Homeowners planning a kitchen remodel in Delray Beach often underestimate the time required for building permits, and that oversight can delay projects by 6 to 8 weeks or more, according to KMR Enterprises, a Florida certified general contractor based in Delray Beach. The company, in business since 1992, addresses common planning questions in its guide to kitchen remodeling, emphasizing that permit approval—not material selection—is frequently the biggest source of delay.
KMR 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 but can save 4 to 8 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: a kitchen remodel already disrupts daily life, and extended permit delays can increase costs for temporary accommodations or eating out. By factoring in permit time and potentially using a private provider, homeowners can better plan their budgets and timelines, reducing stress and unexpected expenses.
When planning a remodel, KMR advises deciding the layout first, as two questions drive price more than anything else: whether walls are moving and whether appliances are being relocated or added. Moving an appliance can require new electrical and plumbing work, plus trenching and repairing the concrete slab, which are among the most expensive items in a kitchen. 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 by scope. KMR can complete a small kitchen for as little as about $15,000 and has finished kitchens ranging from roughly $20,000 to more than $300,000. Beyond layout and materials, cost increases with harder access, such as upper floors in condo buildings, elevator scheduling, and limited parking, all of which add time and money. KMR prices each option separately, from a budget version up to the full wish list, so homeowners can decide which items are worth it to them.
“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 handled 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 companies it trusts.
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. For homeowners in Palm Beach County, the takeaway is clear: planning for permit time and exploring private providers can keep a kitchen remodel on track and within budget.
