Chicago Kitchen + Bath Combo Renovation: Save 10-15% by Bundling Your Projects
Thinking about renovating your Chicago kitchen? There's a smarter approach: bundle your bathroom renovation at the same time and save 10-15% on your total project cost. This isn't a sales gimmick—it's basic construction economics. One demolition crew. One plumber making a single trip. One electrician, one tile installer, one project manager coordinating everything. The efficiencies add up fast.
Chicago homeowners face unique renovation challenges: vintage housing stock with outdated plumbing, strict city permits, condo HOA restrictions, and the infamous Chicago building code complexity. A kitchen + bath combo renovation tackles these challenges once instead of twice—saving you money, time, and the headache of living through two separate construction projects.
Chicago kitchen + bathroom combo renovations cost $55,000–$150,000 depending on scope and finish level. Bundling saves 10-15% ($8,000–$22,000) compared to doing projects separately. Timeline: 8-14 weeks for combined projects vs. 12-20 weeks total for sequential renovations. Best for Chicago condos, bungalows, two-flats, and vintage homes where shared infrastructure (plumbing stacks, electrical panels) makes simultaneous work more efficient.
Chicago's Kitchen + Bath Combo Specialists
Assembly Squad has completed 500+ Chicago renovations including 150+ kitchen-bath combo projects. We specialize in kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, managing condo restrictions, and navigating Chicago's complex permitting—all while keeping your project on budget. Licensed IL #TGC098779, A+ BBB rating.
Save 10-15% by bundling your kitchen and bathroom renovations into one coordinated project. Savings come from reduced labor duplication, bulk material purchasing, single permit fees, and streamlined project management.
Why Chicago Homeowners Bundle Kitchen + Bath Renovations
The math is simple: kitchens and bathrooms share the same trades. Plumbers, electricians, tile installers, cabinet makers, countertop fabricators—they're all needed for both spaces. When you hire them for one trip instead of two, you eliminate mobilization costs, reduce scheduling overhead, and get better rates.
10-15% Cost Savings
One demolition, one dumpster rental, one permit application. Contractors offer better rates for larger projects. Bulk material purchases reduce per-unit costs on tile, fixtures, and finishes.
Shorter Total Timeline
Two separate 6-10 week projects become one 8-14 week project. Trades work both spaces during single site visits. No gap between projects means faster return to normal life.
Cohesive Design
Coordinate finishes, colors, and styles across both spaces. Create a unified home aesthetic. One designer overseeing both rooms ensures harmony throughout.
Infrastructure Efficiency
Address shared plumbing stacks, electrical panels, and ventilation systems once. Particularly valuable in Chicago's vintage homes where outdated systems need upgrading.
Single Permit Process
One Chicago permit application ($1,500-$3,700) covers both spaces. One set of inspections. One approval process. Particularly valuable for condo buildings with strict HOA review timelines.
One Disruption Period
Live through construction once, not twice. Plan one temporary kitchen setup. Coordinate one period of dust, noise, and contractor traffic instead of two separate episodes.
Chicago Kitchen + Bath Combo Costs by Home Type
Costs vary significantly based on your Chicago home type. Condos have HOA restrictions and limited working hours. Bungalows often need infrastructure upgrades. Greystones present structural challenges. Here's what to expect:
Chicago Condo
HOA approvals, limited hours, elevator scheduling. Often smaller spaces but higher per-sq-ft costs due to restrictions.
Chicago Bungalow
Often needs electrical panel upgrades, plumbing stack replacement. Opening walls to dining room adds $8K-$15K.
Chicago Greystone
Vintage infrastructure, potential load-bearing walls, historic neighborhood considerations. Premium finishes expected.
Chicago Two-Flat
Shared plumbing stacks, coordination with other unit. First-floor units often easier; top floors may need extra structural work.
Kitchen + Bath Combo Packages
We've structured three package tiers based on finish level and scope. Each includes both kitchen and bathroom renovation with coordinated design, single project management, and bundled pricing.
Kitchen Includes
- Stock or semi-custom cabinets
- Laminate or entry quartz countertops
- Stainless steel appliance package
- Tile backsplash
- LVP or ceramic tile flooring
- Updated lighting fixtures
- New sink and faucet
Bathroom Includes
- New vanity with countertop
- Tub/shower surround or retile
- New toilet
- Updated fixtures and hardware
- Ceramic or porcelain tile floor
- New lighting and exhaust fan
- Fresh paint and trim
Kitchen Includes
- Semi-custom wood cabinets
- Quartz or granite countertops
- Upgraded stainless appliances
- Designer tile backsplash
- Hardwood or premium LVP flooring
- Under-cabinet and pendant lighting
- Undermount sink with pull-down faucet
- Soft-close drawers and doors
Bathroom Includes
- Custom or semi-custom vanity
- Frameless glass shower door
- Floor-to-ceiling tile shower
- Comfort-height toilet
- Premium fixtures (Kohler, Delta)
- Heated tile flooring option
- Recessed medicine cabinet
- Upgraded ventilation
Kitchen Includes
- Custom cabinetry with built-ins
- Natural stone or premium quartz
- Professional-grade appliances
- Custom tile or stone backsplash
- Wide-plank hardwood flooring
- Smart home integration
- Wine storage/beverage center
- Layout reconfiguration
Bathroom Includes
- Fully custom vanity and storage
- Freestanding soaking tub
- Multi-head shower system
- Natural stone tile throughout
- Smart toilet
- Radiant floor heating
- Custom lighting design
- Possible layout expansion
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Understanding where your money goes helps you make smart decisions about where to splurge and where to save. Here's a component-by-component breakdown:
| Component | Kitchen Cost | Bathroom Cost | Combo Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition & Disposal | $1,500–$3,000 | $800–$1,500 | 20-30% when combined |
| Cabinetry/Vanity | $8,000–$25,000 | $1,500–$5,000 | 10-15% bulk discount |
| Countertops | $3,000–$8,000 | $500–$2,000 | 15-20% same fabricator |
| Plumbing | $2,000–$5,000 | $1,500–$4,000 | 25-35% single trip |
| Electrical | $2,000–$4,500 | $800–$2,000 | 20-30% single trip |
| Tile/Flooring | $2,500–$6,000 | $1,500–$4,000 | 15-20% bulk material |
| Appliances | $3,000–$15,000 | N/A | Package deals available |
| Fixtures/Hardware | $1,000–$3,000 | $1,000–$3,500 | 10-15% matched sets |
| Painting/Drywall | $1,500–$3,000 | $800–$1,500 | 25-30% same crew |
| Chicago Permits | $1,500–$3,700 (combined) | 50%+ vs. two permits | |
| Design/Project Mgmt | $3,000–$8,000 (combined) | 30-40% single scope | |
| Total Savings | 10-15% overall = $8,000–$22,000 on typical projects | ||
Real Chicago Combo Projects
Here are three recent Assembly Squad kitchen + bath combo projects showing actual costs, scopes, and savings:
1,200 sq ft 2BR condo in vintage building. Updated 1990s kitchen and single bathroom. HOA approval required. Working hours limited to 9am-4pm weekdays. Coordinated material deliveries around elevator schedules.
Kitchen ($48,000)
Bathroom ($24,500)
Classic 1920s Chicago bungalow. Opened kitchen to dining room (load-bearing wall removal), updated electrical panel to 200-amp, replaced galvanized plumbing with copper. Primary bathroom gut renovation with tub-to-shower conversion.
Kitchen ($62,000)
Primary Bathroom ($36,000)
1890s greystone owner's unit. Chef's kitchen with professional appliances and custom millwork. Spa-like primary bathroom with freestanding tub and multi-head shower. Required structural engineering for layout changes and coordination with historic neighborhood guidelines.
Kitchen ($108,000)
Primary Bathroom ($60,000)
The Combo Renovation Process
Here's how a well-coordinated kitchen + bath combo project unfolds:
Combined Design Consultation (Week 1-2)
Meet with designer to discuss both spaces together. Establish unified aesthetic, identify shared materials (tile, hardware finishes), and create cohesive design plan. For condos, initiate HOA approval process simultaneously.
Unified Permit Application (Week 2-3)
Submit single Chicago permit application covering both spaces. One set of architectural drawings, one application fee ($1,500-$3,700), one review process. Wait 2-4 weeks for approval.
Material Selection & Ordering (Week 3-5)
Select all materials for both spaces together. Coordinate finishes across kitchen and bathroom. Order cabinets, countertops, tile, fixtures, and appliances with single delivery schedule. Bulk purchasing reduces costs.
Simultaneous Demolition (Week 6)
One demolition crew, one dumpster, one week. Clear both kitchen and bathroom simultaneously. Assess hidden conditions (plumbing, electrical, structural) in both spaces at once.
Rough-In Phase (Week 7-9)
Plumber addresses both spaces in single mobilization. Electrician runs circuits for kitchen and bathroom together. HVAC work coordinated. One rough inspection covers both areas.
Installation Phase (Week 9-12)
Cabinet installers work both spaces. Tile setters complete bathroom and kitchen backsplash in sequence. Countertop templating and installation coordinated. Appliances and fixtures installed.
Finishing & Final Inspection (Week 12-14)
Paint crew finishes both spaces. Hardware and accessories installed. Final electrical and plumbing connections. Single final inspection covers both kitchen and bathroom. Project closeout and walkthrough.
Chicago-Specific Considerations
⚠️ Chicago Condo Owners: Plan for These
HOA approval: Most buildings require 30-60 days for architectural review. Start early. Working hours: Typically limited to 9am-4pm weekdays. Factor into timeline. Elevator reservations: Material deliveries require 3-5 day advance scheduling. Insurance requirements: Many buildings require $2M+ contractor liability coverage. Assembly Squad carries $3M coverage specifically for Chicago high-rise work.
Assembly Squad Pro Tip: Vintage Home Infrastructure
In Chicago bungalows and two-flats built before 1950, budget an extra 15-20% for infrastructure surprises. Common finds: knob-and-tube wiring ($2,500-$4,000 to replace), galvanized plumbing ($3,000-$5,000 to upgrade), undersized electrical panels ($2,500-$3,500 for 200-amp upgrade). Addressing these during a combo renovation is far more cost-effective than dealing with them separately later.
Chicago Permit Requirements
Chicago requires building permits for kitchen and bathroom renovations involving:
When You Need Chicago Permits
- Any plumbing changes (fixture relocation, new supply lines)
- Electrical work beyond simple fixture replacement
- Structural modifications (wall removal, opening doorways)
- HVAC changes (duct relocation, new ventilation)
- Gas line work (range, dryer connections)
- New countertops attached to walls
Permit costs: $1,500-$3,700 for comprehensive kitchen + bath combo (vs. $2,500-$5,500 for two separate permits). Processing time: 2-4 weeks. Assembly Squad handles all permit applications and coordinates inspections.
Why Choose Assembly Squad for Kitchen + Bath Combos
What Sets Assembly Squad Apart
- 150+ combo projects completed — We've refined our process specifically for coordinated kitchen + bath renovations
- Chicago condo experts — We understand HOA processes, building restrictions, and high-rise logistics
- Vintage home specialists — 200+ bungalow, greystone, and two-flat renovations across Chicago
- In-house design coordination — One designer oversees both spaces for cohesive results
- Full permit handling — We manage all Chicago permit applications, fees, and inspections
- Trade relationships — Long-standing partnerships with plumbers, electricians, and tile installers means better scheduling and pricing
- Fixed pricing — Detailed quotes with no hidden fees; change orders require written approval
- Licensed & insured — Illinois General Contractor #TGC098779, $3M liability coverage, A+ BBB rating
See the Transformation: Before & After
Here's a recent Assembly Squad kitchen + bath combo project showing the dramatic transformation possible when you invest in coordinated renovation:
Kitchen Transformation
Bathroom Transformation
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Save 10-15% on Your Kitchen + Bath Renovation?
Assembly Squad specializes in coordinated kitchen and bathroom combo renovations across Chicago. Schedule a consultation to discuss both spaces—we'll create a unified design plan, maximize your savings, and deliver a seamless renovation experience.
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