CALABASAS, CA – September 08, 2026 – With fall renovation season approaching and long lead materials again driving project timelines, Construction by Maya has published detailed 2026 cost guidance for kitchen remodels across Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and the Conejo Valley. The women-led boutique general contractor, headquartered in Calabasas and operating under California contractor License #1034501, is offering complimentary in-person and virtual consultations to homeowners who want a realistic budget before they commit to a scope.
Los Angeles remains one of the most expensive remodeling markets in the country, shaped by high skilled labor rates, strict permitting, and an aging housing stock that regularly reveals surprises once walls open up. Construction by Maya reports that the single most common budgeting mistake it sees is a homeowner planning around a national average figure that has little relationship to what a Valley kitchen actually costs.
The Three Budget Tiers for a 2026 Los Angeles Kitchen
Based on current pricing across the San Fernando and Conejo Valleys and assuming a typical 150 to 250 square foot kitchen including labor, materials, and standard permits, Construction by Maya groups projects into three realistic tiers:
• Budget or cosmetic refresh, $30,000 to $55,000. Existing layout and footprint stay put. Stock or semi-custom cabinets or refacing, quartz or laminate counters, a mid-range appliance package, new sink and faucet, lighting, paint, and flooring. No plumbing or gas relocation.
• Mid-range full remodel, $60,000 to $110,000. The most common tier for Valley and Conejo homeowners. Semi-custom cabinetry, quartz or quartzite counters, tile backsplash, better appliances, recessed and pendant lighting, and often minor layout changes such as relocating an island or widening a doorway.
• High-end or luxury remodel, $120,000 to $250,000 and up. Full custom cabinetry, natural stone, professional grade appliances, structural changes such as removing a wall to open the kitchen to living space, new windows, and premium flooring.
As a rough benchmark, Los Angeles kitchen remodels run approximately $250 to $700 or more per square foot depending on tier. The company notes that homeowners are often surprised a modest kitchen still lands in five figures, but in a market like Los Angeles the labor rates and code requirements alone establish a meaningful floor.
Where the Money Actually Goes
Construction by Maya breaks a typical mid-range budget into categories so homeowners can decide deliberately where to invest and where to economize.
• Cabinets, 25 to 35 percent. Stock runs $100 to $300 per linear foot, semi-custom $300 to $650, and full custom $650 to $1,200 and up. For a kitchen with 25 to 30 linear feet, that is roughly $9,000 at the low end to $30,000 or more for custom. Refacing sound existing boxes can save 40 to 60 percent.
• Labor, 20 to 35 percent. Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and tile setters command premium rates across the Valley, and this category also covers demolition, framing, drywall, and general contractor project management.
• Appliances, 10 to 20 percent. A solid mid-range package runs $6,000 to $15,000. Professional brands can push appliances alone past $25,000.
• Countertops, 10 to 15 percent. Installed quartz runs $60 to $130 per square foot, granite $50 to $120, and quartzite or marble $90 to $200 and up. Most kitchens carry 40 to 60 square feet of surface.
• Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, 10 to 15 percent. Older homes frequently need panel upgrades, new appliance circuits, and updated plumbing.
• Permits and design, 5 to 10 percent. Budget $1,500 to $5,000 for permits plus any required design or engineering.
On a representative $85,000 mid-range Valley remodel, cabinets and labor together account for more than half the total, at roughly $24,000 and $22,000 respectively. That concentration is why cabinet and layout decisions move a budget more than any other choice a homeowner makes.
What Drives a Los Angeles Kitchen Budget Up
Two homeowners with identical square footage can pay very different amounts. Construction by Maya identifies layout changes as the largest single variable, since moving plumbing, gas, or load bearing walls escalates costs immediately. Home age and condition matter nearly as much. Many Valley homes were built between the 1940s and 1970s, and opening walls can reveal outdated wiring, galvanized plumbing, or asbestos and lead requiring proper handling.
Finish level compounds quietly. The difference between a $200 faucet and a $1,200 faucet, multiplied across every fixture, handle, and surface, adds up quickly. Structural and permit complexity, custom versus stock materials, and site access on tight urban lots or hillside properties round out the list.
“The number that matters is not the bid, it is the scope behind the bid,” said Hila Hemo, founder of Construction by Maya. “An unusually low proposal almost always means missing scope or a change order strategy that erases the savings by month three. We give every client a line item breakdown so they can see exactly what is included and what is not.”
How to Budget Smart in This Market
Construction by Maya advises homeowners to set aside a 10 to 20 percent contingency, because in older homes surprises behind the walls are the rule rather than the exception. The company also recommends investing in the elements that are difficult to change later, including cabinets, layout, and appliances, while saving on hardware, lighting fixtures, and paint that can be swapped inexpensively down the road.
Timing carries financial weight as well. Booking a contractor and ordering long lead materials early protects the schedule and can insulate a budget from price increases on cabinets, stone, and appliances over the months of work. Homeowners typically finance kitchen projects through home equity lines of credit, cash-out refinancing, or renovation loans, and the company recommends exploring those options before finalizing a scope so the budget reflects real available funds.
“A kitchen remodel budget should be clear, honest, and built around your actual goals, not padded with surprises,” Hemo said. “Most of the stress our clients arrive with is not about money. It is about not knowing what happens next. Clear scopes and realistic timelines solve most of that before demolition starts.”
Permits Are Not Optional
Kitchen remodels in Los Angeles almost always require permits, particularly when electrical, plumbing, gas, or structural work is involved, and moving walls or windows triggers additional review. Permit fees vary by jurisdiction, with the City of Los Angeles, unincorporated county areas, and cities such as Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills each maintaining separate fee schedules. Pulling proper permits protects safety, property value, and the ability to sell later. A licensed general contractor handles the permitting process on the homeowner’s behalf.
Comprehensive Remodeling Services
Construction by Maya provides complimentary in-person and virtual consultations across its full service range:
• Kitchen remodeling
• Bathroom remodeling
• Complete home remodeling
• Room additions
• ADUs and garage conversions
• Project management for homeowner-run builds
The company guides clients through design planning, layout decisions, and material selection, and manages each project through a four stage process built on documented scope, transparent pricing, and consistent progress communication.
Serving Los Angeles and Ventura County
Homeowners across Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Encino, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and surrounding San Fernando Valley, Conejo Valley, and West Los Angeles communities can schedule a complimentary consultation.
Contact Construction by Maya
Homeowners planning a fall or winter kitchen project should gather current photos, measurements, and a realistic budget range before their first consultation so the conversation starts with real numbers.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact Construction by Maya at (818) 626-0909 or visit https://constructionbymaya.com. The company’s office is located at 4500 Park Granada UNIT 202, Calabasas, CA 91302, United States. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
About Construction by Maya
Construction by Maya is a women-led, boutique construction and remodeling company based in Calabasas, California, serving Los Angeles and Ventura County. Founded and led by Hila Hemo, the company specializes in kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, complete home remodels, room additions, ADUs and garage conversions, and project management. Operating under California contractor License #1034501, the firm was built around clear scopes, realistic timelines, transparent pricing, and proactive communication, bringing structure to an industry often known for chaos. Every project follows a four-stage process covering consultation and alignment, planning and scope definition, execution and ongoing communication, and completion with a detailed final walkthrough.
Media Contact
Hila Hemo, Founder, Construction by Maya
Phone: (818) 626-0909
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://constructionbymaya.com
Address: 4500 Park Granada UNIT 202, Calabasas, CA 91302, United States
Sources
Construction by Maya. “Kitchen Remodel Cost in Los Angeles: What to Budget in 2026.” Published August 17, 2026. https://constructionbymaya.com/blog/kitchen-remodel-cost-los-angeles/
Construction by Maya. “How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take? A Realistic Timeline.” Published August 17, 2026. https://constructionbymaya.com/blog/kitchen-remodel-timeline/
Construction by Maya. “8 Kitchen Design Trends Taking Over LA Homes.” Published August 17, 2026. https://constructionbymaya.com/blog/kitchen-design-trends/
Construction by Maya. “Real Kitchen and Bath Remodel Cost Conejo Valley in 2026.” Published July 27, 2026. https://constructionbymaya.com/blog/kitchen-bath-remodel-cost-conejo-valley/
Construction by Maya. “Kitchen Remodeling Services.” https://constructionbymaya.com/kitchen-remodeling/
Media ContactCompany Name: CONSTRUCTION BY MAYA INC.Contact Person: Hila HemoEmail: Send EmailPhone: (818) 626-0909Address:4500 Park Granada UNIT 202 City: CalabasasState: CaliforniaCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://constructionbymaya.com/
