Compare the highest-rated kitchen remodeling professionals in Cambridge, Massachusetts. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A full-service design-build remodeling firm located in Cambridgeport. They are known for their end-to-end project management, from initial design to final construction, and have a strong focus on quality craftsmanship and customer communication. They handle all aspects of kitchen renovation, including structural changes.
While their design center is in Boston, Neil Kelly is a highly reputable, employee-owned company that extensively serves the Cambridge area. They are recognized for their sustainable building practices, sophisticated design capabilities, and meticulous project management. They offer a seamless process for major kitchen overhauls.
Primarily a countertop fabricator with a massive showroom in nearby Somerville, they have expanded into full kitchen remodeling services. Their major advantage is direct access to a vast inventory of stone slabs, allowing for integrated countertop and remodeling projects. They are a one-stop shop for kitchens where the countertop is a centerpiece.
The kitchen remodeling market in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is characterized by high demand, premium pricing, and intense competition among skilled contractors. The city's housing stock consists largely of older homes (Victorian, Colonial, early 20th-century), which presents unique challenges and opportunities for remodelers, such as working with existing layouts, updating outdated electrical and plumbing systems, and preserving historical charm while integrating modern amenities. **Quality & Competition:** The market is bifurcated. There are numerous high-end, design-build firms (like Neil Kelly) that cater to comprehensive, high-budget renovations requiring structural changes and custom millwork. Simultaneously, there are many skilled, smaller contractors and specialists (like C&K American Remodeling) who excel at full renovations within existing footprints. The competition is fierce, driving a generally high standard of quality, but it is crucial for homeowners to verify licenses, insurance, and portfolios thoroughly. **Typical Pricing:** Kitchen remodels in Cambridge are among the most expensive in the region. Pricing is typically tiered: * **Mid-Range Full Remodel:** $50,000 - $100,000+ * **High-End/Custom Remodel:** $100,000 - $250,000+ Costs are driven up by the high cost of living, stringent building codes, the complexity of working in older buildings, and the premium materials and appliances commonly requested by the clientele.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Cambridge regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about kitchen remodeling services in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
For a full remodel in Cambridge, including cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and labor, homeowners should budget between $45,000 and $90,000+, with high-end projects exceeding $120,000. Costs are typically 10-20% higher than national averages due to Boston-area labor rates, the prevalence of older homes requiring structural updates, and high demand for skilled contractors. It's crucial to allocate an additional 15-20% contingency for unforeseen issues common in Cambridge's historic properties, like outdated wiring or plumbing.
A full kitchen remodel in Cambridge typically takes 8 to 14 weeks from planning to completion. Seasonal considerations are important: starting in late winter/early spring allows for interior work during less ideal weather, while summer is peak season, which can lead to longer contractor lead times. Fall is also a popular time, but projects must be scheduled to avoid major holiday disruptions. Delays are common due to the strict local permitting process and the discovery of legacy issues in older homes.
Cambridge has stringent building codes, and most structural, electrical, and plumbing work requires permits from the Cambridge Inspectional Services Department (ISD). If your home is in a historic district (like Avon Hill or Old Cambridge), you will likely need additional approval from the Cambridge Historical Commission for exterior changes or significant interior alterations. Massachusetts also has strict energy codes (Stretch Code), which may affect window replacements and insulation choices.
Prioritize contractors with extensive experience renovating Cambridge's older housing stock (pre-1940s). Verify they are licensed as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs, carry full insurance, and have a robust portfolio of local projects. Always check references specifically from Cambridge clients to understand how they navigated local permits, historic guidelines, and common challenges like working in tight, multi-unit buildings with limited parking for crews.
The most frequent surprises involve outdated infrastructure, such as knob-and-tube wiring, old galvanized plumbing pipes, insufficient subflooring, and non-compliant structural changes made by previous owners. Asbestos in old flooring or lead paint are also common in pre-1978 homes. To prepare, ensure your contractor includes thorough investigative work (like opening up walls) in the planning phase and budget a significant contingency fund (15-20%) specifically for these remediation and upgrade costs.