If you’re planning a kitchen remodel in San Diego, this guide is for you. It’s especially helpful if your project involves relocating your kitchen or changing the layout.
This case study walks through every stage of a real kitchen relocation and remodel in Del Cerro, San Diego, completed by Optimal Home Remodeling & Design.
You’ll find step-by-step insights into our design-build process — from consultation and planning to permitting, construction, and final finishes. This project demonstrates how relocating a kitchen can dramatically improve your home’s flow, functionality, and connection to outdoor spaces — all without adding square footage.
Use this guide to understand the timeline, process, and key considerations involved in a kitchen relocation remodel. Whether you’re exploring ideas or preparing for your own project, this walkthrough highlights what to expect from a professional San Diego kitchen remodeling contractor.
Step 1: Consultation, Ideas & Budgeting of the kitchen project
When the homeowners of this Del Cerro, San Diego, property reached out to Optimal Home Remodeling & Design, they wanted more than a quick update. They envisioned a family-friendly kitchen where they could cook with their children and entertain comfortably.
During our free in-home consultation, we walked through the home, listened to their goals, and explained our design-build process: understanding needs first, exploring layout possibilities, and reviewing structural feasibility before finalizing a plan.
The home was built on a concrete slab foundation, which required careful planning, especially for relocating the plumbing. In slab homes, water and drain lines run beneath the concrete, so trenching, rerouting, and re-sloping must be precisely designed to maintain proper flow and avoid future issues.
Together, we decided to relocate the kitchen from its original corner into the dining and fireplace area — a new position closer to the backyard exit, which improves circulation and enhances indoor-outdoor living. The old kitchen would be converted into a home office — a bonus that enhanced functionality without increasing square footage.
As part of the preparation, our licensed plumber performed a camera inspection of the existing plumbing lines.
This step helped confirm that trenching and the new sink placement were both feasible.
At the same time, our structural engineer verified the home’s structural integrity before removing walls or demolishing the chimney.
These checks ensured safety and code compliance from the very start of the project.
We then created a transparent preliminary budget detailing structural work, cabinetry, appliances, and finishes — giving the homeowners full clarity on scope and investment.
Step 2: Design, 3D Renderings & Permitting
With the vision in place, our design team produced detailed 3D renderings so the homeowners could visualize the transformation. The new layout featured an L-shaped kitchen with a large center island.
It also included a dedicated pantry and a streamlined appliance wall for maximum efficiency. efficiency.
To achieve a timeless yet modern look, the design incorporated:
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Quartzite for both the countertops and backsplash, providing a cohesive, natural aesthetic with long-lasting durability.
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Panel-ready dishwasher for a seamless, built-in appearance.
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Custom plaster hood cover as an elegant focal point above the range.
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Pop-up electrical outlet on the island for safety and convenience when cooking with children.
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Designed pendant lighting above the island to enhance illumination and balance, adding warmth and sophistication to the open-concept layout.
Once approved, our engineers completed the construction blueprints and Title 24 compliance documents required by the City of San Diego. We handled all submittals and coordinated directly with inspectors to ensure a smooth approval process before construction began.
Step 3: Kitchen Construction in Action
With permits secured, construction began. This project required structural upgrades, utility relocation, new flooring, and full interior painting to complete the transformation.
Week 1 – Demolition
We carefully removed the old kitchen and fireplace, protecting adjacent spaces from dust and debris. Demolition cleared the way for new framing, plumbing, and electrical work — critical foundations for any kitchen remodel in San Diego.
Weeks 2–3 – Rough Electrical, Plumbing, Framing & Inspections
Our plumber trenched the slab to run new water and drainage lines for the relocated sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Electricians added new circuits for modern appliances, recessed LED lighting, and the pop-up island outlet.
New framing defined the L-shaped kitchen and converted office, while a shear wall was added for stability after fireplace removal. Every phase passed the City of San Diego inspection.
Week 4 – Insulation, Drywall, Lath & Stucco
After rough inspections, we installed insulation for comfort and energy efficiency, followed by drywall taping and texturing. On the exterior, we performed lath and stucco repairs around the new window and former fireplace to ensure weatherproofing and a cohesive façade.
Weeks 5–6 – Finishes Begin
The transformation became visible as finishes were installed:
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Custom shaker cabinets with soft-close hardware.
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A large center island providing prep space and family seating.
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Elegant quartzite countertops and full-height quartzite backsplash for luxury and durability.
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New flooring throughout for visual flow.
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Interior painting to unify and brighten the home.
Weeks 7–8 – Final Touches & Installations
Plumbing and electrical fixtures, appliances, and the custom hood vent were installed and tested. The new home office was completed with its own door, outlets, and lighting.
By the end of construction, the home featured a brand-new kitchen, upgraded flooring, refined stucco work, and professional interior painting — all inspected, approved, and built to the highest standard.
Step 4: The Final Transformation
The finished remodel shows how thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship can reinvent both form and function.
The New Kitchen:
Now filled with natural light from sliding backyard doors and the new window above the sink, the relocated kitchen embodies open-concept living. The L-shaped configuration and large quartzite island provide the perfect setting for cooking, entertaining, and family life. Custom neutral shaker cabinetry, a panel-ready dishwasher, and a sculpted plaster hood create a clean, modern aesthetic. Gold hardware adds warmth, while quartzite’s natural veining brings texture and elegance. The direct connection to the backyard reflects the Del Cerro San Diego indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
The New Office:
The former kitchen was transformed into a bright, functional home office. A new 59×59 square window floods the room with natural light and creates an airy, open feel. Light wood flooring, white walls, and a modern ceiling fixture complete a calm, productive space with room for a desk, shelving, and storage — all achieved without adding square footage.
Together, these spaces embody Optimal Home Remodeling & Design’s approach: combining design creativity with engineering precision to create homes that are both beautiful and highly livable.
The customer experience:
“Dotan and his crew worked efficiently and stayed on top of every detail. He managed the schedule flawlessly — there were no delays with inspections, fabrication, or installation. In fact, our kitchen remodel was completed ahead of schedule, and the quality of the craftsmanship exceeded our expectations.”
Click here to read the full review
✅ Conclusion
This kitchen relocation and remodel in Del Cerro, San Diego, began with a simple goal.
The homeowners wanted a functional, family-friendly kitchen and a dedicated home office — all without increasing the square footage.
By reimagining the layout and optimizing the existing footprint, Optimal Home Remodeling & Design transformed a confined, outdated kitchen into an open, light-filled gathering space.
The new kitchen connects seamlessly to the backyard, while the original kitchen area became a bright and efficient workspace.
The outcome exceeded expectations. The new layout improved flow, lighting, and usability, making daily cooking and entertaining effortless. The addition of a private home office provided valuable flexibility for work-from-home needs, enhancing comfort and productivity.
From an investment standpoint, the remodel also delivered outstanding value. In the San Diego real estate market, smart renovations can bring an excellent return on investment.
Projects that open the floor plan, upgrade finishes, and add a functional office often deliver some of the highest ROI, increasing resale value by 15–25%.
By improving layout efficiency and adding usable space in function — not footprint — the homeowners increased both market appeal and everyday livability.
This project perfectly illustrates the benefits of smart, design-build remodeling: thoughtful planning, technical expertise, and craftsmanship that enhance beauty, comfort, and financial return.
For more transformations like this, visit optimalremodel.com/projects or call 619-560-6668 to schedule your free in-home consultation.
