Kitchen Remodeling in
Santa Monica, CA
Browse kitchen remodeling near Santa Monica
Kitchen remodeling specialists in Santa Monica transform your cooking space with custom cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, and layout redesigns. From minor updates to full gut renovations, Santa Monica kitchen contractors deliver your dream kitchen.
Homes and kitchen remodeling in Santa Monica: the local numbers
Housing in Santa Monica
- Santa Monica has about 53,274 homes (housing units).
- The typical (median) home was built in 1968, 8 years older than the California median of 1976.
- 73% of homes were built before 1980 and 37% before 1960; 7% were built in 2010 or later.
- The median value of an owner-occupied home is $1,755,500.
- 28% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 72% are rented.
- 19% of homes are single-family detached houses.
- The most common heating fuel is natural gas from a utility (60% of homes), followed by electricity (34%).
- The median home has 3.7 rooms.
- Median gross rent is $2,402 a month.
- Home values run 139% above the California median of $734,700.
- Most occupied homes here are rented (72%), so tenants should get their landlord's approval before hiring anyone for repairs or alterations.
- Apartments, condos and attached homes make up most of the housing: only 19% of homes are detached houses, so many jobs involve building rules, shared walls or a condo board.
With 73% of Santa Monica's homes built before 1980, many are covered by federal lead rules: any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, contractors who disturb painted surfaces in those homes must be lead-safe certified by the EPA or an authorized state program. Ask to see the firm's certification.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (Santa Monica, CA).
Climate in Santa Monica and what it means for kitchen remodeling
- The average temperature in Santa Monica is 62°F; summer afternoons average 74°F and winter nights 48°F.
- It gets about 15 inches of precipitation a year.
- There are about 0 nights a year at or below freezing and about 1 days at 90°F or hotter.
- It is a heating-dominated climate: about 1,526 heating degree days a year against 500 cooling degree days.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Santa Monica Municipal Airport station USW00093197 (0.5 km from the city centre).
Top Kitchen Remodeling in Santa Monica
Listings include contact details and service areas. Check licensing with your state board before hiring.
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Licensing and consumer protection in California
Check that any kitchen remodeling you hire is licensed and insured before you sign a contract or pay a deposit.
Who regulates this trade
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Verify a licence on the official register →Insurance and workers' compensation
$1 million general liability minimum. Workers' compensation is mandatory for any contractor with employees. Bond of $25,000 required for licensure (increased under SB 607).
Mechanic's lien protection
California has one of the strictest lien regimes in the country. Preliminary 20-day notices must be sent within 20 days of starting work. Mechanics liens must be filed within 90 days after project completion (or 60 days after a notice of completion is recorded). Unpaid subcontractors and suppliers can place liens on your property even if you've paid your general contractor in full. Always collect lien waivers from all parties before making final payment.
What catches homeowners out in California
California's CSLB license verification is critical — always check a contractor's license number at cslb.ca.gov and confirm it is active and in good standing. California law requires a $25,000 contractor surety bond on every licensed contractor as a consumer protection backstop. For projects over $1,000 (labor and materials combined under Business & Professions Code § 7048), a valid CSLB license is legally required. Unlicensed contractors face criminal misdemeanor charges, and homeowners who hire them forfeit key statutory protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring contractors
How old are homes in Santa Monica?
The typical home in Santa Monica was built in 1968, and 73% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $1,755,500. With 73% of Santa Monica's homes built before 1980, many are covered by federal lead rules: any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, contractors who disturb painted surfaces in those homes must be lead-safe certified by the EPA or an authorized state program. Ask to see the firm's certification. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Santa Monica?
A kitchen remodel in Santa Monica typically costs $15,000–$80,000+, with the average around $40,000. Minor updates cost less while full gut renovations with premium materials can exceed $100,000.
What's the most popular kitchen countertop in Santa Monica?
Quartz countertops are currently the most popular choice among Santa Monica homeowners due to their durability, low maintenance, and wide range of colors and patterns. Granite remains a strong second choice, especially for higher-end remodels. Natural stone and engineered quartz are popular for their blend of aesthetics and practicality. Butcher block and concrete are trending for more unique, custom looks.
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Santa Monica, CA?
A kitchen remodel in Santa Monica typically takes 6–16 weeks. A minor update (countertops, backsplash, appliances) takes 4–8 weeks, while a full renovation with structural changes takes 10–16 weeks or more. Custom cabinetry orders add 6–8 weeks of lead time. The most common delays come from material availability and permit approval timing.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Santa Monica?
Whether you need a permit depends on the scope of your kitchen remodel in Santa Monica. Cosmetic changes like painting, new flooring, and cabinet refacing typically don't require permits. However, if you're moving plumbing, changing electrical circuits, removing walls, or modifying the layout, a permit is required. Contact the Santa Monica building department for permit requirements. A licensed general contractor in Santa Monica will handle the permit process as part of their service.
How do I find a kitchen remodeling contractor near Santa Monica?
On Ratedeed, you can browse kitchen remodeling specialists serving Santa Monica with reviews from local homeowners. Look for contractors who specialize in kitchen renovations, offer design-build services, and provide detailed written estimates. Ask to see portfolios of completed Santa Monica kitchen projects and verify their CA contractor license. Request at least 3 quotes to compare pricing, timelines, and included services.
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