Common questions. Straight answers.

Modern Kitchen San Diego sets no prices for the work. The total turns on your current layout, the condition of the cabinets, materials, utility work, permits, and which contractor you hire. That contractor inspects the kitchen and writes up the quote.

The contractor you pick does. We only refer, so we neither quote the work nor set its price. The number comes in writing from the business doing the job, before any work starts.

The contractor's decision, not ours. Before you book, ask if the first visit costs anything, and have the scope written down before work begins. This site publishes no free-estimate promises.

California Business and Professions Code 7159 limits home-improvement down payments to $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is lower. The contract has to state that limit in boldface type of at least 12 points. Check the figure on your contract before you sign.

Choose refacing when the boxes are solid wood and square and the layout already works. Choose replacement when the layout works against you, the boxes are particleboard, or you want a totally different kitchen. Have the contractor inspect the boxes and give the recommendation in writing. Modern Kitchen San Diego does not price either path.

Stock cabinets come in set sizes, arrive with the shortest lead time, and cost the least. Semi-custom gives you room to adjust dimensions, finishes, and storage accessories. Custom cabinets are made around your room, your storage needs, and your taste. Ask the contractor which line they really build or install, and why it suits your layout.

The shop's timeline is what counts, and it should be in the written schedule. Ask the contractor to tie the install window to approved shop drawings rather than a verbal count of weeks.

Usually yes, as long as your layout and utilities cooperate. Pantry walls, coffee stations, appliance garages, and pull-out spice racks are popular additions. Have the contractor draw them into the cabinet elevations so they match the rest of your kitchen.

Depending on the scope of work, building permits may be required. To confirm what your project needs, call San Diego Development Services at 619-446-5000. Never assume the matched contractor pulls every permit. Put the name of whoever pulls them in the written scope.

That call belongs to a structural engineer or architect, never a guess made on site. Have the contractor get the engineering letter before anyone opens the wall, and check that this step is in the written scope.

Your contractor should tell you which code edition the permit follows, and the building department can confirm it. Circuit counts, amperage, and GFCI rules are not listed on this site. They live in the contractor's plan and on the inspector's list.

When a wall is load-bearing, a licensed structural engineer typically sizes the beam and stamps the plan. Ask the contractor whether your wall needs that letter and who covers the cost. Don’t count on the permit being pulled without it.

This is a referral service. Share your city and project scope, and we will try to match you with an independent kitchen remodeler serving your area. That contractor looks over the kitchen, sets the price and schedule, and signs the contract with you directly. Before you sign, check the contractor's current CSLB license and insurance at cslb.ca.gov.

Neither one. We are a referral service, so we are not a contractor or the crew. The remodeler on your job runs an independent business and signs the contract with you. Check the license and insurance yourself. We do not warrant the work.

Then you’re all set, and there’s nothing left for us to do. We only match homeowners who are still searching. If you’d like a second bid to compare, give us a call and we’ll try to suggest another remodeler who serves your area.

Your chosen contractor does, after you’ve signed the scope and the quote. Ask what’s really holding up the schedule: cabinet fabrication, the stone template, permit review, or the crew calendar. Then get the answer in writing.

People usually choose quartz for stain resistance, consistent color, and easy upkeep. Granite handles heat and shows natural variation. Match the stone to how you cook: busy family kitchens often go quartz, while cooks who set hot pans down often go granite or quartzite. Confirm care with the fabricator.

Subway tile in 3x6 or 4x8 sizes is the old standby. Zellige, handmade-look ceramic, and large-format porcelain slabs come up often as well. Have the contractor bring samples to the consult so you can compare them with your cabinet and counter picks.

Luxury vinyl plank is a popular choice because it resists water and keeps costs down. Porcelain tile is harder and holds up longer. Engineered hardwood looks great but needs extra care around sinks and dishwashers. Ask the contractor what they’d specify at the sink and dishwasher, and why.

Go with light cabinets, light counters, one undermount sink, and a slim pantry pull-out in place of a wall oven. Taking out soffits, adding under-cabinet LED runs, and using open shelving where it does not eat storage help too. Ask the contractor to sketch these options against your actual room.