Renovation Services

Renovation Services in DuPage County

Not every project needs a full remodel. Sometimes the layout works fine, but the finishes are twenty years past their prime. The kitchen footprint is solid, but the cabinets are oak, the countertops are laminate, and the backsplash is four-inch tile in a color that stopped being fashionable in 2004. That is a renovation, and it is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform how a home looks and feels.

At Turn Key Designs, we draw a clear line between renovation and remodeling. A remodel changes the structure or layout of a space. A renovation updates the surfaces, fixtures, and finishes while keeping the existing footprint. Both are valid approaches, and we will tell you which one your project actually needs based on your goals and your home’s condition.

When Renovation Is the Right Move

Renovation makes sense when the bones of the space are good but the finishes, fixtures, and aesthetics are dated. These are the scenarios we see most often across DuPage County:

Kitchen Renovation

Cabinet refacing or replacement within the existing layout, new countertops, updated backsplash, modern lighting, and new hardware. If the work triangle functions well and the appliance positions make sense, there is no reason to move plumbing and electrical. A kitchen renovation typically costs 40 to 60 percent less than a full kitchen remodel because you avoid the structural, plumbing, and electrical costs that come with layout changes. Our kitchen remodeling cost guide breaks down the differences in detail.

Bathroom Renovation

New tile, vanity replacement, fixture upgrades, fresh paint, and updated lighting, all within the existing plumbing footprint. If the shower, tub, and toilet are in reasonable positions, a bathroom renovation can deliver a completely different look and feel without the cost of relocating drain lines and supply pipes. Most hall bath renovations in DuPage County fall into this category.

Whole-Home Cosmetic Renovation

New flooring throughout, updated trim and doors, fresh paint, modern lighting fixtures, and new hardware. This is the kind of project that makes a 1990s home feel current. We coordinate materials across every room so the flooring, trim, and paint palette feel unified. Our design team creates a whole-home color and material plan so nothing clashes and the transitions from room to room feel intentional. Our flooring comparison guide helps homeowners navigate the most common material decisions in a whole-home renovation.

Pre-Sale Renovation

Strategic updates that maximize resale value. We know what DuPage County buyers look for and where renovation dollars have the most impact. Front entry improvements, kitchen cabinet and countertop updates, bathroom fixture and tile refreshes, and fresh flooring throughout the main level consistently deliver the highest return on investment. The National Association of Realtors Remodeling Impact Report provides data on which renovation categories recover the most cost at resale. We use that data to help clients prioritize spending.

Post-Purchase Renovation

You just bought a home and want to make it yours before moving in. We have done dozens of these. Fast-tracked timelines, coordinated with closing dates, and focused on the changes that have the biggest impact on daily life. Getting the renovation done before you move in avoids the disruption of living through construction and typically reduces the overall timeline since we have full access to the house.

Our Renovation Process

Renovations may be smaller in scope than full remodels, but they still require planning. We follow the same three-phase process we use for every project:

Assessment and planning. We evaluate the existing space, identify what stays and what goes, and develop a clear scope of work with detailed pricing. If the project scope expands during this conversation, we will tell you when you have crossed the line from renovation into remodel territory and what that means for budget and timeline.

Material selection. Visit our Lombard showroom to choose finishes. For renovation projects, we help you select materials that coordinate with elements you are keeping. If your existing cabinets are staying, we will match the new countertop and backsplash to work with their finish. If the flooring is staying in the hallway but changing in the kitchen, we will plan the transition detail.

Execution. Our general contracting team handles all demolition, installation, and finishing. Clean, efficient, on schedule. Your project manager coordinates all trades, manages material deliveries, and keeps you informed throughout the process.

Renovation vs. Remodel: We Will Give It to You Straight

If your kitchen layout works but the cabinets are dated, you do not need a $60,000 gut remodel. You need a $20,000 renovation. We will tell you that. If your bathroom’s floor plan is fundamentally broken and no amount of new tile will fix the cramped shower or the vanity that blocks the door, we will tell you that too. Our goal is the right solution, not the most expensive one. Knowing the difference is part of working with a design-build firm that has been doing this across DuPage County for over 15 years.

What Renovations Cost in DuPage County

Renovation costs vary widely depending on the scope, but they consistently come in well below full remodels for comparable spaces. Kitchen renovations (same layout, new finishes) typically range from $15,000 to $35,000 in DuPage County. Bathroom renovations start around $8,000 for a hall bath and go up to $25,000 for a primary bathroom with premium finishes. Whole-home cosmetic renovations depend on square footage and finish level but generally range from $30,000 to $80,000. We provide a detailed, itemized estimate before any work begins.

The Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report tracks renovation costs and return on investment by region and project type, and we use their data points as a reference when advising clients on where to invest for maximum impact.

Serving DuPage County

We renovate homes throughout DuPage County, including Lombard, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, Lisle, Villa Park, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, and Winfield. Each community has its own housing stock and typical renovation needs, and we have experience with all of them.

Related services: Home Remodeling for projects that go beyond cosmetic updates. Kitchen Remodeling and Bathroom Remodeling for full layout-change projects. Flooring Installation and Custom Cabinetry for individual components. Browse our project portfolio to see completed renovation work.

Get Started

Get a free renovation estimate or call us at (630) 353-1186. We will walk through the space, assess what you have, and recommend the most cost-effective path to the result you want.