Kitchen cabinet replacement in Mountain View, CA

Choosing a cabinet grade

Stock cabinets come in set widths and ship quickly. Semi-custom lines add depth and finish options. Fully custom boxes are built to the room and take the longest. The grade you pick often moves the bid more than any other line item.

What the permit covers

The application includes a floor plan of the existing and proposed kitchen and an electrical load calculation. New cabinets usually bring new counters and outlets, and the City checks countertop outlet spacing, GFCI and AFCI protection at inspection.

Sequencing the install

Base cabinets go in first and are leveled, then the counter fabricator templates them. Wall cabinets, trim and hardware follow. Ordering cabinets before the appliance list is final is a common cause of rework.

Cabinet vocabulary

Carcass: the cabinet box without doors. Full-extension slides: drawer hardware that lets the drawer open all the way. Scribe molding: a trim strip cut to follow an uneven wall. Light rail: a strip under wall cabinets that hides fixtures. Blind corner: a corner cabinet whose back section is hidden, often fitted with pull-out hardware.

Permits in Mountain View

Mountain View requires a building permit, issued before construction starts, for any kitchen remodel that replaces the cabinets. Replacing countertops or refacing the existing cabinets does not need one.
Depending on the scope, separate electrical or plumbing permits may apply, and replacing a range hood that vents outdoors needs a mechanical permit. The application includes an 11-by-17-inch plan of the existing and proposed kitchen and an electrical load calculation.
If the remodel changes the outside of the house, the Planning Division reviews it before the building submittal. The City lists about 5 business days to receive a permit for a like-for-like replacement and 2 to 3 months for a renovation that removes walls.

City of Mountain View Building Division · 500 Castro Street, (650) 903-6313

Common questions

Is a permit needed if I only replace the cabinets?

In Mountain View, yes. The City's kitchen remodel page says replacing kitchen cabinets requires a building permit before work starts.

How long do new cabinets take to arrive?

It depends on the line. Stock cabinets can ship quickly, while semi-custom and custom orders take longer. Ask each remodeler for the current lead time in writing.