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Custom vs. Stock Cabinets: Which Is Right for You? Article

Custom vs. Stock Cabinets: Which Is Right for You?

When remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room in Chicago, the cabinets you choose will define both the functionality and the style of your space. And if you're searching for high-quality cabinetry near North Lincoln Avenue, Home Carpet One is your trusted local source. But before you start picking wood finishes or browsing hardware, there’s a big decision to make: custom vs. stock cabinets. Which is the right fit for your home, your budget, and your timeline? Let’s break down the differences—plus the pros and cons—to help you choose the best cabinetry for your next renovation right here in the heart of Chicago. What Are Stock Cabinets? Stock cabinets in the kitchen with marble tile floors and backsplash   Stock cabinets are pre-made in standard sizes and finishes. Because they’re mass-produced and ready to ship, they’re a popular choice for homeowners across Chicago neighborhoods who want an efficient, budget-friendly upgrade. You can add a personal touch by selecting contemporary marble tile flooring and walling. Key features: Common widths and heights, easy to install A limited selection of styles and finishes Quicker turnaround time Found in most home improvement stores or showrooms like ours on North Lincoln Avenue Best for: Chicago homeowners with standard-sized kitchens or baths who want a fast, affordable refresh. What Are Custom Cabinets? Custom-made cabinets in the bathroom decorated with wood-look porcelain tiles . Custom cabinets are built to your exact measurements, design preferences, and storage needs. Whether you live in a vintage walk-up in Lincoln Park or a modern condo in Lakeview, custom cabinetry is ideal for those tricky layouts and design visions that require something more tailored. Key features: Made-to-measure, with full creative control Choose your materials, finishes, hardware, and internal features Ideal for unique room layouts or premium design projects Longer lead time and higher investment Best for: Homeowners in North Side neighborhoods who want something personalized, long-lasting, and built to fit their space exactly. Custom vs. Stock: Key Factors for Chicago Homeowners A small, elegant kitchen with antique white custom-made cabinets and geometric marble backsplash tiles.   1. Budget Stock cabinets are generally much more affordable. That’s why they’re a go-to for many first-time renovators or property investors in Chicago’s diverse real estate market. Custom cabinets require a larger investment, but for homeowners in Ravenswood, Roscoe Village, or anywhere near North Lincoln Avenue looking for quality and customization, the payoff is worth it. Verdict:Stock cabinets are great for budget-conscious upgrades. Custom is best if you're making a long-term investment in your Chicagoland home. 2. Timeline Stock cabinets are ideal for quick-turn projects. If you're doing a kitchen flip in West Lakeview or updating a rental unit near DePaul, stock might be the most practical option. Custom cabinetry, however, involves a longer production period. It is something to factor in for larger renovations or new builds. Verdict:Need it fast? Stock is the way to go. Want it just right? Custom is worth the wait. 3. Cabinet Design Flexibility Cabinet style plays a huge role in the overall look of your home. At Home Carpet One’s showroom on North Lincoln Avenue, we showcase both stock and custom options so you can see the difference for yourself. Stock cabinets come in set styles and colors, while custom cabinets let you match your exact design goals—perfect if you're aiming for a sleek Chicago loft look or a cozy bungalow vibe. Verdict:Custom wins for design freedom. Stock is perfect when you find something you love among the preset options. 4. Space Fit and Efficiency Chicago homes often have unique layouts—especially older houses in neighborhoods like North Center or Lincoln Square. Stock cabinets may not always fit just right, leaving awkward gaps or requiring fillers. Custom cabinets are measured precisely to your space, maximizing storage and creating a seamless look even in oddly shaped rooms. Verdict:For historic or non-standard layouts common in North Chicago, custom cabinets provide a cleaner, more efficient fit. 5. Resale Value In Chicago’s competitive housing market, quality upgrades make a difference. Buyers appreciate well-crafted cabinetry—especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Custom cabinetry can boost resale appeal, particularly in high-value neighborhoods or newly renovated homes. But quality stock cabinets, professionally installed by your Home Carpet One team, can also make a strong impact. Verdict:Custom offers long-term design value; stock brings instant style at a smart price. What About Semi-Custom Cabinets? Semi-custom cabinets in a designer bathroom.   If you’re looking for the sweet spot between price and personalization, semi-custom cabinets might be perfect for your Chicago home. They offer more flexibility than stock and more affordability than full custom. At our North Lincoln Avenue showroom, our team can walk you through semi-custom lines that blend both value and style. Schedule an appointment. So, Which Cabinet Should You Choose? It really comes down to your space, your goals, and your budget. Choose stock cabinets if: You're renovating on a budget You have a standard-sized kitchen or bathroom You need a fast and efficient installation Choose custom cabinets if: Your space has unique measurements or layout challenges You want complete design control You're investing in long-term quality and home value At Home Carpet One in North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, we offer everything from elegant custom cabinetry to durable, budget-friendly stock solutions. Whether you're revamping a family kitchen in Uptown or renovating a bathroom in Andersonville, our experienced design team is here to help. Stop by our Chicago showroom to see samples, get expert guidance, and turn your renovation vision into reality. From cabinets and countertops to flooring and beyond, we’re proud to serve Chicago homeowners with quality products and personalized service. Visit Our Showroom!

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How Much Does It Cost To Replace Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops? Guide

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops?

Replacing your kitchen cabinets and/or your countertops are two of the most impactful ways that you can refresh your home and create the kitchen of your dreams. But how much will it cost? Read on to learn more about the costs that you can expect to pay to give your kitchen a major upgrade. Average cabinet replacement costs  The cost of replacing your kitchen cabinets can vary widely depending on factors like the types of cabinets you choose, the level of customization, and the size of your kitchen. In our experience with our clients, the expected costs to replace kitchen cabinets run anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000, with the average homeowner paying roughly $10,000. Depending on the level of customization and size of your kitchen, this cost might be significantly higher. Here’s a general breakdown of some factors that can affect your cabinet replacement project: Stock, semi-custom or fully custom cabinets: Stock cabinets are pre-built, mass-produced cabinets available in standard sizes and styles. Custom cabinets, on the other hand, are built to your exact specifications, allowing for the most customization. Stock cabinets are the most cost-effective option, while custom cabinets will be the most expensive based on the complexity of the project. Semi-custom cabinets offer many modifications to meet your needs without the price point of fully custom cabinets, so many of our clients opt for this choice. Materials: Your costs will also heavily depend on the kinds of materials that you choose for your cabinets. Higher-quality materials like solid wood will increase the cost of your project, but there are also budget-friendly options like laminate or fiberboard that can help reduce overall expenses.  Size: You’ll also need to consider how big your kitchen is and the number of cabinets you’ll need to install. The more cabinets you need and the larger they are, the more expensive your project will be.  Labor costs: Professional installation will add onto the total costs of your renovation, though this will vary based on contractor. If you’re looking for a contractor, we work with the best and would love to put you in touch! Hardware: It’s not just your cabinets that cost money, handles and knobs make a difference both cost-wise and aesthetically. Signs that it’s time to replace your kitchen cabinets Not sure whether you’re due for a cabinet replacement? Here are some common signs that your cabinets are in desperate need of a refresh. Outdated or unappealing design: Don’t be afraid to replace your kitchen cabinets if they no longer speak to your sense of style! Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home and should reflect your personal tastes. Refreshing and upgrading your cabinets is a great way to change the entire aesthetic of your kitchen.  Structural damage: Rotting, warping, or sagging are often signs that your cabinets are beyond repair, compromising the functionality of your kitchen and even posing safety hazards in some circumstances. Functionality issues: Consider making the replacement if you’re having a hard time opening or closing your cabinets properly or are dealing with broken drawers so that you can improve the functionality of your kitchen. It’s also a good sign to replace your cabinets if you’re having a hard time cleaning and maintaining them, as cabinets can sometimes accumulate grime, stains, or odors that don’t go away as they age.  Interested in making the move and creating the kitchen of your dreams? Let’s talk! Home Carpet One has a huge collection of beautiful cabinets, plus a knowledgeable team that would love to help you start your renovation project. Average Kitchen Countertop Costs  Like cabinets, updating your countertops can also have a major impact on your kitchen’s appearance. The costs here can also vary widely based on the materials used, the size of your kitchen counters, the complexity of your installation, and any labor costs involved. Based on our experience, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,200 to $25,000 dollars for replacing a countertop, with an average of $7,500. Some factors that can affect the cost of your kitchen countertop installation include:  Material choice: The materials of your countertop will be one of the most important factors affecting the final costs. Higher-end natural materials like marble and quartzite are going to be significantly more costly than options like quartz or granite. Size of your countertops: Countertop materials are often sold by square foot, which means that larger countertops will naturally cost more to replace than smaller areas.  Complexity of your installation: Countertops can sometimes be tricky to install, especially if you’re looking for touches like custom edging and cutouts for sinks and appliances.  To get started on your kitchen countertop project, reach out to us at Home Carpet One. We have tons of beautiful countertop options that are designed to instantly upgrade your home. More ways to upgrade your kitchen  Looking for more inspiration? In addition to full replacements, there are also plenty of other projects you can take on that can take your kitchen to the next level.  Upgrading your hardware: Switching out your hardware is another great way to add a touch of personality to your cabinets. We’re happy to help you find the best option for your design style and budget! Look for contemporary options made of stainless steel, brushed brass, or matte black for a modern feel, or add whimsy and charm with vintage-inspired knobs.  Upgrade your backsplash: A new backsplash can instantly elevate your kitchen’s aesthetic and show off your personal style. Choose from a wide range of materials like natural stone, porcelain, ceramic tile, glass, or even recycled glass. Closing the cabinet on the subject. Whether you’re looking to replace broken-down cabinets or are looking for a total redesign, replacing your cabinets and countertops can make a huge difference. If you’re ready to make the move, Home Carpet One would love to help you. 
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