Kitchen Remodels in Los Angeles
Kitchen remodels in the City of Los Angeles
LADBS issued 2,795 permits for kitchen remodels in the City of Los Angeles over the last 12 months; the median declared valuation on one- and two-family homes was $20,000.
Los Angeles at a glance
- Kitchen remodel permits issued in the City of Los Angeles, all property types, last 12 months
- 2,795 permits
- Share of City of Los Angeles kitchen remodel permits on one- or two-family dwellings, last 12 months
- 75.2%
- Median declared permit valuation, City of Los Angeles kitchen remodel permits on one- and two-family dwellings, last 12 months
- $20,000
LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org) · data as of
- Numbers from LADBS public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
A useful first step
Before you start in Los Angeles
Confirm whether your scope needs plan check or an express permit.
What to prepare
LADBS offers express permits for some simpler work. Larger or more complex changes can require plan review. Describe the actual work, including structural, electrical and plumbing changes, when asking the department which route applies.
LADBS contractor guide · Checked
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. 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.
City of Los Angeles kitchen remodel permit figures
City of Los Angeles kitchen remodel permit figures
Local numbers for Los Angeles, each with its source and date.
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 3,243 |
| 2021 | 3,866 |
| 2022 | 3,964 |
| 2023 | 3,015 |
| 2024 | 3,192 |
| 2025 | 2,992 |
Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), full calendar years, fire rebuilds excluded, data as of .
Declared permit valuation, City of Los Angeles
| Project | Figure | Range on a shared scale |
|---|---|---|
| Median declared permit valuation, City of Los Angeles kitchen remodel permits on one- and two-family homes, last 12 monthsA declared value on a building permit, not the full project cost. It covers one- and two-family homes only. | $20,000 |
Bars share one scale, from $0 to $20,000.
The $20,000 figure is the median declared valuation on City of Los Angeles kitchen remodel permits for one- and two-family homes over the last 12 months. It is the value the applicant declared to the city, not a contract price, and it is usually below the real project cost, which includes design, materials, finishes and work not on the permit. Request an estimate for your home to learn your likely cost.
The typical kitchen remodel process
The typical kitchen remodel process
Plan the layout and budget
Decide what you want to change, such as layout, storage, appliances and a realistic budget range for your home.
Design and choose materials
Work out the cabinets, counters, flooring, lighting and fixtures you want. Your builder can help match materials to your budget.
Check whether you need a permit
Layout, plumbing, electrical and structural changes usually need a City of Los Angeles building permit. Ask the builder whether your project needs one and confirm the rules with the city.
Apply for the permit and plan check
If a permit is needed, the application and plans go to the city for review. Review time depends on the city and the project, so plan for it.
Demolition
Remove old cabinets, counters, flooring and fixtures, and prepare the space for the new work.
Rough-in work and inspections
Plumbing, electrical and framing work is installed behind the walls. Required inspections happen before the work is closed up.
Install cabinets, counters and fixtures
Install cabinets, counters, flooring, appliances and fixtures in the order your builder sets.
Final inspection and sign-off
Once the work is complete, the city may run a final inspection. Confirm sign-off with the builder before final payment.
Kitchen remodel questions for Los Angeles homeowners
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in the City of Los Angeles?
Often yes. Layout changes, plumbing, electrical and structural work usually need a City of Los Angeles building permit. Whether your project needs one depends on the home and the scope of work, so confirm with the builder and the city before work starts.
How many kitchen remodel permits does the city issue?
The City of Los Angeles issued 2,795 permits that include a kitchen remodel over the last 12 months, covering all property types. A permit can also include a bathroom, so kitchen and bathroom counts overlap. Fire-rebuild permits are excluded.
What does the permit valuation tell me about cost?
The median declared valuation on one- and two-family homes was $20,000 over the last 12 months. That is the value the applicant declared on the permit. It is usually below the real project cost, so an estimate for your home is the way to plan your budget with confidence.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
The time depends on the scope of the work, the design choices, material delivery and the city's review if a permit is needed. A builder can give you a schedule once they have seen your plans and your home.
Can I just update cabinets or countertops?
Yes. Many homeowners replace only cabinets, counters or fixtures. Ask the builder whether the work changes plumbing, electrical or layout, since that can affect whether a permit is needed. You can also check any contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board).
How do I start?
Describe your kitchen, your goals and your timing, and share photos or rough measurements if you have them. The request goes to one local builder, who can then contact you about an estimate for your home.
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
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Works in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles
- Bel Air
- Brentwood
- Hollywood
- +36 more
Service areas as listed by the contractor ()