Your small kitchen doesn’t have to feel cramped. First Choice Home Builders specializes in transforming compact San Diego kitchens into beautiful, functional spaces that work harder and feel bigger.
Small kitchens require different solutions than standard-sized spaces. For over 30 years, we’ve helped San Diego homeowners maximize every inch of their compact kitchens through smart design, innovative storage, and strategic layouts.
Whether you’re in a Pacific Beach condo, North Park bungalow, or downtown apartment, we know how to make small kitchens work beautifully.
Standard kitchen solutions don’t work in compact spaces. Our designers specialize in:
Making 80-150 sq ft kitchens highly functional
Triple your storage without expanding square footage
Creating smooth workflow in tight spaces
Design tricks that make rooms feel 30-40% larger
Remove a non-structural wall to connect your kitchen with living areas. Creates flow and makes spaces feel dramatically larger.
Perfect for 7-10 foot wide spaces. We maximize counter space on both sides while ensuring comfortable walkways.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinets, open shelving, and wall-mounted storage capture unused vertical space.
Slim islands (24-30" deep) provide extra prep space, storage, and casual dining without blocking traffic flow.
White and light-gray cabinets with glossy backsplashes reflect light, making kitchens feel more spacious.
24" dishwashers, apartment-size refrigerators, and compact ranges fit perfectly while maintaining full functionality.
Pull-Out Pantries – 6-9 inch slim cabinets between appliances maximize every gap
Corner Drawers – Access awkward corner spaces with diagonal drawer systems
Toe-Kick Drawers – Hidden storage under base cabinets for flat items
Wall-Mounted Storage – Magnetic strips, hanging racks, and mounted shelves free counter space
Fold-Down Tables – Wall-mounted tables fold away when not in use
Under-Cabinet Lighting – LED strips brighten workspaces without taking any space
Size: 7-10 feet wide, 8-16 feet long
Best for: Condos, apartments, narrow spaces
Benefits: Maximum counter space, efficient workflow
Size: 10×10 to 12×12 feet
Best for: Corner spaces, open-concept homes
Benefits: Natural work triangle, room for small island
Size: 10×10 feet minimum
Best for: Dedicated kitchen spaces
Benefits: Maximum storage, enclosed workspace
Size: 8-12 feet wide
Best for: Studio apartments, lofts
Benefits: Open feel, simple installation
What you’ll get: ✓ In-home measurement and assessment
✓ Custom layout recommendations
✓ 3D design rendering
✓ Detailed cost estimate
✓ Timeline projection
✓ Material and finish options
No obligation. No pressure. Just expert advice.
Solution: Add a slim island (24" deep), install fold-down countertop extensions, or use cutting boards over sinks.
Solution: Floor-to-ceiling cabinets, corner solutions, toe-kick drawers, and wall-mounted racks multiply storage by 2-3x.
Solution: Light-colored cabinets, reflective backsplashes, under-cabinet lighting, and removing upper cabinets on one wall.
Solution: Peninsula with overhang for stools, fold-down wall table, or extend countertop for breakfast bar.
Solution: Compact appliances (24" dishwasher, counter-depth fridge, 24" range) create better flow.
Total Time: 4-6 Weeks (Most small kitchen remodels)
Design finalization and permit submission
Permit approval and material ordering
Demolition and rough-in work
Cabinet installation, countertops, and finishes
Final touches, appliances, and inspection
$12,000 - $25,000
$25,000 - $45,000
$45,000 - $75,000+
We've completed 150+ compact kitchen remodels in San Diego condos, apartments, and homes. Small spaces are our specialty, not an afterthought.
Our designers trained specifically in small-space optimization create custom solutions for your exact dimensions.
We know Pacific Beach condos, North Park bungalows, and downtown high-rises inside and out.
Licensed contractors complete projects on schedule with minimal disruption to your daily life.
CA Contractor License #XXXXXX, fully bonded and insured for your protection.
"They transformed our 85 sq ft condo kitchen into a space that works better than our old 200 sq ft kitchen!" - Maria T., Pacific Beach
Most small kitchen remodels in San Diego cost $25,000-$45,000 for a complete renovation. Budget updates start at $12,000, while high-end remodels reach $75,000+. Your final cost depends on materials, appliances, and structural changes needed.
Kitchens under 150 square feet are considered small. Most small kitchens range from 70-120 sq ft. For reference, a galley kitchen that’s 8 feet wide by 12 feet long is 96 sq ft.
Yes! We use light colors, reflective materials, good lighting, and minimal upper cabinets to create visual space. Strategic layout changes and removing non-structural walls can also increase perceived size by 30-40%.
Galley kitchens work best for narrow spaces (under 10 feet wide). L-shaped layouts suit small square rooms. Single-wall designs fit studios. We assess your specific space to recommend the optimal layout.
Most small kitchen remodels take 4-6 weeks from demolition to completion. This includes 1-2 weeks for permits, 1-2 days demolition, 2-3 weeks construction, and final touches.
Yes, most kitchen remodels require permits in San Diego, even for small kitchens. You need permits for electrical work, plumbing changes, structural modifications, and gas line work. We handle all permit applications.
Slim islands (24-30″ deep) work well if you have at least 42″ of clearance on all sides. Islands provide extra storage, prep space, and seating. We’ll tell you honestly if an island fits your space.
Add floor-to-ceiling cabinets, install pull-out pantries, use corner solutions, add toe-kick drawers, mount racks on walls, and hang pot racks from ceilings. We typically triple storage in small kitchen remodels.
Absolutely. Small kitchen remodels typically cost 30-40% less than full-size kitchens while delivering significant quality of life improvements and strong ROI. Well-designed small kitchens often function better than poorly-planned large ones.
We recommend 24″ dishwashers (vs 30″), 24″ or 30″ ranges (vs 36″), counter-depth refrigerators, and microwave drawers or over-range models. Compact appliances maintain full functionality while saving 25-40% space.
Yes! Free space planning is included with every project. We measure your kitchen, assess your needs, create multiple layout options, and show you 3D renderings before you commit.
Yes, we offer financing options through [Financing Partner] with competitive rates and flexible terms for qualified homeowners.
Downtown San Diego Condos
High-rise living with 80-120 sq ft kitchens. We navigate HOA requirements and building restrictions while maximizing your compact space.
Pacific Beach Apartments
Beach living with limited kitchen space. We create coastal-style kitchens that handle sandy feet and salty air.
North Park Townhomes
Historic properties with original small kitchens. We blend modern functionality with neighborhood character.
Mission Hills Victorian Homes
Preserve charm while modernizing tiny kitchens in these historic homes.
Special considerations for multi-unit buildings:
Join hundreds of satisfied San Diego homeowners who have transformed their kitchens from First Choice Home Builders. From concept to completion, we’re with you every step of the way.
