Kitchen Remodeling and Construction in Chicago

We start by helping you select the best materials available, and then we´ll follow through with thorough, expert installation, while paying strict attention to details.

The layout of your kitchen—where you place your appliances, your countertops, and your storage—will determine how cook-friendly your kitchen is. Ask yourself:

• Will I have to walk far to get water to top off a pot on the stove?
• Will I have enough space to slice, dice, chop, and otherwise prepare meals?
• Will I have room to store the olive oil near the stove or will I have to go across the room to get it?
• Will two or more cooks be able to work comfortably in the space without constantly bumping into each other?
• Will I be able to easily rinse dishes and load them into the dishwasher?
• Do I prefer a range or a separate cooktop and oven?
• Do I need a prep sink and a cleanup sink?
• Do I need an eating area in the kitchen?

Of course, if you’re remodeling, the structure of your existing home will limit your layout options. You’ll have considerably more flexibility the larger your space and if you’re building a new home or adding on.

Common kitchen plans include the one-wall kitchen, the corridor or galley kitchen, the L or double L kitchen, the U-shaped kitchen and the G-shaped kitchen.

One factor to consider when planning your budget for a kitchen remodeling project are to consider the layout and cabinet configuration.  It will affect the price greatly, for example, a stack of drawers will be higher-priced than a one-drawer/two-door base cabinet.  A U-shaped kitchen will typically cost more than one that's L-shaped with an island.  A wall oven/cooktop combination range will generally cost about $1,000 more than a freestanding range.

When choosing cabinets consider the wood species that will cover the cabinets, door style, the type of finish, as well as the cabinet construction.  Choosing the right wood will help to figure a budget on cabinets, as well as your entire kitchen.  Melamine surfaces will be the least costly, cherry is usually about 7 to 10 percent more than oak, hickory and pine.  Specialty woods like alder, mahogany, fir, rift-cut woods, redwood, and teak will cost more than common woods like oak or pine. Maple is the most common wood, usually priced somewhere between oak and cherry.

The style of door you decide upon will also have an affect on the price of a kitchen remodel.  A door with more details like arches, grooves and molding and the amount of each will have an affect on the cost as well.  Different finishes are also a factor to consider because the types of finishes will vary in price.  Painted cabinets will run about 10 to 15 percent more than standard stains. Glazes or layered finishes will run about 7 to 15 percent more than a standard stain due to extra labor.

Kitchen Countertops

While granite countertops are currently the most popular option for countertop materials, wood countertops have begun to gain popularity.  Homeowners looking for different materials that make kitchens unique both visually and functionally. The warmth, durability, beauty, and longevity add a unique centerpiece to any kitchen space. There are many different types of wood that can provide a unique and functional look and feel to a room, they can compliment custom cabinetry and can be used just about anywhere, with any unique angle to make your entire kitchen stand out.

Pre World War II, wood countertops were the desired choice for luxury kitchens through the 1800s, until laminate and ceramic tile became more cost efficient options for countertops. The surface is rugged, providing many practical benefits including incredible durability, it's a waterproof and food safe surface, and virtually maintenance free.

The surfaces are made of wood recycled from demolitions of homes, barns, and old warehouses making wood countertops one of the greenest options available. In addition to recycled and reclaimed wood alternatives. New wood surfaces are also being created using certified forests, bamboo and lyptus.

Marble is another countertop, once thought to be a more porous option making it less desirable, is becoming popular because of its aesthetic value and sealants that do a good job against staining the surface. Darker stones with less patterning are gaining in popularity due to the increase in more simplistic and modern kitchens. Soapstone a very popular choice in Victorian homes, is making its way into contemporary environments because of it's great resistance to stains.

Looks are at the top of many consumers minds, while upkeep is very important to many others, which explains the rise in popularity of quartz and solid surfacing materials. These products offer the aesthetics homeowners want, they never need to be sealed, and are easy to repair. The availability of more subtle color choices lends well to the growing number of monochromatic finishes that come in interesting textures that have been honed, hammered and brushed. Stones with warmer textured finishes making the home feel cozier are increasing in popularity mainly because texture adds a unique feature to the surface and is a way for homeowners to express themselves.

Integrated features like sinks, drainboards, and even warming and cooling elements are incredibly popular for homeowners who want a unique kitchen. One trend is with natural stones.  They are being paired with glass and a variety of metals and hardwoods like maple, oak, cherry, mahogany and walnut. Adding an extra level of uniqueness to the kitchen, some homeowners are turning to reclaimed woods for bars and dining areas. With this shift to materials and textures, countertop edge treatments are becoming simpler while thickness is increasing.

Maple countertop accents are becoming popular in kitchens, because of protective oiled finish that allows them to be converted into cutting surfaces. Calacatta Gold is a high end marble quarried in Italy that's a creamy white stone with heavy gray veining and gold highlights. Improved sealants have caused an increase in the popularity ensuring better durability and protection. Sparkle in solid surfaces is another countertop option on the rise, available in a variety of color choices, emulates the look of quartz with random sized shimmering particles,. It's nonporous and comes in a variety of thicknesses.

Natural Quartz textured slab are increasing in popularity. The options come in multiple colors, and textures that recreate the feeling of an orange-peel, leather, and variety of other options.

Kitchen rehab projects and Kitchen Design, Construction and Remodeling Solutions. Our kitchen remodeling projects are priced desirably, and include labor, materials and permits. We can supply several written estimates based on different plans, designs and options. A comprehensive kitchen renovation and modernization does´t need to cost a small fortune or go beyond the means of most homeowners.

Dark gray slate tiles provide a contrast to the simple clean lines of the white cabinetry in this modern kitchen design. In addition to the hit of color, the large size and natural finish of these tiles bring much-needed texture to the space.

No two backsplashes need be alike. Kitchen backsplashes can be created from a variety of different materials. Marble, granite, ceramic tile, glass, stainless steel...the possibilities are endless. Find the Pictures - Kitchen Backsplash Ideas you are looking for. From high-end custom backsplashes to budget-friendly designs you can put together yourself, this gallery of kitchen backsplash photos is free for the viewing.

Earthgroup is now offering materials for your kitchen remodel that are environmentally friendly!

To learn more about this new concept in kitchen remodeling visit Our Earth.

If you have a question about kitchen remodeling or would like to schedule your free in-home estimate, please call our office at: (773)  930-4533  email us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or simply fill out an online estimate form for a free in-home consultation.