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Kitchen Remodel Timeline: Which Projects Can Be Completed Before Holiday Season?
- Richard Golding
- Nov 23
- 2 min read
Introduction:
Holiday hosting stress? Many LA homeowners (and agents prepping a new listing!) want kitchens finished before visitors arrive. But permit backlogs, wildfires, and labor shortages mean only the quickest projects will complete pre-Christmas. Smart planning can still deliver a fresh kitchen look for holiday entertaining—or a shiny new update before New Year’s Eve.
Angeleno pain points:
Permit delays (LADBS still averages 8–14 weeks for major work)
Rising costs for contractors and appliances; supply chain struggles
Shortest timeline for “done by holidays” is permit-exempt work only
LA neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, and Brentwood all see heavy demand in November and December.
(Timeline, Costs, Neighborhoods)
Fastest Upgrades
Cabinet refacing: 2–3 weeks, $5,000–$8,000, no permit needed
Countertop swap: Under 1 week, $2,000–$6,000, refresh look instantly
Lighting upgrade: 2 days, $500–$2,000 (LED/high-efficiency options)
Backsplash tile: 2–5 days, $500–$2,500, makes kitchen pop for guests
Appliance swap: 1–2 days, $2,000–$6,000, if in stock
Neighborhood cost samples:
Santa Monica: cabinet refacing at $7,500, countertop swap at $5,500
Pasadena: budget LED lighting, tile, and mid-range appliances for $8,200
Glendale: full “facelift” (paint, counters, lights) at $6,900, started Nov 1; finished Nov 18
Permits, Codes, Constraints
Work needing permits: Wall removals, plumbing moves, electric panel upgrades—expect 8–14 weeks, often goes past holidays
Permit-exempt: Refacing cabinets, swapping counters, LED lights, tile, paint
LADBS tips:
ePlanLA: Apply online, but backlog means approval usually after January
Holiday scheduling: Book contractors no later than Nov 30 for best chance; many work short weeks in December
Guide: 5 Steps to Finish Your Kitchen Before Christmas
Define your must-haves and holiday deadline.
Find contractors with permit-exempt specialties. Ask about quick turnaround and available crews before booking.
Order appliances/materials ASAP. In-stock items avoid shipping delays.
Schedule work for earliest window—start Dec 1 if possible.
Inspect, clean, style, enjoy new kitchen for big holiday moments!
FAQ
Can my contractor finish a kitchen refresh in 3 weeks? Yes, if permit-exempt and materials arrive on time.
What’s the fastest kitchen upgrade to boost value? Countertops and lighting can change the look in under a week.
Will LADBS issue permits before Christmas? Unlikely for new permits; ePlanLA jobs may get approved in January.
Is cabinet refacing worth it? Yes, lowest cost/highest impact for holiday or resale prepping.
Author Bio
LA kitchen remodel specialists—12+ years’ local experience, permit-exempt and code-fast upgrades for holiday prep. Serving Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, West Hollywood since 2013.
Book a last-minute LA kitchen refresh: CalBuild Remodel
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