“How much will my kitchen remodel cost?” is the first question almost every homeowner asks, and it is a fair one. A kitchen is one of the biggest projects you will ever do in your home. The honest answer is that it depends on your kitchen’s size, the layout, the materials you choose and how much of the existing room needs to change.
In this guide we explain what a kitchen remodel typically costs in the Santa Clarita area, what drives the price up or down and how to get the most kitchen for your money. For a quick summary, you can also visit our kitchen remodel cost page.
Typical Kitchen Remodel Costs Near Santa Clarita
National cost guides give a useful starting point. Angi’s data for nearby Valencia puts the average kitchen remodel at around $39,000, with most projects falling roughly between $27,000 and $47,000. Small cosmetic updates can cost much less, and large custom kitchens can cost much more.
Use these numbers as a rough guide only. The best way to know your real price is a free, in-home estimate that looks at your actual kitchen.
The Four Levels of Kitchen Remodel
1. Cosmetic Refresh
Paint or reface cabinets, new hardware, a new faucet, a fresh backsplash and better lighting. The layout and most materials stay the same. This is the lowest-cost option and can make a tired kitchen feel new in a short time.
2. Mid-Range Remodel
Refaced or semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, a new sink, new flooring and updated lighting. The layout usually stays the same. This is the most popular choice for Santa Clarita homes built in the 1980s and 1990s.
3. Full Remodel
Everything is replaced, and the layout may change. This can include new cabinets, an island, new appliances, electrical and plumbing updates and sometimes removing a wall.
4. High-End Custom Kitchen
Custom cabinetry, premium stone, professional-grade appliances and major structural changes. This level is common in larger homes and custom builds.
Where the Money Goes
Every kitchen is different, but most budgets are shared between the same main parts:
- Cabinets: usually the biggest single cost. Choosing refacing instead of new cabinets can save a lot.
- Labor: demolition, installation, plumbing, electrical and finishing work.
- Countertops: laminate costs least, quartz and granite are mid to high, and premium stone costs most. See countertop options.
- Appliances: standard models vs. professional ranges and built-in refrigerators.
- Flooring and backsplash: depends on material and square footage.
- Lighting and electrical: older homes often need new circuits. See kitchen lighting.
- Permits and design: a smaller share of the budget, but important.
What Makes a Kitchen Remodel Cost More?
- Moving plumbing or gas lines: relocating the sink or range adds labor and permit costs.
- Removing walls: especially load-bearing walls, which need a beam and engineering.
- Older homes: outdated wiring, old pipes or hidden water damage are common in older Newhall and Saugus homes.
- Custom sizes: unusual spaces may need custom cabinets.
- Changes mid-project: changing your mind after work starts is one of the most expensive mistakes.
7 Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel
- Keep your layout so plumbing and gas lines stay where they are.
- Reface instead of replace when your cabinet boxes are solid.
- Choose mid-range quartz instead of premium natural stone.
- Spend on what you touch every day: drawers, hinges and the faucet.
- Finish your design before work begins. A kitchen design plan prevents costly changes.
- Pick in-stock materials to avoid delays and price jumps.
- Work in phases, such as cabinets and counters now and flooring later.
Is a Kitchen Remodel Worth the Money?
For most homeowners, yes. A kitchen you enjoy using every day has real value, and an updated kitchen is one of the features buyers notice first. If you plan to sell in the next few years, focus on clean, neutral updates with broad appeal. If you plan to stay, spend on the features that make your daily life easier, such as more storage, better lighting and an island with seating.
How to Get an Accurate Price
To compare quotes fairly, make sure each contractor prices the same scope of work. A good estimate should list cabinets, countertops, flooring, plumbing, electrical, permits, demolition and cleanup separately, along with a clear timeline. Ask what is not included, too.
Real-World Budget Examples
To make these numbers easier to picture, here is how three typical Santa Clarita projects might be planned. These are examples of scope, not price quotes.
Example 1: The Fresh-Look Refresh
A 1990s Valencia kitchen with solid oak cabinets. The homeowners paint the cabinets white, add new brushed-nickel pulls, replace the tile counters with quartz, add a subway tile backsplash and swap the fluorescent box light for recessed LEDs. The layout stays the same, so there is no plumbing or wall work.
Example 2: The Family Upgrade
A Saugus home where the family wants more storage and seating. They choose semi-custom shaker cabinets, a new island with three stools, quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring and under-cabinet lighting. The sink stays in place, but new circuits are added for the island.
Example 3: The Open-Concept Remodel
An older Newhall home with a closed-off kitchen. The wall between the kitchen and living room is removed with a new beam, the sink moves to the island, the electrical panel is upgraded and everything is replaced. This project needs structural, plumbing and electrical permits and takes the longest.
Kitchen Remodel Cost FAQs
How much does a small kitchen remodel cost?
Small kitchens usually cost less because they have fewer cabinets and less countertop. A cosmetic update can cost a fraction of a full remodel. See our small kitchen remodel page for ideas.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets are usually the largest cost, followed by labor, countertops and appliances.
How much should I set aside for surprises?
A cushion of 10 to 20 percent of your budget is a good rule, especially in older homes.
Do permits add a lot to the cost?
Permit fees are usually a small part of the total budget, but they are required for most plumbing, electrical and structural work.
Want a Real Price for Your Kitchen?
Online guides only go so far. We offer free, written estimates across the Santa Clarita Valley, with clear options at different price levels so you can choose what fits your budget.