Compare the highest-rated kitchen remodeling professionals in Great Lakes, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier, full-service kitchen and bath remodeling company known for its design-build approach. They manage the entire project from initial concept and design to construction and installation, ensuring a seamless client experience. They are highly regarded for their attention to detail, quality craftsmanship, and use of premium materials.
A well-established local contractor with "Great Lakes" in its name, demonstrating a strong commitment to the region. They offer comprehensive remodeling services with a focus on kitchen and bathroom renovations. Their strength lies in handling complex projects that involve structural changes, electrical, and plumbing updates.
While they handle restoration, their remodeling division is exceptionally highly rated. They are known for professional project management, clear communication, and high-quality finishes. They excel at kitchen renovations that integrate new appliances, custom cabinetry, and tile work with necessary updates to lighting and ventilation.
** The kitchen remodeling market in the Great Lakes, Illinois area is characterized by high-quality, competitive service providers primarily based in the affluent North Shore suburbs. Due to the proximity to Chicago and the high property values in communities like Lake Forest, Glenview, and Highland Park, the market standard for quality and customization is very high. Homeowners in this area, including those in Great Lakes, typically seek premium materials (e.g., quartz or granite countertops, custom cabinetry) and professional, full-service design-build firms. Competition is strong among established contractors, which drives a focus on customer service and proven results. Pricing for a full kitchen remodel in this region is typically mid to high-range, often starting from $35,000 for a modest update and easily exceeding $75,000 - $100,000+ for high-end, full-gut renovations with custom features and structural changes. Homeowners are advised to work with licensed, insured, and well-reviewed contractors who can provide extensive portfolios of completed work.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Great Lakes regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about kitchen remodeling services in Great Lakes, Illinois.
For a full remodel in our area, including new cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, and plumbing/electrical work, homeowners should budget between $25,000 to $60,000+, with mid-range projects typically landing in the $35,000-$45,000 range. Costs are influenced by material choices, the age of your home (which can uncover unexpected issues in older Great Lakes base housing), and current regional material and labor rates. It's crucial to get detailed, written estimates that account for Illinois sales tax and potential local permit fees.
The distinct four-season climate in Northern Illinois significantly affects scheduling. Winter can delay material deliveries and make exterior work for dumpsters or deliveries challenging. Summer is peak season, leading to longer lead times for contractors. The ideal windows for starting a project are early spring or early fall to avoid humidity extremes that can affect hardwood flooring installation and paint drying times. Planning for indoor dust containment is also wise during our windy seasons.
Yes, most structural, electrical, and plumbing work will require permits from the Village of Great Lakes or Lake County. This is especially important if you're altering load-bearing walls common in older base housing layouts or updating plumbing to meet current Illinois code. Reputable local contractors will handle this process, but as the homeowner, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring permits are pulled and inspections passed, which protects your investment and ensures safety.
Prioritize contractors with extensive local experience, proper Illinois licensing, and insurance. Verify they have a physical address (not just a P.O. box) and ask for references from recent projects in nearby communities like North Chicago or Waukegan. A trustworthy contractor will be familiar with common issues in local homes, such as older electrical systems or specific municipal requirements, and should provide a detailed, fixed-price contract to avoid scope creep.
In older Great Lakes homes, it's common to discover outdated knob-and-tube wiring or insufficient electrical service for modern kitchens, asbestos in old flooring or adhesives, and plumbing that may need full replacement to meet code. Additionally, settling over decades can reveal unlevel floors or subfloors needing reinforcement. A contingency fund of 10-20% of your budget is highly recommended to address these hidden conditions once walls and floors are opened.