Veteran-Owned • Family-Run Since 1968 • Showroom in Third Lake, IL
Veteran-Owned • Family-Run Since 1968 • Showroom in Third Lake, IL
WHOLE-HOME REMODELING AND ADDITIONS IN LAKE COUNTY, IL
Century Kitchens & Bath designs and builds whole-home renovations, additions, finished basements, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and fireplace remodels for Lake County, Illinois homeowners. One designated project manager. In-house licensed plumbers, electricians, and carpenters. Itemized menu-style estimates. A written limited lifetime warranty signed by the owner. We pull every permit and meet every inspector.
Call us directly: (847) 395-3418
1968
Years in Business
The year we built our first Lake County addition. We have been managing large-scope projects since the year Apollo 8 orbited the moon.
1–5
Months On Site
Typical on-site build time for a Lake County whole-home or addition project, depending on size and scope.
$40K–$500K
Project Range
The full Lake County range across all scope categories. Most whole-home projects run $150,000 to $350,000.
Lifetime
Warranty
Written limited warranty on every product and service we install. Signed by the owner.
WHAT A "HOME REMODELING" PROJECT ACTUALLY MEANS
"Home remodeling" covers a wider range of scope than kitchens or bathrooms ever could. The right starting point is figuring out which category your project actually falls into, because the pricing, timeline, and design considerations are different for each. Here is how the five break down.
A whole-home renovation touches most or all of the home's interior in a single coordinated project. The most common Lake County whole-home scope we run includes a full kitchen, two bathrooms (primary and one secondary), a powder room, hardwood refinishing across the main floor, paint throughout, lighting upgrades, and electrical or plumbing updates required to support the new layout.
The reason to do a whole-home remodel as one project rather than five sequential projects over a decade is that the trades coordinate once, the permits pull once, the demolition happens once, and the disruption ends in months rather than years. The Cost vs. Value Report consistently shows whole-home renovations recoup 55 to 70 percent at resale.
Investment Range
$150,000 – $700,000+
Most Lake County projects run $150K–$350K. Estate-scale projects in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff routinely exceed $500K.
Typical Timeline
3–5 months on site, plus 4–8 weeks pre-construction
What We Handle
Full project management, all trades, permits, HOA review, warranty
A home addition expands your existing footprint either out (a bump-out, room addition, or larger expansion onto the yard) or up (a second-story addition over an existing single-story home or wing). Build-out additions are typically less expensive per square foot because they require less structural reinforcement. Build-up additions cost more per square foot because they require strengthening the existing foundation, framing, and load paths.
The most common Lake County addition we run is a primary suite addition over the garage or rear of the home. The second most common is a family room or sunroom build-out off the back of the house. We have been working through Lake County addition permitting for decades and know the village setback and lot coverage requirements that shape what is actually buildable on your lot.
Investment Range
$80,000 – $500,000+
Build-out: $150–$350/sq ft. Build-up: $200–$500/sq ft. Primary suite additions: $200K–$450K.
Typical Timeline
3–9 months on site depending on type
What We Handle
Structural engineering, architectural drawings, permits, all trades, finishes
A finished basement converts unused below-grade square footage into livable, functional space. Most Lake County homes built after 1990 have unfinished basements at original construction, which means a finished basement adds 800 to 2,000 square feet of usable area at a fraction of the cost-per-square-foot of an addition.
The most common scope includes drywall and ceiling, flooring (luxury vinyl plank, engineered hardwood, or carpet), egress window upgrade if required by code, electrical for lighting and outlets, full HVAC zoning, a wet bar or kitchenette, and either a full or three-quarter bathroom.
Investment Range
$40,000 – $120,000
$50–$100 per square foot in Lake County. Materially less than above-grade addition costs.
Typical Timeline
6–12 weeks on site
What We Handle
Egress windows, framing, insulation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, flooring, finishes
Mudrooms and laundry rooms are the secondary-space projects that disproportionately improve daily life. A well-designed mudroom solves the problem of where coats, boots, backpacks, mail, dog leashes, and seasonal gear actually live—which matters in Lake County where winter brings five months of salt, slush, and snow.
Most Lake County mudroom projects involve carving space out of an oversized garage entry hallway or former pantry, installing custom built-in lockers with bench seating, hooks, cubbies, drawers, and a durable floor. Laundry rooms typically involve relocating from a basement to the main floor, installing front-load washer and dryer with a folding counter, full cabinets, a utility sink, and often a pet wash station.
Investment Range
$15,000 – $80,000
Mudrooms: $15K–$45K. Laundry rooms: $20K–$60K. Combined: $35K–$80K.
Typical Timeline
3–8 weeks on site
What We Handle
Demolition, plumbing, electrical, custom cabinetry, flooring, finishes
Fireplace remodels are the single most-searched home improvement project in the country relative to project size. The reason is simple: most fireplaces installed between 1985 and 2005 feature brass surrounds, marble facings, and proportions that no longer match current design preferences. Replacing them is one of the higher-impact, lower-cost interior changes available.
The most common Lake County fireplace remodel involves removing the original surround and facing, refacing the firebox with stacked stone, large-format porcelain tile, or shiplap, installing a new mantel sized to current proportions, and updating the surrounding wall treatment.
Investment Range
$8,000 – $40,000
Most projects run $8K–$30K. Larger projects with chimney work or gas conversion can run $40K+.
Typical Timeline
2–6 weeks on site
What We Handle
Demolition, gas line work, facing, mantel, electrical, paint, finishes
WHAT A LAKE COUNTY HOME PROJECT ACTUALLY COSTS
Most remodelers refuse to publish pricing for whole-home and addition projects because the variance is so wide that any single number looks misleading. We publish the ranges by scope because every Lake County buyer asks the same question first, and the right answer is a structured range with context, not a sales call.
In a $250,000 whole-home renovation:
Whole-home and addition projects in the City of Chicago typically run 15 to 25 percent higher than equivalent Lake County projects. The cost premium comes from condo HOA approvals, parking and material delivery logistics, prevailing wage on certain projects, and tighter permit review timelines. Lake County village permitting is generally faster, parking is available, and the median construction year (mid-1990s) means most homes do not carry the same infrastructure-upgrade costs that pre-1950 Chicago homes do.
Every Century estimate is itemized line by line. You see the exact dollar allocation for every scope element, every trade, and every finish before you sign anything.
Get Your Itemized Home Remodel Estimate
THE DECISION BEFORE THE PROJECT
Most Lake County homeowners thinking about a whole-home renovation or significant addition are weighing it against the alternative of selling the current home and buying something larger or newer. The math usually favors renovating, but not for the reasons people expect.
The cost of selling and buying a different home in Lake County typically runs eight to twelve percent of the home's value once you account for agent commissions on the sale (5 to 6 percent), Illinois transfer taxes, Lake County recording fees, moving costs, closing costs on both transactions, and the inevitable cosmetic and functional updates a new home requires within the first two years. On a $700,000 Lake Forest or Libertyville home, that is $56,000 to $84,000 just to change addresses—before you account for any actual improvements to the new property.
That same $56,000 to $84,000 applied to a renovation goes directly into the home you already own. It buys a new kitchen, or a primary suite renovation, or a finished basement. It improves daily life every day. It increases the home's value at resale.
The math changes when:
For most Lake County homeowners we work with, the location is right, the lot is workable, and the bones of the home are sound. The home just needs to function for who they are now. That is what renovation solves.
If you are at the point of running this math yourself, the free Century consultation is the right next step. We will measure your home, talk through your goals, and tell you honestly whether the renovation makes sense or whether the math on this specific home favors selling. We have turned away projects where renovation was not the right call. The conversation is free.
Book a Free ConsultationWHERE WE BUILD
Century's showroom is in Third Lake, in the 60030 ZIP code that also serves Grayslake. We design and build whole-home renovations, additions, basements, and other large-scope projects across all of Lake County, with most projects within a thirty-minute drive of the showroom.
HOW A LARGE-SCOPE PROJECT WORKS WITH CENTURY
We come to your home. For projects involving structural changes or additions, we walk the existing space, measure carefully, and discuss what is buildable on your lot given setback requirements, lot coverage rules, and the home's existing infrastructure. We talk through your goals, timeline, and budget. No deposit, no pressure, no obligation.
Your designer develops the floor plan, elevation drawings, and 3D renderings of the finished project at no charge. For additions or structural projects, we coordinate with structural engineers as needed. For HOA-governed properties, we prepare the architectural submission package.
You pick every finish, fixture, surface, and material across every room in the project. For whole-home renovations, this typically runs across several appointments to keep selections aligned across rooms and consistent with the overall design direction.
Every line itemized across every scope element. Kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, paint, electrical, plumbing, structural work, foundation, roof, exterior, permits, dumpsters, and project management. Nothing buried. You sign once.
Our in-house licensed crews execute on the schedule we promised. For projects running three to six months, we provide weekly progress updates from your designated project manager. We pull every permit and meet every inspector. When the project is complete, your written limited lifetime warranty goes in the file.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN EVERY CENTURY PROJECT
We stack the items most large-scope contractors charge for separately into your project, then hand you a written limited lifetime warranty on top. Every Century home remodeling project includes:
Free in-home or in-showroom consultation
A real conversation with a designer at your home, not a quoting form.
Custom 3D rendering of your project at no charge
You walk the finished space across every renovated room before any deposit clears.
Itemized menu-style estimate
Every line, every dollar, broken out across every scope element.
In-house licensed plumbers, electricians, and carpenters
No outside trade subs on critical trades. Schedule integrity stays inside the company.
One designated project manager from start to finish
The same person who walked you through your renderings on day one is on site through final walkthrough.
Permits and inspections coordinated for you
Village, county, and any state-level approvals required by the scope.
HOA architectural review submissions where required
Drawings, material samples, and full submission packages prepared on your behalf.
Structural engineering coordination when required
For additions, second-story projects, and structural modifications.
Daily site protection and end-of-day cleanup
Drop cloths, dust containment, and swept floors before the crew leaves.
Written limited lifetime warranty
Covers all products and services purchased through Century, signed by the owner.
Direct line to Steve Donato
Not a service desk. His actual number: (847) 395-3418
Century is not just our name. It is our warranty. Every product and service you purchase through Century Kitchens & Bath is covered by our written limited lifetime warranty, in writing, signed by Steve. Most remodelers write a one-year workmanship promise into their contract and hope you do not read it. We tell you about ours up front because we expect you to.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Our reviews are not anonymous testimonials. The designers, crew managers, and the owner our clients name in their reviews are still here.
"Excellent. Love it. Our designers, Mary and Kelsey, were great to work with. Their design was well thought out and professionally done. We will definitely refer Century to friends and give references upon request. Very honest, fair, and a collaborative effort."
— Mark and Laura B.
Kitchen renovation, screened porch addition, bathroom and laundry remodel
"One word. Excellent. Andrew and Randi were on top of all the aspects. Demolition, electrician, construction, and finishing. All was done perfectly. We highly recommend Century Kitchens & Bath. The quality of work and attention to details are outstanding."
— Robert and Ingrid D.
Complete kitchen, two bathrooms, three closets, partial bedroom remodel
"Steve, the owner, did a great job of working around issues and finding cost-effective ways to get things done. The crew was always on time and they did what they said they were going to do. I have recommended Steve to a number of friends who have used him and have been happy also."
— Patricia P.
Complete kitchen design and remodel
PLANNING RESOURCES
We publish guides, cost breakdowns, and design references for Lake County homeowners researching their whole-home, addition, basement, or other large-scope project.
Real Lake County pricing for whole-home projects from $150K refresh through $500K+ estate-scale gut renovation. Where the budget actually goes by room and by trade.
Guide coming soon
Build-out vs. build-up. Primary suite additions. Family room additions. Per-square-foot benchmarks for Lake County and what each addition type typically includes.
Guide coming soon
Before-and-after fireplace transformations from 1990s brass-and-marble to current stone, tile, and shiplap surrounds. Cost ranges and material guidance.
Guide coming soon
More guides coming soon
LARGE-SCOPE PROJECT QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Most whole-home renovations in Lake County run $150,000 to $350,000. The lower end of that range covers a full kitchen, two bathrooms, hardwood refinishing across the main floor, paint throughout, lighting upgrades, and minor electrical or plumbing updates. The upper end covers projects with structural changes, premium finishes, and basement finishing. Estate-scale Lake Forest and Lake Bluff whole-home projects routinely exceed $500,000. Larger projects involving additions can run $700,000 or more.
Home additions in Lake County typically run $80,000 to $400,000 or more depending on type. Build-out additions (expanding the footprint at ground level) run $150 to $350 per square foot, with most projects landing $80,000 to $250,000. Second-story additions run $200 to $500 per square foot, with most projects landing $150,000 to $400,000. Primary suite additions including a full bathroom, walk-in closet, and sitting area typically run $200,000 to $450,000.
Primary suite additions in Lake County typically run $200,000 to $450,000. The Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report puts upscale primary suite additions at approximately $410,000 nationally, with the Chicago and North Shore market running at the upper end of that range. The investment includes a sleeping area, sitting area, primary bathroom with custom shower and double vanity, and a walk-in closet, plus structural work, foundation, roof, and exterior cladding.
Finished basement projects in Lake County typically run $40,000 to $120,000, depending on the size of the basement, whether a bathroom or wet bar is included, and the level of finish. Per-square-foot, finished basements typically run $50 to $100, materially less than above-grade addition costs. Most Lake County homes built after 1990 have unfinished basements that can be converted into 800 to 2,000 square feet of livable space.
Mudroom projects in Lake County typically run $15,000 to $45,000. Most projects involve carving space out of an oversized garage entry hallway or section of the kitchen, installing custom built-in lockers with bench seating, hooks, cubbies, and drawers, and laying a durable floor (tile, slate, or porcelain plank).
Most Lake County fireplace remodels run $8,000 to $30,000. The typical project involves removing the original 1990s or early 2000s surround and facing, refacing the firebox with stacked stone, large-format porcelain tile, or shiplap, installing a new mantel sized to current proportions, and updating the surrounding wall. Larger projects involving conversion from wood-burning to gas, full-wall stone installation, or built-in cabinetry flanking the fireplace can run $40,000 or more.
Most Lake County whole-home renovations take three to five months of on-site work, plus four to eight weeks of pre-construction design and selections. The total timeline from first consultation to final walkthrough typically runs five to eight months. Larger projects involving additions, structural changes, or extensive system upgrades can run six to nine months on site.
Most Lake County clients stay in their home during whole-home renovations even though the disruption is significant. We coordinate the schedule so that at least one kitchen function, one functional bathroom, and one bedroom remain usable throughout. For projects involving substantial second-story additions, structural changes that compromise the home's weather envelope, or simultaneous renovation of the only kitchen and only bathroom, temporary relocation may be necessary for a portion of the project. We discuss this during the design phase.
Yes. For home additions, second-story projects, and any renovation requiring structural modification, Century coordinates with licensed structural engineers and incorporates their drawings into the construction documents. The engineering cost is included in the estimate. We do not require the homeowner to source or coordinate the engineering separately.
Century Kitchens & Bath provides a written limited lifetime warranty on all products and services purchased through us. The warranty is signed by the owner and given to you in writing as part of your project file. Products purchased outside of Century are not covered.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Spend an hour with a Century designer at your home. For whole-home renovations, additions, and large-scope projects, the consultation needs to happen on site so we can walk the existing space, measure what matters, and develop an accurate scope and budget conversation. No deposit. No pressure. No obligation.
Showroom: 33978 N. Hwy 45, Unit C, Third Lake, IL 60030 • Open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm • In-home consultations available throughout Lake County
