How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Vernon Hills, Illinois

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen in Vernon Hills, the first question is usually the same one everyone asks.

How much is this going to cost me, really?

And right behind that comes the bigger question.

Why do kitchen remodel estimates feel like they are all over the place?

The honest answer is that kitchens can land in very different price ranges because the scope can change fast. One homeowner is swapping finishes and staying inside the existing layout. Another is moving plumbing, removing walls, upgrading electrical, and choosing custom cabinetry.

This guide breaks the cost down in a clear, human way so you can understand what drives your budget and how to plan without getting surprised halfway through.

If you are ready to explore options for your own space, you can start here.

Quick overview of typical kitchen remodel cost ranges in Vernon Hills

Every home is different, but most kitchen remodel budgets usually fall into one of these buckets.

1. Light refresh

   Often lands around $15,000 to $35,000Think paint, fixtures, some new appliances, and cosmetic improvements without changing layout.

2. Mid scope remodel

   Often lands around $35,000 to $80,000This is where you see new cabinets, new counters, flooring, updated lighting, and better storage, usually keeping the kitchen footprint similar.

3. Full remodel with layout work

   Often lands around $80,000 to $150,000 plus

   This often includes layout changes, moving plumbing or gas, new electrical, structural work, premium finishes, and sometimes new windows or door changes.

These are not quotes. They are planning ranges to help you start smart. The best way to get a real number is to define the scope and selections early so the estimate reflects what you actually want.

What actually drives the cost of a kitchen remodel

If you take ten kitchens in Vernon Hills that look similar in photos, the price can still vary a lot. The difference usually comes down to a few core drivers.

1. Are you keeping the same layout or changing it

This is the biggest cost lever.

Keeping the same layout usually means your plumbing, electrical, and ventilation can stay close to where they already are. That reduces complexity and lowers the risk of hidden surprises.

Changing the layout often means some combination of these.

Moving the sink or dishwasher and updating water lines and drains

Relocating the range and addressing gas lines or new electrical needs

Adjusting ventilation and ducting

Adding circuits for modern appliances

Possible structural changes if walls are moved

Even a small layout change can ripple into multiple trades, which is why layout changes typically push budgets upward.

2. Cabinets are often the biggest line item

Cabinetry is one of those things homeowners feel every day. It affects storage, function, and the entire look of the space.

Cabinet cost depends on.

Stock versus semi custom versus custom

The number of cabinets and the size of the kitchen

Door style, finish, and hardware choices

Interior upgrades like pull outs, organizers, spice storage, trash pull outs, and pantry systems

A good remodel plan usually starts with function first. Where do you drop groceries. Where do the kids pile homework. Where do small appliances live so your counters stay usable.

If you want to see real finished work and get inspiration for layout ideas, finishes, and overall style, take a look at Brezden’s project gallery

3. Countertops vary wildly in price

Countertop costs can swing your budget fast, even if everything else stays the same.

Main drivers include.

Material choice

Thickness and edge profile

Number of seams and cutouts

Waterfall edges

Backsplash material and coverage

A smart approach is to decide what matters most to you. Is it durability. Low maintenance. A specific look. Or a statement piece. That decision helps you invest where it counts.

4. Appliances and electrical upgrades

Modern kitchens ask more from your electrical system than older kitchens were designed for.

If your home is older or if you are adding appliances like a wall oven, induction cooktop, wine fridge, or extra outlets, you may need.

New dedicated circuits

Updated wiring in the kitchen area

GFCI protection and code compliance updates

More lighting circuits for layered lighting

This is a common cost driver that homeowners do not always plan for at the beginning.

5. Flooring and subfloor surprises

Flooring seems straightforward until you remove old floors and see what is underneath.

Costs depend on.

Material choice and total square footage

Prep work, leveling, and underlayment

Subfloor repairs

Transitions into adjoining rooms

If your kitchen has been through multiple renovations over decades, floor leveling and prep can be a hidden part of the budget. It is not glamorous, but it is the difference between a floor that feels solid and a floor that always feels off.

6. Plumbing work and fixture choices

Plumbing costs depend on.

Are you moving the sink, dishwasher, or fridge water line

Do you want a pot filler, filtered water tap, or instant hot feature

Are you replacing old shutoff valves and lines for long term reliability

Even if you keep the sink in the same place, upgrading aging components can be a smart investment.

7. Lighting and ventilation

A kitchen can look beautiful but still feel wrong if the lighting is harsh or dim, or if cooking odors linger.

Lighting costs depend on.

Recessed lights, pendants, under cabinet lighting

Dimmers and switching layout

New ceiling work if existing conditions are uneven

Ventilation depends on.

Hood type and airflow

Duct routing

Make up air requirements if applicable

Good lighting and ventilation are not just upgrades. They make the kitchen feel finished and comfortable.

8. Permits and inspections

Many kitchen remodels require permits, especially when you are changing electrical, plumbing, or structural elements.

Permit needs vary by scope and local rules. The key is to treat permits like a normal part of doing the project the right way, not like an optional line item.

Homeowners in Lake County often feel relief when their remodel team handles this clearly and keeps the process organized.

Cost saving decisions that still look high end

If you want your kitchen to feel expensive without pushing the budget into the highest tier, here are decisions that tend to pay off.

Keep plumbing locations if possible

Moving plumbing often increases cost without always increasing daily enjoyment

Invest in cabinets, simplify elsewhere

A great cabinet layout and quality drawers can elevate the entire kitchen even with modest counters

Choose a clean backsplash design

You can still get a designer look without complex patterns or full wall splashes everywhere

Use layered lighting

Under cabinet lighting plus smart recessed placement can transform the space for less than major structural changes

Upgrade storage features

Pull outs and organizers make your kitchen feel custom in day to day life

How to avoid budget surprises during your kitchen remodel

This is where real expertise matters. The goal is to avoid the classic situation where a homeowner hears a number early, then the project grows and the number moves.

Here is the approach that keeps things grounded.

Step 1. Define your scope in plain language

Before you talk about finishes, get clear on the big picture.

Are we changing the layout or keeping it

Are we replacing cabinets or refinishing

Are we changing the flooring

Are we upgrading appliances

Are we opening walls or changing windows

Step 2. Decide your priority list

Most homeowners have one or two things they care about most.

More storage and better workflow

A brighter, more open feel

Easy cleanup and low maintenance surfaces

A kitchen that feels modern and fresh

When you define priorities, your remodel team can guide your budget toward the things that actually matter to you.

Step 3. Make key selections early

A lot of cost swings happen when selections are left vague.

The sooner you know what category you are choosing for cabinets, counters, and appliances, the more accurate the plan becomes.

Step 4. Build in a sensible contingency

Older homes sometimes hide surprises. It is normal.

Having a buffer in your plan helps you handle the unexpected without panic.

Step 5. Choose a team that explains the process clearly

The best remodeling experiences usually share a few traits.

Clear communication

A realistic timeline

A clean jobsite culture

A plan for protecting your home during construction

Guidance that helps you make decisions, not just pick finishes

Common questions Vernon Hills homeowners ask about kitchen remodel costs

Do I have to remodel everything at once

Not always. If your layout works and cabinets are in good condition, sometimes a phased approach makes sense. The key is to plan so the phases do not create extra rework later.

Is it cheaper to keep my existing cabinets

Often yes, but it depends on what you want. If storage is a problem or cabinet interiors are worn out, new cabinets can deliver better long term value.

What upgrades add the most value

Kitchens generally hold value well, but value is not just resale. A kitchen that functions better every day has its own return.

The upgrades that tend to matter most are.

Functional layout

Quality cabinets and storage

Durable counters

Good lighting

Proper ventilation

How long does a typical kitchen remodel take

Timelines vary by scope. A light refresh is faster. A full remodel with layout changes takes longer because more trades and more coordination are involved.

A clear project plan is what keeps timelines realistic.

Ready to plan your kitchen remodel in Vernon Hills

If you are in Vernon Hills or nearby Lake County communities and you are thinking about a kitchen remodel, the best first move is not picking tile samples.

It is getting clarity on scope, priorities, and the real cost drivers for your home.

Information's you can access from Brezden! 

1. Explore Brezden’s Kitchen Remodeling service page and see how the process work

2. Browse real completed projects in the gallery for inspiration

3. If you are ready to talk through your ideas, reach out through the website and schedule a consultation