We were warned repeatedly: "A kitchen remodel will be a nightmare--don't live there while it's…read morehappening!" That, along with a few other cautions, set our expectations before starting our project with Kitchen & Baths Unlimited. For my wife and me, however, the experience turned out very differently. We cannot say enough great things about Nancy (design), Owen (project management) and the entire team that meticulously executed the remodel.
While I work from home and my wife commutes downtown, we decided to move forward with gutting and remodeling the vintage kitchen in our 100-year-old farmhouse in Evanston--and we couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. Yes, the demolition phase was a bit loud, as expected. But after that, the usual construction noise--hammering and drilling--was manageable. The team did an excellent job minimizing disruption: adjacent rooms were carefully sealed to contain dust, wood floors were protected with panels, and window treatments were wrapped in plastic.
Design selections were also made easy thanks to Nancy, who guided us through choosing colors, cabinets, and countertops that matched our vision. The result is a beautiful transformation from a neglected, dingy farmhouse kitchen into a bright, modern farmhouse space. The Italian tile backsplash complements the quartz countertops with subtle veining. The lower cabinets are a soft gray, while the upper cabinets are white, creating a clean and balanced look.
We also upgraded our appliances and fixtures, including LED ceiling lights, a Bosch microwave drawer, a professional KitchenAid range with a matching hood featuring an infrared sensor, and a modern stainless-steel farmhouse sink with a gentle bow.
Despite an initial delay with the permit office due to a previously applied for permit that KBU helped us manage, the project stayed on schedule. We made a few minor upgrades along the way, but thanks to Owen and Nancy's guidance, we remained on time and within our overall budget.
The KBU crew was professional, punctual, and highly skilled. Communication was seamless--especially since I was working from home--which helped address questions quickly and keep the project moving efficiently.
In the end, we passed all inspections and received written approval from the village within a day.
For us, this remodel was a great success. Thank you to Nancy, Owen, Patricia, Rade, and the entire team! You are the BEST!
