A truly great kitchen is more than cabinets and countertops—it’s a space planned around how you cook, host, gather, and live. In San Francisco, kitchens are often compact, uniquely shaped, structurally challenging, or deeply tied to the historic layout of the building. Whether you’re in a classic Edwardian flat in the Richmond District, a tunnel-entry Sunset home, a Noe Valley Victorian, or a Marina District condo, a thoughtful remodel can dramatically improve the way your home looks and functions.

At Heidi’s House Construction, we specialize in custom kitchen renovations built for San Francisco homes. Our work strikes a balance between design, functionality, craftsmanship, code compliance, and the realities of older buildings. From partial updates to full structural reconfigurations and plumbing/electrical upgrades, we deliver kitchens that look timeless—and perform for decades.

What We Do

Full Custom Kitchen Remodels

We rebuild kitchens from the framing out, including new layouts, cabinetry, surfaces, appliances, and lighting.

Kitchen Reconfigurations

We modify layouts to create better work triangles, increase storage, enhance natural light, and achieve modern, open-concept designs.

Plumbing & Electrical Upgrades

Kitchens in older SF homes often need:

• Dedicated appliance circuits
• New water lines
• Proper venting
• Upgraded breakers & subpanels
• Lighting redesign

We handle all trade coordination and DBI permits.

Structural Adjustments

We partner with engineers when removing walls or altering load-bearing elements. Many clients combine kitchen remodels with seismic or lower-level upgrades.

Finish-Level Upgrades

Cabinets, countertops, flooring, tile, fixtures, custom lighting plans, ventilation solutions, and appliance integration.

Integrated Smart-Home Features

Smart appliances, lighting controls, leak detection devices, and efficiency monitoring designed into the new layout.

Why Kitchen Remodeling in San Francisco Requires Experience

San Francisco presents challenges that most cities don’t:

Older, unique building stock

Pre-war and mid-century homes often include:

• Galvanized or mixed plumbing
• Old knob-and-tube or cloth wiring
• Limited structural shear
• Poor ventilation
• Non-standard dimensions

Our experience allows us to anticipate these issues early.

Permitting, inspections & historic considerations

We handle DBI requirements, inspections, and coordinate with structural engineers when needed.

Small or unusually configured spaces

Many SF kitchens require custom storage, reconfigured entries, or redesigned work areas.

Multi-unit buildings

Condos, TICs, and multi-family properties require neighbor coordination, trade sequencing, and noise/access planning.

Our Kitchen Remodeling Process

1. Consultation & Existing Conditions Review

We begin with a site visit covering:

• Existing plumbing and electrical
• Appliance locations
• Venting options and pathways
• Structural constraints
• Daylight and circulation
• Potential layout improvements

We document hidden conditions, risks, and opportunities before design decisions are locked in.

2. Design, Layout & Material Planning

We help refine:

• Cabinet configuration
• Pantry or storage solutions
• Appliance placement
• Countertop materials
• Tile and flooring
• Lighting layers
• Ventilation paths
• Plumbing and electrical scope

We collaborate with your designer—or provide contractor-led design direction.

3. Permit Strategy & Scheduling

We handle or support:

• DBI permit filing
• Temporary kitchen planning
• Trade sequencing
• Appliance coordination
• Structural or engineering review when needed

Our goal is a predictable, disruption-minimized process.

4. Build Phase

We execute:

• Demo and preparation
• Plumbing/electrical rough-in
• Venting upgrades
• Drywall and finishes
• Tile and flooring
• Cabinet installation
• Appliance fit-out and hookups
• Lighting, controls, and trim work

Throughout the build, we provide clear communication, updates, and transparency around schedule and access.

5. Final Completion & Quality Checks

We test plumbing, electrical, venting, appliances, and finish alignment.
We ensure:

• Doors and drawers operate correctly
• Work surfaces are sealed and protected
• Appliances are installed to spec
• All code items pass inspection

We also provide documentation, care instructions, and warranty details.

Popular Kitchen Upgrades in San Francisco Homes

• Opening walls between the kitchen and dining/living spaces
• Adding new windows or enlarging existing ones
• Installing island or peninsula seating
• Under-cabinet and toe-kick lighting
• Upgrading to gas or electric induction cooking
• Integrating built-in refrigerators or hood systems
• Reworking pantries or expanding storage
• Radiant heating beneath new flooring

We build kitchens that feel modern, functional, and custom—but still appropriate for your home’s architecture.

Neighborhood-Specific Expertise

Our kitchen remodels reflect the nuances of SF’s most common home types:

Richmond District & Sunset Homes

Often require:

• New plumbing and electrical
• Better natural light
• Venting upgrades
• Expanded storage
• Reconfigured layouts

Noe Valley, Glen Park & Bernal Heights

Hillside homes require thoughtful sequencing, structural adjustments, and framed openings to improve circulation.

Marina, Pacific Heights & Cow Hollow

Premium finishes, custom cabinetry, and engineered solutions for older framing and multi-unit constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long does a kitchen remodel take?

A1: A typical to-the-studs kitchen remodel in San Francisco takes 8–12 weeks, depending on complexity, lead times, and structural or electrical upgrades.

Q2: Do you help with design?

A2: Yes. We can either collaborate with your designer or provide design-assist services to help you select materials, layout, and finishes.

Q3: Can we live in the house during a kitchen remodel?

A3: Most homeowners stay during the renovation. We help set up a temporary kitchen and plan water/power interruptions.

Q4: Do you handle permits?

A4: Yes — we coordinate DBI submissions, inspections, and required engineering.

Q5: Do older SF homes need structural upgrades during kitchen remodels?

A5: Often yes. Many kitchen remodels uncover outdated framing, seismic weaknesses, or unpermitted past work. We address these before rebuilding.

Next Steps

If you're considering a kitchen remodel, we’d love to help you shape a plan, create a layout that matches your lifestyle, and build a kitchen that improves the value and comfort of your home.

Contact Heidi’s House Construction to schedule a consultation for custom kitchen remodeling in San Francisco.