1970s hood on an old duct
Original 1970s ventilation was sized for a different era of cooking. A modern hood often needs a larger duct and a new exterior cap.
Serving Northbrook & nearby Glenview, Highland Park
Range Hood Installation in Northbrook, IL
We install under-cabinet, wall chimney, island and insert range hoods in Northbrook, ducted outside wherever the house allows.
- Serving Northbrook ZIP 60062
- Installed level, sealed and tested before we leave
- Clear price for the install before the visit
Range hood installs we handle in Northbrook
A range hood only works as well as the duct behind it. In Northbrook we size the hood to your cooktop, plan the shortest smooth duct path to an outside wall or the roof, mount the hood at the height its maker calls for and test the airflow before we leave.
Hood too narrow for the cooktop
A hood narrower than the burners lets smoke roll past its edges. We usually match the cooktop width at a minimum, and go wider over gas or pro-style ranges.
Swapping an over-the-range microwave for a hood
An over-the-range microwave is a weak ventilator. Replacing it with an under-cabinet or chimney hood is a common install for us.
Gas range that needs stronger ventilation
Pro-style gas ranges with high-output burners often need a larger hood and a bigger duct. We follow the range and hood makers' guidance.
Duct too small for the new hood
Putting a powerful fan on a narrow duct mostly adds noise. We size the duct to the hood's outlet and keep it that size all the way out.
Custom hood cover that needs an insert
Built-in hood covers look like cabinetry, but the insert inside still has to be sized and ducted properly. We handle that part.
Flexible foil duct behind the old hood
Flex duct sags, collects grease and is a poor choice for a kitchen exhaust. The new run goes in as rigid metal pipe, taped and supported.
Island hood over a new island cooktop
An island hood hangs in open air, so it needs a wider canopy, solid ceiling blocking and a duct route through the joists. We plan the route before the ceiling is opened.
What the install includes
- Site check and sizingCooktop width, fuel type and duct path are checked before a model is chosen.
- Permit and approvalsWe find out whether the village needs a mechanical permit for a new duct penetration and pull it when it does.
- Removing the old hoodWe take out the old unit and check what is behind it before the new one goes up.
- Wall cap or roof jackThe duct ends outside under a damper that closes when the fan is off.
- Electrical connectionThe hood connected to a suitable circuit; new wiring or switches are run by an electrician.
- Recirculating setupWhere ducting outside isn't possible, a recirculating kit with charcoal filters is installed.
- Test and cleanupEvery fan speed and light tested, the damper checked from outside, the area cleaned up.
What to pick before the install
Ducted vs recirculatingDucted hoods send air outside; recirculating hoods filter it through charcoal and return it to the room.
Under-cabinet hoodsThe most common style, tucked under the upper cabinet above the range.
Internal and remote blowersA remote blower moves the motor away from the cooktop for a quieter hood.
Wall chimney hoodsA canopy on the wall with a chimney cover hiding the duct up to the ceiling.
Inserts and linersFan units built into a custom wood, plaster or metal hood cover.
Range Hood Installation before and after — Northbrook homes
Before
Installed
DetailNorthbrook kitchen, 1980s two-story: range hood installation
A 1980s two-story near Downtown Northbrook, a typical kitchen for Northbrook. The kitchen as it was: almond appliances and honey-oak cathedral raised-panel cabinets with worn finish near the handles, brass knobs. The reason for the call: an old hood that was loud and barely pulled any air. After: a new stainless chimney range hood ducted to the outside. The job covered permit and approvals, wall cap or roof jack, plus test and cleanup.
Before
AfterA Glenview 1990s two-story colonial: before and after
The site: a 1990s two-story colonial near The Park. The kitchen as it was: white appliances and white thermofoil cabinets peeling at the edges, oak trim. The reason for the call: a recirculating hood that left the kitchen smoky. After: a new stainless chimney range hood ducted to the outside. Work included site check and sizing, removing the old hood, plus electrical connection.
Range Hood Installation in Glenview →
Before
AfterA Mount Prospect suburban townhome: before and after
A suburban townhome in Mount Prospect, a typical kitchen for Mount Prospect. The kitchen as it was: white appliances and oak flat-panel cabinets. What bothered the owners most: an old hood that was loud and pulled very little air. Finished kitchen: a new stainless chimney range hood ducted to the outside. Work included site check and sizing, wall cap or roof jack, plus test and cleanup.
Range Hood Installation in Mount Prospect →
Before
AfterNorthbrook kitchen, postwar Cape Cod: kitchen remodeling
Finished: 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 →
Before
AfterNorthbrook kitchen, postwar bi-level: kitchen cabinet painting
Finished: the same doors sprayed in deep navy, new satin brass pulls; counters and floor stayed as they were.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting in Northbrook →From the old unit to the new one
- Photos and modelSend photos of the range wall, the old hood and the cabinet above, plus the model you like.
- Duct route and sizingOn site we size the hood, pick the duct route and check permits and makeup air.
- Written estimateA clear written price with duct and electrical work listed separately.
- Install and testWe install, test the airflow and clean up the same day in most cases.
Range Hood Installation questions from Northbrook homeowners
Can I duct a hood outside in my Northbrook condo?
Many condo boards must approve any exterior penetration. If it's not allowed, a recirculating hood is the option.
Can I install a range hood myself?
A simple swap on the same duct can be DIY. When the job involves a new duct route, a roof jack or a permit, it's worth hiring it out.
Do I need makeup air for a big hood in Northbrook?
It depends on the fan size and the local code. We look it up for your address and plan for it when it applies.
What size range hood do I need?
Width should usually be at least the width of the cooktop, and more over a gas or pro-style range. Fan capacity is chosen along with the duct size.
Can a range hood vent into the attic?
Never. We carry the duct through to an exterior termination.
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.
Which Northbrook office signs off on hood work?
Fire Prevention Bureau, 1225 Cedar Lane, Northbrook. We schedule the inspection and have the paperwork ready.
Northbrook building permit for range hood installation: where do I apply?
Permits go through Development & Planning Services, phone 847-664-4050. When your scope needs one, we prepare the application and schedule the inspections.
What does Northbrook ask for on electrical work?
Electrical contractor license $70; must submit a copy of a valid electrician's registration with the application. New circuits and wiring are done by licensed electricians.
Do I need a permit for range hood installation 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
Range Hood Installation nearby
Other kitchen services in Northbrook
Range Hood RepairFans, motors, switches, lights and rattles on kitchen range hoods.
Oven, Range & Cooktop InstallationGas and electric ranges, wall ovens and cooktops, safely connected.
Kitchen Electrical WorkNew circuits and outlets for kitchen appliances.
Kitchen RemodelingFull kitchen remodels, from layout to last cabinet pull.
Kitchen Cabinet PaintingFactory-smooth painted cabinets without replacing them.