1970s openings sized for old appliances
Kitchens from that era often have a fridge nook and range gap that are too small now. Targeted cabinet work fixes the fit.
Serving Glendale Heights & nearby Bloomingdale, Carol Stream
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Glendale Heights, IL
We cut, resize and rebuild the cabinets you already have in Glendale Heights so a new fridge, range or dishwasher fits and the kitchen works better.
- Installers working in Glendale Heights ZIP 60139
- Hookups by licensed trades where the code calls for it
- Old unit hauled away on request
Cabinet changes Glendale Heights owners ask us for
Most kitchens in Glendale Heights 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.
Condo kitchens with tight appliance spaces
In a condo every inch counts. We gain space by trimming fillers and reworking one cabinet instead of rebuilding the run.
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.
Adding a dishwasher to an older kitchen
Some older kitchens never had a dishwasher. We remove a base cabinet next to the sink, frame a standard opening and finish the sides for the new unit.
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.
Switching to a wider range
Moving from a 30-inch to a 36-inch range means taking width from the base cabinets beside it. We cut and rebuild those boxes and coordinate the countertop cut.
Uppers that stop short of the ceiling
A gap above the wall cabinets collects dust and wastes storage. We add short stacked cabinets or tall trim so the uppers run to the ceiling.
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.
What we hook up and check
- Measuring the appliance and openingBefore any cut, we compare the manufacturer's cutout dimensions with what the cabinets really measure.
- Removing doors, fillers or a cabinetDoors, fillers or a whole cabinet come out carefully so the neighbors are not damaged.
- 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 shelvesWe fit the new drawers or shelves and adjust them to run smoothly.
- Matching the finishNew parts are painted or stained to match the existing cabinets as closely as the old finish allows.
- Coordinating other tradesIf an outlet, water line or gas line has to move, we schedule a licensed trade around our work.
What to pick before the install
Paint and stain for new partsCabinet-grade paint or stain mixed to your existing finish, sprayed for a smooth surface.
Microwave and spice pull-out insertsReady-made inserts for narrow spaces: tray dividers, spice pull-outs and microwave shelves.
Matching face frame stockWe use the same wood species as your frames when we rebuild an edge.
Finished end and refrigerator panelsPanels come in paint-grade or stain-grade versions to suit your cabinets.
Appliance panels and trim kitsCustom fronts for panel-ready appliances and trim kits for built-in microwaves.
Before and after: kitchens near Glendale Heights
Before
Installed
DetailKitchen Cabinet Modification in a 1980s two-story, Glendale Heights
A 1980s two-story in Glendale Heights, a typical kitchen for Glendale Heights. 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. On site this meant panels, fillers and trim, drawers and shelves, plus matching the finish.
Before
AfterKitchen Cabinet Modification in a two-story colonial from the 1990s, Carol Stream
This one is a two-story colonial from the 1990s in Carol Stream. Before: golden-oak cabinets with oak soffits above and black 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. On site this meant removing doors, fillers or a cabinet, panels, fillers and trim, plus coordinating other trades.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Carol Stream →
Before
AfterBefore and after: a 1990s two-story colonial in Glen Ellyn
This one is a 1990s two-story colonial in Glen Ellyn. Before: honey-oak cathedral raised-panel cabinets with worn finish near the handles, brass knobs and almond 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. On site this meant raising or shortening uppers, drawers and shelves, plus matching the finish.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Glen Ellyn →
Before
AfterA Glendale Heights 1980s two-story: before and after
Finished: a lowered charcoal concrete-look quartz counter section with knee space under the sink, cabinets in deep burgundy 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 Glendale Heights →
Before
AfterGlendale Heights kitchen, two-story colonial from the 1990s: kitchen remodeling
Finished: cabinets in light butter yellow with satin brass pulls, warm walnut butcher block counters, a gray beveled subway tile backsplash, black-and-white checkerboard tile flooring and two glass pendants and recessed lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Glendale Heights →Install day
- Visit and measureAt the visit we measure the openings and check how the cabinets are built.
- Plan and estimateWe explain the approach, any limits on finish matching and the price in writing.
- Parts preparedPanels, fronts and drawer boxes are made or ordered to size.
- 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 Glendale Heights homeowners
Should I modify or replace my cabinets?
Targeted changes make sense for sound cabinets. Widespread damage or a new layout points toward replacement.
Can you add soft-close to old cabinets?
Yes, in many cases. Exposed or older hinges may need replacing with concealed hinges and some drilling.
Can you modify existing kitchen cabinets?
In most kitchens, yes. Face-frame and frameless cabinets can both be resized, though the method differs.
Can you add a microwave shelf to my cabinets?
Usually. The microwave model, its ventilation needs and the nearest outlet decide where the shelf can go.
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.
Glendale Heights contractor registration: do kitchen contractors need it?
Contractors must be licensed with the Village before working; $20,000 surety/license bond required. We take care of that before work starts.
Can you do cabinet modification in a Glendale Heights condo?
Associations usually set rules for work hours, elevators, deliveries and insurance, and many require approval for plumbing, electrical or structural changes. We provide the certificate of insurance and follow the building's rules.
Do I need a permit for cabinet modification in Glendale Heights?
It depends on the scope. Glendale Heights's rule in short: Permits required for most construction projects; a Residential Remodel/Alteration application exists; call Community Development if unsure. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Department.
Do you work in my part of Glendale Heights?
Yes. Our crews work across Glendale Heights — ZIP 60139 — and nearby Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Addison.
Working in Glendale Heights
- A lot of Glendale Heights kitchens date from the 1970s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Condo or townhome? We follow association rules on work hours and elevators and bring the insurance certificate your board asks for.
- We know how Community Development Department handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
ZIP 60139
Kitchen Cabinet Modification nearby
Other kitchen services in Glendale Heights
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.