Kitchen Remodelingin the Bay Area. SGM Builders Inc.
A Kitchen Remodel That Actually Fits Your Life
Your kitchen isn’t just where you cook it’s where your family gathers in the morning, where kids do homework while dinner simmers, and where friends end up at every party. When a kitchen stops working for the way you actually live, it’s time for a remodel. Not a cosmetic update that looks good in photos but falls apart in practice a real renovation that changes how the room functions every single day.
SGM Builders Inc. is a licensed kitchen remodel contractor serving homeowners in Hollister, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Los Gatos, Saratoga, and Los Altos. We handle every phase of the project, from initial design conversations through demolition, construction, and the final detail work that makes a kitchen feel finished.
What a Kitchen Remodel Includes
Every kitchen is different, and every homeowner has different priorities. Some want to open up a closed-off galley layout. Others love their floor plan but need updated cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Here’s the full range of what we handle:
Layout changes.
Removing walls to create open-concept kitchens, relocating appliances for better workflow, adding an island or peninsula. Layout changes are where a good contractor makes the biggest difference getting the plumbing, electrical, and structural work right so the new kitchen functions beautifully for years.
Custom cabinetry.
Cabinets define the look and storage capacity of your kitchen. We work with quality cabinet suppliers and can help you choose between stock, semi-custom, and fully custom options. Whether you prefer shaker-style doors, flat-panel modern designs, or traditional raised-panel cabinetry, we install them with precision.
Countertops.
Quartz, granite, marble, butcher block, concrete each material has its own look, maintenance requirements, and price point. We'll walk you through the options and help you choose what makes sense for your kitchen and your budget.
Flooring.
Kitchen flooring replacement or extension tile, hardwood, luxury vinyl plank. We also handle subfloor leveling, which is often necessary in older kitchens where settling has created uneven surfaces.
Appliance Installation
We coordinate appliance delivery timing with the project schedule and handle installation, including range hood venting.
Kitchen Plumbing
Sink relocation, garbage disposal installation, dishwasher hookup, pot filler installation. If the remodel involves moving the sink or adding a kitchen island with plumbing, we handle that work and pull the required permits.
Electrical and lighting.
Under-cabinet lighting, recessed ceiling lights, pendant fixtures over islands, and additional outlets where you actually need them. Modern kitchens demand more electrical capacity than most older homes were built to provide, and we upgrade your electrical to meet current code.
Backsplash and finish work.
Tile backsplash installation, trim carpentry, paint, and all the finish details that pull the room together.
The SGM Builders Kitchen Remodel Process
Week 1–2: Design and planning
We meet at your home, measure the kitchen, discuss your wishlist and budget, and develop a design plan. If the project requires permits (wall removal, structural changes, significant plumbing or electrical work), we prepare the application.
Week 2–3: Material selection.
We help you choose cabinets, countertops, tile, fixtures, and finishes. We coordinate delivery timelines so materials arrive when construction is ready for them — not too early (cluttering your garage) and not too late (causing delays).
Week 3–4: Demolition and rough work.
We remove the old kitchen, handle any structural modifications, and complete rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work. This is the noisiest, dustiest phase, and it typically takes 3 to 5 days.
Week 4–7: Construction and installation.
Cabinets go in, countertops are templated and installed, flooring goes down, tile backsplash is set, and appliances are connected. This is where the new kitchen starts to take shape.
Week 7–9: Finish work and detail.
Paint, trim, hardware, final electrical and plumbing connections, grout sealing, and cleanup. We walk through the finished kitchen together and address any punch list items before we call it done.
Total timeline for a mid-range kitchen remodel:
6 to 10 weeks from demolition to completion. Simpler projects move faster; projects with custom cabinetry or extensive layout changes may take longer.
Kitchen Remodel Ideas for South Bay Homes
Open-concept conversion.
. Many Hollister and Gilroy homes from the 1990s have closed-off kitchens separated from the dining and living areas by a wall. Removing that wall (after confirming it's not load-bearing, or adding a properly engineered beam if it is) creates a modern, open floor plan that transforms how the whole house feels.
Island addition.
If your kitchen has the footprint but no island, adding one provides prep space, seating, storage, and a natural gathering point. Islands work best with at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides.
Pantry integration.
A pull-out pantry, walk-in pantry, or dedicated pantry cabinet wall can dramatically improve storage. This is especially valuable in older kitchens that weren't designed for modern food storage needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my kitchen during the remodel?
For most of the project, no. Once demolition starts, the kitchen will be out of commission. We recommend setting up a temporary kitchen area a folding table, microwave, coffee maker, and cooler — in another room. Most homeowners find the temporary inconvenience is well worth the final result.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Hollister or Gilroy?
It depends on the scope. If you’re only changing finishes (cabinets, countertops, flooring, paint), a permit usually isn’t required. If you’re moving plumbing, adding electrical circuits, removing walls, or making structural changes, a permit is required. SGM Builders handles the permit process for you when one is needed.
Should I choose my appliances before or after the design phase?
Before or during. Appliance dimensions affect cabinet layout, electrical requirements, and venting plans. If you’ve already picked your appliances, bring the spec sheets to our first meeting. If not, we can recommend reliable brands and models based on your cooking habits and budget.
How do you protect the rest of my home during construction?
We use plastic sheeting and zip walls to seal off the kitchen from the rest of the house during dusty work like demolition and tile cutting. We lay down floor protection on pathways between the kitchen and our entry point. And we clean up at the end of every work day.
What's the return on investment for a kitchen remodel?
According to industry data, a mid-range kitchen remodel in California typically recoups 60% to 80% of its cost in increased home value. Beyond the financial return, you get a kitchen that works better for your family every day which most homeowners say is the real payoff.
Can you work with my kitchen designer?
Absolutely. If you have a designer or architect you’re already working with, we’re happy to collaborate with them. If you don’t have a designer, we can handle the design process in-house or connect you with a designer we trust.
Ready to Remodel Your Kitchen?
Let's talk about what you want your kitchen to become. We'll visit your home, look at the space, listen to your ideas, and put together a plan and estimate that turns your current kitchen into the one you've been imagining.