Compare the highest-rated kitchen remodeling professionals in Lake Forest, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier, full-service design-build firm specializing in high-end custom kitchen and bath renovations. They are known for their collaborative design process, meticulous project management, and expert craftsmanship, handling everything from initial concept to final installation.
A well-established, employee-owned company with a strong reputation for quality and sustainability. They offer comprehensive kitchen remodeling services with in-house designers and craftspeople, ensuring consistency and control over the entire project timeline and quality.
A highly-rated, boutique firm focused on personalized kitchen design and remodeling. They excel at space optimization and creating functional, beautiful kitchens tailored to the client's lifestyle, often working on complex layout changes and high-end material selections.
** The kitchen remodeling market in Lake Forest, IL, is characterized by high-quality, custom work reflective of the affluent community. The competition is strong among specialized, design-build firms rather than general contractors, with a focus on luxury materials, detailed craftsmanship, and comprehensive project management. Homeowners in this area typically invest significantly in their renovations, with projects often involving structural changes, high-end appliances (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele), and premium materials like custom cabinetry and natural stone or quartz countertops. Pricing is at the premium end of the scale, with major full-kitchen remodels commonly ranging from $75,000 to $200,000+, depending on the scope, materials, and complexity of the redesign. The top providers distinguish themselves through longevity, extensive portfolios, and a reputation for managing complex projects with minimal disruption.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Lake Forest regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about kitchen remodeling services in Lake Forest, Illinois.
For a full, high-quality remodel in Lake Forest, homeowners should budget between $75,000 and $150,000+, with premium projects often exceeding $200,000. Key cost drivers include the choice of custom cabinetry, high-end appliances (like Sub-Zero or Wolf, popular locally), and natural stone countertops. Lake Forest's older, historic homes may also require additional budget for updating plumbing/electrical to meet current codes and addressing unforeseen structural issues common in vintage properties.
The harsh winters and humid summers in Lake Forest can affect material delivery and certain construction phases. For instance, installing hardwood flooring requires careful acclimation to indoor humidity levels to prevent warping. Scheduling major deliveries or demolition that requires open doors is best planned for late spring through early fall. A reputable local contractor will build seasonal buffers into the schedule to account for weather delays, ensuring your project stays on track.
Yes, Lake Forest has strict building codes and, if your home is in a designated historic district or is a landmark property, you will need approval from the Lake Forest Historic Preservation Commission for exterior changes and sometimes significant interior alterations. Even for interior-only kitchen remodels, a building permit from the City of Lake Forest is always required for electrical, plumbing, and structural work to ensure compliance with Illinois and local safety codes.
Prioritize contractors with extensive local experience, proper Illinois licensing (like a Residential Building Contractor license), and verifiable references from recent Lake Forest projects. They should be intimately familiar with the city's permit process, historic guidelines, and the common architectural styles of the area. Review their portfolio for quality commensurate with Lake Forest standards and ensure they provide detailed, fixed-price contracts to avoid scope creep.
In Lake Forest's many historic homes, common surprises include outdated knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing pipes, insufficient insulation, and non-level floors or plaster walls. A trustworthy local remodeler will include a contingency fund (typically 10-20% of the budget) in their proposal and conduct thorough exploratory work early in the process to identify these issues. They will then present clear solutions and cost options before proceeding, ensuring the renovation meets modern standards while preserving your home's integrity.