A kitchen remodel is one of the biggest projects you can take on in your home, and in Lake Forest it comes with its own considerations: older vintage greystones and two-flats with tight footprints, condos with building rules and elevator reservations, and city permit requirements. We handle full kitchen remodels across the city, coordinating design, demolition, trades, and finishes so you are not juggling a dozen separate contractors.
Cabinets
Cabinets set the look, storage, and much of the budget for a kitchen. Options range from stock and semi-custom lines to fully custom cabinetry built to your exact dimensions. Semi-custom is often the sweet spot for Lake Forest kitchens, offering a wide choice of door styles, finishes, and sizes without custom lead times.
We plan storage around how you actually cook: deep drawers for pots, pull-out pantries, trash and recycling pull-outs, and cabinets that run to the ceiling to make the most of narrow rooms. Hardware, soft-close hinges, and interior organizers are chosen at the design stage so everything is ordered together.
Countertops
Popular countertop choices include quartz, granite, quartzite, marble, and solid surface. Quartz is a common choice for its durability and low maintenance. Natural stone brings unique veining but may need periodic sealing. We help you compare materials side by side, then schedule templating after cabinets are installed so the fit is precise. Backsplash tile, edge profiles, and sink cutouts are all decided before fabrication.
Layouts
Many Lake Forest kitchens were designed decades ago and feel closed off or cramped. A remodel can open a wall to the dining room, add an island or peninsula, or rework a galley layout for better flow. Moving plumbing, gas, or load-bearing walls is possible but adds cost and may require structural review and permits, so we discuss these trade-offs early.
- Galley: efficient for narrow spaces common in condos and vintage apartments.
- L-shaped: flexible and easy to pair with a small island or table.
- U-shaped: maximum counter and storage space in a defined room.
- Island or peninsula: extra prep space, seating, and storage in open plans.
Lighting
Good kitchen lighting is layered. Recessed ceiling lights provide general light, under-cabinet lighting brightens work surfaces, and pendants over an island add both task light and style. We plan switch locations, dimmers, and outlet placement with the layout so the finished room works as well as it looks. Electrical updates are common in older homes and are completed to code.
Flooring
Kitchen floors need to handle spills, foot traffic, and Lake Forest winters tracked in on boots. Porcelain tile, luxury vinyl plank, and engineered or solid hardwood are all common choices. If you are opening the kitchen to adjacent rooms, we look at how the new floor transitions to existing flooring.
What affects the cost of a kitchen remodel
Every kitchen is different, which is why we quote after seeing your space. The main cost factors are:
- Size of the kitchen and how many cabinets and linear feet of countertop are needed.
- Cabinet grade: stock, semi-custom, or custom.
- Countertop material and the amount of fabrication.
- Layout changes, especially moving plumbing, gas lines, or walls.
- Appliances, whether you reuse existing ones or upgrade.
- Condition of the existing space: older wiring, plumbing, or subfloor issues found during demolition.
- Permits and building requirements, including condo association rules.
During your free in-home estimate we talk through your goals and budget range, then prepare a written quote so you know what is included before you commit.
Typical timeline
Timelines depend on scope and material lead times. As a general outline, a full kitchen remodel moves through these phases:
- Estimate and design: measurements, layout, and material selections.
- Ordering and permits: cabinets and materials are ordered and any required permits are filed.
- Construction: demolition, rough plumbing and electrical, drywall, cabinets, countertops, tile, and fixtures.
- Final walkthrough: we review every detail with you before the project is complete.
Your quote includes an estimated schedule based on your specific project, and we keep you updated along the way.
Start with a free in-home estimate
Call (224) 459-1991 or request your free estimate online. Also planning a bathroom? See our bathroom remodeling services.