Kitchen remodeling in San Jose & the Bay Area

Thumbtack's 2026 San Jose cost guide lists a typical kitchen remodel range of about $9,576 to $35,418, with larger projects reported up to about $80,825. National guides from Angi and Houzz put the average at roughly $26,500 to $27,000. These are general figures, not quotes; layout changes, moving plumbing or electrical, cabinets, countertops, appliances and conditions behind the walls drive the actual cost. A written proposal from R&B Master Construction Inc. follows a review of your kitchen and an agreed scope.

Cabinet replacement, countertop replacement, new flooring and painting are on the City of San Jose's list of cosmetic work that doesn't need a building permit, as long as no utilities or walls change. New electrical, plumbing or mechanical work for replacement appliances and fixtures in the same locations may fit the City's online minor-remodel permit, while moving walls, windows, fixtures or appliances is a major remodel that goes through plan review. A design or rendering of a new layout is a concept only; it isn't an approved permit. Verify your scope with the City of San Jose (or your city) building department before scheduling work.

Kitchen timelines depend on scope, permit review, inspections and lead times for cabinets, countertops and appliances, so a schedule should be set once those are known. Angi's guide offers general reference points: about one to two weeks for a minor cosmetic update, four to eight weeks for a midrange remodel and eight to twelve weeks or more for an extensive one, with planning and permitting adding time before work begins. Custom cabinetry and countertop fabrication often affect the schedule. R&B discusses a proposed schedule after the scope and selections are defined.

Only if it's written into the scope, so ask. Flooring can be installed before or after cabinets, and that choice affects how much material is needed, appliance and cabinet heights and how the floor transitions into adjoining rooms. Your proposal should say whether removing the old floor, installing the new one and the flooring material itself are included, or whether you'll supply the material.

Many homeowners stay in the house, but the kitchen will be unusable for part of the project, and dust, noise and short water or power shutoffs are part of the work. Plan a temporary setup away from the work area for a refrigerator, a microwave and washing dishes. Discuss occupancy, dust control and which stages will interrupt utilities before work begins.

Painting or refacing existing cabinets usually costs less than replacing them, and Thumbtack's San Jose kitchen guide lists refinishing as a common way to save when the cabinet boxes are in good condition. Replacement makes more sense when boxes are damaged, the layout is changing or new appliances need different openings. In San Jose, cabinet refacing or replacement usually doesn't need a building permit when no plumbing, electrical or walls change, but verify with your city.

Yes. Layout drawings, the permit application, plan-check responses and inspection scheduling are part of every R&B kitchen scope. City permit fees and any design or engineering fees are clarified in your proposal.

Not by themselves. The City lists cabinet replacement, countertop replacement, floor finishes and painting as cosmetic work that doesn't need a building permit. Moving plumbing, adding circuits or changing walls does.

Yes. A kitchen can be renewed within its current layout. Existing cabinets, service connections and surfaces still need review to establish what can remain and which work is needed behind the finishes.

Appliance dimensions and connection requirements should be coordinated before the cabinet order is finalized. Share the specific models you are considering, including any equipment you want to keep.

That can be part of the conversation, but the wall, structure and building services need review first. The scope may include design or engineering work as well as changes to flooring and adjacent finishes.

Tell us whether you are considering counters, cabinets, lighting or a larger change. A focused update can be discussed alongside the condition of adjoining surfaces and the work needed to connect everything properly.

Choose the material and edge details early enough to coordinate cost and availability. Final measuring is usually coordinated with the installed base cabinets and the selected sink and appliances. Agree the sequence with the cabinet and countertop suppliers before scheduling.