Homeowners planning a kitchen remodel in Delray Beach often underestimate the time required for building permit approval, according to KMR Enterprises, a Florida certified general contractor based in the city. The company, in business since 1992, highlights permit delays as a key factor that can extend project timelines well beyond initial expectations.
In a typical permitted kitchen remodel, obtaining approval takes six to eight weeks or longer, KMR states. This process requires submitted plans, licensed subcontractors, and payment of permit fees. The company recommends that homeowners consider hiring a private provider—a licensed third party authorized under Florida law to handle plan review and inspections. For a typical kitchen, this adds about $1,500 to the project cost but can save four to eight weeks on overall completion.
“At KMR, we recommend paying a little extra to hire a private provider to handle the permit approvals and inspections,” said Kris Schlembach, owner of KMR Enterprises. “For a typical kitchen, this would add around $1,500 but would save 4 to 8 weeks on the overall completion.”
The implications for homeowners are significant: faster permit approval means quicker access to a functional kitchen, reduced disruption to daily life, and potentially lower carrying costs if temporary accommodations are needed. For the local construction industry, the use of private providers could ease bottlenecks in municipal permitting departments, though it shifts some review responsibilities to private entities.
KMR also advises homeowners to finalize the kitchen layout before selecting materials, as layout decisions—such as moving walls or relocating appliances—have the greatest impact on cost. Moving an appliance may require new electrical and plumbing work, including trenching and repairing the concrete slab, which are among the most expensive items in a kitchen remodel. Once the layout is settled, cabinet style, countertops, and appliances can be chosen and priced.
“The more information we have the better, because with more precise information and details we can create a more accurate budget,” Schlembach said. “Major questions that would have the greatest effect on price are related mostly to: Are we moving any walls? Are we relocating or adding appliances that would require electrical and plumbing as well as concrete trenching and repair?”
Costs for a kitchen remodel in Delray Beach in 2026 vary widely based on scope. KMR can complete a small kitchen for as little as about $15,000 and has finished projects ranging from roughly $20,000 to more than $300,000. Beyond layout and materials, factors such as upper-floor condo access, elevator scheduling, and limited parking add time and expense. KMR prices each option separately, from a budget version to the full wish list, so homeowners can decide which items are worth the investment.
“We can help make suggestions to keep a project in your budget and provide multiple price options for everything from a budget friendly option up to including your wishlist,” Schlembach said. “We will even break down the price of each option separately so the customer can decide which things are worth it to them.”
Impact windows can also be included in the same kitchen project. KMR’s window installers typically work under the company’s main permit, so windows are scheduled and inspected as part of the same job. Homeowners who prefer to hire a window company directly can do so, and KMR will recommend trusted companies.
KMR Enterprises designs, permits, and builds kitchens under one contract and holds a 4.9-star rating on Google from more than 75 homeowner reviews. It was named Best of Houzz for Service in 2019 and 2023.
