Ladera Heights, CA · Mid-century homes

Kitchen Remodeling in Ladera Heights, CA

Old Ladera's postwar homes and New Ladera's mid-century custom houses deserve kitchens that respect their design. We plan carefully and permit through LA County.

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Your Ladera Heights Kitchen

A Kitchen Planned Around Your Home

Ladera Heights sits on the hills between Culver City, Baldwin Hills, View Park–Windsor Hills and Westchester. It began in the late 1940s with the development now called Old Ladera, and in the 1960s custom homes rose in New Ladera, some by noted architect-builders such as Valentine and Gallant. The County's historic context describes Ranch-style variations and Mid-Century Modern examples, along with garden apartments and duplex and triplex lots, developed in phases by builders and by individual owners.

Of about 3,000 homes, more than a third were built in the 1950s and a quarter in the 1960s. Close to two-thirds are detached houses, and about the same share of households own.

Every project starts the same way, with careful measurements and an honest look at the systems. Then you see the design in 3D and get a written estimate that lists each item.

Call (213) 515-6576

Request a Kitchen Remodeling Estimate

Share your Ladera Heights address, remodel goals, and timeline. A kitchen remodeling specialist will follow up with next steps.

Utilities and Air

Plumbing, Power and Ventilation

A few items deserve attention before the old kitchen comes out.

Post-and-beam framing. In post-and-beam construction, the roof is carried by beams and posts, and walls between them may not be bearing. That gives freedom to open the kitchen, but it also means few places to hide ducts, wiring and plumbing vents, since ceilings are often the underside of the roof deck. Running a new hood duct or adding recessed lights in that kind of ceiling requires careful planning or surface-mounted solutions.
Hillside lots. The area's terrain is generally hilly. Houses on sloped lots may have split levels, stairs between the kitchen and garage or kitchens on a raised floor over a crawl space. Deliveries may need to be carried up steps or down a driveway. We check access and structure before committing to a layout.
Removing soffits. Many kitchens from the 1950s and 60s have soffits above the upper cabinets. Some are empty; others hide ducts, plumbing vents or wiring. Removing them lets cabinets reach the ceiling for more storage, but anything inside has to be relocated. We open a small inspection hole before designing so you know what's possible.
Testing for hazardous materials. In homes of this age, asbestos may be in old vinyl floors, mastic or ceiling texture, and lead paint is likely in homes built before 1978. We test before any demolition and follow lead-safe practices when painted surfaces are disturbed.
Climate. Both Ladera Heights ZIP codes are in Energy Commission climate zone 8, warm but moderated by ocean air. With large windows common, glazing choices matter for energy compliance and comfort.

Kitchen Services

What We Build in Ladera Heights Kitchens

Choose what your kitchen needs most; we plan it, price it and build it.

CSLB #1087602Licensed in California

Permit paperworkHandled for you

Free estimateNo obligation

3D designBefore demolition

Kitchen Services at a Glance

Select a service to read the local notes and pricing below.

Cabinet Installation

Pantry pull-outs, drawer stacks and clean lines.

Scope and price ↓

Granite countertop with an undermount sink

Countertops

Quartz or granite that needs little upkeep.

Details for this service ↓

Warm traditional kitchen with a tiled wall behind the counters

Backsplash

Tile set on a sound backer with sealed grout.

Details and price ↓

Kitchen Flooring

Tile, plank or engineered wood, installed flat.

Open the details ↓

Pendant lights hanging above a kitchen island

Kitchen Lighting

Ambient, task and accent lighting, designed together.

Appliance Installation

Delivery and hookup timed to the build.

How it works here ↓

Island or Peninsula

Island or peninsula, drawn before it is built.

See how we do it ↓

Compact condo kitchen with built-in appliances

Small Kitchen Remodeling

Right-sized appliances and smarter storage.

Layout Changes

Sink, range and fridge where they belong.

What it costs here ↓

Completed modern white Shaker kitchen remodel

Full Kitchen Remodel

A complete kitchen, sequenced as one project.

See details and cost ↓

Building Permits

What Ladera Heights Requires for a Kitchen Remodel

Most of Ladera Heights is unincorporated, so permits come from LA County Building & Safety through EPIC-LA, with zoning from LA County Planning. A small section, known as Ladera, is within the City of Los Angeles, where LADBS issues permits. The two systems have different forms, fees and inspectors, so we confirm which one governs your parcel before drawing anything.

Work	Usually needs	What to know
Fronts, paint and pulls	Usually exempt	No electrical, plumbing or structural change.
Replacing what is there	Often a short review	Sink and outlet reconnections are the trigger.
Rewiring or service upgrade	Electrical permit	Inspected before the walls are closed.
Moving the sink, gas line or dishwasher	Plumbing permit	Drain and vent routes are drawn first.
New beam or wall change	Plan review	Drawings and sometimes calculations.

In March 2025 the County adopted the Westside Area Plan, which covers the unincorporated part.
Its policies mostly affect additions and new construction rather than interior kitchens.

Service Details

Kitchen Services in Detail

Read the scope, the Ladera Heights note and the cost for each service.

Cabinetry done right

Cabinet Installation in Ladera Heights, CA

If you cannot reach what you own, the cabinets are the problem.

Base cabinets become drawer stacks, uppers go taller and blind corners get real hardware. Hardware goes on last, aligned with a jig so every pull matches. For a busy family kitchen, we often combine veneer on tall cabinets and the island with a tougher finish on lower cabinets near the sink and dishwasher.

Ladera Heights specifics

Wood veneer doors, such as walnut or rift-cut oak, suit midcentury houses and show beautiful grain, though they can fade or darken in strong sun. Lacquer finishes give a smooth, furniture-like surface but chip if struck hard. Painted doors are easy to touch up but show wear at edges.

Agreed before building

Set the hardware height
Shim boxes level
Choose door style last
Solve the blind corner

Ask for an Estimate See cabinet installation options →

What is the cost of new kitchen cabinets in Ladera Heights?

Most Ladera Heights cabinet jobs land at

$280–$520 per installed linear foot.

Simple slab or Shaker doors keep it toward the low end.

Stone and quartz, done right

Countertop Installation in Ladera Heights, CA

Where the seams fall matters as much as the stone you pick.

Overhangs are sized for any seating, and supports added where needed. We protect the new tops until the rest of the work is finished.

Agreed before building

Template after cabinets are set
Pick the sink first
Compare quartz and granite
Pick a low-upkeep surface

Ask for an Estimate Learn about countertop installation →

What should I budget for Ladera Heights countertops?

Ladera Heights countertop installation typically comes to

$65–$125 for each square foot installed.

Slab grade, thickness and edge detail move the price.

Walls that wipe clean

Backsplash Installation in Ladera Heights, CA

The backsplash protects the wall and finishes the room.

Damaged drywall is repaired before any tile goes up. Edges are finished so the tile does not stop abruptly.

Agreed before building

Dry-lay the pattern
Plan the edge trim
Set window returns
Check wall flatness

Ask for an Estimate Call (213) 515-6576

What does a Ladera Heights backsplash run?

Expect a backsplash to cost

$14–$48 per square foot, set and grouted.

Patterns, small mosaics and full-height runs add cost.

From the base up

Kitchen Flooring in Ladera Heights, CA

The kitchen floor takes water, traffic and dropped pans.

We match the floor height to the adjoining rooms. Baseboards and toe kicks are fitted to the finished floor.

Ladera Heights homes

Raised floors give access for plumbing changes, which can be easier than in a house on a slab.

Agreed before building

Repair soft spots
Choose plank or tile
Check the subfloor
Plan thresholds

Ask for an Estimate How we handle kitchen flooring →

How much does kitchen flooring cost in Ladera Heights?

Most Ladera Heights kitchen floors land at

$7–$10 per square foot of floor.

Leveling and removing old layers add to the base price.

Designed light

Kitchen Lighting in Ladera Heights, CA

A lighting plan should be drawn with the cabinets.

Color temperature is matched across every fixture. The energy code requires high-efficacy fixtures and controls, which we design to. Glossy counters and backsplashes reflect more glare than honed or matte finishes, so we discuss the trade between shine and comfort when selecting materials.

Ladera Heights detail

Many Ladera kitchens face views of the city or the basin. Large west- or south-facing windows bring afternoon heat and glare onto counters and screens. Low-e glass, exterior shading and light-filtering shades help.

Agreed before building

Set pendant height
Place switches where you reach
Test every fixture
Align fixture trims

Ask for an Estimate Explore kitchen lighting →

Kitchen pendant and recessed lighting remodel

How much should I plan for lighting in Ladera Heights?

A Ladera Heights lighting package typically comes to

$940–$3,650 for the kitchen, fixtures extra.

The number of switches and zones matters most.

The right hookups

Appliance Installation in Ladera Heights, CA

Built-in appliances need exact openings.

We confirm the panel can handle induction or added appliances. Every door is checked against the counters and the next appliance.

What differs in Ladera Heights

Exposed beams can limit where a hood duct goes, so we plan the route early.

Agreed before building

Plan the hood duct
Plan the fridge water line
Check door swings
Set anti-tip brackets

Ask for an Estimate More about appliance installation →

How is appliance installation priced in Ladera Heights?

Appliance installation typically costs

$520–$2,600 for a full set.

Induction may need a new circuit or panel work.

Planned to scale

Kitchen Island or Peninsula in Ladera Heights, CA

Before choosing an island, measure the aisles.

We decide early whether the island needs plumbing or power. Countertop seams are avoided on the island where possible.

Agreed before building

Measure every aisle
Choose island or peninsula
Decide on a sink
Confirm traffic paths

Ask for an Estimate Kitchen islands in detail →

Butcher block kitchen island prep surface

What is the price of an island in Ladera Heights?

A kitchen island in Ladera Heights typically costs

$4,700–$19,000 for the finished island.

Waterfall ends and premium stone add cost.

Planned to the inch

Small Kitchen Remodeling in Ladera Heights, CA

A small kitchen can be fully rebuilt for less than a big one.

Counter-depth and 24-inch appliances fit where full sizes do not. The floor runs continuously to make the room feel larger. We create a consistent kitchen design for multiple units so materials and repairs are simpler.

Local note

Garden apartments and small multi-unit buildings make up a portion of the housing. Owners of these properties usually remodel one unit at a time. Shared plumbing and wiring may connect units, and tenant notices and access have to be planned.

Agreed before building

Plan an appliance garage
Plan a pull-out pantry
Add landing space
Swap doors for drawers

Ask for an Estimate Small kitchen remodeling: the service page →

What should I budget for a small Ladera Heights kitchen?

Expect a small kitchen to cost

$30,500–$40,000 for the whole remodel.

Premium appliances push it higher.

Layout Planning

Layout Choices and Style Cues

Homes from the late 1940s and 1950s were typically built as Ranch-style houses with closed kitchens, a window over the sink and a breakfast nook. Original systems often include galvanized supply lines, cast-iron drains, small electrical panels and ungrounded outlets. Many have been updated once, often decades ago.

New Ladera and custom homes: The 1960s custom homes vary widely, because each was designed individually. Some have post-and-beam framing, clerestory windows, flat or low-slope roofs and large panes of glass. Others are larger Ranch designs. Because no two houses are alike, we start with a detailed survey of the existing house, including ceiling framing, roof structure and the location of drains, before proposing a layout.
Respecting Mid-Century Modern design: In a Mid-Century Modern house, the kitchen often connects visually to the living spaces, with long horizontal lines and minimal ornament. Flat-panel cabinets in wood veneer or lacquer, thin countertop profiles, simple pulls and integrated appliances fit that character. We keep clerestory windows clear, align cabinet tops with window heads where we can and avoid bulky crown moldings.
A kitchen for entertaining: Larger Ladera homes are often designed for gatherings. A beverage refrigerator outside the main work area keeps guests out of the cook's way. A bar sink, a second dishwasher drawer or a long island with seating on one side helps when the house is full. If the kitchen opens to a patio or view deck, a pass-through window or wide doors connect indoor and outdoor space, though exterior changes may need a separate review.
Old Ladera kitchens: Opening the kitchen to the family or dining room is the most common request, and it may need a beam where walls carry ceiling joists.

Cost Guide

The Cost of a Ladera Heights Kitchen

Full layout-change remodels in Ladera Heights tend to land at $82,000–$154,000.

What will a full kitchen cost in Ladera Heights?

When walls, plumbing or wiring move and every surface is new, plan around $82,000–$154,000. Same-layout projects usually come in well below that.

Whole-kitchen remodel$82,000–$154,000Project total

Remodel budgets by scope

From simple to complex:

Counters, backsplash, fixtures and lighting

Counters, splash, fixtures and lights in place.

$24,000–$43,500

Apartment or compact kitchen

A small room, completely redone. It is a full rebuild, so it may start higher than a surface refresh.

$30,500–$40,000

New cabinets in the existing layout

Cabinets and counters renewed, the plan stays.

$43,500–$82,000

Full remodel with system upgrades

Gutting the room and rebuilding it to a new plan.

$82,000–$154,000

Premium custom or structural work

Custom design, luxury finishes or engineering.

$144,500–$241,000

A full remodel costs less than the sum of its parts. Trades and cleanup are shared across the project.

Custom homes with post-and-beam framing, view walls or structural changes often land in the full or high-end bands. Same-layout updates in Ranch houses are frequently mid-range.

Request a Project-Specific Estimate Call (213) 515-6576

Process

How the Project Unfolds

Step 1

Measure and inspect

A measured visit with an honest check of wiring, pipes and floors.

Step 2

Drawings

A measured 3D layout and a finish schedule.

Step 3

Price and paperwork

A written estimate; we prepare and submit the permit set.

Step 4

Crew on site

One crew, one schedule, from demolition to trim.

Step 5

Handover

Punch list completed and the kitchen handed back to you.

Service Area

Kitchen Remodels Around Ladera Heights

We are in Ladera Heights regularly for estimates and builds.

We work next door too:

View Park-Windsor Hills Culver City Lennox Marina del Rey Century City Westmont All service areas

Project Gallery

Kitchen Ideas From Our Project Gallery

Bright contemporary kitchen remodel inspiration

Efficient Layout

Bright cabinets, continuous prep, and clear aisles

Cabinet Refresh

Shaker cabinets, soft-close hardware, and taller pantry storage

Peninsula Prep

Butcher-block prep edge when a full island would crowd circulation

Countertop Focus

Quartz perimeter planned for continuous prep

Lighting Layers

Recessed ambient plus under-cabinet task lighting

Flooring Transitions

Durable flooring detailed into adjoining rooms

Appliance Fit

Measured openings before ordering ranges and refrigeration

Warm Traditional

Classic door styles selected by homeowner preference

Reviews

What Homeowners Say About Our Kitchen Team

200+ reviews from homeowners across Los Angeles County.

★★★★★

"They measured carefully, showed a 3D layout, and did not push an island our aisle could not support. Cabinets and quartz look sharp, and the job site stayed clean."

Maria G., Los Angeles, CA

★★★★★

"Storage was the problem, tall pantry and drawer bases fixed it. Lighting under the cabinets made the counters actually usable at night."

Daniel & Rosa L., Los Angeles, CA

★★★★★

"Permits and inspections were handled without us chasing paperwork. One team for cabinets, counters, and appliances."

Hector P., Huntington Park, CA

★★★★★

"Peninsula instead of a forced island, exactly what our floor plan needed. Soft-close everywhere and a clear itemized quote."

Ana R., Cudahy, CA

★★★★★

"They coordinated the range hood vent correctly and explained electrical upgrades before work started. Professional from consult to walkthrough."

Luis M., Bell, CA

★★★★★

"Transparent pricing and a project manager who answered texts. The finished Shaker kitchen feels like our house, just updated."

Patricia S., Commerce, CA

FAQs

Common Ladera Heights Remodel Questions

What is a typical Ladera Heights kitchen budget? +

A refresh starts around $24,000, a same-layout remodel with new cabinets runs $43,500–$82,000, and a full remodel with layout changes is $82,000–$154,000.

Who issues my permit? +

LA County through EPIC-LA for most of the area; LADBS for the small section in the City of Los Angeles.

Can I open my kitchen in a post-and-beam house? +

Often, since interior walls may not be bearing, but ducts and wiring need planning.

Will you keep my home's midcentury character? +

Yes, if you want that. We design with the house's lines.

How long will the project take? +

A same-layout kitchen permit through EPIC-LA typically takes a few weeks; structural work takes longer. LADBS has its own timelines for City parcels. Construction usually takes six to ten weeks.

Do you remove the old kitchen? +

Yes. Demolition and haul-away are part of the scope, and the site is cleaned daily.

Start Your Ladera Heights Kitchen

Whatever stage you are at, we can help. Reach us at (213) 515-6576 or through the form; replies come within 24 hours, Mon–Sat 7AM–5PM.

3D layout before demolition
Permits filed with LA County Building & Safety
Free, no-obligation estimate

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