How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Sunnyvale? (2026)
Sunnyvale kitchen remodels range from $32,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $195,000+ for a luxury overhaul in 2026. The city's mix of older ranch homes and newer construction creates wide price variation, with costs that represent solid middle-of-market pricing for the South Bay.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Sunnyvale?
A kitchen remodel in Sunnyvale costs $32,000-$195,000+ in 2026. Cosmetic refreshes run $32K-$58K, mid-range remodels cost $80K-$140K, and high-end luxury projects range from $140K-$195K+. Sunnyvale represents middle-of-market pricing for the South Bay, making it a strong value compared to neighboring Los Altos and Cupertino.
What Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale occupies a central position in Silicon Valley, bordered by Mountain View, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and San Jose. The city is home to major tech employers including Juniper Networks and LinkedIn, and its residential neighborhoods offer a diverse mix of housing from 1950s ranch homes to brand-new construction. With a median home price near $2.1 million, Sunnyvale homeowners are steadily investing in kitchen upgrades that match the city’s growing appeal.
Kitchen remodel costs in Sunnyvale represent middle-of-market pricing for the South Bay. You will pay less than in Los Altos, Saratoga, or Cupertino, but more than in most San Jose neighborhoods. This positioning makes Sunnyvale an attractive market for homeowners who want quality results without the premium that comes with the Bay Area’s most exclusive addresses.
For Bay Area-wide pricing, see our kitchen remodel cost guide.
All pricing is approximate, reflects 2026 Bay Area market conditions, and is subject to change. Every project is unique. Final costs are determined on a project-by-project basis during our design phase.
Cost Breakdown by Tier
| Remodel Tier | Cost Range | Timeline | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | $32,000-$58,000 | 4-8 weeks | New cabinet doors or refacing, quartz countertops, updated appliances, fresh paint, new hardware |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $80,000-$140,000 | 3-5 months | Custom cabinetry, stone countertops, layout modifications, new plumbing fixtures, tile backsplash, updated lighting |
| High-End / Luxury | $140,000-$195,000+ | 5-7 months | Structural changes, fully custom cabinetry, premium natural stone, professional-grade appliances, smart home integration, adjacent room modifications |
Sunnyvale homeowners are spread across all three tiers. Cosmetic refreshes are more common here than in higher-end cities like Los Altos, where the market almost demands mid-range or above. This range gives Sunnyvale homeowners flexibility to choose the investment level that matches their goals and budget.
Cost Breakdown by Component
Cabinetry (30-35% of Budget)
Cabinetry is the single largest line item in a Sunnyvale kitchen remodel. The choice between stock, semi-custom, and fully custom cabinets is the most impactful budget decision you will make.
| Cabinet Type | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Stock cabinets | $8,000-$15,000 | Budget-friendly refreshes and newer homes with standard layouts |
| Semi-custom cabinets | $15,000-$30,000 | Mid-range remodels with specific size and storage needs |
| Fully custom cabinets | $30,000-$60,000+ | High-end remodels with non-standard dimensions or specialty finishes |
For Sunnyvale’s older ranch homes, semi-custom cabinets are the most popular choice. They offer enough flexibility to work with non-standard dimensions while keeping costs well below full custom. In newer homes with standard kitchen dimensions, stock cabinets can deliver solid results at a lower price.
Countertops (10-15% of Budget)
| Material | Cost Range (Installed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz | $4,000-$10,500 | Most popular choice in Sunnyvale; low maintenance, consistent look |
| Granite | $5,000-$11,500 | Natural stone with unique character; requires periodic sealing |
| Marble | $7,000-$15,000 | Elegant appearance; softer stone that needs more care |
| Quartzite | $8,500-$17,000 | Hardness of granite with the look of marble; growing in popularity |
| Porcelain slab | $8,500-$18,500 | Large format, ultra-thin; modern aesthetic with excellent durability |
Quartz is the dominant countertop material in Sunnyvale, chosen for approximately 60% of mid-range remodels. Its combination of low maintenance, consistent appearance, and competitive pricing fits the practical mindset of most Sunnyvale homeowners. Waterfall edges add $1,500-$4,500.
Appliances (10-15% of Budget)
| Appliance Tier | Package Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $4,000-$9,500 | Name-brand refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave |
| Mid-range | $9,500-$21,000 | Bosch, KitchenAid, or similar with built-in options |
| Professional-grade | $25,000-$52,000+ | Sub-Zero/Wolf or Thermador suite with panel-ready refrigeration, pro range, speed oven, premium dishwasher |
Mid-range appliance packages from Bosch and KitchenAid are the most popular choice in Sunnyvale. They offer strong performance, good aesthetics, and reliable service networks in the Bay Area.
Layout Changes and Structural Work (15-25% When Applicable)
Sunnyvale’s older homes share the same layout limitations found across the South Bay: closed-off kitchens, galley configurations, and walls separating cooking from living spaces.
- Removing a non-load-bearing wall: $4,500-$12,000
- Removing a load-bearing wall (with beam): $12,000-$28,000
- Adding or relocating a kitchen island with plumbing: $12,000-$25,000
- Moving gas, plumbing, or electrical lines: $6,500-$20,000 depending on complexity
Not every Sunnyvale kitchen remodel requires structural changes. Homes built in the 1990s and later often have more open layouts that just need updated surfaces and fixtures.
Labor Costs
Silicon Valley labor rates apply in Sunnyvale. In 2026, expect labor to account for 30-40% of your total budget.
| Trade | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| General contractor oversight | $75-$140/hour |
| Electrician | $110-$230/hour |
| Plumber | $110-$230/hour |
| Tile installer | $75-$120/hour |
| Cabinet installer | $75-$115/hour |
These rates are consistent with the broader South Bay market. Sunnyvale does not carry the premium you might pay in Palo Alto or Los Altos, but rates still reflect the Silicon Valley cost structure.
What Drives Costs in Sunnyvale
Mix of Housing Ages
Sunnyvale’s housing stock is more varied than many neighboring cities. The city includes 1950s ranch homes in neighborhoods like Lakewood and Birdland, 1970s-80s developments in the northern sections, and newer townhomes and single-family homes near the Sunnyvale Caltrain station. This range means cost estimates vary significantly based on your specific home.
Pre-1970 homes: Expect to add 10-15% for infrastructure upgrades including electrical panel replacement, plumbing updates, and subfloor repair. Common discoveries include:
- Outdated electrical panels ($3,000-$5,500 for upgrade)
- Galvanized plumbing ($3,500-$8,000 for replacement)
- Asbestos in flooring or drywall ($2,000-$7,000 for abatement)
1980s-2000s homes: Infrastructure is generally adequate, though some older fixtures and wiring may need updating. Budget an extra 5-8% for potential upgrades.
2000s and newer: Minimal infrastructure work expected. Focus your budget on finishes, fixtures, and design improvements.
Middle-of-Market Positioning
Sunnyvale’s home values sit below Cupertino, Los Altos, and Los Gatos but above many San Jose neighborhoods. This positioning creates a practical dynamic: homeowners want quality kitchens that compete with neighboring markets, but the investment needs to make sense relative to their home’s value. The result is a strong mid-range market where smart material selections and solid craftsmanship deliver the best returns.
Growing Demand in Renovation-Ready Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods like Lakewood, Cherry Chase, and Ponderosa Park contain large concentrations of 1950s-60s homes that are actively being renovated. As more neighbors update their kitchens, the pressure to keep pace increases. This sustained demand keeps contractor schedules full but also means experienced kitchen remodelers know these home types well, which can reduce surprises during construction.
Sunnyvale Permit and Regulation Info
The City of Sunnyvale requires building permits for kitchen remodels involving structural, plumbing, or electrical work. Here is what to expect:
Application process. Submit permit applications through the Building Division. The city accepts online submissions through its permit portal and in-person applications at City Hall (456 W. Olive Avenue). Plan review for standard residential kitchen projects takes 10-15 business days.
Code compliance. All kitchen remodels must comply with the 2025 California Building Standards and California Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24). Key electrical requirements include AFCI protection for all kitchen outlets and receptacles at every countertop area with a minimum dimension of 12 inches.
Permit costs. Building permit fees are based on project valuation. Expect $1,100-$4,200 in permit and plan review fees for a mid-range to high-end kitchen remodel. Structural, plumbing, and electrical sub-permits are additional.
Inspections. The city inspects at standard milestones: rough framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, insulation, and final. Each inspection must pass before the next phase continues.
Custom Home has completed projects throughout Sunnyvale and handles all permitting and inspections as part of our project scope.
How Sunnyvale Compares to Other Bay Area Cities
| City | Cosmetic Refresh | Mid-Range Remodel | High-End Remodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnyvale | $32,000-$58,000 | $80,000-$140,000 | $140,000-$195,000 |
| Mountain View | $33,000-$58,000 | $82,000-$145,000 | $145,000-$200,000 |
| San Jose | $35,000-$65,000 | $75,000-$140,000 | $140,000-$225,000+ |
| Cupertino | $35,000-$60,000 | $85,000-$150,000 | $150,000-$210,000 |
| Santa Clara | $30,000-$52,000 | $72,000-$128,000 | $128,000-$180,000 |
| Los Altos | $40,000-$75,000 | $75,000-$150,000 | $150,000-$300,000+ |
Sunnyvale prices closely track Mountain View. Both cities share similar housing stock, demographics, and market positioning. The gap between Sunnyvale and higher-cost cities like Cupertino and Los Altos reflects differences in home size, lot size, and finish expectations rather than labor rate differences.
Sample Kitchen Remodel Budgets
Mid-Range Remodel: 1960s Lakewood Ranch Home ($115,000)
A 1963 ranch home in the Lakewood neighborhood with a 165 sq ft kitchen. The homeowners wanted to remove the wall between the kitchen and dining area, install new cabinetry, and update all surfaces.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Semi-custom cabinetry | $24,000 |
| Quartz countertops with island | $8,500 |
| Bosch appliance package | $13,000 |
| Engineered hardwood flooring | $5,500 |
| Tile backsplash | $3,500 |
| Plumbing fixtures and installation | $7,500 |
| Electrical (panel upgrade, new circuits, lighting) | $9,000 |
| Wall removal with beam (load-bearing) | $14,000 |
| Painting and finishing | $4,000 |
| Permits and fees | $2,400 |
| Design and project management | $11,000 |
| Contingency (12%) | $13,100 |
| Total | $115,000 |
High-End Remodel: Newer Sunnyvale Home ($178,000)
A 2000s home near the Sunnyvale Caltrain station with a 210 sq ft kitchen. The homeowners wanted a full luxury upgrade with professional-grade appliances, custom cabinetry, and a reconfigured layout with expanded island.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fully custom cabinetry | $40,000 |
| Quartzite countertops with waterfall edge | $14,000 |
| Thermador appliance suite | $35,000 |
| Wide-plank engineered hardwood | $7,000 |
| Designer tile backsplash | $5,000 |
| Plumbing fixtures (premium brands) | $8,000 |
| Electrical (undercabinet LEDs, pendants, smart home integration) | $10,000 |
| Layout reconfiguration with expanded island | $13,000 |
| Painting, trim, and finishing | $5,000 |
| Permits and fees | $3,500 |
| Design and project management | $14,000 |
| Contingency (10%) | $23,500 |
| Total | $178,000 |
How to Control Kitchen Remodel Costs in Sunnyvale
Match your investment to your home value. A general rule of thumb is to spend 5-15% of your home’s value on a kitchen remodel. For a $2 million Sunnyvale home, that means a budget of $100,000-$300,000. Stay within this range for the best return on investment.
Take advantage of Sunnyvale’s mid-market positioning. You do not need to match the finish levels of Los Altos or Saratoga. A well-designed mid-range kitchen with quartz countertops, semi-custom cabinets, and a Bosch appliance package looks excellent in Sunnyvale’s market and delivers strong resale value.
Assess your home’s age honestly. If your home was built before 1970, plan for infrastructure work. Getting a pre-project assessment of your electrical, plumbing, and structural systems before finalizing your budget prevents the most common source of cost overruns.
Consider phased updates for newer homes. If your Sunnyvale home is from the 1990s or later with reasonably good bones, you may be able to phase updates over time. Start with the highest-impact changes (countertops, backsplash, appliances) and tackle cabinetry in a later phase.
Get multiple quotes from South Bay contractors. Sunnyvale is well-served by contractors throughout the South Bay. Get three to four bids and compare not just price but scope, timeline, and communication style.
Why Custom Home for Your Sunnyvale Kitchen Remodel
Custom Home has been serving Bay Area homeowners since 2005 and holds CSLB license #986048. Our headquarters in nearby San Jose means we are deeply familiar with Sunnyvale’s housing stock, building department, and neighborhood dynamics.
Our two-phase process is designed to eliminate the cost surprises that plague kitchen remodels.
Phase 1: Design. We create detailed 3D visualizations of your new kitchen showing every cabinet, countertop, appliance, and fixture in place. You see exactly what your kitchen will look like before demolition begins. We deliver an itemized budget covering every material, labor category, and permit fee. No hidden costs.
Phase 2: Build. Construction proceeds from fully approved plans with locked-in pricing. Every design decision was finalized in Phase 1, so there are no mid-project change orders and no budget surprises.
For Sunnyvale homeowners, this approach provides the confidence of knowing your exact costs before construction starts, regardless of whether you are updating a 1960s ranch or modernizing a 2000s home.
Start Planning Your Sunnyvale Kitchen Remodel
The best first step is a conversation about your kitchen: what works, what does not, and what your ideal result looks like. We will assess your current space, discuss realistic options at your budget level, and outline a clear path forward.
Contact Custom Home for a free consultation to start planning your Sunnyvale kitchen remodel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average kitchen remodel cost in Sunnyvale?
The average mid-range kitchen remodel in Sunnyvale costs $80,000-$140,000 in 2026. This includes semi-custom cabinetry, stone countertops, updated appliances, new flooring, and moderate layout changes. Cosmetic refreshes start around $32,000, while high-end remodels reach $140,000-$195,000+.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Sunnyvale?
Yes. The City of Sunnyvale requires building permits for kitchen remodels involving structural, plumbing, or electrical work. Applications are submitted through the Building Division, either online or at City Hall. Plan review for standard residential projects takes 10-15 business days.
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Sunnyvale?
A cosmetic kitchen refresh in Sunnyvale takes 4-8 weeks. A mid-range remodel with layout changes takes 3-5 months. A high-end remodel with structural modifications takes 5-7 months. Add 4-8 weeks before construction for design, material selection, and permitting.
Is Sunnyvale cheaper than other South Bay cities for kitchen remodels?
Sunnyvale offers middle-of-market pricing for the South Bay. Costs are slightly lower than Cupertino, Los Altos, and Los Gatos, roughly equal to Mountain View, and slightly higher than average San Jose pricing. The difference comes from Sunnyvale's more moderate home values and a mix of housing ages that keeps average project costs balanced.