Kitchen Remodeling FAQs
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
It depends on the scope of the work. Construction for most kitchens takes three to six months. Cosmetic updates like new countertops, backsplash and appliances can be finished in three to five weeks. Kitchens with moved walls, plumbing or electrical typically take four to six months, and full gut renovations that open up the first floor can run six months or more.\
Design, selections and permitting come before construction. That stage is usually shorter for a kitchen than for an addition, but it's worth starting a few months before you'd like work to begin. To keep things moving, we finalize cabinetry, countertops and other selections during design and schedule each planning meeting before the last one ends, so materials are ordered on time and construction never waits on a decision.
Learn more in our kitchen remodel timeline guide.
What does a kitchen remodel cost in the Chicago suburbs?
It depends on your kitchen and your home, which is why a neighbor's project is rarely a fair comparison. The biggest cost drivers are layout changes (moving walls, adding beams, rerouting plumbing or ductwork), adding square footage, the age of the home and what must be brought up to code, and your choice of cabinetry, countertops, tile and appliances.
Plan for costs beyond construction too: design fees, permits (typically 2–3% of the project cost), a possible property tax reassessment, and meals out while your kitchen is offline. Keeping the existing layout where it works, choosing durable materials and bundling behind-the-wall upgrades all help control cost. We work through these choices during design, so your fixed-price proposal reflects your actual kitchen rather than a generic estimate.
Learn more in our guide to budgeting for a remodel in the Chicago area.
What's the advantage of hiring a design-build kitchen remodeling contractor?
With the traditional approach, you hire a designer, then take the plans out for bids and hope a separate contractor can build them for your budget. Design-build puts design, pricing and construction with one team. Because the the same team pricing your kitchen helped design it, you get a fixed-price proposal based on finished plans and real trade bids, not a guess.
Selections are finalized during design, so materials are ordered on time. One team handles permits and coordinates every trade, and our own field crew keeps tighter control of the schedule than a contractor who relies only on subcontractors. You have one dedicated project manager and one team accountable from the first sketch to the final walkthrough.
Learn more about design-build vs. traditional remodeling.
Can we live at home during the remodel?
Yes, and most of our clients do. We seal the kitchen off with a zippered plastic dust wall and protect your floors along the route our crew uses, so the rest of the house stays clean and livable. Most families set up a temporary kitchen in a basement, wet bar or dining room with a microwave, mini fridge and a few countertop appliances, and we’ll help you plan where it goes. You’ll have a clear schedule and an online project portal with daily updates, our crew cleans up at the end of every day, and we can plan the loudest work, like demolition, around your calendar. For more tips, read our guide to renovating a house while living in it.
What areas do you serve?
We remodel kitchens throughout Chicago's north and northwest suburbs, including Barrington, Arlington Heights, Glenview, Northbrook, Winnetka and surrounding communities.
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