Kitchen Remodel
San Diego
From a complete open-concept kitchen renovation to a precise cabinet and countertop upgrade, Optimal designs and builds San Diego kitchens that last. One licensed design-build team of kitchen designers and remodelers, from first sketch to final walkthrough.
Request Your Free
In-Home Consultation
We visit your home, walk through the space, and give you a detailed itemized estimate — no vague numbers, no obligation. Response within one business day.
Tell Us About Your Project
Response within one business day · No obligation
Or call us directly: (619) 560-6668
San Diego Kitchen Remodeling
— Every Style, Every Budget
Whether you want a bright open-concept kitchen with a custom island or a focused cabinet and countertop refresh, our kitchen remodeling contractors handle every detail in-house: design, permits, and construction under one contract.
Full Kitchen Remodel
Complete gut-and-rebuild with custom cabinetry, quartz or stone countertops, new appliances, updated plumbing and electrical, tile backsplash, and designer finishes built around your lifestyle.
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Custom Cabinetry & Storage
Inset or full-overlay custom cabinets with soft-close hardware, pull-out drawers, pantry towers, and thoughtful storage solutions — designed and built to maximize every inch of your kitchen.
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Island Design & Open Concept
Custom islands with waterfall edges, seating overhangs, and prep sinks — paired with wall removals that open your kitchen to the living or dining room. We handle structural engineering, beam installation, permits, and all finishing.
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Countertops & Backsplash
Quartz, quartzite, marble, or granite countertops paired with designer tile backsplash — a targeted upgrade that refreshes the entire look of your kitchen without a full remodel.
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Outdoor Kitchen
Custom-built outdoor kitchens with weather-resistant cabinetry, built-in grills, pizza ovens, bar areas, and durable countertops — designed for San Diego's year-round outdoor living.
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Laundry Room Remodel
Transform your laundry room into a hardworking, well-organized space — custom cabinetry, folding countertops, utility sink, tile flooring, and proper ventilation. Often done alongside a kitchen remodel for maximum value.
Get a Quote →Kitchen Design and Construction
Under One Roof
Most kitchen remodels go wrong in the gap between the designer's drawings and the contractor's build. Our in-house kitchen designers and construction team work from the same plans, the same budget, and the same contract, so the kitchen you approve is the kitchen we build.
Layout & Flow Planning
We plan the work triangle, island clearances, seating, and traffic flow around how your household actually cooks. When a wall needs to come down for an open concept, structural engineering and beam work are part of the same plan.
Cabinet & Storage Design
Custom, semi-custom, or refaced cabinetry, sized to your space: pantry pull-outs, drawer stacks for pots and pans, appliance garages, and full-height storage that uses every inch of a San Diego kitchen.
Material & Finish Selection
Your kitchen designer walks you through countertops (quartz, quartzite, marble, granite), backsplash tile, hardware, lighting, and appliances. We work with multiple vendors, and you approve every selection before demolition starts.
Designs Priced as They're Drawn
Because the designer and the builder are one team, every design decision is priced as it's made. No beautiful plan that comes back 40% over budget from a separate contractor, and no redesign after the bids arrive.
Before & After
Drag the slider to see the full transformation — every project designed and built by our in-house team.
Cristallo Backlit Island Kitchen Remodel — San Diego
Full kitchen renovation · Custom flat-panel cabinetry · Backlit Cristallo quartzite island
Navy Custom Kitchen Remodel — San Diego
Open-concept kitchen redesign · Custom navy cabinetry · Custom island & bar
White Oak & Black Custom Kitchen Remodel — San Diego
Custom white oak & black cabinetry · Quartz countertops · Bookmatched slab backsplash
One Team. One Contract.
Zero Handoffs.
As a licensed design-build contractor, Optimal handles architecture, design, permitting, and construction in-house. One point of accountability — from the first conversation to the final walkthrough of your new kitchen.
CSLB Licensed, Bonded & Insured
CSLB License #1091450. Every project is fully permitted, inspected, and built to California code. You're protected at every stage.
In-House Design + Construction
Our designers and builders work as one team. No miscommunication between separate firms. Your approved kitchen design is exactly what gets built.
Dedicated Project Manager
One person accountable for your entire project — scheduling, subcontractors, inspections, and daily updates. You always know what's happening next.
Transparent, Itemized Pricing
After your free in-home consultation, you receive a detailed written proposal — scope, materials, timeline, and total cost. No vague estimates, no surprises.
15+ Years of San Diego Expertise
We've remodeled kitchens in every San Diego neighborhood. We know local codes, DSD requirements, and the conditions that affect your project.
How Much Does a Kitchen
Remodel Cost in San Diego?
These ranges reflect 2026 San Diego market conditions — local labor rates, California material standards, and Title 24 requirements. Final cost depends on scope, size, layout changes, and material selections.
Cabinet refresh or reface, new countertops, updated fixtures and hardware. Existing layout retained.
- Cabinet reface or paint + new hardware
- Quartz or laminate countertop replacement
- New tile backsplash
- Sink, faucet & under-cabinet lighting
- Title 24 compliant LED lighting
- Simple permit if required
Full kitchen remodel. New cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing and electrical updated.
- Full demo & new semi-custom cabinetry
- Quartz or stone countertops + island
- New appliance package integration
- Plumbing & electrical upgrades
- Tile backsplash & flooring
- DSD permit & inspections included
Custom luxury kitchen with structural changes, high-end materials, and premium appliances.
- Open concept wall removal & beam work
- Full custom inset cabinetry
- Natural stone slabs & waterfall edges
- High-end appliance brands (Sub-Zero, Wolf)
- Custom range hood & built-in refrigeration
- Full DSD permit & structural engineering
Not sure which tier fits your kitchen?
We visit your home, walk through the space, and give you a detailed itemized estimate. No vague numbers, no obligation. Want the details first? Read what really drives kitchen remodel costs in San Diego.Watch San Diego
Kitchen Transformations
Real project walkthroughs — design, demolition, and the finished result.
Kitchen remodel · San Diego, CA
Kitchen remodel · San Diego, CA
Kitchen remodel · San Diego, CA
Your Kitchen Remodel
in 3 Clear Steps
Free In-Home Consultation & Proposal
We visit your kitchen, assess the space, and listen to your goals — flow, function, style, and budget. Within 48 hours you receive a detailed, itemized written proposal covering scope, materials, timeline, and total cost. No vague estimates, no surprises.
Custom Design & Permitting
Our in-house design team creates your kitchen plans, guides you through every material and finish selection, and handles all permitting with San Diego's Development Services Department (DSD). You approve every detail before demolition begins — including cabinet layouts, countertop slabs, and appliance placements.
Construction & Final Walkthrough
Your dedicated project manager coordinates every trade — framers, electricians, plumbers, tile setters, and cabinet installers — communicates proactively, and keeps your project on schedule. We protect your home daily, clean up every evening, and don't call the job done until you do.
Navigating San Diego's 2026
Kitchen Requirements
As of January 1, 2026, updated California Energy Code (Title 24) and CALGreen (Part 11) standards are in effect. Optimal handles every permit, inspection, and code requirement through San Diego's Development Services Department — you never deal with city bureaucracy directly.
Electrical Circuits (2026)
California requires a minimum of two 20-amp small appliance circuits for kitchen countertops, plus dedicated circuits for the refrigerator, dishwasher, and garbage disposal. All countertop receptacles must be GFCI-protected. AFCI protection is required for all new kitchen circuits.
Ventilation & Range Hoods
2026 California Mechanical Code requires kitchen exhaust ventilation. Range hoods must meet minimum CFM ratings based on cooking surface BTU output. Recirculating hoods require charcoal filtration — ducted ventilation directly outdoors is strongly preferred and often required for gas ranges.
Lighting Mandates (Title 24)
All kitchen lighting must be high-efficacy LED, controlled by a vacancy sensor or dimmer. Standard switch-only lighting no longer meets 2026 compliance requirements. Under-cabinet lighting that connects to the home's electrical system also falls under these standards.
Simple vs. Full Permits
A kitchen remodel that does not move walls or relocate plumbing may qualify for a Simple "No-Plan" Permit. Open concept conversions, structural beam installations, or any plumbing relocation require a Full Permit through San Diego's DSD. Optimal handles all permitting — you never deal with the city directly.
What San Diego
Homeowners Say
Working with Dotan was an absolute pleasure. He always found creative, high-quality solutions and never cut corners. Our kitchen remodel was completed ahead of schedule — we immediately moved forward with our bathroom remodel. Same excellent results.
We completed our remodel in November 2024 and could not be more pleased with our new kitchen. The moment we met with project manager Jamal for the initial estimate, we knew this is who we wanted. He is unmatched in his expertise, level of detail, and time management.
It has been a few years since our kitchen remodel and we are still in love with it. They are on time, on budget, very communicative, and have the highest quality standards. Our major remodel took just 5 weeks.
Kitchen Remodeling Across
San Diego County
We remodel kitchens from coastal homes that need finishes built for salt air to inland homes with closed 1970s layouts ready to open up. See local projects and details for your area:
Common Questions About
Kitchen Remodeling in San Diego
Ready to Start Your
Kitchen Remodel?
We visit your home, listen to your goals, and give you a clear picture of what's possible — and what it will realistically cost. No obligation. No pressure. A detailed written estimate within 48 hours.
✓ In-home visit at your convenience
✓ Itemized estimate within 48 hours
✓ No obligation, no sales pressure
Serving La Jolla · Carlsbad · Encinitas · Del Mar · Poway · Solana Beach · Oceanside · Chula Vista · Escondido · Point Loma · Coronado · Rancho Santa Fe and all San Diego County.