Kitchen remodeling in Chicago: what it could cost and how to do it right

Contractor for Roselle, Schaumburg, Elmhurst & Wheaton — Chicago’s northwest suburbs and beyond

Why a smart kitchen remodel pays you back

The kitchen isn’t just where meals get made, it’s where kids finish school projects, guests gather, and resale value is won or lost.

A well-planned remodel delivers daily livability now and a healthy slice of its cost back when you sell. Rushing in without a clear roadmap, on the other hand, can blow budgets, stretch timelines, and leave you with cabinets that slam and layouts that still don’t flow.

How much should you budget?

(*approximate 2025 ranges)

Recent Cost vs. Value data for the East-North-Central region and published contractor estimates put Chicago-area kitchen projects in three broad tiers.

Use these ranges as a starting point, not a promise; your final number will rise or fall with size, finish level, and site conditions.

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*Source: 2024 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report (East North Central) plus regional contractor pricing guides. Figures are averages, expect variance.

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Four cost drivers you control

1. Layout changes
   Moving plumbing / gas lines adds time and trades.
2. Cabinet quality
   Stock, semi-custom, and full custom can triple pricing.
3. Countertop material  
   Laminate saves money -  quartzite and Dekton command the top end.
4. Appliance package
   A slide-in range keeps budgets steady,  a 48-inch pro range does not.

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Timeline reality check

The typical durations below come from Chicago-area contractors and village permitting desks.

Your project may run shorter or longer, but these numbers give a ballpark sense of what’s ahead.

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*Based on an average 200 sq ft mid-range remodel. Structural moves or specialty finishes add time.

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Step-by-step: doing it right the first time

1. Define the “why.” More storage? Better flow? Higher resale? Nail this early.
2. Set a realistic budget window, then add a 10 % contingency.
3. Lock finishes before demo so lead times don’t stall progress.
4. Pull permits. Most suburbs require them for electrical or layout changes.
5. Schedule milestone walk-throughs (post-demo, cabinet set, final).
6. Plan for cooking, cleaning, and storage during the makeover.
7. Collect a warranty packet - manuals, paint codes, appliance registrations.

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Shortcuts to skip

• Re-using undersized wiring for new loads.
  Fails inspections, sometimes appliances.
• Skipping proper venting.
  Steam-soaked cabinets warp fast.
• Cheap box cabinets in a high-traffic family hub.
  Hinges and finishes show wear early.
• No contingency fund.
  Hidden plumbing or sub-floor surprises pop up once demo starts.

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How CHR keeps kitchen remodels on track

• Design-build clarity
  One team from first sketch to final wipe-down.
• Personal involvement
  Owner John Chioros and his dedicated team review every layout, rough-in, and punch-list.
• Trusted trade partners
  Electricians, plumbers, and tile pros who meet our standards.
• Itemised, honest quotes
  Clear numbers, no hidden add-ons.
• Schedule integrity
  Milestones agreed and met.

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Ready to cook up your dream kitchen? Let’s get talking!

Book a no-pressure consultation and you can get:

• A ballpark budget based on current regional pricing.
• A realistic timeline that works around your family’s calendar.
• A site visit with layout recommendations.

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