than if they had hired professional help. This is because do-it-yourselfers have to pay retail prices for their supplies rather than getting bulk discounts that professionals can take advantage of. In addition, DIYers may not be using the highest quality materials available, which can lead to subpar results.

Our kitchens and baths are affordable compared to what you would pay if you tried to do them yourself. In addition, we have an international supply chain and solid industry partnerships, which allows us to pass those savings on to our customers.

Our all-inclusive, guaranteed project pricing is one of the ways we take pressure off your shoulders. Home renovation projects can be daunting regarding costs, but our years of experience mean we know how costly project overruns can be avoided. The bottom line: our upfront, transparent pricing is guaranteed, or we pay the difference.