Whittier, CA · Historic and postwar homes

Kitchen Remodeling in Whittier, CA

Whittier homes run from historic Uptown houses to 1950s tracts. We design kitchens to suit each era and handle the City permit.

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Homes in Whittier

Planning a Kitchen That Fits

Whittier was founded as a Quaker colony. A group of Friends bought the land, expanded it to more than 1,200 acres and named the town for the Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier, deeding him a lot. Uptown streets still carry Quaker names such as Greenleaf, Bailey, Pickering and Penn. The city incorporated in February 1898 and is home to Whittier College. Its housing spans more than a century, but the postwar boom is the largest layer.

Of about 29,700 homes, more than a third were built in the 1950s, and two-thirds before 1960. About 14% predate 1940, including houses in the city's designated historic districts. Close to two-thirds are detached houses, and a little under six in ten households own. A Whittier kitchen remodel might be a Craftsman bungalow near Uptown, a period-revival house from the 1920s or, most often, a 1950s ranch house.

Our first visit is about the room as it really is: measurements, the panel, the plumbing under the sink. A 3D drawing and a line-by-line estimate follow before you commit to anything.

Call (213) 515-6576

Request a Kitchen Remodeling Estimate

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

Getting Ready

Pipes, Wiring and Fresh Air

Most delays start behind the walls. These are the points we check first.

Energy and comfort. All five Whittier ZIP codes, from 90601 to 90606, are in Energy Commission climate zone 9, where inland summers get hot. During a remodel, adding attic insulation above the kitchen, replacing single-pane windows with low-e units, where historic rules allow, and venting the hood outdoors all help. In historic houses, restoring original wood windows with weatherstripping and storm panels can be a good alternative to replacement.
Plumbing. Behind the walls, expect knob-and-tube wiring in some houses, galvanized pipes, cast-iron drains and lead paint.
Electrical capacity. We check the panel and existing circuits before choosing appliances, so the new kitchen does not overload the service.

Kitchen Services

Remodeling Services for Whittier Homes

Small fixes and complete renovations get the same planning, the same crew and the same written scope.

State licensedCSLB #1087602

PermitsFiled with the City of Whittier

In-house crewNo day-labor hand-offs

Free estimateNo obligation

Choose What Matters Most

Click through for the full description and price range.

Cabinet Installation

Cabinets that reach the ceiling and use every corner.

Scope and price ↓

Granite countertop with an undermount sink

Countertops

New counters with a sink chosen before the cut.

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

A floor that handles water at the sink.

Open the details ↓

Pendant lights hanging above a kitchen island

Kitchen Lighting

Ambient, task and accent lighting, designed together.

Appliance Installation

Induction, gas or electric, connected correctly.

How it works here ↓

Island or Peninsula

Counter and storage in the middle of the room.

See how we do it ↓

Compact condo kitchen with built-in appliances

Small Kitchen Remodeling

Galley and compact layouts made efficient.

Layout Changes

Move the sink, range or a wall for better flow.

What it costs here ↓

Completed modern white Shaker kitchen remodel

Full Kitchen Remodel

The full remodel, from wiring to trim.

See details and cost ↓

Permits in Whittier

Kitchen Permits in Whittier

The City of Whittier is an incorporated city with its own building department. South Whittier, just to the south, is unincorporated county land with a different permit system, LA County's EPIC-LA. Both use Whittier mailing addresses, and the boundary isn't always obvious.

Work	Usually needs	What to know
Cosmetic updates only	Rarely permitted work	We still check with the City of Whittier if anything is unclear.
New cabinets and tops, nothing moved	Often permitted	We file rather than guess when fixtures are reconnected.
Panel or circuit work	Electrical permit	We load-check the panel first.
Relocated plumbing or gas	Plumbing permit	Inspected at rough-in.
Taking out a wall	Building permit	A structural check comes first.

We confirm which side of the line your parcel is on before anything else, since it determines who reviews the plans and inspects the work.
For City of Whittier parcels, building permits, inspections and fees go through the City's Accela Citizen Access portal.
You need an Accela account to submit applications, schedule inspections and pay. Planning applications are searchable and submitted through the same portal.
We set up the application, upload drawings, respond to plan-check comments and schedule each inspection online as the work is ready.

Service Details

Kitchen Services in Detail

For each service: our method, a Whittier note and a typical price.

Storage planned to scale

Cabinet Installation in Whittier, CA

Most storage problems come from the cabinet plan, not the size of the room.

Storage is sorted into zones and each zone gets the cabinet type that suits it. We set and fasten every box true before the countertop is templated.

Decided up front

Run uppers to the ceiling
Solve the blind corner
Decide on crown and fillers
Plan the trash pull-out

Schedule an Estimate How we handle cabinet installation →

How much does cabinetry run in Whittier?

Semi-custom boxes, installed, generally run

$500–$1,200 per linear foot, with installation.

Painted finishes and inset doors sit at the upper end.

Surfaces for real cooking

Countertop Installation in Whittier, CA

Countertops tie the whole kitchen together.

Slabs are measured digitally on the set cabinets, not from drawings. We seal natural stone where it needs it and explain care.

Decided up front

Choose edge and thickness
Approve the template
Place seams away from water
Seal natural stone

Schedule an Estimate Explore countertop installation →

What is the price of Whittier countertops?

Installed quartz or granite in Whittier usually runs

$45–$110 per installed square foot.

Simple edges and standard colors keep it low.

Splash, set right

Backsplash Installation in Whittier, CA

A backsplash is the easiest place to add color and pattern.

Cuts are planned around outlets, switches and windows before setting starts. The finished wall is wiped down and inspected in raking light.

Decided up front

Choose a sealer
Set window returns
Decide the height
Plan the edge trim

Schedule an Estimate Call (213) 515-6576

What is the price of a tile backsplash in Whittier?

Most Whittier backsplashes land at

$14–$48 per square foot, installed.

Plain subway tile is the most economical option.

Level and durable

Kitchen Flooring in Whittier, CA

Kitchen floors wear out first at the sink and dishwasher.

Old adhesive and layers come up so the new floor sits at the right height. Tile is set with the right trowel and checked for lippage. Where bolting or bracing is warranted, it can be added to the permit. We'll tell you what we see and let you decide.

Whittier specifics

The 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake struck at 7:42 on the morning of October 1, centered a few miles from the city. Houses on raised foundations from before about 1980 can have unbraced cripple walls or no bolts tying the house to the foundation. A kitchen remodel isn't required to fix that, but if the subfloor is open or the crawlspace is accessible anyway, it's an efficient moment to have a look.

Decided up front

Protect during the build
Level the base
Choose grout color
Test slab moisture

Schedule an Estimate Kitchen flooring in detail →

What does porcelain flooring cost in Whittier?

Expect tile flooring to cost

$8–$11 for each square foot installed.

Leveling and removing old layers add to the base price.

Lighting that works

Kitchen Lighting in Whittier, CA

Task lighting matters more than the ceiling fixture.

Pendants are hung at a height that lights the surface without glare. Dimmers are matched to the LED drivers so lights do not flicker.

On Whittier jobs

Efficient LED lighting is required by the code.

Decided up front

Test every fixture
Choose dimmers
Confirm energy-code controls
Check panel capacity

Schedule an Estimate Kitchen lighting: the service page →

Kitchen pendant and recessed lighting remodel

How much should I plan for lighting in Whittier?

A Whittier lighting package typically comes to

$870–$3,400 for the whole kitchen.

Attic access and panel work move it within the range.

The right hookups

Appliance Installation in Whittier, CA

Most appliance problems come from openings, supply lines or vents.

Clearances for oven and dishwasher doors are drawn to scale. Old appliances can be hauled away. Where will an island sink drain? If your parcel is in a mapped fire hazard severity zone, new windows, doors and vents must meet the state's wildfire-resistant standards. We check the map for your address.

In Whittier

Parts of Whittier climb into the hills, and kitchens on sloped lots raise practical questions. Can a delivery truck reach the house? Will a heavy stone island sit over a raised floor?

Decided up front

Size dedicated circuits
Confirm dishwasher clearance
Pick panel-ready units
Time the delivery

Schedule an Estimate Appliance installation overview →

What do installers charge in Whittier?

Installing a set of appliances generally runs

$480–$2,400 for a full set.

Induction may need a new circuit or panel work.

More counter, clear aisles

Kitchen Island or Peninsula in Whittier, CA

A peninsula often gives the same space with less floor.

Clearances are drawn with appliance doors open. Countertop seams are avoided on the island where possible.

Decided up front

Pick storage side
Size for stools
Draw it in 3D
Check appliance doors

Schedule an Estimate Read about kitchen islands →

Butcher block kitchen island prep surface

How much does island installation cost in Whittier?

Most Whittier islands land at

$4,350–$17,500 for the finished island.

Size, top material and plumbing make the difference.

Compact kitchens, planned inch by inch

Small Kitchen Remodeling in Whittier, CA

The right appliance sizes make a small kitchen work.

Open shelving on one wall can make the room feel wider. Appliance garages hide small appliances.

Whittier detail

Close to three in ten Whittier homes are in multi-unit buildings, from small courts to larger complexes. Condo kitchens usually keep their footprint, and the association's approval comes before plumbing, electrical or flooring changes. Apartment owners often want durable, repairable kitchens that are quick to install between tenants.

Decided up front

Add landing space
Pick light finishes
Build storage upward
Choose compact appliances

Schedule an Estimate See small kitchen remodeling options →

How much should I plan for a small Whittier kitchen?

Most small Whittier kitchens land at

$23,941–$31,473 all in, installed.

It covers cabinets, counters, flooring, lighting and hookups.

Layout Planning

Layout Choices and Style Cues

Whittier's Historic Resources Commission oversees landmark designations, historic districts and Mills Act contracts. Central Park and Hadley-Greenleaf, just north of Uptown, are among the designated districts. If your home is in a district or is a designated landmark, exterior changes such as new windows, doors or additions may need the City's historic review before a permit.

Kitchens in prewar houses: Whittier's Craftsman and period-revival houses from the early 1900s through the 1930s usually have a separate kitchen with a pantry or service porch, wood windows, plaster walls and sometimes original built-ins such as a china cabinet or breakfast nook. Owners often want a modern kitchen that still feels true to the house. That might mean inset or simple shaker doors, period-appropriate tile, a farmhouse or apron sink, wood windows kept or restored and trim matched to the original. We test before demolition and use lead-safe practices.
The 1950s ranch house: The houses that make up most of Whittier's housing are single-story ranches with a U or galley kitchen, a dinette and a window over the sink facing the yard. Original wiring and galvanized pipes are common, as is a small panel. Subfloors under the sink are often damaged in raised-floor houses. The typical remodel opens the kitchen to the family room or dining area, adds an island or peninsula, replaces the plumbing and wiring in the opened walls and installs a ducted hood and better lighting.
Opening walls in older houses: Walls between kitchens and dining rooms in both prewar and 1950s houses sometimes carry ceiling joists or roof loads. We check the attic, and if a wall is bearing, an engineer sizes a beam for the City's review. In prewar houses with plaster, we cut carefully and patch to match. In 1950s houses, a flush beam can often be hidden in the ceiling plane.
Choosing period-appropriate materials: For an older Whittier house, materials can make a new kitchen look as if it's always been there. Subway or hexagon tile, honed stone or soapstone-look quartz, painted cabinets with simple profiles, unlacquered brass or nickel hardware, and a wood floor that matches the rest of the house all fit. For a 1950s ranch, flat-panel doors, terrazzo-look surfaces and warm wood tones suit the era, though many owners simply choose a clean contemporary look.
Historic districts: We haven't found that interior kitchen remodels are reviewed in the same way, but we confirm with the City for your specific property.

Cost Guide

Typical Whittier Kitchen Prices

Plan on $89,000–$168,000 for a complete Whittier kitchen with a changed layout.

What is a realistic budget for a full Whittier remodel?

Moving work centers, adding an island and replacing all finishes typically brings a project to $89,000–$168,000.

Full scope, installed$89,000–$168,000Installed, whole project

Typical price bands

Ordered by starting price:

Condo or compact kitchen

A full rebuild of a compact space.

$23,941–$31,473

Counters, tile, sink and lighting

Counters, backsplash, sink and lighting on the existing cabinets.

$26,000–$47,000

New cabinetry and finishes, same plan

New boxes, tops and floors in the existing layout.

$47,000–$89,000

Opened plan with renewed systems

Walls, sink or range moved and every finish replaced.

$89,000–$168,000

Premium, period-detailed or structural

Custom design, luxury finishes or engineering.

$157,500–$262,000

Separate jobs cost more than one project. Bundling the work shares labor, permits and management.

Prewar houses with period detailing and new systems often reach the upper end of the full-remodel band or the high-end range. A 1950s kitchen opened to the family room is typically a full-remodel project. Inset or custom work costs more.

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

Process

The Path to a Finished Kitchen

Step 1

Walkthrough

We measure the room and check the panel, plumbing and gas.

Step 2

Design

A 3D plan you can adjust before choosing finishes.

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

Done

Punch list closed and care instructions handed over.

Service Area

Covering Every Part of Whittier

We schedule walkthroughs anywhere in Whittier. If you have a Mills Act contract, it's worth checking whether its terms address the kind of work you're planning.

Neighboring communities:

South Whittier La Mirada Pico Rivera Hacienda Heights Montebello Rose Hills La Habra Heights Avocado Heights 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

Questions We Hear in Whittier

How much is a Whittier kitchen remodel? +

A same-layout refresh starts around $26,000, a mid-scope remodel is $47,000–$89,000, and changing the layout costs $89,000–$168,000.

Is my home in the City of Whittier or South Whittier? +

Both use Whittier addresses. We check the parcel, since the City and the County have different permit systems.

Does a historic district affect my kitchen remodel? +

Exterior changes may need historic review. We confirm with the City whether anything applies to interior work on your property.

Should I do a seismic retrofit during the remodel? +

If your house is on a raised foundation and the crawlspace is accessible, it's an efficient time to check and, if needed, add bolting or bracing.

How long will the project take? +

For a same-layout kitchen, Accela plan check usually results in a permit within a few weeks. Historic review for exterior changes, structural work or a seismic upgrade adds time. Construction usually runs five to eight weeks for a 1950s house and longer for a prewar house with period work.

How do I choose between quartz and granite? +

Quartz needs no sealing and comes in consistent colors; granite is natural stone with more variation. We bring samples of both.

Start Your Whittier Kitchen

Send us your address and a short wish list for your Whittier kitchen. Call (213) 515-6576 or use the form, and you will hear back within 24 hours, Mon–Sat 7AM–5PM.

Written scope, no surprises
Licensed CSLB #1087602
Free, no-obligation estimate

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