Before Going to a Home Improvement Store to Purchase Kitchen Cabinets Consider This.

Working in the design / build remodeling industry brings me to the hardware stores more often than most people. I am amazed at how many homeowners will wait in line to purchase their kitchen cabinets from the major home improvement stores. Considering how important your kitchen remodel is to you, how is a home improvement store going to effectively consider all aspects of your kitchen remodeling project by only selling you the kitchen cabinets?


I know what you are thinking; the home improvement stores provide free design and they have several options for cabinet lines. I have personally priced out multiple kitchen cabinet lines to find that home improvement stores have considerable mark-ups (sometimes 80-100%). As a design / build remodeling firm, we have access to over a dozen cabinet lines ranging from Wood Mode to Mid Continent. Home improvement stores cannot compete with our supplier pricing. Our preliminary designs of your kitchen will be incorporated into your fixed bid agreement, free of charge, depending on the level of detail for your kitchen remodel.

Home improvement stores use a one-way interaction during the design process. The “big-box” stores expect you to complete measurements and bring in photos of your existing kitchen space to start the design process. They also expect you to compile a wish list of items you would like to incorporate into your renovation. Even for the do-it-yourselfer, this seems like a lot of work. This also leaves considerable room for error during the design process. We personally meet you at your house to capture measurements, photos, existing floor plan drawings, including locating the locations of existing electrical lighting, windows, doors, etc. We consider your existing electrical panel loading and plumbing conditions to be certain your systems support your new appliance wish list. It is very important to capture all of your existing conditions to move forward with a successful renovation.

How is a home improvement store really going to incorporate all of the components of your kitchen remodel? Let’s face it, kitchen renovations are complex, with several moving parts. Plumbing, electrical, flooring, carpentry, countertops and plumbing fixtures are just some issues. Are you removing walls, adding windows, changing flooring and upgrading appliances? What specific needs are you trying to address: multiple cooks, an open floor plan, high end appliances or venting a large hood? Would you like multiple cooking zones, dual prep areas or maybe 2 sinks and 2 dishwashers? How is the home improvement store going to accommodate all of these needs by asking you to bring in a couple of pictures of your existing space?

Do you really trust the home improvement store installers who you have never met to effectively execute all of the details of your kitchen renovation? When you retain Chicago Construction Works for your kitchen installation you are guaranteed one point of contact that has been consumed in the preliminary discussions, design and material integrations. Finally, we will carry out the execution of the installation with the utmost attention to detail. We will be virtually living in your house for a month, meeting you in the morning as you leave for work and cleaning up when you arrive home in the evening. Call or email today to schedule an appointment to start the process to your new kitchen!

got foam?

Don’t be left in the cold…consider polyurethane spray foam for your home’s insulation and air barrier.


Chicago Construction Works is currently following the “tailwinds” to the finish of a successful residential multiple unit condo construction project. Our design/build work has included a redesign and complete overhaul of two condo units; introducing new mechanical systems, windows, roofing, framing, floor joists, interior finishes and insulation. While working with the homeowner, Icynene Foam insulation was selected for the wall and roof joist insulation for the project. This water-blown spray foam insulation application has exceeded my expectations for the project.

This high performance foam insulation has been an impressive case study during the construction process. With very minimal auxiliary heating, we have been able to keep the furnaces off during this winter season to eliminate dust entering the ductwork while trades complete the interior finish installations on both condo units. By spraying the underside of the roof joists and exterior walls above the ceiling, we created an “Unvented Attic Assembly” for the condo unit occupying the top floor. This unvented assembly insulates and air seals above the ceiling which minimizes the potential for condensation from ductwork located in the attic space and ice damming on the roof from attic heat loss.

According to Icynene MD-R-200’s product specification sheet, “Icynene’s next generation of high performance products include Icynene MD-R-200, a 100% water blown foam insulation and air barrier material containing resins with pre- and post-consumer recycled content. It is a type III vapor retarder, with low vapor permeance. MD-R-200 insulates and air seals in one step for maximum energy conservation, while minimizing the environmental impact during manufacturing and construction. The result is superior quality construction, with higher comfort levels and lower heating and/or cooling costs.”

If you are considering an addition or other large home renovation with Chicago Construction Works, be prepared to be amazed by this impressive product. This single simple step can truly transform the comfort level of your living space.