1990s openings sized for old appliances
Cabinets from the 1990s were built around appliance sizes that have since grown. We resize those openings rather than replacing every cabinet.
Serving Naperville & nearby Lisle, Warrenville
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Naperville, IL
We cut, resize and rebuild the cabinets you already have in Naperville so a new fridge, range or dishwasher fits and the kitchen works better.
- Installers working in Naperville ZIP 60540, 60563, 60564, 60565
- Hookups by licensed trades where the code calls for it
- Old unit hauled away on request
Cabinet changes Naperville owners ask us for
We are cabinet carpenters who handle the small structural changes a kitchen needs between remodels. In Naperville 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.
Switching to a wider range
A larger range needs a wider opening in both the cabinets and the counter. We plan which side gives up width and rebuild that cabinet to its new size.
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
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.
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.
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.
Panel-ready dishwasher or fridge
Integrated appliances need a custom front cut to exact size. We match the style and finish, then fit it with even gaps.
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.
What the install includes
- Protecting the counters and floorCounters, floors and nearby cabinets are covered before we start cutting.
- 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.
- 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 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.
Options to choose from
Moldings and fillersCrown, scribe molding, applied door trim and filler strips in matching profiles.
Drawer boxes and slidesWe fit sturdy drawer boxes with slides rated for heavy pots.
Matching face frame stockHardwood strips milled to match the existing face frames in width and species.
Paint and stain for new partsCabinet-grade paint or stain mixed to your existing finish, sprayed for a smooth surface.
Cabinet-grade plywoodPlywood is our default for new box parts; it is stiffer and handles moisture better than particleboard.
Before and after: kitchens near Naperville
Before
Installed
DetailKitchen Cabinet Modification in a 1980s two-story, Naperville
A 1980s two-story in Naperville, a typical kitchen for Naperville. Before: golden-oak cabinets with oak soffits above and black appliances. The main complaint was 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. The job covered protecting the counters and floor, panels, fillers and trim, plus matching the finish.
Before
AfterLisle kitchen, 1980s condo: kitchen cabinet modification
This one is a 1980s condo near The Meadows. Before: white raised-panel thermofoil cabinets and white appliances. The reason for the call: 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. Work included protecting the counters and floor, raising or shortening uppers, plus panels, fillers and trim.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Lisle →
Before
AfterWarrenville kitchen, 1980s two-story: kitchen cabinet modification
This one is a 1980s two-story near Timber Creek. The kitchen as it was: white thermofoil cabinets peeling at the edges, oak trim and white appliances. The reason for the call: 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. The job covered protecting the counters and floor, drawers and shelves, plus matching the finish.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Warrenville →
Before
AfterNaperville kitchen, 1980s two-story: accessible kitchen remodeling
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 Naperville →
Before
AfterKitchen Remodeling in a 1980s two-story, Naperville
Finished: cabinets in light butter yellow with satin brass pulls, charcoal concrete-look quartz counters, a terracotta-look square tile backsplash, gray wood-look porcelain plank flooring and two glass pendants and recessed lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Naperville →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 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 checkWe check clearances and door swings with you before we leave.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification questions from Naperville homeowners
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.
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?
We can. A lower shelf in a base or pantry cabinet keeps it within reach and off the counter.
Is a small cabinet job worth calling about?
Yes. Many of our jobs are one or two cabinets, done in a day.
Do I need a permit for cabinet modification in Naperville?
It depends on the scope. Naperville's rule in short: Remodeling such as kitchens requires a permit, as do electrical work (minor repairs and low-voltage excepted), plumbing pipe/fixture installation or rearrangement, and structural changes. We handle the permit when one is needed with Transportation, Engineering and Development (TED) Business Group, Building Permits.
Do you work in my part of Naperville?
Yes. Our crews work across Naperville, including Downtown Naperville, Highlands, Tamarack — ZIP 60540, 60563, 60564, 60565 — and nearby Lisle, Warrenville, Bolingbrook.
Working in Naperville
- A lot of Naperville kitchens date from the 1990s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Naperville homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- Live in the Naperville Historic District? Interior kitchen work is usually not reviewed. We check before anything touches the exterior.
Downtown NapervilleHighlandsTamarack
ZIP 60540ZIP 60563ZIP 60564ZIP 60565
Kitchen Cabinet Modification nearby
Other kitchen services in Naperville
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.