Compare the highest-rated kitchen remodeling professionals in San Francisco, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned franchise known for comprehensive kitchen remodels, from minor updates to full gut renovations. They emphasize project management, clear communication, and handling all aspects of the project in-house, including design, cabinetry, countertops, and trades.
Specializes in efficient and high-quality kitchen transformations, particularly praised for their work on smaller San Francisco homes and apartments. They focus on space optimization and modern design, offering services from cabinet painting and refacing to complete remodels.
A well-established contractor serving the entire Bay Area with a strong focus on San Francisco. They are known for their work with premium materials like quartz and granite and for managing complex projects that involve structural changes, plumbing, and electrical updates.
** The kitchen remodeling market in San Francisco is characterized by high demand, intense competition, and premium pricing. The quality of contractors is generally high, but consumers must be diligent in verifying licenses and insurance due to the presence of less reputable operators. The market is driven by the city's older housing stock, which often requires extensive electrical and plumbing updates, and a strong preference for modern, space-efficient designs. Competition is fierce among top-tier contractors, leading to significant lead times. Typical pricing for a full kitchen remodel in San Francisco is exceptionally high, often ranging from $50,000 for a basic update in a small space to well over $150,000 for a high-end renovation with custom cabinetry, premium appliances, and structural changes. The high costs are attributed to stringent building codes, permit complexities, high labor costs, and the premium for working within the city's dense urban environment.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with San Francisco regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about kitchen remodeling services in San Francisco, California.
In San Francisco, a full kitchen remodel typically ranges from $75,000 to $150,000+ for a standard project, with high-end renovations exceeding $200,000. The high costs are driven by expensive local labor, stringent building codes requiring seismic retrofitting and specific waste disposal, and the premium for materials and appliances. Additionally, many San Francisco homes have unique layouts and older plumbing/electrical systems that require extensive updates to meet current code.
A comprehensive kitchen remodel in San Francisco generally takes 3 to 6 months from planning to completion. Significant delays are often caused by the city's permit approval process through the Department of Building Inspection (DBI), which can be lengthy, especially for structural changes. Other common delays include the discovery of unforeseen issues in older homes (like knob-and-tube wiring or plumbing in non-compliant locations) and scheduling challenges with highly sought-after local contractors.
Yes, San Francisco has strict local regulations. Permits are almost always required for electrical, plumbing, structural, and even cabinet installation if layout changes are made. You must comply with the San Francisco Green Building Code, which mandates water-efficient fixtures and specific waste diversion plans. Crucially, if your home was built before 1979, lead-safe work practices are legally required for any disturbance of painted surfaces.
Prioritize contractors with extensive, verifiable experience specifically with San Francisco's permit process, historic homes, and complex codes. Ensure they are licensed (check their CSLB license), insured, and provide detailed contracts. Look for local references and portfolios of completed projects in neighborhoods similar to yours (e.g., Victorians in Noe Valley, mid-century in Sunset) to ensure they understand the unique challenges of your home type.
San Francisco's cool, damp climate and frequent fog make proper ventilation to combat moisture and mold a critical design priority. For homes without central air, choosing materials that handle humidity well is key. Additionally, many homes have smaller, closed-off original kitchens, so popular remodels focus on opening layouts to capture light, using lighter color palettes to brighten spaces, and incorporating efficient storage solutions to maximize limited square footage.