1970s openings sized for old appliances
Appliance openings from the 1970s rarely match current models. We adjust the cabinets around them and keep the rest intact.
Serving Hoffman Estates & nearby Schaumburg, Hanover Park
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Hoffman Estates, IL
We cut, resize and rebuild the cabinets you already have in Hoffman Estates so a new fridge, range or dishwasher fits and the kitchen works better.
- Installers working in Hoffman Estates ZIP 60192, 60169, 60120, 60010
- Hookups by licensed trades where the code calls for it
- Old unit hauled away on request
Cabinet changes Hoffman Estates owners ask us for
We are cabinet carpenters who handle the small structural changes a kitchen needs between remodels. In Hoffman Estates that usually means making room for a new appliance, adding a microwave shelf or swapping base doors for drawers, without disturbing the rest of the cabinets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Panel-ready dishwasher or fridge
If you want the dishwasher to disappear into the cabinets, we make a matching front and attach it so it lines up with the drawers beside it.
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.
Included with the install
- Measuring the appliance and openingBefore any cut, we compare the manufacturer's cutout dimensions with what the cabinets really measure.
- Protecting the counters and floorCounters, floors and nearby cabinets are covered before we start cutting.
- Removing doors, fillers or a cabinetDoors, fillers or a whole cabinet come out carefully so the neighbors are not damaged.
- Cutting and rebuilding the boxesWe resize each cabinet and reinforce it so it is as solid as before.
- Matching the finishWe color-match new wood to your cabinets and tell you up front if an exact match is not possible.
- Coordinating other tradesElectrical and plumbing changes are booked with licensed trades so the opening is ready on time.
- Appliance fit check and cleanupWe confirm the appliance fits with the needed clearances, then clean the work area.
What to pick before the install
Finished end and refrigerator panelsPanels come in paint-grade or stain-grade versions to suit your cabinets.
Appliance panels and trim kitsFronts and trim for integrated dishwashers, fridges and microwaves, sized to the maker's template.
Drawer boxes and slidesPlywood or dovetail drawer boxes on full-extension, soft-close slides.
Cabinet-grade plywoodPlywood is our default for new box parts; it is stiffer and handles moisture better than particleboard.
Matching face frame stockWe use the same wood species as your frames when we rebuild an edge.
Before and after: kitchens near Hoffman Estates
Before
Installed
DetailBefore and after: a 1980s two-story in Hoffman Estates
A 1980s two-story in Hoffman Estates, a typical kitchen for Hoffman Estates. The kitchen as it was: white thermofoil cabinets peeling at the edges, oak trim and white 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. On site this meant measuring the appliance and opening, removing doors, fillers or a cabinet, plus cutting and rebuilding the boxes.
Before
AfterA Hanover Park 1980s two-story: before and after
The site: a 1980s two-story near Ontarioville. Before: golden-oak cabinets with oak soffits above and black appliances. What bothered the owners most: an appliance upgrade the old cabinets could not take. Finished kitchen: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. On site this meant measuring the appliance and opening, cutting and rebuilding the boxes, plus matching the finish.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Hanover Park →
Before
AfterKitchen Cabinet Modification in a 1990s two-story colonial, Roselle
The site: a 1990s two-story colonial in Roselle. What we started with: honey-oak cathedral raised-panel cabinets with worn finish near the handles, brass knobs and almond appliances. The main complaint was a new refrigerator that would not fit the old opening. Finished kitchen: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. On site this meant measuring the appliance and opening, removing doors, fillers or a cabinet, plus appliance fit check and cleanup.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Roselle →
Before
AfterA Hoffman Estates 1970s split-level: before and after
Finished: a lowered bright white quartz counter section with knee space under the sink, cabinets in cream uppers and walnut-stained lowers with matte black pulls, pull-down shelves in the uppers, drawers instead of base doors, a side-opening wall oven, a lever faucet and recessed lights and under-cabinet LED strips.
Accessible Kitchen Remodeling in Hoffman Estates →
Before
AfterHoffman Estates kitchen, 1970s tract home: kitchen remodeling
Finished: cabinets in white uppers and dusty blue lowers with satin brass pulls, white quartz with soft gray veining counters, a white 2x8 tile in a vertical stack backsplash, hickory luxury vinyl plank flooring and a flush drum fixture and under-cabinet lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Hoffman Estates →Install day
- 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 checkWe check clearances and door swings with you before we leave.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification questions from Hoffman Estates homeowners
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.
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.
Is a small cabinet job worth calling about?
We take small modification jobs. Several small changes can also be done in the same 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 fit the space and the panels; utility connections are done by the appropriate licensed trade.
Hoffman Estates contractor registration: do kitchen contractors need it?
Contractors must register through a BS&A Online Contractor account (annual registration form and documents) and submit the Contractor/Design Professionals Registration Form and a Workers Compensation Affidavit. No fee stated. We take care of that before work starts.
Do I need a permit for cabinet modification in Hoffman Estates?
It depends on the scope. Hoffman Estates's rule in short: Kitchen remodels go through the Residential Remodel permit: submit plans (1/4 inch scale) of existing and proposed kitchen showing plumbing fixtures, outlets, appliances and panel, plus a scope of work or contract. We handle the permit when one is needed with Development Services Department - Code Enforcement (Building Permits).
Do you work in my part of Hoffman Estates?
Yes. Our crews work across Hoffman Estates — ZIP 60192, 60169, 60120, 60010 — and nearby Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Palatine.
Working in Hoffman Estates
- A lot of Hoffman Estates kitchens date from the 1970s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Hoffman Estates homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Development Services Department - Code Enforcement (Building Permits) handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
ZIP 60192ZIP 60169ZIP 60120ZIP 60010
Kitchen Cabinet Modification nearby
Other kitchen services in Hoffman Estates
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.