Kitchen remodeling
A kitchen remodel starts with a walk-through and a written scope that prices every part of the job on its own line: demolition, cabinets, counters, plumbing, electrical, walls, floors and finishes.
Most Chicago-area kitchens were never designed for the way people cook and gather now. In a two-flat or a bungalow the kitchen is often at the back of the house, tight against a porch or a stair, with plaster walls and plumbing that has been patched by several owners. Suburban kitchens tend to have more room but closed-off layouts.
We plan the kitchen with you before anything comes out: where the sink, range and refrigerator go, what stays, what moves, and what has to be checked once the walls are open. That plan becomes the written scope you approve.
What is included
- Demolition and protection of the rest of the home
- Cabinet and countertop installation
- Moving or updating sink, dishwasher and gas or electric range connections, coordinated with the right trades
- Wall repair, new drywall, insulation where walls are open
- Lighting and outlet changes, coordinated with an electrician
- Backsplash, flooring, trim and paint
- Appliance hookup, with a licensed plumber or electrician where required, and a final punch list walk-through
In Chicago-area homes
Older Chicago kitchens often sit on an outside wall with little or no insulation. When those walls are open, it is the cheapest moment to insulate them, and we price that as its own line so you can decide.
In a two-flat or condo, a kitchen remodel can affect the unit below and shared plumbing stacks. We plan shut-offs and access with you and, where it applies, with your neighbors or association.
Work that changes plumbing, electrical or walls usually needs a permit. Requirements differ between the City of Chicago and each suburb, so we confirm what your project needs before work starts. See the permit notes on our area pages.
How it is priced
After a walk-through, you get a written scope with each part of the job priced on its own line. Anything new that turns up is written up as a change order for your approval before it is added, and the invoice follows the scope line by line. How we work
Homes where this comes up
Questions
Can you keep my existing cabinets or appliances?
Often, yes. The walk-through notes what you want to keep, and the written scope prices the job both ways where it makes a real difference, so you can choose.
How do I know what the kitchen will cost before you start?
You get a written scope with each item priced on its own line. If something unexpected turns up once walls are open, it is written up as a change order for your approval before any extra work is done.
Can I keep living at home during a kitchen remodel?
Many people do. We plan a temporary setup with you and keep dust and debris contained to the work area as much as the job allows.
Related services
Tell Robert about your project.
Call, email or send an estimate request with photos. You deal directly with the person running your job.