Kitchen remodeling in Chicago, built around refacing
Keep the layout that works and change what you see. Refacing plus new cabinets, an island, counters, backsplash, sink and lighting, in about 1–2 weeks of on-site work.
Who a refacing-based remodel is for
Our approach to kitchen remodeling in Chicago starts with the cabinets you already have. If the layout works but the kitchen looks dated and is missing a few things, like a pantry, an island or better light, a refacing-based remodel gets you there without tearing the room down to the studs.
We reface the existing cabinets, add or replace the ones that need it, and bring in new countertops, backsplash, sink, faucet and lighting as one coordinated project. Most remodels finish in 1–2 weeks of on-site work.
It’s a good fit if you cook at home, plan to stay in the house a while, and would rather not live through months of construction. It usually makes sense when:
- Your sink, range and refrigerator are where you want them
- You need more storage or more work surface
- Countertops and backsplash are worn or dated
- You want the work done in weeks, not months
What we can change
Everything below can be combined with refacing in a single project, run by one project manager.
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Add or replace cabinets
Extend a run, fill an empty wall or replace a damaged cabinet. New boxes are faced to match the refaced ones.
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Islands
Add an island for prep space, storage and seating, or rework the one you have with new cabinets and a new top.
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Pantry cabinets
A tall pantry cabinet with pull-outs and organizers turns a spare wall or corner into real storage.
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Countertops and backsplash
Quartz, granite, laminate or solid surface, followed by a ceramic, porcelain, glass or stone tile backsplash.
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Sinks and faucets
A new sink and faucet go in on countertop install day, in the same location as the old ones.
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Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting and other lighting updates, planned with your designer so they’re in place before the backsplash goes up.
What we don’t do
We don’t move walls, relocate plumbing stacks or reroute gas lines. Those jobs call for a different kind of project. If your plans depend on them, we’ll tell you at the consultation rather than sell you a remodel that won’t get you there.
A typical remodel schedule
Doors and new cabinets are made to order first, about 4–6 weeks from the final measure. On-site work then adds up to 1–2 weeks, with a gap while the countertops are fabricated.
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Design and measure
Free in-home consultation and written quote, then a precision measure by your project manager. Doors and cabinets go into production.
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Cabinets, about 3–5 days
Existing cabinets are refaced, new cabinets and the island are set, and hardware and options go on. Larger projects can run a little longer.
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Countertop template
With the cabinets finished, the countertops are templated. Stone tops take about 7–10 days to fabricate, and there’s no crew in your kitchen during that time.
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Countertops, sink and faucet
The new tops are installed in about a day, along with the new sink and faucet.
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Backsplash and lighting, 1–2 days
Lighting is finished and the tile goes up on the new countertop.
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Final walk-through
Your project manager walks the kitchen with you and takes care of any adjustments before the job is closed out.
Refacing-based remodel vs. a full gut remodel
A gut remodel can change anything. A refacing-based remodel changes what you see and use every day, and keeps what already works.
| Refacing-based remodel | Full gut remodel | |
|---|---|---|
| Existing cabinet boxes | Kept and refaced; some added or replaced | Torn out |
| Layout | Same footprint, plus islands, pantries and added cabinets | Can be completely redesigned |
| Walls, plumbing stacks, gas lines | Stay where they are | Can be moved |
| Demolition | Limited to what’s being replaced | Often down to the studs |
| On-site work | About 1–2 weeks | Often several months |
| Kitchen during the work | Usable most days | Out of service for most of the project |
| Cabinet cost | Refacing typically costs 30–50% less than comparable new cabinets | Full cost of new cabinets |
Every kitchen is different. Your designer leaves a written, itemized quote, with no obligation.
Planning, showrooms and financing
A remodel involves more decisions than refacing alone, and the free consultation is built for that. In about 60–90 minutes your designer measures, brings door samples, finish swatches and hardware, talks through what you want to add, and leaves a written, itemized quote, often the same day.
You can see doors, finishes, countertops and hardware in person at our Wood Dale design center and our showrooms in St. Charles, Madison and New Berlin. Walk-ins are welcome during open hours, and appointments are recommended.
Financing is available through third-party lending partners, subject to credit approval.
Kitchen remodeling questions
Have a question we didn’t answer? Call (630) 555-0140 or send us a note.
How long does a refacing-based remodel take?
Most finish in 1–2 weeks of on-site work. Doors and new cabinets are made to order beforehand, about 4–6 weeks from the final measure, and there’s a gap of about 7–10 days while stone countertops are fabricated.
Can you add an island to my kitchen?
In many kitchens, yes, if there’s enough floor space around it. Your designer measures clearances at the consultation. Since we don’t move plumbing or gas lines, the island is for prep, storage and seating rather than a relocated sink or range.
Can you move my sink or range?
No. We don’t move plumbing stacks or gas lines, so the sink and range stay where they are. A new sink and faucet can go in the same spot.
Can I keep cooking during the remodel?
On most days, yes. Refacing involves no demolition and the appliances stay connected. Expect the sink to be out of service on countertop install day.
Is financing available for a remodel?
Yes, through third-party lending partners, subject to credit approval. Your designer can walk you through the options at the consultation.
See your kitchen with new doors before you commit
A designer comes to your home with door samples, finishes and hardware, measures your cabinets and leaves a written, itemized quote. It’s free, and there’s no pressure to decide that day.
- Tell us a little about your kitchen
- Pick a time for your in-home design visit
- New doors installed in 3–5 days