Kitchen Additions in Crystal Lake, IL

When a Crystal Lake kitchen needs more room, not just new cabinets

If you have already tried every layout on paper and the room is still too small, an addition may be the answer. We check what your Crystal Lake lot and zoning allow, design the new space with the kitchen, and build both as one project.

Single-family homes with yard to spare

If your lot has room behind the house, a rear kitchen addition with a family room or mudroom can solve several problems at once.

A 1990s kitchen on a slab or crawlspace

1990s homes often sit on a slab or crawlspace, which shapes how the addition's foundation and plumbing connect. We plan that tie-in up front.

More appliances than the electrical panel can take

A bigger kitchen often means more circuits: an extra oven, a second dishwasher, island outlets and more lighting. We check the panel and upgrade service if needed.

Heating and cooling the new space

New square footage needs heat and air. We extend ductwork from the existing system when it has capacity, or add a separate unit when it doesn't.

Dark kitchen with one small window

Bump-outs bring in light: a row of windows, a glass door to the yard or a skylight over the new section changes how the whole kitchen feels.

Worried about living through construction

We build the shell first and break through the old wall late in the project, which keeps the time without a kitchen as short as possible.

Second cook, second sink, no space

Households where two people cook at once often want a prep sink or a second oven, and there's no wall left for them. The new square footage makes room.

Kitchen too small for an island or table

There is no layout that puts a table in a kitchen that is two feet too short. An addition along the back wall adds that missing depth.

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What the project covers

Feasibility and zoning checkWe review the lot, setbacks, coverage limits and existing structure before design starts.
Design and permit drawingsFloor plans, elevations and structural details, sealed by a licensed architect or engineer when the village requires it.
Permits and plan reviewPermit filing, any corrections the village asks for and inspections through final.
Excavation and foundationUtilities located, footings dug below frost depth and a foundation poured or built to match the house.
Framing and roof tie-inFloor, walls and roof framed and tied into the existing structure, with flashing at every joint.
Windows, doors and exterior finishExterior cladding, windows and an entry door that blend with the original home.
Grading, gutters and drainageSoil regraded away from the new walls, gutters and downspouts extended so water stays clear of the foundation.

Finishes and options

Bump-outA modest extension of the kitchen wall that adds depth without a full addition.

Windows and patio doorsGlass is often the reason to build out: windows on the new walls and a door to the yard.

Full foundation vs. slab vs. piersWe match the foundation type to the house and the size of the addition, always below frost depth.

Banquettes and built-in seatingBuilt-in benches along the new windows make a compact eating nook with storage underneath.

Matching exterior materialsCladding and roofing chosen so the addition reads as part of the original home.

What the work looks like in Crystal Lake homes

Kitchen Additions in a 1980s-1990s two-story colonial / tract house — before — Kitchen Additions in a two-story colonial from the 1990s, Crystal Lake

The site: a two-story colonial from the 1990s near The Villages. Before: white thermofoil cabinets peeling at the edges, oak trim, white ceramic tile with dark stained grout lines and a brass chandelier over the nook. The main complaint was a kitchen too small for the family to eat in. The result: the kitchen extended by a 10-ft bump-out with a row of new windows and a dining area, cabinets in deep olive with polished nickel pulls, warm walnut butcher block counters, black-and-white checkerboard tile flooring through the old and new space and recessed lights and under-cabinet LED strips. Work included design and permit drawings, excavation and foundation, plus framing and roof tie-in.

Kitchen Additions in a 1980s-1990s two-story colonial / tract house — in progress — Kitchen Additions in a two-story colonial from the 1990s, Crystal Lake

The site: a two-story colonial from the 1990s near The Villages. Before: white thermofoil cabinets peeling at the edges, oak trim, white ceramic tile with dark stained grout lines and a brass chandelier over the nook. The main complaint was a kitchen too small for the family to eat in. The result: the kitchen extended by a 10-ft bump-out with a row of new windows and a dining area, cabinets in deep olive with polished nickel pulls, warm walnut butcher block counters, black-and-white checkerboard tile flooring through the old and new space and recessed lights and under-cabinet LED strips. Work included design and permit drawings, excavation and foundation, plus framing and roof tie-in.

Kitchen Additions project in Elgin, before — Kitchen Additions in a 1990s two-story colonial, Elgin

A 1990s two-story colonial in Elgin, a typical kitchen for Elgin. What we started with: honey-oak cathedral raised-panel cabinets with worn finish near the handles, brass knobs, almond laminate with a backsplash lip and a fluorescent box light in the ceiling. The main complaint was a small, dark kitchen with no room for a table. The result: the kitchen extended by a 10-ft bump-out with a row of new windows and a dining area, cabinets in light sand beige with unlacquered brass knobs and cup pulls, warm walnut butcher block counters, light oak luxury vinyl plank flooring through the old and new space and black cage pendants and slim recessed lights. On site this meant feasibility and zoning check, framing and roof tie-in, plus grading, gutters and drainage.
Kitchen Additions in Elgin →

Kitchen Additions project in Elgin, after — Kitchen Additions in a 1990s two-story colonial, Elgin

A 1990s two-story colonial in Elgin, a typical kitchen for Elgin. What we started with: honey-oak cathedral raised-panel cabinets with worn finish near the handles, brass knobs, almond laminate with a backsplash lip and a fluorescent box light in the ceiling. The main complaint was a small, dark kitchen with no room for a table. The result: the kitchen extended by a 10-ft bump-out with a row of new windows and a dining area, cabinets in light sand beige with unlacquered brass knobs and cup pulls, warm walnut butcher block counters, light oak luxury vinyl plank flooring through the old and new space and black cage pendants and slim recessed lights. On site this meant feasibility and zoning check, framing and roof tie-in, plus grading, gutters and drainage.
Kitchen Additions in Elgin →

Kitchen Additions project in Hoffman Estates, before — Hoffman Estates kitchen, 1970s split-level: kitchen additions

A 1970s split-level in Hoffman Estates, a typical kitchen for Hoffman Estates. The kitchen as it was: dark stained oak cabinets with wide face frames and a scalloped wood valance over the sink, harvest-gold laminate and a large fluorescent light box. The main complaint was no space to eat together and too little daylight. After: the kitchen extended by a 10-ft bump-out with a row of new windows and a dining area, cabinets in pale mint green with matte black pulls, creamy quartzite-look quartz counters, large-format light stone-look porcelain tile flooring through the old and new space and a flush drum fixture and under-cabinet lights. On site this meant feasibility and zoning check, framing and roof tie-in, plus grading, gutters and drainage.
Kitchen Additions in Hoffman Estates →

Kitchen Additions project in Hoffman Estates, after — Hoffman Estates kitchen, 1970s split-level: kitchen additions

A 1970s split-level in Hoffman Estates, a typical kitchen for Hoffman Estates. The kitchen as it was: dark stained oak cabinets with wide face frames and a scalloped wood valance over the sink, harvest-gold laminate and a large fluorescent light box. The main complaint was no space to eat together and too little daylight. After: the kitchen extended by a 10-ft bump-out with a row of new windows and a dining area, cabinets in pale mint green with matte black pulls, creamy quartzite-look quartz counters, large-format light stone-look porcelain tile flooring through the old and new space and a flush drum fixture and under-cabinet lights. On site this meant feasibility and zoning check, framing and roof tie-in, plus grading, gutters and drainage.
Kitchen Additions in Hoffman Estates →

Kitchen Design & Layout Planning project near Crystal Lake, before — Crystal Lake kitchen, 1980s two-story: kitchen design & layout planning

A new layout with an island, cabinets in white uppers and dusty blue lowers, warm walnut butcher block counters and recessed lights and under-cabinet LED strips.
Kitchen Design & Layout Planning in Crystal Lake →

Kitchen Design & Layout Planning project near Crystal Lake, after — Crystal Lake kitchen, 1980s two-story: kitchen design & layout planning

A new layout with an island, cabinets in white uppers and dusty blue lowers, warm walnut butcher block counters and recessed lights and under-cabinet LED strips.
Kitchen Design & Layout Planning in Crystal Lake →

Accessible Kitchen Remodeling project near Crystal Lake, before — Crystal Lake kitchen, two-story colonial from the 1990s: accessible kitchen remodeling

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 Crystal Lake →

Accessible Kitchen Remodeling project near Crystal Lake, after — Crystal Lake kitchen, two-story colonial from the 1990s: accessible kitchen remodeling

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 Crystal Lake →

From first visit to final walk-through

Site visit and feasibilityA visit to measure the house and lot and confirm an addition is possible.
Design and estimatePlans, elevations and a line-item quote for the full project.
Permit and plan reviewPermit application, review comments and approval before any digging.
Building the shellFoundation, framing, roof, windows and exterior, with inspections at each stage.
Connecting and finishingWe open the old wall, finish the mechanical work and install the new kitchen.

Book an estimate (708) 400-7049 Request a callback

Kitchen Additions questions from Crystal Lake homeowners

Do you work with an architect?

For larger additions, yes. We coordinate the architect or engineer so you deal with one contractor.

Will the addition match the rest of the house?

We design it to look original from inside and outside, with matched materials and continuous floors.

What does a kitchen addition cost?

It depends on the size, the foundation type, the roof tie-in, the mechanical work and the kitchen inside it. We give a written, itemized estimate after the visit.

Will the addition change my property taxes?

Added square footage is often reflected in your assessment. Your township assessor can explain how improvements are handled.

Can I stay in the house during construction?

Yes, most families do. The addition is built outside, and the old kitchen stays usable until we open the wall.

Do I need historic review for kitchen addition in Crystal Lake?

Crystal Lake has locally reviewed areas, including e.g., Colonel Palmer House and Dole Mansion). Exterior changes there can need review; interior-only work usually does not. We check before anything changes on the outside.

Which Crystal Lake homes do you most often see for kitchen addition?

In Crystal Lake we see Many older lakeshore homes varying in size and style and Downtown homes range in size and age. Each comes with its own walls, wiring and plumbing, and we plan the job around them.

What is the Crystal Lake building department phone number?

Permits go through City of Crystal Lake Community Development - Building Division (ezAPP online permits), phone (815) 356-3605. When your scope needs one, we prepare the application and schedule the inspections.

Crystal Lake plumbing code: who can do the plumbing for kitchen addition?

Plumbing work requires a copy of the plumber's license, State plumbing contractor registration, and an original plumber's letter of intent (notarized or with corporate seal). Our plumbing connections are made by licensed plumbers.

Do I need a permit for kitchen addition in Crystal Lake?

It depends on the scope. Crystal Lake's rule in short: Kitchen alteration handout (Nov 2019) requires a contractor list and two sets of plans showing floor plans, electrical layout, structure and plumbing changes; inspections for rough electrical, plumbing, framing, insulation and final. We handle the permit when one is needed with City of Crystal Lake Community Development - Building Division.

Do you work in my part of Crystal Lake?

Yes. Our crews work across Crystal Lake, including Downtown, Coventry, Four Colonies, The Villages — ZIP 60014, 60012, 60098 — and nearby Lake Zurich, Elgin, Hoffman Estates.

Working in Crystal Lake

A lot of Crystal Lake kitchens date from the 1990s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
Most Crystal Lake homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
Live in a historic district? Interior kitchen work is usually not reviewed. We check before anything touches the exterior.

DowntownCoventryFour ColoniesThe VillagesWedgewoodBurtons Bridge

ZIP 60014ZIP 60012ZIP 60098