Montgomery County · Kensington
Kitchen Renovation in Kensington, MD: Town Permits and Older-Home Surprises Handled
Kitchen remodeling in Kensington, MD usually means updating a Victorian, early-1900s house, or a bungalow, in a small incorporated town that adds its own permit to the County's. Older houses hide old wiring, plumbing, and lead paint, so we plan for all of it before demolition.
Key Facts
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| ZIP codes | 20895 |
| County permits | Montgomery County DPS and WSSC |
| Town permit | Town of Kensington permit for alterations |
| Dumpsters | Over 2 cu yd need a Town permit |
| Lead safety | EPA RRP certified, required for pre-1978 homes |
Kitchen Renovation Services in Kensington
In Kensington we mostly do four kinds of kitchen work:
- Full kitchen renovations of older kitchens
- Small-kitchen layouts, see small and condo kitchens
- Kitchen design that suits period houses
- Cabinet refacing when the boxes are sound
Kensington Homes and Their Kitchens
Kensington began in the 1890s as a planned Victorian community, Kensington Park. Its historic core was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Many houses there and nearby are Victorians, early-1900s homes, and bungalows. (Source: Wikipedia, Kensington, Maryland.)
What we see most often:
- Small rear kitchens. Many were added later and are narrow. Smart storage matters more than square footage.
- Plaster walls and old wiring. We open walls carefully and price electrical updates up front.
- Lead paint. Homes built before 1978 fall under the EPA RRP rule. We are an EPA RRP certified firm and work lead-safe.
- Period character. We keep trim, door profiles, and proportions that make the house feel right, while the kitchen works like a modern one.
Permits
Kensington Kitchen Permits: Town, County and Historic District
A Kensington kitchen with structural, electrical, or plumbing work needs Montgomery County permits (DPS and WSSC) and a Town of Kensington permit. The Town's code covers altering any building or part of one. (Source: Town of Kensington Housing and Building Regulations.)
| Permit | Who issues it | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Building and electrical | Montgomery County DPS | Structural, wiring, or layout changes |
| Plumbing and gas | WSSC | Moving or adding fixtures and gas lines |
| Town alteration permit | Town of Kensington | Alterations; bond or deposit may apply |
| Dumpster permit | Town of Kensington | Dumpster over 2 cu yd, up to 30 days |
| HAWP | Historic Preservation Commission | Exterior changes in the historic district |
We prepare and file these for you. See our permit guide for the full County process.
What a Kitchen Remodel Costs in Kensington
Kensington follows the same cost tiers as the rest of our area: Refresh $15,000 to $30,000, Mid-range $35,000 to $75,000, Full custom $75,000 to $120,000+, and High-end $120,000+. Older homes can add cost for wiring, plaster, and lead-safe work, and we show those lines in your written estimate. See the cost guide.
Can You Modernize a Kitchen in a Historic Kensington House?
Yes. Historic review covers the outside of the house, so the kitchen itself can be fully modern. Exterior changes such as windows, vents, or additions go through the HAWP process. Thinking about more space? See kitchen additions.
Coverage
Kitchen Remodeling Near Kensington
We also serve Chevy Chase (20815), Bethesda (20814, 20816, 20817), and Garrett Park (20896).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually yes. The Town's code covers alterations to any building or part of one. Confirm with Town Hall before work starts.
Only for exterior changes in the historic district. Interior work does not need one.
Yes, for dumpsters over 2 cubic yards.
Most Kensington kitchens fall in the Mid-range or Full custom tier, $35,000 to $120,000+, depending on size and what is behind the walls.
Services
Kitchen Remodeling Services in Kensington
Next step
Start Your Kitchen Remodel in Kensington, MD
Ready to remodel a kitchen in Kensington, MD? We handle Town permits, County permits, and lead-safe work in historic homes. Request a free in-home estimate.