Kitchen business remodeled

Jeff Schreiber, who has been in the kitchen remodeling industry for 25 years, recently moved his business closer to home.

Schreiber, who resides in Hawthorn Woods, relocated Kitchen Discounters of America from Algonquin to Lake Zurich.

The showroom is larger at the new location, 177 S. Rand Road, north of Route 22 and just past the Dominick's plaza.

The business owner offers complete kitchen remodeling and wholesale cabinets.

Shoppers are able to see samples of flooring in the showroom, including Brazilian cherry woods, natural walnut and an array of tiling. The homeowner is easily able to match cabinet doors with the flooring.

Schreiber offers computer design. He uses the Planit Fusion software system and a large screen TV so shoppers, before the work is started, can get a good idea of what their kitchen will look like. He added that it usually takes several sessions to choose all the amenities, from sinks to lighting to cabinet sizes and designs, including pull-out shelves and garbage can holders. There is no cost for the consultations.

Some shoppers come in just for new countertops or cabinets while many want a whole new look.

"We often take out walls to open up the floor plans and create islands -- a very popular feature right now," he said. He said the trend to entertain at home is making the island and the kitchen a popular place.

"No matter how great the family room is, people always gather around the island in the kitchen at a party," he said.

Schreiber has experience on his side. "I've been doing this all my life," he said. Schreiber originally got into the industry when cabinet re-facing was the thing to do. He started his own business in 1989. His brother, Devin, a resident of Lake Zurich, recently got back into the industry and is helping out at the shop.

Donna Johnston of Lake Barrington Shores helps out part-time assisting clients with color coordination, cabinet handles and stains.

Schrieber added that he works with many custom homebuilders as well. He carries five lines of custom cabinetry with Wellborn Forest ranking as the most popular. He said he is able to keep costs down as he doesn't have a sales crew and his overhead is low.

"We're a family-owned business and we do everything to keep our prices low," he said.

Pricing to remodel a kitchen is all over the board, depending on the project. "The national average for a kitchen remodel is between $25,000 and $30,000," he said.

The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on the weekends and evenings.

For more information, call (847) 540-1166.