Here at Scott McKee Construction, we take on a variety of home remodeling projects, as well as new home builds (including ADUs). However, the one type of project we complete most often is kitchen remodels in Mission Viejo and the surrounding areas. Sometimes a kitchen remodel is part of a larger, whole home remodel, while other times it is a standalone project. But even as a standalone project, a kitchen remodel is quite involved. There are so many details that go into a full kitchen remodel, and they often require bringing in multiple tradespeople, such as electricians, plumbers, tile masons, and more.
If you are someone who has never been involved in a kitchen remodel before, you understandably have many questions about the process. In this blog post, we wanted to address as many of them as possible so you can have a good idea of what is involved and what you can expect when you work with Scott McKee Construction on a kitchen remodel in Mission Viejo or anywhere in our service area.
Does Scott McKee Construction Help with Kitchen Design?
While we are primarily a general contracting company, Scott McKee Construction is also happy to help with kitchen design for our clients. In our more than 30 years in business, we have remodeled many, many kitchens. We know what works and what doesn’t. We know how to create a good “flow” in a kitchen and how to give a kitchen a high-end look and feel. We also know the types of elements that contribute to the various interior design styles. So, whether you want your kitchen to have a Scandinavian style, a Modern Farmhouse style, a sleek, modern style, or something entirely different, we can help make it happen!
Many of our clients come to us with some specific design ideas, complete with inspiration photos, while others come to the process with just a few general ideas, such as “we need more storage space” or “we like the Old-World European style of kitchens.” No matter which type of client you are, we will work with you to come up with a design that you love! We will incorporate your ideas and will offer suggestions based on our experience with kitchen design and construction as well.
All that being said, our team is also happy to work with any architect, kitchen designer, or interior designer you hire. You can bring us in to consult with them during the design phase, or we can execute the plans they draw up for you. During the course of construction, if we ever have any questions about something that is included in the plans, we will consult with both you and the designer to make sure the finished project is consistent with what you had envisioned.
We’ve worked with design professionals on many occasions with great success! No matter who is the designer of your kitchen, we’ll make sure it is built according to our high standards and that it comes out amazing!
Will I Need to Get a Building Permit for My Kitchen Remodel in Mission Viejo?
Some kitchen remodels will require a building permit, but many don’t. If your project involves keeping basically the same footprint, and doesn’t require moving plumbing or electrical, you may not need to obtain a permit, but if it involves moving or taking down walls, then we will need to talk about permits.
In your initial meeting with Scott McKee Construction, we can talk about building permits and what is all involved with the process of obtaining them. If you have an architect working on the design of your project, he or she may secure the permits on your behalf, but if our team is drawing up the plans for your kitchen remodel, we could take care of the permitting process for you.
The good news is that we’ve been working with the Building Services Department in Mission Viejo and the surrounding cities for many years and know what they are looking for in terms of building plans. The plans we submit are typically approved by the City in a timely manner, allowing us to start your project that much sooner!
What Kinds of Cabinets Will Be Used in My Kitchen Remodel?
In most kitchen remodels in Mission Viejo, the main area of concern is the new cabinets that will be installed in the space. This makes sense, since the cabinets take up the largest amount of real estate in a kitchen. You want your new cabinets to look great, and you want them to hold up over time—even with daily use.
In the kitchen remodels we’ve completed in Mission Viejo, we’ve installed both custom cabinetry, as well as ready-to-assemble, or RTA, cabinets.
Custom cabinets are just what they sound like—cabinets that are completely custom made just for your home. They are built to your exact specifications. If your space requires a cabinet that is 37 5/8” wide, that’s the size cabinet that you will get. Or if you need a special cabinet to accommodate your reverse osmosis water filtration system, that can be custom built for you as well. Custom cabinets can be made from just about any species of wood, and you could even get a custom range hood built to match. The only downside to custom cabinets is that they are typically more expensive than RTA cabinets because they are built from scratch, as opposed to being mass produced.
Now let’s talk about RTA cabinets. RTA cabinets are ordered from manufacturing companies that offer standard sizes and finishes. There’s a misconception out there that RTA cabinets are “cheap,” but this isn’t the case with all RTA brands. Yes, there are some cheap RTA cabinets that we would definitely steer you away from, but there are other brands that offer cabinets made from high-quality materials and that look very high end. The only thing you have to be aware of with RTA cabinets is that there can be some limitations in sizes and features. Because RTA cabinets typically come in a limited number of sizes, using them in your kitchen may require us to use some “filler” pieces to get them to fit perfectly in your space. In addition, you may not be able to get all the details you want if they are not available from the brand you choose.
When we work with you on a kitchen remodel, we can help you determine what type of cabinetry (custom or RTA) is best for your kitchen, based on your needs and your budget.
Can You Help Me Source Materials and Appliances for My Kitchen Remodel in Mission Viejo?
Many of our kitchen remodeling clients work with local vendors for things like tile, countertops, lighting, and appliances, but if you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, our team can help you source unique items that aren’t available locally. Maybe it’s handmade tiles from Morocco, a marble slab imported from India, or a specialty appliance from Europe. Whatever details you’ve been dreaming about, we can help make them happen! Just be aware that sourcing items from other parts of the world may cause the timeline of your project to be extended.
Who Will Be Doing the Actual Work on My Kitchen Remodel?
On most of the kitchen remodels we complete in Mission Viejo, the work is done by a combination of our own team and the subcontractors we bring in for specialty work. Our own team is highly skilled and experienced in various aspects of construction, and we only use subcontractors who are among the best in their specific trades. Since we’ve been working in the Mission Viejo area for more than 30 years, we know who the best subcontractors are, and we only call on those who we are confident will do great work in your home!
When we use subcontractors for specialty work, they are managed and supervised by our team. We make sure their work is up to our high standards for quality and craftsmanship, and if it’s not, we make them redo it until it is! We also make sure all of our subcontractors work efficiently to keep your project on schedule.
What Can I Expect to Pay for a Kitchen Remodel in Mission Viejo?
The price of a full kitchen remodel in Mission Viejo can vary quite drastically from project to project, so this question is really impossible to answer. The final cost will depend on the scope of the work, the size of the kitchen, and the material choices. Obviously, a major kitchen remodel that involves moving walls and installing high-end cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring will be much more expensive than a kitchen remodel that includes keeping basically the same floorplan, but simply replacing everything with mid-range finishes in an updated style.
When you meet with someone from Scott McKee Construction about your kitchen remodel, we can give you a general idea of what your kitchen remodel might cost, based on some initial information. Once we settle on a design and make some decisions about finishes, we can give you a more accurate quote.
The good news on pricing is that our company is known for sticking to our quotes! You may have heard stories from people who have worked with other general contractors in the area and had projects that went way over budget. We know of families who worked with contractors who threatened to walk away from a half-finished project unless they were given more money, and others who had contractors give them a bill at the end of the project that was much higher than expected. Things like that won’t happen when you work with Scott McKee Construction. We are honest with our pricing from the beginning. We know how to quote jobs accurately, so there are no “surprise” charges at the end.
How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take from Start to Finish?
Just like our answer to the last question, this one is also impossible to give an accurate answer to. Some kitchen remodeling projects might only take a few weeks from start to finish, but others can take much longer. If a project requires us to obtain a permit, it will likely extend the project timeline by at least a few months (although your kitchen will not be “under construction” during that entire time). In addition, if you want to import any specialty items or have something custom built by a craftsman who is in high demand, this could also lengthen the overall timeline of your kitchen remodel.
In general, we can say that a full kitchen remodel by Scott McKee Construction would likely be completed in a shorter amount of time than a comparable job by just about any other general contractor in Mission Viejo. This is because we are experts at project management! We schedule our projects out in such a way so that things continue to move forward in the timeliest manner possible!
If there is something that gets delayed during the course of your project—like if a crucial element gets backordered or if the City is delayed in sending out an inspector—we will communicate that to you. Even if everything is going exactly as planned, we will provide you with regular updates on the progress of your kitchen remodel so you are always in the loop!
What Elements Contribute to a High-End Kitchen Remodel?
With kitchen remodels, obtaining a high-end look requires a lot of attention to detail. Many general contractors in Orange County can do a basic kitchen remodel—installing new cabinets, appliances, countertops, and backsplash—but if you want a high-end kitchen, you need to work with an experienced general contractor with an eye for details and who will put in the effort to get the details right.
Some of the elements that contribute to a high-end kitchen are quite pricey, but there are some budget-friendly things we can do to take a mid-range kitchen remodel up a notch.
If you have a large budget for a top-of-the-line kitchen, we would suggest including things like built-in appliances, a custom range hood, custom cabinetry with all of the storage features you desire, and specialty tile and countertops. If your budget is more modest, some of the budget-friendly things we can incorporate to give you a high-end look and feel are raised end panels at the end of a row of cabinets, under-cabinet lighting, crown molding on top of the upper cabinets, or pendant lights over the island. Often, it only takes including a few strategically chosen higher-end items into an otherwise mid-range kitchen remodel to give it a luxury look and feel.
When you work with Scott McKee Construction on a kitchen remodel in Mission Viejo, we will work with your budget and do everything we can to give you the look and feel you want.
Do I Need to Work with a Licensed General Contractor for My Kitchen Remodel in Mission Viejo?
We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of hiring a licensed general contractor for your kitchen remodel! Hiring a licensed general contractor is for your protection!
First of all, a licensed general contractor has demonstrated to the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) in California that they have the knowledge and experience necessary to take on construction projects. A licensed contractor is also required to file a surety bond for at least $25,000 in order to maintain their license. If things go poorly with your kitchen remodel—like if the contractor does shoddy work that they refuse to fix— you can make a claim against their bond and potentially get reimbursed (at least partially). If you hire someone who is unlicensed, you have no recourse other than suing them.
Licensed contractors have a strong incentive to keep their license and reputation in good standing. Too many complaints against them to the CSCLB can jeopardize their license, and having your license suspended or revoked by the CSLB is a big deal! Therefore, most licensed contractors will do everything in their power to ensure that their projects are completed successfully.
Unlicensed people, on the other hand, have less of an incentive to ensure successful outcomes. If they have a few projects that go sideways and suspect that they are starting to get a bad name in the community for doing poor work, they can simply change their business name and essentially “start over.”
This is not to say that every licensed general contractor is amazing or that every unlicensed person will do shoddy work. There are exceptions in both instances, of course. Even when hiring a licensed contractor, it’s important to do your due diligence. You need to verify not only their license (which you can do on the CSLB’s website), but also their abilities. The best way to verify a contractor’s abilities is by asking for references. Any reputable general contractor will have a list of references—people you can contact who can vouch for the contractor’s skills, as well as the overall experience they provide.
Don’t skip this step! Hiring the wrong general contractor for your kitchen remodel can have negative, or even disastrous, consequences. In perhaps the best-case scenario with a bad contractor, your kitchen remodel takes way longer than it should. In the worst-case scenario, you will have to fire your contractor mid-project and then hopefully find another contractor who will take on a partially finished project (many won’t). Even if you do find someone new, you will likely lose money in the process. Another possible negative outcome is that your new kitchen doesn’t turn out as well as you had hoped, or it starts to fall apart shortly after your contractor takes your final payment.
Taking a little time prior to signing a contract with a general contractor to do some research can save you a ton of heartache!
Can I Manage My own Kitchen Remodel in Mission Viejo?
Maybe you’re thinking about being your own general contractor to save some money on your kitchen remodel. This is certainly something you could do, but be honest with yourself: Do you realistically have the expertise to manage a project like this, as well as the time to dedicate to it?
Being a project manager on a kitchen remodel requires you to be knowledgeable about a lot of different trades so you know how to instruct the subcontractors you hire and that you can also confirm that they have done their job right. In addition, managing a major home improvement project requires you to be on site whenever there is work being done—even if you aren’t the one doing it. Most people we know have jobs or other responsibilities that wouldn’t allow them to spend the time necessary to manage a major kitchen remodel.
Our clients find that working with an experienced general contractor for a kitchen remodel is well worth the money! The project will get done faster, with fewer complications, and will almost certainly lead to a better outcome!
Still Have Questions About Kitchen Remodels in Mission Viejo?
In this blog post, we tried to answer all the most common questions people have about kitchen remodels in Mission Viejo, but maybe you still have questions that we didn’t address. We would be more than happy to get on the phone with you or meet you at your home to answer them! Our team is made up of friendly, helpful people who want to help you turn your kitchen into your dream kitchen!
Contact us today either by phone or through our online contact form to get the conversation started. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing if we are the right general contracting company to help you out with your project.
