Kitchen Remodelers in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles Kitchen Remodeling

It should come as no surprise that kitchen remodels are among the most popular home upgrades in Los Angeles, California. After all, your kitchen is the social center of your home, where your family gathers for meals on an everyday basis. In comparison to the rest of the country, Los Angeles residents enjoy much larger payoffs in terms of home value when they upgrade their kitchens. Minor kitchen remodels see the biggest returns on investment; however, even upscale remodels surpass the national average in terms of returns.

Energy efficient upgrades are very popular in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. The city's residents are increasingly concerned about their water usage due to ongoing water shortages; therefore, WaterSense-labeled faucets that restrict water flow and Energy Star dishwashers are attractive additions. Tasks that improve the kitchen's appearance are also popular; however, they need not be complex. Simple projects such as painting or refacing cabinets and replacing hardware can make a big impact.

Cost Factors

Kitchen remodels can vary greatly in cost in Los Angeles. The average costs can fall anywhere between roughly $20,000 and $130,000 depending on the complexity and scale of the project, which is a huge range in price. It is also much higher than the national average range of $19,000 to $114,000. Costs depend on a variety of factors, including the scale of the project and the materials involved.

Simple upgrades can have a large effect on the overall look of the kitchen and are often affordable. You can do many upgrades yourself, such as painting walls, painting trim, adding backsplash wall coverings, painting cabinets, or adding new hardware. More complex remodels can include refacing cabinets with new panelling, replacing the sink, or replacing countertops with new laminate surfaces. The average costs of these projects are still fairly modest:

• Painting a cabinet: $38 - $41 per linear foot
• Refacing cabinets: $62 - $120 per linear foot
• Replacing Formica: $29 per square foot

These costs include averages for both materials and installation.

Licensing and Permit Requirements

California has fairly strict requirements for contractors. All professional contractors in the state must apply for a license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). In order to receive a license, contractors must pass an exam in a specific area of work. Classifications that can apply to kitchen remodels include general building contractor, cabinet, millwork and finish carpentry contractor, flooring and floor covering contractor, painting and decorating contractor, plumbing contractor, ceramic and mosaic tile contractor, or specialty contractor. Before committing to a contractor, make sure the business is licensed to do the kind of work that your project requires.

The CSLB also requires contractors to hold contractor's bonds of $15,000 to cover any damages that may occur during the remodel process. Companies that hold LLC licenses must provide $100,000 surety bonds and a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance. If you want to do your own small, cosmetic kitchen remodeling work, you do not need to hold a license or insurance. However, you should consult your insurance policy provider about how your project may affect your homeowner's insurance.

Other Projects to Consider 

Remodels usually involve several one-time fees, and if you want to do other work around the house, it makes sense to save some of those fees by doing all of your desired renovations at once. With California's ongoing drought issue, you may want to replace your kitchen faucets to help save water in your home, but you should also consider replacing the faucets in your bathroom sinks and tubs. In addition, adding a WaterSense showerhead can reduce water usage by 1.9 percent and installing a WaterSense-labeled toilet can lower usage by 20 percent compared to other modern toilet models. You can also consider upgrading the plumbing in your home, as fixing leaks can help cut down on usage. Features such as leak detectors, pressure regulators, and pressure gauges are inexpensive adjustments, but they can help reduce consumption.

Neighborhoods and Suburbs in Los Angeles

Location plays a very large role in the value and scale of kitchen remodels in the area. If you live in an upscale neighborhood, such as Beverly Hills, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Cheviot Hills, Calabasas, Catalina Island, or Bel Air, you may find you need to conduct upscale kitchen remodels to maintain your home's value, as luxurious homes are the norm in these locations. However, in more affordable suburbs, such as Palms, Valley Village, or Northridge, minor or mid-range kitchen remodel projects tend to add more value to your home, as the costs are more proportional to home values in the area.

Keep in tune with the character of your neighborhood. Although modern homes are commonplace in many parts of L.A., some neighborhoods such as Palms and West Adams still offer a historic flair. In these areas, you may find it advantageous to preserve any remaining historic elements of your kitchen space, as these may be attractive to future buyers.

Some neighborhoods stand out for their architectural flair. If you live in a neighborhood that is heavy on architectural attractions, such as Westchester, Hollywood, Cerritos, or Downtown, you may want to consider a custom kitchen to keep in line with the design flair of the area.