Kitchen Remodels in Los Angeles County
70.3% of Los Angeles County housing units were built before 1980 (Census 2020–2024), and the median year built is 1965.
Los Angeles County at a glance
- Los Angeles County: share of housing units built before 1980
- 70.3%
- Los Angeles County: median year structure built, all housing units
- 1965
- Los Angeles County: share of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied
- 45.9%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates · data as of
- Numbers from US Census and LADBS public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
What do permits say a kitchen remodel costs?
From City of LA building permits, last 12 months. Not a contract price. How we calculate this
Declared values on City of Los Angeles building permits, last 12 months. The dataset covers the City of Los Angeles only, so treat it as a regional reference for Los Angeles County. A declared value is what the permit states, not your contract price. How we calculate this.
Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), permits on one- and two-family homes issued to ; fire rebuilds excluded. ZIP medians need 20+ permits.
Los Angeles County housing and City of Los Angeles kitchen remodel permits
Los Angeles County housing and City of Los Angeles kitchen remodel permits
Local numbers for Los Angeles County, each with its source and date.
- Los Angeles County: median value of owner-occupied homes1
- $834,200
- Los Angeles County: total housing units1
- 3,650,466
- City of Los Angeles: issued kitchen remodel permits, all property types, last 12 months2
- 2,795 permits
- City of Los Angeles: median declared permit valuation, kitchen remodels on one- and two-family homes, last 12 months2
- $20,000
Planning your project
Most homes in Los Angeles County are older. 70.3% of housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1965 (Census 2020–2024). That age shapes what a kitchen remodel involves.
What Los Angeles County homes mean for your kitchen remodel
Older homes often need checks before new cabinets and appliances go in. Look at electrical panel and circuit capacity for modern appliances, galvanized supply pipes, cast-iron drains and venting. Test for lead-based paint before demolition in homes built before 1978, and check old flooring or ceiling texture for asbestos. These are things to check, not certainties for every house.
Less than half of occupied homes are owner-occupied, at 45.9% (Census 2020–2024). If you rent out your home, plan the work around your tenants' schedules and talk with them early. The median value of owner-occupied homes is $834,200 across the county. Use that figure only to frame your budget against resale in general terms.
In the City of Los Angeles, LADBS issued 2,795 permits for kitchen remodels over the last 12 months. The median declared permit value was $20,000 on one- and two-family homes. That is a declared value, not the full project cost. These figures show activity in the county's largest city only, not the whole county. Each city runs its own permits, so check your city before you start.
Declared permit value for kitchen remodels in the City of Los Angeles
| Project | Figure | Range on a shared scale |
|---|---|---|
| Median declared permit value, kitchen remodels, City of Los Angeles, last 12 monthsMedian declared valuation on City of Los Angeles permits for kitchen remodels on one- and two-family homes. It is what the owner declared to the city, not the contract price. | $20,000 |
Bars share one scale, from $0 to $20,000.
Declared value on City of Los Angeles permits for one- and two-family homes over the last 12 months. This is a declared permit value, not the full project cost, so it is usually below what a remodel really costs. Get an estimate for your home.
The typical path for a kitchen remodel in Los Angeles County
The typical path for a kitchen remodel in Los Angeles County
Plan the layout and budget
Decide what you want to change, such as layout, storage, appliances or lighting. Set a budget range that includes a buffer for surprises in an older home.
Design and choose materials
Choose cabinets, counters, flooring and fixtures. Confirm lead times and check that your choices fit the space and the electrical plan.
Check whether you need a permit
Ask the builder who receives your request, or check your city, whether the work needs a building permit. Rules differ from city to city across the county.
Get the permit where needed
If a permit is needed, the builder or you submit the application and wait for approval before work starts. Keep the approved plans on site.
Test older materials first
Before demolition, test for lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 and check for asbestos in old flooring or ceiling texture. Plan safe removal if either is found.
Run plumbing and electrical with inspections
Check the electrical panel and circuits for the new appliances. Update old galvanized supply pipes and cast-iron drains where needed. Schedule inspections before walls are closed.
Install cabinets, counters and fixtures
Install cabinets, counters, sinks, appliances and fixtures. Check alignment, clearances and connections as you go.
Final inspection and walkthrough
Schedule the final inspection once the work is complete. Walk through the kitchen with your builder and note any open items before final payment.
Kitchen remodel questions for Los Angeles County homeowners
Who issues the permit for a kitchen remodel?
It depends on your city. Each city in Los Angeles County runs its own permits. In the City of Los Angeles, LADBS issued 2,795 kitchen remodel permits over the last 12 months. Ask the builder who receives your request, or check your city, whether your project needs a permit.
Do older homes need extra work in a kitchen remodel?
Often, yes. 70.3% of housing units in Los Angeles County were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1965 (Census 2020–2024). Older homes can need checks on electrical panel capacity, galvanized supply pipes, cast-iron drains and venting. Test for lead-based paint before demolition in homes built before 1978, and check old flooring or ceiling texture for asbestos. These are things to check, not certainties for every house.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Los Angeles County?
Costs vary a lot by home and scope. In the City of Los Angeles, the median declared permit value for kitchen remodels on one- and two-family homes was $20,000 over the last 12 months. That is a declared value, not the full project cost. To plan with accurate figures for your own kitchen, request an estimate.
I own a rental home. What should I think about before a kitchen remodel?
Only 45.9% of occupied homes in Los Angeles County are owner-occupied (Census 2020–2024), so many homes are rented. If you own a rental, plan the work around your tenants' schedules and talk with them early. Keep your budget in line with the value of the home. The median value of owner-occupied homes is $834,200, but that figure does not predict a return.
How do I start a kitchen remodel project?
Describe your kitchen, your goals and your timing, then request an estimate. The builder who receives your request can review the project and reply. You can also check any contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board) before you hire.
Recent work by a contractor in our network
Photos from the contractor's own projects, used with permission. Captions name the type of work.
Kitchen, whole-home remodel 
Kitchen remodel 
Kitchen remodel 
Kitchen remodel 
Whole-home remodel 
Kitchen, major remodel
Request a free estimate from a local builder for your kitchen remodel
Tell us about the project. It takes about 30 seconds.
- You send a short request. Project type, ZIP code, timing and how to reach you.
- We match it. A local contractor for your project gets your request. Up to three may contact you, and we email you each one's name.
- You talk about your project. The estimate is free, with no obligation to hire.
Thanks — your request is in.
We're matching your project now. When a contractor takes it, we email you their name and phone number so you know who is calling.
We're matching your project now. A local contractor will call you at the number you gave us to talk about the next step.
Who gets your request
Your local match
Your project · works in Los Angeles County
Matched to your project. We check the project type and ZIP first. Up to three local contractors may contact you, and we email you each one's name.
Service areas
- Los Angeles
- Bel Air
- Brentwood
- Hollywood
- +36 more
Service areas as listed by the contractor ()