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 West Chicago & nearby Winfield, Carol Stream
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in West Chicago, IL
We cut, resize and rebuild the cabinets you already have in West Chicago so a new fridge, range or dishwasher fits and the kitchen works better.
- Installers working in West Chicago ZIP 60185
- Hookups by licensed trades where the code calls for it
- Old unit hauled away on request
Cabinet changes West Chicago owners ask us for
We are cabinet carpenters who handle the small structural changes a kitchen needs between remodels. In West Chicago 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.
Flat doors that look plain
Adding molding to flat cabinet doors is a common update. Done well, the trim is mitered tight and disappears under the finish.
Adding a dishwasher to an older kitchen
An opening for a dishwasher is usually made by removing one base cabinet beside the sink. We reinforce the counter edge and close up the exposed cabinet sides.
Fridge opening too narrow
When a wider refrigerator will not fit between the cabinets, we remove a filler, trim a face frame or take out a narrow side cabinet to gain the width.
Uppers that stop short of the ceiling
Extending wall cabinets upward with matching boxes or crown gives more storage and a finished top line.
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.
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
- Measuring the appliance and openingBefore any cut, we compare the manufacturer's cutout dimensions with what the cabinets really measure.
- Protecting the counters and floorWe lay protection on the floor and tape off counters and adjacent doors.
- Removing doors, fillers or a cabinetDoors, fillers or a whole cabinet come out carefully so the neighbors are not damaged.
- 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.
- 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
Cabinet-grade plywoodUsed for rebuilt sides, bottoms and shelves because it holds screws well and resists sagging.
Appliance panels and trim kitsCustom fronts for panel-ready appliances and trim kits for built-in microwaves.
Matching face frame stockWe use the same wood species as your frames when we rebuild an edge.
Microwave and spice pull-out insertsReady-made inserts for narrow spaces: tray dividers, spice pull-outs and microwave shelves.
Moldings and fillersTrim pieces that cover cuts and gaps and tie modified cabinets into the rest.
Before and after: kitchens near West Chicago
Before
Installed
DetailBefore and after: a two-story colonial from the 1990s in West Chicago
A two-story colonial from the 1990s in West Chicago, a typical kitchen for West Chicago. What we started with: golden-oak cabinets with oak soffits above and black appliances. The reason for the call: 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 protecting the counters and floor, drawers and shelves, plus coordinating other trades.
Before
AfterKitchen Cabinet Modification in a two-story colonial from the 1990s, St. Charles
A two-story colonial from the 1990s in St. Charles, a typical kitchen for St. Charles. What we started with: honey-oak cathedral raised-panel cabinets with worn finish near the handles, brass knobs and almond appliances. The reason for the call: 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. On site this meant panels, fillers and trim, matching the finish, plus coordinating other trades.
Kitchen Cabinet Modification in St. Charles →
Before
AfterAccessible Kitchen Remodeling in a 1980s two-story, West Chicago
A lowered warm walnut butcher block counter section with knee space under the sink, cabinets in pale mint green 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 two glass pendants and recessed lights.
Accessible Kitchen Remodeling in West Chicago →
Before
AfterBefore and after: a 1980s two-story in West Chicago
What changed: cabinets in soft white with brushed nickel bar pulls, black honed granite counters, a white 2x8 tile in a vertical stack backsplash, gray wood-look porcelain plank flooring and recessed lights and under-cabinet LED strips.
Kitchen Remodeling in West Chicago →
Before
AfterWest Chicago kitchen, 1990s two-story colonial: kitchen cabinet painting
The same doors sprayed in deep navy, new brushed nickel bar pulls; counters and floor stayed as they were.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting in West Chicago →How the install goes
- 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 West Chicago homeowners
Can cabinet doors be changed to drawers?
In most base cabinets, yes. The face frame may need new rails to create the drawer openings.
Is a small cabinet job worth calling about?
Yes. Single-cabinet changes such as raising one upper or adding a microwave shelf are a normal part of our work.
Can my cabinets be cut for a bigger fridge?
Usually. The upper cabinet is the most common change, and width can come from fillers or a side cabinet.
Can you modify cabinets for a dishwasher?
Yes. We remove a base cabinet, build a standard opening and finish the exposed sides. Plumbing and wiring hookups are done by licensed trades.
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.
West Chicago contractor registration: do kitchen contractors need it?
All contractors and subcontractors working in West Chicago must be registered with the City (insurance, licensing and bonding are checked). We take care of that before work starts.
Do I need a permit for cabinet modification in West Chicago?
It depends on the scope. West Chicago's rule in short: West Chicago requires a building permit for certain home improvement and remodeling projects; the city publishes an Additions & Remodeling permit guide with a submittal checklist. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Department.
Do you work in my part of West Chicago?
Yes. Our crews work across West Chicago — ZIP 60185 — and nearby Winfield, Carol Stream, St. Charles.
Working in West Chicago
- A lot of West Chicago kitchens date from the 1990s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most West Chicago homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Community Development Department handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
ZIP 60185
Kitchen Cabinet Modification nearby
Other kitchen services in West Chicago
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.