1970s openings sized for old appliances
Cabinets from the 1970s were built around appliance sizes that have since grown. We resize those openings rather than replacing every cabinet.
Serving Northbrook & nearby Glenview, Highland Park
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Northbrook, IL
We cut, resize and rebuild the cabinets you already have in Northbrook so a new fridge, range or dishwasher fits and the kitchen works better.
- Serving Northbrook ZIP 60062
- Installed level, sealed and tested before we leave
- Clear price for the install before the visit
Cabinet changes Northbrook owners ask us for
Most kitchens in Northbrook 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flat doors that look plain
If you like your cabinets but the doors are too plain, applied trim changes the profile without new doors.
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.
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.
- Protecting the counters and floorCounters, floors and nearby cabinets are covered before we start cutting.
- Cutting and rebuilding the boxesBoxes are cut to the new size and rebuilt with new sides, bottoms or face frame pieces as needed.
- Raising or shortening uppersWe reset wall cabinets at the new height and fasten them securely into studs.
- Panels, fillers and trimFinished panels and trim cover every cut edge and new side.
- Hardware and soft-close partsHinges, slides and pulls on changed cabinets are replaced or reset to match the rest.
- Appliance fit check and cleanupThe new unit is test-fitted, doors are adjusted and the dust leaves with us.
What to pick before the install
Drawer boxes and slidesPlywood or dovetail drawer boxes on full-extension, soft-close slides.
Finished end and refrigerator panelsPanels come in paint-grade or stain-grade versions to suit your cabinets.
Cabinet-grade plywoodPlywood is our default for new box parts; it is stiffer and handles moisture better than particleboard.
Matching face frame stockHardwood strips milled to match the existing face frames in width and species.
Moldings and fillersCrown, scribe molding, applied door trim and filler strips in matching profiles.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification before and after — Northbrook homes
Before
Installed
DetailA Northbrook 1990s two-story colonial: before and after
This one is a 1990s two-story colonial near Techny. Before: white thermofoil cabinets peeling at the edges, oak trim and white appliances. The main complaint was cabinets built around appliances that no longer exist. After: the opening widened and the upper cabinet raised, a panel added, a new refrigerator fitting flush. Work included measuring the appliance and opening, raising or shortening uppers, plus hardware and soft-close parts.
Before
AfterKitchen Cabinet Modification in a two-story colonial from the 1990s, Glenview
A two-story colonial from the 1990s near The Grove, a typical kitchen for Glenview. Before: honey-oak cathedral raised-panel cabinets with worn finish near the handles, brass knobs and almond 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. On site this meant measuring the appliance and opening, protecting the counters and floor, plus cutting and rebuilding the boxes.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Glenview →
Before
AfterKitchen Cabinet Modification in a two-story colonial from the 1990s, Highland Park
The site: a two-story colonial from the 1990s near Downtown Highland Park. The kitchen as it was: golden-oak cabinets with oak soffits above and black appliances. The reason for the call: 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. Work included measuring the appliance and opening, hardware and soft-close parts, plus appliance fit check and cleanup.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in Highland Park →
Before
AfterNorthbrook kitchen, postwar Cape Cod: accessible kitchen remodeling
Finished: a lowered black honed granite counter section with knee space under the sink, cabinets in deep burgundy with polished nickel pulls, pull-down shelves in the uppers, drawers instead of base doors, a side-opening wall oven, a lever faucet and black cage pendants and slim recessed lights.
Accessible Kitchen Remodeling in Northbrook →
Before
AfterBefore and after: a postwar Cape Cod in Northbrook
What changed: cabinets in forest green with matte black pulls, black honed granite counters, a green zellige-look tile backsplash, warm oak luxury vinyl plank flooring and a flush drum fixture and under-cabinet lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Northbrook →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 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 Northbrook homeowners
Can my cabinets be cut for a bigger fridge?
In many kitchens it can be done. We check the new fridge's height, width and clearance needs against your opening first.
What is the cheapest way to upgrade kitchen cabinets?
Targeted upgrades on cabinets you keep usually cost far less than new ones. We help you choose the changes that matter most.
Should I modify or replace my cabinets?
Modify when the boxes are solid and you only need a few changes. Replace when the cabinets are failing or the layout itself is the problem.
What affects the cost of cabinet modification?
Scope drives the price: one upper raised is very different from a range opening with counter work. You get an itemized estimate after we measure.
Can cabinet doors be changed to drawers?
Usually. Converting door bases to drawers is one of the most useful changes we make.
Northbrook contractor registration: do kitchen contractors need it?
Village contractor license required, good for one year: general contractors $100; electrical $70. We take care of that before work starts.
Do I need a permit for cabinet modification in Northbrook?
It depends on the scope. Northbrook's rule in short: Village lists separate permit types: Single Family Alterations - Interior, Electrical (new wiring/outlets), and Plumbing (new fixtures). We handle the permit when one is needed with Development & Planning Services.
Do you work in my part of Northbrook?
Yes. Our crews work across Northbrook, including Techny, Downtown Northbrook — ZIP 60062 — and nearby Glenview, Highland Park, Mount Prospect.
Working in Northbrook
- A lot of Northbrook kitchens date from the 1970s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Northbrook homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Development & Planning Services handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
TechnyDowntown Northbrook
ZIP 60062
Kitchen Cabinet Modification nearby
Other kitchen services in Northbrook
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.