Compare the highest-rated kitchen remodeling professionals in North Chicago, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, family-owned and operated company specializing in comprehensive kitchen and bath renovations. They are known for their personalized service, attention to detail, and handling all aspects of a project from design to completion with their in-house team, minimizing subcontractor delays.
E&B specializes in the core components of a kitchen remodel: cabinets and countertops. They operate a showroom in Waukegan, allowing clients to select materials directly. They offer a direct-to-consumer model which can provide cost savings on materials and fabrication.
Apex focuses on a full-service, design-build approach. They work closely with clients on kitchen layout redesign and space optimization, ensuring the new kitchen is both beautiful and highly functional. Their services include all necessary trades, from plumbing and electrical to final finishes.
** The kitchen remodeling market in North Chicago and its immediate surroundings (like Waukegan, Gurnee, and Libertyville) is competitive, with a mix of long-standing local contractors and newer, highly specialized design-build firms. The average quality of providers is good, with several companies boasting excellent reputations built over decades. Consumers have a clear choice between full-service design-build firms that manage every detail and specialized shops focusing on the key elements of cabinets and countertops. Typical pricing for a full kitchen remodel in this area can vary widely based on scope and materials. A moderate renovation with semi-custom cabinets and quartz countertops typically ranges from **$25,000 to $50,000**. More extensive projects involving layout changes, high-end appliances, and custom cabinetry can easily exceed **$75,000+. The market caters well to both the budget-conscious homeowner and those seeking a luxury, custom kitchen experience.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with North Chicago regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about kitchen remodeling services in North Chicago, Illinois.
For a full remodel in North Chicago, homeowners can expect a typical range of $25,000 to $60,000+, depending on the scope and material choices. Key local cost factors include Chicago-area labor rates, which are above the national average, and the potential need to update plumbing and electrical in older homes common in the region. Material costs can also be influenced by supply chain logistics to the greater Chicagoland area and your choice between big-box retailers and local suppliers.
North Chicago's temperature extremes and humidity swings necessitate specific material considerations. For instance, solid wood cabinets can expand and contract, making humidity-stable options like plywood boxes a wiser choice. We also recommend avoiding installing natural stone like marble in high-traffic areas if you have a humidifier running in winter, as it can be porous. Proper ventilation is critical year-round to manage moisture from cooking, which combats summer humidity and prevents condensation issues in winter.
Yes, most structural, electrical, and plumbing work in North Chicago requires permits from the City of North Chicago Building Department. This is especially important if you're moving walls, relocating gas lines, or updating wiring to meet current codes. Your contractor should handle this process, but it's your responsibility to verify they have pulled the proper permits, as this ensures inspections for safety and can affect your home insurance and future resale value.
While remodeling can be done year-round, late spring through early fall is often ideal, as it's easier to ventilate the home and workers aren't tracking in snow and mud. A full kitchen remodel typically takes 6 to 12 weeks from demolition to completion. Timing can be extended by seasonal delays, such as waiting for inspections during the city's busy periods or material shipping delays during winter weather across the Midwest.
Prioritize contractors who are licensed, insured, and have verifiable local experience in North Chicago or Lake County. Ask for references from recent projects and physically view their work if possible. Check their standing with the Better Business Bureau and ensure they understand local building codes. A trustworthy local contractor will be familiar with common issues in area homes, such as older plumbing systems or the need for frost-proof exterior walls if your kitchen is on an outside wall.