Kitchen Remodeling FAQ

No. The in-home measure and the written itemised estimate are free with no obligation.

Because the two things that move a kitchen budget most, the condition of the cabinet boxes and where the plumbing and bearing walls run, cannot be seen in a photograph.

Cabinetry, stone, appliances and labour are priced separately as allowances rather than rolled into one figure. That way you can see which decision is moving your total, and you can trade one against another without re-bidding the whole job.

Usually because they are not the same kitchen. One bid may assume prefabricated cabinets and the other custom millwork, or one may exclude permits, electrical upgrades or flooring altogether. Compare the scope lines, not the totals.

Conditions found at demolition, panel capacity, and finish upgrades chosen mid-project. We flag the first two at the measure wherever they are visible.

Payments are tied to milestones stated in the contract, not to time. Terms are written out before anything is paid.

Roughly four to six weeks on site for a straightforward remodel. Two months or more for a larger project with structural work and custom cabinetry.

Most of the build. We set up a temporary kitchen area on day one so you keep a sink and a refrigerator, and appliances go back in before the punch list.

Almost always. Dust partitions go up at demolition, the work area is cleaned daily and water is only off for scheduled windows.

Cabinet lead time, then plan check on structural work. Both are managed by ordering cabinetry first and submitting for permit before demolition.

One project manager runs a limited number of concurrent jobs so the same person is reachable through your build. Crews are scheduled, not shared mid-day.

We walk the kitchen with you, list everything, fix it, and walk it again. The job is not finished until you say it is.

Cosmetic work such as refacing or a countertop swap generally does not. Moving plumbing or gas, altering electrical circuits, or removing a wall does. We pull the permits and schedule the inspections as part of the contract.

Yes. Village and condominium association review is part of most projects here, and the drawings, insurance certificates and work-hour acknowledgements are prepared with the job.

Sometimes. Older Irvine kitchens frequently lack the circuit count current code requires for a modern appliance package, which is checked at the measure rather than discovered at rough-in.

It can, particularly where an addition, new glazing or new lighting is involved. Compliance documentation is prepared as part of the permit set.

We do, and we meet the inspector. You do not need to be home for rough inspections.

We revise and resubmit. Denials are usually about exterior changes, window or door modifications, or missing documentation rather than the kitchen itself.

Engineered quartz is roughly 93 percent stone aggregate to 7 percent resin, which makes it the most stain resistant common surface and it never needs sealing. Granite is close behind and modern impregnating sealers stretch resealing to roughly five to ten years.

They look better and they cost more, in money and in usable interior space. Frameless construction gives you the most interior room, face frame is the easier fit in an out-of-square older wall, and inset is the most exacting of the three.

Yes, if the openings work. Appliance sizes get verified at the measure because cabinet widths step in 3 inch increments and a mismatch is discovered at install otherwise.

Reface if the boxes are sound and the layout works. Replace if the boxes are swollen particleboard, the layout is wrong, or you want different cabinet sizes. We say replace about as often as we say reface.

Porcelain or granite. Engineered quartz is not recommended outdoors because resin discolours under prolonged UV, and marble etches.

Cabinetry first, because it sets every rough-in dimension and carries the longest lead time. Stone can be selected up to template, and paint and grout colours later still.

Yes. We carry a California contractor license and general liability insurance, and the license number is on every proposal and contract. Certificates are available on request.

Cabinet and finish installation is in-house. Licensed trade partners cover plumbing, electrical and structural work. Project management is never subcontracted.

Yes. Measured plans, elevations, 3D views and a finish schedule are available as a standalone design service, credited back if we build the project.

Yes, regularly, including building from designer-issued drawings and coordinating shop drawings and selections with the design team.

Workmanship warranty terms are in the written contract, alongside manufacturer warranties on cabinetry, stone, hardware and appliances.

No. The number takes calls only. Use the form and we will call you back.