--- 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 ---
> Straight answers to common homeowner questions about kitchen remodeling in San Diego, California.
Next step: Call or text (858) 434-7166 for a fast, detailed estimate. Or: Request a quote at How to use this FAQHow to use this FAQ
If you’re early in planning, start with the hub guide for the full scope/timeline framework. If you’re budgeting, the cost guide explains ranges and allowances. If you’re worried about approvals, the permits guide walks through common triggers.
The answers below are short by design. Every kitchen is different, so use them to sharpen your questions for a site visit and written proposal.
How long does a kitchen remodel take in San Diego?
Most kitchen remodel timelines include planning and ordering, not just construction. A refresh can be shorter; a mid-range remodel and a full reconfigure take longer because selections, lead times, and (sometimes) permits matter. A realistic schedule is usually built in phases: design/selections, ordering, and then construction. For a step-by-step timeline breakdown, see the hub guide.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in San Diego?
Kitchen remodel costs in San Diego vary by scope, layout changes, cabinet approach, and electrical/ventilation needs. Instead of relying on an “average,” use tier ranges and then price your specific scope with realistic allowances. The pricing guide explains what drives cost and how to compare bids.
Do I need a permit for my kitchen remodel?
Sometimes. Permits are commonly involved when you move plumbing, change gas lines, add circuits, modify structure, or re-route ventilation. Cosmetic work may be permit-free, but the safest approach is to confirm your scope with City of San Diego Development Services Department (or equivalent local building office) and make permit responsibility clear in your contract.
Can I keep my existing cabinet boxes and just replace doors?
It can be, if the boxes are structurally sound, the layout works, and you’re comfortable with the limitations. Re-facing won’t fix poor storage, awkward clearances, or bad workflow. It’s often a good choice for a true “refresh,” but once you’re changing layout or adding major storage upgrades, full cabinet replacement can be the better long-term value.
Is it cheaper to keep the same layout?
Yes. Keeping the sink, range, and dishwasher in roughly the same locations usually reduces plumbing and electrical complexity. Layout changes can be worth it when they solve major workflow problems, but they should be priced as a reconfigure scope—not as a cosmetic update.
What should I pick first: cabinets, appliances, or countertops?
Start with the functional plan and “anchor” selections. Appliance specs and ventilation decisions influence cabinet design, rough-ins, and clearances. Once layout and appliance requirements are set, cabinets can be finalized, then countertops and backsplash details follow. This order reduces change orders later.
How do allowances work in a remodeling proposal?
An allowance is a placeholder budget for items you haven’t selected yet (tile, lighting, hardware, sometimes appliances). Allowances should be listed with clear dollar amounts and the quality level assumed. Unrealistic allowances make bids look cheaper and create surprises later.
How do I compare two contractor bids that don’t match?
Put the bids into a scope checklist: what’s included, what’s excluded, and what’s an allowance. Differences are often in electrical scope, permit handling, or how cabinets/counters are defined. When the scope and allowances match, the price comparison becomes meaningful.
Can I live at home during the remodel?
Often, yes—but expect disruption. Plan a temporary kitchen (microwave, coffee maker, dish tub), and assume short periods without a sink or full cooking setup. Dust control and daily cleanup are a real quality factor, so ask your contractor how they handle containment.
What happens if we find water damage or old wiring during demo?
A professional plan includes contingencies and a documented change-order process for genuine unknowns like hidden water damage or legacy wiring. The key is clarity: what counts as unforeseen, how it’s priced, and how it affects the schedule. This is also why older homes benefit from a careful discovery phase before demo.
Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel for new appliances?
Not always, but it’s possible—especially if you’re adding high-load appliances or multiple new circuits. A site visit should include a look at panel capacity and circuit distribution so electrical work is planned instead of guessed. If panel work is needed, it should be clearly included or excluded in the proposal.
Is a vented hood always better than recirculating?
A vented hood generally performs better when the duct path is short and sensible. Recirculating hoods can be acceptable in some situations, but they don’t remove moisture and heat the same way. Ventilation is a planning decision—choose the hood and duct approach early so cabinets and rough-ins align.
Should flooring go in before or after cabinets?
It depends on flooring type and scope, but the main goal is clean transitions and avoiding damage. Some floors install after cabinets; others go under. The decision should be made early because it affects toe-kick height, appliance clearances, and trim details.
How do you handle condos or HOA rules in San Diego?
Condos and HOAs often add a second approval track: work hours, delivery windows, elevator reservations, insurance certificates, and debris rules. Get the HOA remodeling packet early and share it before pricing is finalized so logistics and schedule assumptions are accurate.
What’s a reasonable payment schedule for a kitchen remodel?
Good schedules tie payments to milestones and real progress, not just dates. Avoid heavily front-loaded payments beyond what’s needed to order your specific materials. Keep a final payment for punch list completion and final walkthrough sign-off.
How do change orders work?
A change order is a documented scope change with a price and schedule impact, approved before the work proceeds. They’re normal when scope changes or genuine unknowns appear, but they should never feel like surprise invoices. Clear scope and early selections reduce change orders.
How do I avoid kitchen remodeling scams in San Diego?
Use a simple verification routine: confirm licensing, get a written scope and allowance list, tie payments to milestones, and don’t start demo without a clear plan for permits (when required). For a homeowner-first red-flag checklist, see:How can I verify a contractor’s license and insurance in California?
Ask for the legal business name and license number, then verify status and classification through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). For insurance, request a certificate directly from the provider. More context: andIs it normal for a contractor to ask for a large deposit upfront?
It’s normal to have a reasonable booking deposit and then milestone payments tied to progress (demo complete, roughs inspected, cabinets set, countertops installed, etc.). Large upfront payments without a clear scope and schedule are a red flag. Learn what “normal” looks like: andHow can I reduce dust and keep the house clean during construction?
Ask about floor protection, plastic containment, negative air options (when appropriate), and daily cleanup. Also ask how they protect adjacent rooms and HVAC returns. Cleanliness is a process, not a promise—your contractor should be able to describe the routine.
What should I expect at the final walkthrough?
Final walkthrough should cover function and finish: doors and drawers align, hardware is tight, caulk and paint look clean, appliances operate, outlets and lighting work, and the punch list is documented. If permits were involved, confirm final sign-off and keep records for your files.
Do you offer design help, or do I need a separate designer?
As a design-build contractor, Cali Dream Construction can support planning and construction together, which often reduces miscommunication. Some homeowners arrive with a designer already; others want help selecting layout, cabinets, and finishes as part of the process. The important part is that design decisions are finalized enough to price and build predictably.
Which neighborhoods do you serve in San Diego County?
We serve San Diego County and surrounding areas, including La Jolla, Encinitas, North Park, Clairemont, Chula Vista and nearby communities. If you’re unsure whether your neighborhood is included, call/text (858) 434-7166 and we’ll confirm quickly.
How to get an estimate
The best estimates are built on clear scope and realistic assumptions. To move quickly:
- Pick your scope lane (refresh / mid-range / full reconfigure).
- Identify “anchor” selections early (appliances and ventilation decisions help most).
- Share HOA rules or access constraints up front.
- Ask for a written proposal with allowances clearly listed.
To request an estimate from Cali Dream Construction, call/text (858) 434-7166 or request a quote at https://calidreamconstruction.com.
Who we are
> Who we are > Cali Dream Construction — Design-Build General Contractor serving San Diego, California. > Design-build coordination for smoother planning and construction. > Why homeowners hire us: > - Design-build process (planning and construction under one roof) > - Clear scope, transparent pricing, and realistic timelines > - Permit-aware planning and inspection-ready workmanship > - Clean jobsite habits and consistent communication
We focus on calm communication, clear scope, and workmanship that holds up to inspections and everyday use.
What happens next
> What happens next > Call/text (858) 434-7166 or request a quote at https://calidreamconstruction.com. > Site visit + measurements + constraint review. > Scope definition and allowance discussion. > Timeline planning (ordering + construction). > Written proposal and next steps.
If you’ve been collecting answers online, a site visit is where your project becomes a real plan.
Trust & accountability
Homeowners deserve basics they can verify:
- Licensed & Insured General Contractor (CA).
- Insurance and permit awareness
- Clean jobsite habits and consistent communication
If you want a printable planning tool, use the checklist.
Related reading
- Main planning guide:
- Pricing and allowances:
- Permits overview:
- Contractor selection:
--- Still have a question that isn’t covered? Ask it during your site visit. Request a quote at (858) 434-7166 | Website: (858) 434-7166 for a fast, detailed estimate. ---
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