Plaster, not drywall
Many houses from the 1920s and 1930s have plaster over wood lath. It is sturdy and cracks differently, and it makes cutting for new outlets or lights slower.
We open it carefully and patch it back so the wall matches the rest of the room.
Original floors
Oak floors that run into the kitchen are worth keeping when they are in good shape. New cabinets can be set to the floor without removing it, and a repair can blend a worn patch.
Tell us early if you want to keep them, so we plan the demolition around them.
Old pipes and plumbing stacks
Galvanized supply lines and cast iron drain stacks are common in houses this age. They may be fine, or they may need to be replaced while the walls are open.
A plumber looks at them before we finalize the plan, because moving a sink often means touching the stack.
Wiring and lighting
Older kitchens often have too few circuits for modern appliances. We check the panel and the wiring, and add what the new kitchen needs.
Under-cabinet lighting and a dedicated line for the refrigerator and dishwasher are common additions.
Village permits and lead paint rules
Hinsdale and the villages around it require permits for most kitchen work that changes plumbing, electrical or walls. In a house built before 1978, contractors must follow lead-safe rules for painted surfaces. Source: US EPA, lead-safe renovation, repair and painting rule.
We prepare the paperwork and follow the lead-safe steps, so you do not have to.
