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Before & After: Steven's Roseville Kitchen Transformation by Franco and Sons
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Before & After6 min readJanuary 6, 2026

Before & After: Steven's Roseville Kitchen Transformation by Franco and Sons

By Cristian Franco

Roseville is one of the most active remodeling markets in Placer County — and it's easy to see why. Families here are investing in their homes, upgrading outdated spaces, and building kitchens that actually match the way they live. Steven's project is a perfect example of what's possible. His 1990s Roseville home had good bones, a great neighborhood, and a family ready for a change — but the kitchen was holding everything back. Cramped, closed off, and stuck in another decade, it was the one room that didn't reflect the life happening around it. That's when he called Franco and Sons Construction LLC.

The Challenge: A Cramped 1990s Roseville Kitchen

Walk into a 1990s tract home in Roseville and you'll recognize the kitchen immediately. Dark oak cabinets with brass hardware. Tile countertops with grout lines that never quite come clean. A layout designed around the idea that the kitchen was a utility room — a place to cook, not a place to gather. Steven's kitchen checked every one of those boxes.

The wall between the kitchen and the living room was the biggest problem. It wasn't just a physical barrier — it was a psychological one. Whoever was cooking was cut off from the rest of the family. Conversations happened through a doorway. Kids did homework at the dining table while dinner was made in isolation. The kitchen felt like a separate world from the rest of the house.

Then there was the dropped soffit ceiling — a hallmark of 1990s construction that boxed in the upper cabinets and made the already-small kitchen feel even more compressed. Natural light barely made it in. The space felt heavy, dated, and frustrating to work in. Steven and his family had lived with it long enough. It was time for a real transformation.

The Vision: Open, Bright, and Built for Family Life

Steven knew what he wanted — he just needed a team that could make it happen. The vision was clear: tear down the wall, open the kitchen to the living room, and create a space where the family could actually be together. An open-concept kitchen that flows naturally into the main living area. More natural light. Modern finishes that feel clean and timeless rather than trendy and temporary.

He wanted a kitchen island with bar seating — the kind of space where kids can sit and do homework while dinner is being made, where guests can pull up a stool and have a conversation, where the kitchen becomes the center of the home rather than a room you pass through. This is how families in Roseville and Placer County live today, and it's exactly the kind of space Franco and Sons specializes in building.

For finishes, Steven chose custom shaker cabinets in a clean white, quartz countertops with a subtle veining, and a classic subway tile backsplash. Choices that would look just as good in ten years as they do today — and choices that would add real value to the home.

The Process: How Franco and Sons Transformed Steven's Kitchen

A project like this isn't just a cosmetic refresh. Removing a wall, vaulting a ceiling, reconfiguring plumbing and electrical — this is a full structural remodel. Here's how we approached it, phase by phase.

Phase 1 — Demo and Structural Changes

Before a single cabinet came down, we brought in a structural engineer to assess the wall between the kitchen and living room. This is a step that separates experienced contractors from shortcuts — you don't remove a wall in a 1990s home without knowing exactly what's inside it. In Steven's case, the wall contained a load-bearing element that required a properly engineered beam to replace it. We handled the engineering, pulled the necessary permits with the City of Roseville, and scheduled the work in the right sequence.

Demo day was transformative. The moment that wall came down, the entire home changed. Light poured in from the living room windows. The kitchen suddenly felt twice as large. We also removed the dropped soffit ceiling, vaulting the kitchen ceiling to match the rest of the main living area. The difference was immediate and dramatic — and we were only at the beginning.

Phase 2 — New Layout and Rough-In Work

With the wall gone and the ceiling opened up, we moved into rough-in work. Adding a kitchen island meant reconfiguring the plumbing to bring a new sink location to the center of the space. Electrical was rerouted to accommodate the island's outlets, the new appliance locations, and the recessed lighting layout we had planned for the ceiling. Every change was permitted and inspected — no shortcuts, no guesswork.

This phase is where the investment in proper planning pays off. Getting the rough-in right means everything that comes after — cabinets, countertops, appliances — fits exactly as designed. We've seen what happens when this phase is rushed, and it's never worth it. Steven's project was planned carefully, and it showed in every phase that followed.

Phase 3 — Cabinets, Countertops, and Backsplash

The custom shaker cabinets went in first — floor-to-ceiling on the perimeter walls, taking full advantage of the newly vaulted ceiling height. Every cabinet was built to spec, fitted precisely, and installed level. No gaps, no shimming, no compromises. The white finish was clean and bright, immediately making the space feel larger and more modern.

Quartz countertops followed — a material we recommend often for Roseville kitchens because of its durability, low maintenance, and timeless appearance. The slabs were templated on-site and fabricated to fit perfectly, including the waterfall edge on the island. The subway tile backsplash was installed in a classic brick pattern, grouted in a warm white that tied the whole palette together. Every seam, every corner, every cut — done with the care you'd expect from a family-owned contractor who takes pride in the work.

Phase 4 — Appliances, Lighting, and Finishing Touches

New stainless steel appliances were set into their designated spaces — a range, dishwasher, and refrigerator that fit the layout as if they were always meant to be there. Recessed lighting was installed across the vaulted ceiling in a pattern that eliminated the dark corners that had plagued the old kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting was added to illuminate the countertops and backsplash, giving the kitchen a warm, layered glow in the evenings.

Hardware was the final detail — brushed nickel pulls on every cabinet and drawer, consistent and clean. Bar stools were positioned at the island. The kitchen was cleaned, photographed, and handed back to Steven and his family. Six weeks from demo to done.

The Result: Steven's New Open-Concept Kitchen

The transformation was complete. Where there had been a closed-off, dark, cramped kitchen, there was now a bright, open, connected space that flows seamlessly into the living room. The vaulted ceiling draws the eye upward. Natural light fills every corner. The island anchors the room and invites people to gather. It's the kind of kitchen that changes how a family uses their home.

Steven put it best: “Franco and Sons Construction LLC completely transformed our cramped kitchen into a bright, spacious, and functional space we absolutely love.

Project details: Timeline: 6 weeks. Location: Roseville, CA. This is what a real kitchen remodel looks like when it's done right — on time, on budget, and built to last.

What This Roseville Kitchen Remodel Cost

One of the first questions homeowners ask is: what does a kitchen remodel actually cost in Roseville or Placer County? The honest answer is that it depends on the scope — but for a project like Steven's, which involved structural changes, a full layout reconfiguration, custom cabinets, quartz countertops, and new appliances, you're looking at a mid-range investment that typically falls between $60,000 and $90,000 in this market.

That range covers structural engineering, permits, demo, rough-in work, materials, and installation. For a detailed breakdown of what drives kitchen remodel costs in this area, see our kitchen remodel cost guide. And if you're wondering whether the investment makes financial sense, our analysis of kitchen remodel ROI shows that a well-executed kitchen remodel in Placer County consistently returns strong value at resale — often 70–80% or more of the project cost.

The key is working with a contractor who is transparent about costs from the start. At Franco and Sons, we provide detailed written estimates before any work begins — no surprises, no change orders that weren't discussed. That's how we've built our reputation in Roseville and across Placer County.

Steven's Review

We don't take reviews lightly. Every project we complete is a reflection of our family's name — and when a client takes the time to share their experience, it means everything to us. Steven's words captured exactly what we set out to do with every kitchen remodel we take on.

Franco and Sons Construction LLC completely transformed our cramped kitchen into a bright, spacious, and functional space we absolutely love.” — Steven, Roseville, CA

That's the goal every single time. Not just a kitchen that looks good in photos — a kitchen that changes how a family lives. Franco and Sons is a family-owned contractor based in Lincoln, CA, and we treat every home we work in the way we'd want our own home treated. That means showing up on time, communicating clearly, doing the work right, and not leaving until the client is genuinely happy.

Thinking About a Kitchen Remodel in Roseville or Placer County?

If Steven's kitchen looks like what you've been imagining for your own home, you're in the right place. Franco and Sons Construction LLC serves homeowners throughout Roseville, Lincoln, Rocklin, and Placer County. Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, a bathroom renovation, or something bigger, we bring the same level of care and craftsmanship to every project. If you're considering a larger scope, our whole-home remodel guide is a great place to start planning.

Ready for your own kitchen transformation in Roseville, Lincoln, Rocklin, or Placer County? Call (916) 316-2948 for a free estimate from Franco and Sons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Remodels in Roseville, CA

How long does a kitchen remodel take in Roseville, CA?

A mid-range kitchen remodel in Roseville typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from demo to completion, depending on the scope of work. Projects that involve structural changes — like removing a wall or vaulting a ceiling — require additional time for engineering, permitting, and inspections. Steven's full kitchen transformation, which included a wall removal, ceiling vault, new layout, custom cabinets, and all finishes, was completed in 6 weeks. Simpler cosmetic remodels with no structural changes can often be done in 3 to 4 weeks.

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Placer County?

Kitchen remodel costs in Placer County vary widely based on scope, materials, and whether structural work is involved. A basic cosmetic refresh — new cabinet doors, countertops, and paint — might run $20,000 to $35,000. A mid-range remodel with new cabinets, quartz countertops, updated appliances, and some layout changes typically falls between $50,000 and $90,000. A high-end full remodel with custom cabinetry, premium appliances, and significant structural work can exceed $100,000. The best way to get an accurate number is to schedule a free on-site estimate with a licensed contractor.

Do I need permits for a kitchen remodel in Roseville?

Yes — any kitchen remodel in Roseville that involves structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing modifications requires permits from the City of Roseville Building Department. This includes removing walls, moving plumbing for a new sink or island, adding or relocating electrical circuits, and changes to the HVAC system. Cosmetic work like painting, replacing cabinet doors, or swapping out fixtures typically does not require a permit. At Franco and Sons, we handle all permitting on behalf of our clients and ensure every project passes inspection before we consider it complete.

What is the ROI on a kitchen remodel in Roseville?

A well-executed kitchen remodel in Roseville typically returns 70 to 80 percent of its cost at resale, making it one of the highest-ROI home improvement projects available. In a competitive Placer County real estate market, an updated kitchen can also significantly reduce time on market and attract stronger offers. Beyond resale value, the daily quality-of-life improvement — cooking in a space you love, entertaining more easily, having a kitchen that works for your family — is a return that starts the day the project is complete.

Can I stay in my home during a kitchen remodel?

Most homeowners do stay in their homes during a kitchen remodel, though it requires some planning and flexibility. During demo and rough-in phases, the kitchen will be completely non-functional, so you'll need to set up a temporary kitchen space — a microwave, mini fridge, and hot plate in another room can go a long way. Dust and noise are part of the process, and a good contractor will take steps to contain the work area and minimize disruption. We discuss this with every client before the project starts so there are no surprises.

Franco and Sons Construction LLC | Lincoln, CA | CSLB #853375 | (916) 316-2948

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