Compare the highest-rated kitchen remodeling professionals in Oak Park, Illinois. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly respected, family-owned and operated remodeling company known for its meticulous craftsmanship and project management. They specialize in high-end, custom kitchen renovations, often in older homes, and are praised for their communication and ability to handle complex projects involving structural changes and historic preservation.
A well-established design-build firm focusing exclusively on kitchens and bathrooms. They offer a full-service experience from initial design and 3D rendering to construction and installation. Their showroom in neighboring Forest Park allows clients to select materials and products, making them a strong choice for a seamless, start-to-finish renovation.
A premier, large-scale design-build firm with a long history in the Chicagoland area. While not based in Oak Park, they are a top-tier choice for major, high-budget renovations that require architectural services. They manage all aspects in-house, from structural engineering to interior design, offering a comprehensive solution for complex kitchen expansions and full-home remodels.
** The kitchen remodeling market in Oak Park is characterized by high demand, premium quality expectations, and strong competition among established contractors. The housing stock consists largely of historic homes (e.g., Prairie School, Victorians), which necessitates contractors with specific expertise in preserving character while integrating modern amenities. This often leads to more complex and costly projects compared to newer suburbs. The competition level is high, but it is segmented. There are local, specialized craftsmen (like Michael Robert Construction) and boutique design-build firms (like KSI) that compete on personalized service and deep local knowledge. Larger, regional powerhouses (like Airoom) compete on their extensive resources and full-service, architectural capabilities. Typical pricing for a full kitchen remodel in Oak Park is premium. Homeowners can expect a significant investment, with mid-range projects often starting in the $50,000 - $75,000 range and high-end, custom renovations with layout changes easily exceeding $100,000 - $150,000. The high quality of work, cost of materials, and complexity of working in historic homes are the primary drivers of these costs.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Oak Park regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about kitchen remodeling services in Oak Park, Illinois.
For a full remodel in Oak Park, including cabinetry, countertops, flooring, appliances, and labor, homeowners should budget between $35,000 to $75,000+, with high-end projects exceeding $100,000. Regional material and labor costs in the Chicago metro area are above the national average. The final cost heavily depends on the age and condition of your home, as older Oak Park houses (many from the early 1900s) may require unforeseen structural or electrical updates to meet current codes.
A full kitchen remodel typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from demolition to completion. In Oak Park, it's wise to plan major demolition and installation phases outside of the harshest winter months (January-February) to avoid delays from extreme weather affecting material deliveries and subcontractor travel. Spring and early fall are ideal, but scheduling with a reputable contractor 3-6 months in advance is crucial due to high demand.
Yes, Oak Park has strict permit requirements for electrical, plumbing, and structural work, which your contractor should handle. Crucially, if your home is within one of Oak Park's Historic Preservation Districts (like the Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture District), you must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission before making any exterior-visible changes, including window alterations or additions that affect the home's facade.
Prioritize contractors licensed, insured, and with extensive local experience in Oak Park's diverse housing stock, from historic bungalows to newer condos. They should readily provide references from nearby projects and understand local permit processes. Verify their membership with local associations like the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce and check their standing with the Better Business Bureau for the Chicago region.
Very common concerns in Oak Park's older homes include outdated knob-and-tube wiring that must be fully replaced, galvanized steel plumbing pipes that are likely corroded, and plaster walls that may contain asbestos or lead paint requiring professional abatement. A reputable local contractor will budget for contingencies (typically 10-20%) and conduct thorough inspections early to identify these issues, ensuring the work meets Illinois and Village safety codes.