1990s openings sized for old appliances
Appliance openings from the 1990s rarely match current models. We adjust the cabinets around them and keep the rest intact.
Serving Batavia & nearby Geneva, St. Charles
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Batavia, IL
We cut, resize and rebuild the cabinets you already have in Batavia so a new fridge, range or dishwasher fits and the kitchen works better.
- Serving Batavia ZIP 60510, 60539
- Installed level, sealed and tested before we leave
- Clear price for the install before the visit
Cabinet changes Batavia owners ask us for
Most kitchens in Batavia were built around appliances that are smaller than what stores sell today. We modify the existing cabinets so a taller fridge, a wider range or a panel-ready dishwasher fits, and we finish the cut edges so the change looks original.
Removing an upper for open shelves
Swapping a wall cabinet for a few floating shelves lightens a kitchen. The neighboring cabinets get finished sides so the change looks planned.
New refrigerator is too tall for the opening
Many newer fridges are taller than the cabinet above the old one allows. We raise or shorten that upper cabinet and reset it so the new unit slides in with proper air space.
Want a counter-depth or built-in look
If the fridge looks like it is floating in front of the cabinets, a surround of panels and a deeper upper cabinet frames it properly.
No place for the microwave
We can build a microwave shelf into a tall pantry, a base cabinet or the space above the range, depending on your model and wiring.
Switching to a wider range
A larger range needs a wider opening in both the cabinets and the counter. We plan which side gives up width and rebuild that cabinet to its new size.
Unfinished or damaged end panels
An end panel with a recessed or Shaker detail makes the side of a run look intentional. We cut it to fit and match the finish.
Wasted space at fillers and corners
Wide filler strips can sometimes be replaced with a narrow pull-out or a spice rack. We check what the opening allows before cutting.
What the install includes
- Removing doors, fillers or a cabinetWe detach the parts that are in the way and keep anything that can be reused.
- Cutting and rebuilding the boxesBoxes are cut to the new size and rebuilt with new sides, bottoms or face frame pieces as needed.
- Raising or shortening uppersUpper cabinets over the fridge or range are lifted or cut down and reattached to the wall framing.
- Panels, fillers and trimNew end panels, fillers, scribe and toe-kick are fitted where the cabinets were changed.
- Drawers and shelvesNew drawer boxes, slides and fronts or a fixed microwave shelf are installed in the modified cabinet.
- Matching the finishWe color-match new wood to your cabinets and tell you up front if an exact match is not possible.
- Appliance fit check and cleanupWe confirm the appliance fits with the needed clearances, then clean the work area.
What to pick before the install
Matching face frame stockHardwood strips milled to match the existing face frames in width and species.
Paint and stain for new partsWe finish new pieces with the same type of coating the cabinets have, tinted to match.
Moldings and fillersCrown, scribe molding, applied door trim and filler strips in matching profiles.
Cabinet-grade plywoodUsed for rebuilt sides, bottoms and shelves because it holds screws well and resists sagging.
Microwave and spice pull-out insertsShelf kits, pull-out spice racks and tray dividers that fit modified openings.
Before and after: kitchens near Batavia
Before
Installed
DetailBefore and after: a 1990s two-story colonial in Batavia
This one is a 1990s two-story colonial in Batavia. What we started with: golden-oak cabinets with oak soffits above and black appliances. What bothered the owners most: cabinets built around appliances that no longer exist. The result: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. The job covered removing doors, fillers or a cabinet, cutting and rebuilding the boxes, plus panels, fillers and trim.
Before
AfterBefore and after: a two-story colonial from the 1990s in St. Charles
A two-story colonial from the 1990s in St. Charles, a typical kitchen for St. Charles. What we started with: honey-oak cathedral raised-panel cabinets with worn finish near the handles, brass knobs and almond appliances. What bothered the owners most: cabinets built around appliances that no longer exist. The result: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. The job covered raising or shortening uppers, matching the finish, plus appliance fit check and cleanup.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in St. Charles →
Before
AfterA Batavia 1980s two-story: before and after
A lowered charcoal concrete-look quartz counter section with knee space under the sink, cabinets in light greige with brushed nickel bar pulls, pull-down shelves in the uppers, drawers instead of base doors, a side-opening wall oven, a lever faucet and a flush drum fixture and under-cabinet lights.
Accessible Kitchen Remodeling in Batavia →
Before
AfterBatavia kitchen, 1990s two-story colonial: kitchen remodeling
What changed: cabinets in pale sage with unlacquered brass knobs and cup pulls, charcoal concrete-look quartz counters, a terracotta-look square tile backsplash, light oak hardwood flooring and black cage pendants and slim recessed lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Batavia →
Before
AfterA Batavia two-story colonial from the 1990s: before and after
Finished: the same doors sprayed in forest green, new satin brass pulls; counters and floor stayed as they were.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting in Batavia →How the install goes
- Visit and measureWe look at the cabinets, the new appliance specs and what you want to change.
- Plan and estimateWe explain the approach, any limits on finish matching and the price in writing.
- Parts preparedAnything custom is built ahead so the on-site time stays short.
- On-site workMost modifications are finished on site in one or two working days.
- Fit checkThe appliance goes in, we adjust everything and walk through it with you.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification questions from Batavia homeowners
Can you add soft-close to old cabinets?
Often. Many concealed hinges accept soft-close adapters or can be swapped, and drawer slides can be replaced with soft-close ones.
What is the cheapest way to upgrade kitchen cabinets?
Keep the boxes and change what bothers you most, such as adding drawers or a microwave shelf. Paint or new doors can follow later.
Can my cabinets be cut for a bigger fridge?
Often, yes. Most of the time we raise or shorten the cabinet above and remove a filler or narrow cabinet beside it.
Will the new parts match my cabinets?
We match paint closely. Stained wood is harder; color and grain can differ slightly, and we tell you before work starts.
Should I modify or replace my cabinets?
If most of the kitchen works, modifying a few cabinets is the sensible step. We will tell you if replacement makes more sense.
Do I need a permit for cabinet modification in Batavia?
It depends on the scope. Batavia's rule in short: Building permits are required for all construction; a Residential Alteration handout is available. We handle the permit when one is needed with City of Batavia Community & Economic Development - Building Division.
Do you work in my part of Batavia?
Yes. Our crews work across Batavia — ZIP 60510, 60539 — and nearby Geneva, St. Charles, West Chicago.
Working in Batavia
- A lot of Batavia kitchens date from the 1990s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Batavia homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- Live in the Downtown Historic District? Interior kitchen work is usually not reviewed. We check before anything touches the exterior.
ZIP 60510ZIP 60539
Kitchen Cabinet Modification nearby
Other kitchen services in Batavia
Kitchen Cabinet & Drawer RepairHinges, drawer slides and water-damaged sink bases fixed.
Pull-Out Shelves & Cabinet OrganizersRoll-out shelves and organizers built to fit your existing cabinets.
Accessible Kitchen RemodelingKitchens that work for every age and ability.
Kitchen RemodelingFull kitchen remodels, from layout to last cabinet pull.
Kitchen Cabinet PaintingFactory-smooth painted cabinets without replacing them.