--- Cali Dream Construction | Design-Build General Contractor San Diego, California | Serving San Diego County and surrounding areas. Phone: (858) 434-7166 | Email: [email protected] | Website: https://maps.google.com/?cid=calidreamconstruction Licensed & Insured General Contractor (CA). Last updated: January 2026 ---
> Realistic pricing ranges for kitchen remodeling in San Diego, with homeowner-friendly explanations of what actually drives cost.
Next step: Call or text (858) 434-7166 for a fast, detailed estimate. Or: Request a quote at Quick take: why prices vary so muchQuick take: why prices vary so much
Two kitchens in San Diego can cost very different amounts to remodel—even if they look similar in photos. That’s because price isn’t just finishes. It’s also:
- Layout complexity (are you moving plumbing/gas?)
- Existing conditions (older electrical, uneven floors, past leaks)
- Access/logistics (condo rules, parking, delivery staging)
- Cabinet and countertop scope (storage accessories, fabrication details)
- Electrical and ventilation needs (what’s required to make the kitchen work safely)
If you’ve been trying to find “the average cost,” you’ll keep getting answers that don’t feel helpful. The better approach is to choose a scope level and price it with clear assumptions. The hub guide helps you pick a scope before you chase numbers.
Typical price tiers in San Diego (with scope examples)
Tier 1: Refresh (cosmetic + selective upgrades)
Typical range: $15,000–$40,000+ (varies with countertops/appliances)A refresh usually keeps the existing layout and may keep some elements (like cabinet boxes) if they’re in good shape. Common inclusions:
- Paint, lighting upgrades, and minor electrical corrections
- New sink/faucet; sometimes new disposal or filtration
- Countertops and backsplash (optional)
- Appliance swap-outs (optional)
A refresh can “feel new” when lighting and surfaces improve—but it’s not the right scope if storage and workflow are the real problem.
Tier 2: Mid-range remodel (new cabinets, same footprint)
Typical range: $40,000–$90,000+ (depends heavily on cabinets + electrical scope)This is the most common full kitchen upgrade:
- New cabinets (stock to semi-custom) and improved storage
- New countertops and backsplash
- Flooring updates
- Electrical upgrades for modern appliance loads and lighting
- Plumbing work generally limited to the sink area
This tier usually delivers the best everyday improvement because it upgrades function, not just finishes.
Tier 3: Full gut / reconfigure (layout changes)
Typical range: $90,000–$175,000+ (can go higher with structural changes and premium finishes)You’re paying for change, not replacement:
- Moving sink/range/dishwasher or adding an island with plumbing
- Adding circuits, relocating gas, possible panel upgrades
- Potential structural work (walls, beams, posts)
- More design time and often permits/inspections
This tier is where detailed planning matters most—because small layout decisions can have big “downstream” costs.
Biggest cost drivers (the decisions that move the needle)
If you want to control your budget, focus on the few decisions that have the biggest impact.
1) Layout changes (plumbing/gas moves)
Moving a sink, range, or dishwasher often triggers more work than homeowners expect: opening walls/floors, rerouting drains/vents, adjusting gas lines, and coordinating rough inspections when required. Keeping major locations “near where they are” is one of the strongest cost controls.2) Cabinets: construction type and storage details
Cabinets aren’t just doors and drawers. Pricing shifts based on:- Stock vs semi-custom vs custom
- Full-height cabinetry vs a mix of upper/lower
- Pull-out trash, spice pull-outs, tray dividers, deep drawer stacks
- Specialty features (appliance garages, hidden pantries, custom hoods)
You can often get a high-end look without a high-end cabinet budget by spending wisely on a few visible features and keeping the rest practical.
3) Countertops: material + fabrication
The slab price is only part of the story. Fabrication changes cost:- Large islands, waterfalls, mitered edges
- Integrated backsplashes or full-height stone
- Sink cutouts, cooktop cutouts, seam placement
4) Electrical: what the kitchen needs to work safely
Older homes can have limited circuits and undersized capacity. A good remodel budget includes:- Dedicated circuits for appliances as needed
- Proper GFCI protection where required
- A thoughtful lighting plan (ambient + task + accent)
- Under-cabinet lighting done cleanly (not as an afterthought)
5) Ventilation and make-up air realities
A powerful range hood is only “powerful” if the duct path makes sense. Short, straight duct runs are easier than long runs with turns. Planning ventilation early avoids the “nice hood, poor performance” outcome.6) Floors and walls: the hidden leveling work
Cabinets install best on flat, level floors and reasonably straight walls. In older homes, leveling and patching is sometimes necessary to avoid gaps, crooked reveals, or countertop issues.Want to see how these decisions tie into permits and inspections?
Allowances explained (and how to keep them fair)
Allowances are one of the most misunderstood parts of a kitchen bid. An allowance is a placeholder budget for items you haven’t selected yet—like tile, lighting fixtures, cabinet hardware, or appliances.
Allowances are not “bad.” They’re normal. The problem is when allowances are unrealistic or unlabeled.
A fair allowance should have:
- A clear dollar amount (per item or as a total category)
- A description of what it covers (material only vs material + labor)
- A realistic quality level (for example, “mid-range porcelain tile” vs “tile”)
- A process for adjustments (how upgrades or downgrades change the total)
Homeowner tip: if one bid is much cheaper, look closely at allowances. A low allowance can make a proposal look attractive but lead to surprises when you select real products. When you're ready to move forward, (858) 434-7166 for a fast, detailed estimate.
--- Want a kitchen remodel price range you can trust? Get a written scope and realistic allowances. Request a quote at La Jolla, Encinitas, North Park, Clairemont, Chula Vista. Phone: (858) 434-7166 | Website: (858) 434-7166 for a fast, detailed estimate. ---
Ready to Start Your San Diego Project?
Connect with
Ready to start your San Diego remodeling project?
Get a Free Estimate from Cali Dream Construction