Assembly Squad has been renovating kitchens across Chicago neighborhoods for over 15 years now. From Logan Square apartments to spacious gold coast, we have seen it all. And I'll tell you straight what works in the suburbs won't cut it in a vintage Wicker Park three-flat.
Let's Talk Chicago Kitchen Realities
Chicago kitchens come with their own headaches. Our old buildings weren't designed for modern appliances. Our winters are brutal on materials.
And don't get me started on the permit process in downtown versus what you'll face in the suburbs small village.
But here's the good news: with a smart planning, you can remodel even the most challenging Chicago kitchen into something that works for how you actually live.
Budget Talk: What It Really Costs in Chicago
Let's cut to the chase about money. Renovating in Chicago costs more than the national average - that's just reality. Here's what I'm seeing across neighborhoods in 2025 in Chicago, IL:
Basic Remodel
New cabinets, counters, backsplash, keeping layout
Mid-range Renovation
New everything, minor layout changes
Complete Transformation
Moving walls, high-end everything
If someone's quoting you significantly less, they're either cutting corners or planning to hit you with "surprises" later. Trust me, I've seen too many Chicago homeowners get burned this way.
Chicago Neighborhoods, Chicago Solutions
What makes sense in Lincoln Park doesn't always work in Pilsen. Here's what's working well in different parts of our city:
North Side Vintage Buildings
In Neighbords like Lakeview, Andersonville, and Lincoln Square, where vintage buildings dominate:
- Partial wall removal instead of totally open concepts (these buildings need some structural walls)
- Custom upper cabinets that work with irregular ceiling heights
- Panel-ready dishwashers that don't scream "kitchen!" in open floor plans
- Traditional elements that honor these homes' character - think subway tile but with a twist
High-Rises
For South Loop, Streeterville, and River North condos:
- Sleek, handle-free cabinets that maximize your kitchen space
- Multi-function islands that work for both prep and WFH laptop space
- Integrated appliances that disappear into the design
- Light color palettes that maximize our limited winter sunlight
Bungalow Belt
- Opening up kitchen-to-dining walls while maintaining period character
- Custom storage solutions for these homes' quirky dimensions
- Separate zones for cooking, baking, and family gathering
- Materials that complement original woodwork found throughout these homes
Chicago's Permit Maze: The Straight Talk
Anyone who says Chicago permits are easy is lying to you. The truth?
- Standard kitchen permits take 6-10 weeks right now
- Historic districts (looking at you, Old Town and Ukrainian Village) add another layer
- Condo buildings? You'll need board approval before you even talk to the city
- Electrical upgrades in vintage buildings often trigger code updates throughout
We handle all permits for our clients because we've spent years building relationships with every department in City Hall. It's still a pain, but we've got a system that works.
The Decision Order That Actually Works
After hundreds of Chicago kitchens, I've learned you need to make decisions in this order to avoid costly mistakes:
Appliances Come First (Trust Me)
This surprises most homeowners, but your appliance dimensions dictate everything else. Chicago-specific considerations:
- Counter-depth fridges are worth the splurge in smaller kitchens (standard depths stick out too far)
- Induction cooktops make sense for our hot summers (keep the kitchen cooler)
- Drawer microwaves free up valuable counter space in compact layouts
- Dishwashers with third racks maximize capacity when entertaining
Cabinet Choices That Make Sense Here
In Chicago's housing market, kitchen cabinets can make or break your home value:
- White shaker still gives the best ROI across all neighborhoods
- Two-tone cabinets (navy lowers, white uppers) work beautifully in vintage buildings
- IKEA base cabinets with custom doors = the smart money choice for many budgets
- Tall cabinets to ceiling capitalize on our vintage buildings' height
For Rogers Park and Edgewater homeowners: humidity-resistant cabinets matter more because of Lake Michigan proximity.
Countertops For Real Chicago Life
Beyond just looking good, your counters need to stand up to real use:
- Quartz handles winter heating system dryness better than natural stone
- Porcelain slabs are gaining popularity for their indestructible nature
- Butcher block sections make sense for bakers (especially in winter when we all make sourdough)
- For smaller kitchens, light-colored counters create visual space
Functional Flooring For Four Seasons
Your kitchen floor takes a beating from Chicago weather:
- Luxury vinyl plank gives you wood looks with better resistance to snow-melt damage
- Porcelain tile works for ground-floor units prone to spring flooding
- If you're set on hardwood, engineered products handle our humidity swings better
- Heated floors aren't just luxury—they're practical when it's -10° outside
The Assembly Squad Difference
- Chicago's building code quirks (and how to navigate them)
- How to work with your condo board (we've dealt with them all)
- Which suppliers deliver reliably despite Lake Shore Drive traffic
- The unique needs of Chicago's diverse housing stock
Our approach gives you the look of a custom kitchen without the custom price tag. We combine IKEA's affordability with our local expertise to create kitchens that work for real Chicago life. See our full range of home renovation services for more information.
Ready to transform your kitchen? Many of our clients also consider bathroom remodeling at the same time to maximize efficiency and create a cohesive design throughout their home.
Want to see what's possible for your specific space? Let's talk. No pressure, just straight talk about what makes sense for your Chicago home.
