Kitchen Remodel in Santa Monica
Kitchen Remodeling in Santa Monica
73.4% of Santa Monica housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1968 (Census 2020–2024).
Santa Monica at a glance
- Share of housing units built before 1980, City of Santa Monica (2020–2024 five-year estimate)
- 73.4%
- Median year structure built, City of Santa Monica (2020–2024 five-year estimate)
- 1968
- Share of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied, City of Santa Monica (2020–2024 five-year estimate)
- 27.9%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates · data as of
- Numbers from US Census 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 Santa Monica. 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.
Santa Monica housing facts
Planning your project
Most homes in Santa Monica are older. Census data shows 73.4% of housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1968. That age shapes how you plan a kitchen remodel.
What Santa Monica's homes mean for your kitchen remodel
Older homes often need checks before new cabinets go in. Ask the builder to look at the electrical panel and circuit capacity for modern appliances, the galvanized supply pipes, cast-iron drain lines and venting. These are things to check, not certainties for every house.
Only 27.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied, so many homes in the city are rentals. If you rent out your property, plan the work around your tenants. Tell them the schedule early, and ask the builder how dust, noise and access will be handled.
The median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,755,500. Use that figure as a general reference when you set a budget. Think about how much the remodel adds to your home relative to its value, and decide on a limit before you request a quote.
How a kitchen remodel usually goes in Santa Monica
How a kitchen remodel usually goes in Santa Monica
Plan the layout and budget
Write down what you want to change, how you use the kitchen and what you can spend. Keep a reserve for surprises common in older homes.
Design and choose materials
Work with your designer or builder on the layout, cabinet style, counters and materials. Confirm which appliances you plan to add so the electrical plan can be checked.
Check whether a permit is needed
Ask the builder whether your plans need a building permit from the city. Do not assume either way until the plans are reviewed.
Permit where needed
If a permit is needed, the builder can help prepare and submit the application. Keep copies of all approvals on site.
Test older materials before demolition
In older homes, test for lead-based paint and possible asbestos in flooring, mastic or ceiling texture before demolition. Plan safe removal if testing finds them.
Demolish with care
Remove cabinets, flooring and finishes carefully, and protect the rest of the home from dust. Keep the work area sealed off.
Rough-in plumbing and electrical
Update or check plumbing and electrical lines behind the walls. Schedule inspections before the walls are closed up.
Install cabinets, counters and fixtures
Install cabinets, counters, sinks, appliances and fixtures in order. Check alignment and clearances as you go.
Final inspection and walkthrough
Ask for the final inspection and review the completed work with the builder before final payment.
Kitchen remodel questions for Santa Monica homeowners
Is a kitchen remodel harder in an older Santa Monica home?
Often, yes. Census data shows 73.4% of Santa Monica housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1968. Older homes can have electrical panels with limited capacity, galvanized supply pipes, cast-iron drain lines and possible lead paint or asbestos in finishes. These are things to check, not certainties for every house, so ask the builder to look at them before work starts.
What if I rent out the home I am remodeling?
Only 27.9% of occupied housing units in Santa Monica are owner-occupied, so many homes are rentals. If you rent out your property, plan the work with your tenants in mind, keep them informed about the schedule and ask the builder how dust, noise and access will be handled. Check any rules that apply to your tenancy with a local adviser.
How should my budget compare with home values in Santa Monica?
The median value of owner-occupied homes in Santa Monica is $1,755,500 (Census 2020–2024 estimate). Use that figure only as a general reference. Think about how much the remodel adds to your home's value compared with what you spend, and set a budget you are comfortable with before you request a quote.
Will my kitchen remodel need a building permit?
Ask the builder who receives your request whether your plans need a building permit from the city. Permit needs depend on the scope of the work, so do not assume either way until the builder has reviewed your plans.
How can I check a contractor before I hire one?
You can check any contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board) before you hire them. Ask for a written scope and a clear payment schedule in your quote.
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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