Remodeling a Rental Property Kitchen: Expert Guideline

Remodeling a rental property kitchen can be a smart way to boost tenant satisfaction, raise the value of your investment, and reduce long‑term maintenance. As a landlord in San Diego (or elsewhere), upgrading this space strategically will help you attract better tenants without overspending especially when working with a trusted team.

In this guide, we’ll talk about remodeling a rental property kitchen in plain, helpful language. You’ll learn updated cost ranges, how labor and materials break down, size‑based pricing (small, medium, large), budgeting advice (including the 30% rule), and which features like durable materials and landlord‑friendly design influence your total spend.

Cost Breakdown of Remodeling a Rental Property Kitchen

Labor vs. Material Costs

When you’re remodeling a rental property kitchen, understanding how labor and materials contribute to your budget is key. Labor often accounts for 20–35% of the total cost. Materials cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, lighting make up the rest and vary widely depending on quality:

• Cabinetry and hardware: typically 25–40% of your budget.

• Countertops (quartz, laminate, etc.): about 8–15%.

• Appliances: often 10–20% of the total.

• Flooring, backsplashes, plumbing, lighting, design fees: the rest, depending on scope.

Labor also includes permit work, demo, installation especially important in a rental where you may want to reduce tenant disruption.

Updated Cost Ranges

For a typical kitchen remodeling in 2025, national averages range from $12,000 to $60,500, with a midpoint around $27,000. Here’s how costs typically break down by tier (material + labor + permits):

• Basic cosmetic refresh: $10,000–$20,000 (paint, refacing cabinets, simple upgrades)

• Standard remodel: $20,000–$65,000 (new cabinets, appliances, modest layout changes)

• High‑end or luxury: $80,000+ in some markets especially in coastal areas like San Diego.

  
  

 At Poseidon remodeling, In San Diego County specifically, minor or refresh remodels run between $20,000 and $35,000, while mid‑range projects are closer to $40,000 to $70,000, and high-end luxury renos may exceed $120,000.

Size-Based Pricing: Small, Medium, Large Rental

Kitchens

When remodeling a rental property kitchen, size plays a huge role in cost. Here’s how rates typically break out.

Small Kitchens

 A small kitchen is often under 120 sq ft. According to Angi (2026), a full small kitchen remodel ranges from about $10,500 to $20,000 when doing a light to moderate refresh. 

In San Diego, small-scale remodels also overlap with this range, especially if layout remains the same.

Medium Kitchens

 Medium kitchens tend to be 100–200 sq ft. According to real‑home renovation data, you might spend anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000, depending on finish quality. KBR Kitchen & Bath notes that medium projects often average $135–$175 per square foot for a more polished result.

Large Kitchens

 Large kitchens are typically over 200 sq ft. For those spaces, remodels can start around $40,000 and go well past $100,000, especially with luxury materials or structural changes. On the West Coast, especially San Diego, large or premium remodels may push $80,000 to $150,000+.

Budgeting Advice & Features That Influence Cost

Smart Budgeting: The 30% Rule

A good rule of thumb when you're remodeling a rental property kitchen is the 30% rule: spend no more than 30% of the projected annual rent income on improvements. This helps ensure that your return on investment (ROI) stays healthy. For instance, if your rental brings in $24,000/year, sticking to around $7,000–$8,000 (or staging in phases) may be wiser especially for small cosmetic updates.

Also, build in a contingency buffer of 10–20% of your total budget for unexpected costs: permit delays, structural surprises, or tenant‑friendly compromises.

Features That Influence Cost

 Use durable materials to minimize turnovers. Think quartz or solid-surface countertops, vinyl plank flooring, and sturdy cabinet hardware. These may cost more up front, but they save money over time in a rental.

 Think landlord-friendly design: use finishes that resist wear, choose neutral colors, and avoid custom extravagance that renters could damage. This way, the space stays rentable longer and maintenance is minimized.

You may read this: Bathroom Lighting Design: Layering Light for Function and Ambiance

Conclusion

Remodeling a rental property kitchen requires a careful balance of cost, durability, and ROI. By working with experts, you can navigate typical cost breakdowns (labor vs. material), understand size-based pricing, and make smart budgeting decisions like applying the 30% rule so your investment pays off long-term. 

Ready to get started on your kitchen remodel San Diego (or anywhere else)? contact us today at Poseidon Remodeling to schedule a consultation. We’ll tailor a plan that meets your budget, your tenants’ needs, and your long-term goals.

FAQ

Q: What is the typical return on investment for remodeling a rental property kitchen? 

A: You can often recover 70–85% of your remodeling costs over time through higher rent, better tenant retention, and lower turnover. The exact ROI depends on your market, materials chosen, and the quality of the work.

Q: How long does a remodeling a rental property kitchen usually take? 

A: A basic refresh might take 2–4 weeks, while a full remodel with layout changes, appliances, and permit work can take 6–12 weeks, depending on scale and contractor availability.

Q: Do I need permits for a kitchen remodel in San Diego? 

A: Yes, especially if you’re changing plumbing, electrical, or structural elements. Permit costs typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the scope. 

Q: How often should I plan to renovate a rental kitchen? 

A: For mid-grade finishes, consider a refresh every 7–10 years. For higher wear and tear, or frequent tenant turnover, it might be every 5–7 years. Using durable materials can extend this cycle.

Q: Can I save money by doing some of the work myself? 

A: Yes — you can cut costs by doing painting, simple tile backsplashes, or assembling flat-pack cabinets. But for plumbing, electrical, and major installations, hiring professionals (like Poseidon Remodeling) is safer and often more cost-efficient in a rental scenario.