1980s openings sized for old appliances
Appliance openings from the 1980s rarely match current models. We adjust the cabinets around them and keep the rest intact.
Serving Buffalo Grove & nearby Arlington Heights, Palatine
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Buffalo Grove, IL
We cut, resize and rebuild the cabinets you already have in Buffalo Grove so a new fridge, range or dishwasher fits and the kitchen works better.
- Serving Buffalo Grove ZIP 60089
- Installed level, sealed and tested before we leave
- Clear price for the install before the visit
Cabinet changes Buffalo Grove owners ask us for
Most kitchens in Buffalo Grove 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
Taking out one or two wall cabinets for open shelving is a simple change. We patch the wall behind, mount solid shelves and finish the cabinet ends left exposed.
Want a counter-depth or built-in look
A standard-depth fridge sticks out past the counters. We can add deep side panels and a deeper cabinet above so the unit looks set into the cabinetry.
Flat doors that look plain
If you like your cabinets but the doors are too plain, applied trim changes the profile without new doors.
New refrigerator is too tall for the opening
A fridge that is just a little too tall is one of the most common calls we get. The fix is in the cabinet over it, not in buying a smaller appliance.
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.
Base cabinets with doors instead of drawers
We rebuild door-style base cabinets into two or three deep drawers, with fronts made to match the rest of the kitchen.
Adding a dishwasher to an older kitchen
To fit a dishwasher where none existed, a base cabinet near the sink has to go. We take it out cleanly, build the opening and leave it ready for the plumber and electrician.
What we hook up and check
- Removing doors, fillers or a cabinetWe detach the parts that are in the way and keep anything that can be reused.
- Raising or shortening uppersWe reset wall cabinets at the new height and fasten them securely into studs.
- Drawers and shelvesWe fit the new drawers or shelves and adjust them to run smoothly.
- Matching the finishWe color-match new wood to your cabinets and tell you up front if an exact match is not possible.
- Hardware and soft-close partsHinges, slides and pulls on changed cabinets are replaced or reset to match the rest.
- Coordinating other tradesIf an outlet, water line or gas line has to move, we schedule a licensed trade around our work.
- Appliance fit check and cleanupThe new unit is test-fitted, doors are adjusted and the dust leaves with us.
Models, parts and fittings
Matching face frame stockWe use the same wood species as your frames when we rebuild an edge.
Appliance panels and trim kitsCustom fronts for panel-ready appliances and trim kits for built-in microwaves.
Finished end and refrigerator panelsFlat, Shaker or raised panels sized for fridge surrounds, cabinet ends and island sides.
Moldings and fillersTrim pieces that cover cuts and gaps and tie modified cabinets into the rest.
Cabinet-grade plywoodPlywood is our default for new box parts; it is stiffer and handles moisture better than particleboard.
What the work looks like in Buffalo Grove homes
Before
Installed
DetailBefore and after: a 1990s two-story colonial in Buffalo Grove
The site: a 1990s two-story colonial near Green Knolls. What we started with: golden-oak cabinets with oak soffits above and black appliances. What bothered the owners most: a new refrigerator that would not fit the old opening. After: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. Work included removing doors, fillers or a cabinet, drawers and shelves, plus hardware and soft-close parts.
Before
AfterAn Arlington Heights 1990s two-story colonial: before and after
The site: a 1990s two-story colonial in Arlington Heights. The kitchen as it was: honey-oak cathedral raised-panel cabinets with worn finish near the handles, brass knobs and almond appliances. The reason for the call: an appliance upgrade the old cabinets could not take. After: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. Work included raising or shortening uppers, matching the finish, plus appliance fit check and cleanup.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Arlington Heights →
Before
AfterA Lake Zurich 1990s two-story colonial: before and after
A 1990s two-story colonial in Lake Zurich, a typical kitchen for Lake Zurich. Before: white thermofoil cabinets peeling at the edges, oak trim and white appliances. The main complaint was a new refrigerator that would not fit the old opening. After: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. Work included raising or shortening uppers, drawers and shelves, plus appliance fit check and cleanup.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Lake Zurich →
Before
AfterBefore and after: a 1990s two-story colonial in Buffalo Grove
What changed: 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 Buffalo Grove →
Before
AfterA Buffalo Grove 1980s two-story: before and after
Finished: 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 Buffalo Grove →From the old unit to the new one
- Visit and measureWe look at the cabinets, the new appliance specs and what you want to change.
- Plan and estimateYou get a plan of what will be cut and rebuilt and a written estimate.
- Parts preparedAnything custom is built ahead so the on-site time stays short.
- On-site workCutting, rebuilding and fitting usually take a day or two, depending on the change.
- Fit checkWe check clearances and door swings with you before we leave.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification questions from Buffalo Grove homeowners
Is a small cabinet job worth calling about?
Yes. Many of our jobs are one or two cabinets, done in a day.
What affects the cost of cabinet modification?
The number of cabinets changed, whether counters are affected, custom panels or fronts and finish matching. We give a written, itemized estimate after the visit.
Will the new parts match my cabinets?
We aim for a close match and show you a sample when the finish is aged or discontinued.
Do you also install the appliance?
We handle the cabinet side. Hookups that need a plumber, gas fitter or electrician are scheduled with them.
Should I modify or replace my cabinets?
Targeted changes make sense for sound cabinets. Widespread damage or a new layout points toward replacement.
Buffalo Grove contractor registration: do kitchen contractors need it?
All contractors working in the Village must register annually; $75 per trade, no fee for state-licensed contractors. We take care of that before work starts.
Do I need a permit for cabinet modification in Buffalo Grove?
It depends on the scope. Buffalo Grove's rule in short: Permit required to replace or modify a kitchen, including replacing cabinetry; replacing a sink or faucet needs a plumbing permit even in the same location; electrical must meet the 2017 NEC. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Services, Building & Zoning Services.
Do you work in my part of Buffalo Grove?
Yes. Our crews work across Buffalo Grove, including The Highlands, Green Knolls, Windfield, Didier Farms — ZIP 60089 — and nearby Arlington Heights, Palatine, Lake Zurich.
Working in Buffalo Grove
- A lot of Buffalo Grove kitchens date from the 1980s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Buffalo Grove homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Community Development Services, Building & Zoning Services handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
The HighlandsGreen KnollsWindfieldDidier Farms
ZIP 60089
Kitchen Cabinet Modification nearby
Other kitchen services in Buffalo Grove
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.