pre-1940 openings sized for old appliances
Cabinets from the pre-1940 were built around appliance sizes that have since grown. We resize those openings rather than replacing every cabinet.
Serving Elgin & nearby St. Charles, Bartlett
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Elgin, IL
We cut, resize and rebuild the cabinets you already have in Elgin so a new fridge, range or dishwasher fits and the kitchen works better.
- Installers working in Elgin ZIP 60123, 60124, 60120, 60140
- Hookups by licensed trades where the code calls for it
- Old unit hauled away on request
Cabinet changes Elgin owners ask us for
Most kitchens in Elgin 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.
Wasted space at fillers and corners
Some fillers are there for door clearance and must stay. Others can be turned into narrow storage, and we tell you which is which.
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.
Flat doors that look plain
Simple slab doors can take applied trim to create a Shaker-style frame. We cut, glue and fill the molding, then the doors are painted to match.
No place for the microwave
Getting the microwave off the counter usually means converting one cabinet into an open shelf sized for it, plus an outlet added by an electrician.
Uppers that stop short of the ceiling
If there is open space over the uppers, we can fill it with stacked cabinets or a taller crown detail that matches the doors.
New refrigerator is too tall for the opening
If the hinge on top of the new fridge hits the cabinet above, the upper box can be cut down or lifted. We rebuild its bottom and rehang the doors so it still looks factory-made.
Base cabinets with doors instead of drawers
Deep base cabinets with a door and one shelf waste space. We convert them into stacks of drawers with new boxes, slides and matching fronts.
What the install includes
- Measuring the appliance and openingWe check the new appliance's spec sheet against the actual opening, including clearances and door swing.
- Protecting the counters and floorWe lay protection on the floor and tape off counters and adjacent doors.
- Cutting and rebuilding the boxesWe resize each cabinet and reinforce it so it is as solid as before.
- 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.
Models, parts and fittings
Paint and stain for new partsWe finish new pieces with the same type of coating the cabinets have, tinted to match.
Moldings and fillersTrim pieces that cover cuts and gaps and tie modified cabinets into the rest.
Cabinet-grade plywoodUsed for rebuilt sides, bottoms and shelves because it holds screws well and resists sagging.
Appliance panels and trim kitsCustom fronts for panel-ready appliances and trim kits for built-in microwaves.
Drawer boxes and slidesWe fit sturdy drawer boxes with slides rated for heavy pots.
Before and after: kitchens near Elgin
Before
Installed
DetailBefore and after: a two-story colonial from the 1990s in Elgin
The site: a two-story colonial from the 1990s near Downtown. The kitchen as it was: white thermofoil cabinets peeling at the edges, oak trim and white appliances. The main complaint was cabinets built around appliances that no longer exist. Finished kitchen: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. The job covered measuring the appliance and opening, protecting the counters and floor, plus matching the finish.
Before
AfterKitchen Cabinet Modification in a two-story colonial from the 1990s, St. Charles
A two-story colonial from the 1990s in St. Charles, a typical kitchen for St. Charles. The kitchen as it was: honey-oak cathedral raised-panel cabinets with worn finish near the handles, brass knobs and almond appliances. The main complaint was an appliance upgrade the old cabinets could not take. The result: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. The job covered protecting the counters and floor, cutting and rebuilding the boxes, plus drawers and shelves.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in St. Charles →
Before
AfterBartlett kitchen, two-story colonial from the 1990s: kitchen cabinet modification
A two-story colonial from the 1990s in Bartlett, a typical kitchen for Bartlett. Before: golden-oak cabinets with oak soffits above and black appliances. The reason for the call: a new refrigerator that would not fit the old opening. The result: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. The job covered cutting and rebuilding the boxes, drawers and shelves, plus matching the finish.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Bartlett →
Before
AfterAn Elgin 1990s two-story colonial: 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 Elgin →
Before
AfterAn Elgin 1980s two-story: before and after
Cabinets in white uppers and deep green lowers with unlacquered brass knobs and cup pulls, warm walnut butcher block counters, a green zellige-look tile backsplash, warm oak luxury vinyl plank flooring and recessed lights and under-cabinet LED strips.
Kitchen Remodeling in Elgin →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 workCutting, rebuilding and fitting usually take a day or two, depending on the change.
- Fit checkThe appliance goes in, we adjust everything and walk through it with you.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification questions from Elgin homeowners
Can my cabinets be cut for a bigger fridge?
Usually. The upper cabinet is the most common change, and width can come from fillers or a side cabinet.
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.
Can you modify cabinets for a dishwasher?
Yes, including openings for panel-ready models. We coordinate with the plumber and electrician for the connections.
What affects the cost of cabinet modification?
Cabinet construction, the parts that must be made and any trades involved. We put each item in a written estimate.
Is a small cabinet job worth calling about?
Yes. Single-cabinet changes such as raising one upper or adding a microwave shelf are a normal part of our work.
Do I need a Elgin-registered contractor for cabinet modification?
City requires a notarized letter of intent from all licensed contractors; general contractors submit one for each licensed subcontractor. We take care of that before work starts.
Do I need a permit for cabinet modification in Elgin?
It depends on the scope. Elgin's rule in short: No kitchen-specific rule; interior remodeling (including kitchens) uses the general Remodeling Permit Application. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Department (Building permits), City of Elgin, 150 Dexter Court.
Do you work in my part of Elgin?
Yes. Our crews work across Elgin, including Gifford Park, West Side, Downtown — ZIP 60123, 60124, 60120, 60140 — and nearby St. Charles, Bartlett, Hoffman Estates.
Working in Elgin
- A lot of Elgin kitchens date from the pre-1940. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Elgin homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- Live in the Spring-Douglas Historic District? Interior kitchen work is usually not reviewed. We check before anything touches the exterior.
Gifford ParkWest SideDowntown
ZIP 60123ZIP 60124ZIP 60120ZIP 60140
Kitchen Cabinet Modification nearby
Other kitchen services in Elgin
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.