Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Remodeling? We Have Answers.
Get answers to common questions about the TREND Transformations approach to kitchen and bathroom remodeling.
Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom doesn’t have to mean tearing everything out and starting over. Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often about our remodeling process, materials, installation and services.
General Remodeling
General Remodeling Questions
Do I have to completely gut my kitchen or bathroom to remodel it?
Not necessarily. One of the biggest differences in the TREND approach is that we look for opportunities to work with the existing structure when it is suitable.
Depending on your project, we may be able to transform your space through cabinet refacing, countertop overlays, new backsplashes, shower and tub remodeling and other targeted updates—without the disruption of a traditional full-gut renovation.
How is TREND Transformations different from a traditional remodel?
Traditional remodeling often involves removing existing cabinetry, countertops, walls or other structures before rebuilding the space.
TREND focuses on transforming the parts of your kitchen or bathroom that need to change while preserving suitable existing structures whenever possible. This can mean less demolition, less mess and a faster installation.
How long does a TREND remodeling project take?
Installation time depends on the type and scope of your project.
Typical installation timelines include:
- Cabinet refacing: 3–4 business days
- Countertops & backsplashes: 1–2 business days
- Bathroom wet-area remodeling: 3–4 business days
- Full kitchen transformation: as little as 5–7 business days
- Full bathroom transformation: typically 7–10 business days
These are installation timelines, not necessarily the amount of time from your initial consultation to installation. Your project schedule will depend on the materials, selections and scope of work.
Cabinet Refacing
Cabinet Refacing
What is cabinet refacing?
Cabinet refacing replaces the visible components of your cabinetry—including the doors and drawer fronts—and updates the exterior surfaces of the cabinet boxes with a rigid thermofoil veneer (RTF).
We also install soft-close hinges, soft-close drawer glides and new hardware to complete the transformation.
Can you reface my existing cabinets or do I need new cabinets?
If your existing cabinet boxes are structurally suitable, they can often remain in place while the visible portions are transformed.
If you need additional storage, we can also add new cabinetry—such as a pantry, island or additional cabinets—and coordinate it with your refaced cabinetry.
Do you paint or refinish cabinets?
Can you reface bathroom vanities?
Yes. Bathroom vanity cabinets can be refaced using the same general approach as kitchen cabinetry, provided the existing cabinet structure is suitable.
Vanity refacing can also be combined with a new bathroom countertop and other bathroom updates.
Countertops & Backsplashes
Countertops & Backsplashes Remodeling Questions
Can you install a new countertop over my existing countertop?
In the vast majority of projects, yes—provided the existing countertop is suitable for the overlay process.
Our ¼-inch etherium® By E-Stone engineered stone is designed to be installed directly over an existing countertop, which can significantly reduce demolition.
If the existing countertop cannot be used as a suitable base, it may need to be removed and replaced with a new substrate.
What is etherium® By E-Stone?
etherium® By E-Stone is our proprietary engineered stone surface. It is ¼-inch thick and designed for countertop overlays and a variety of other applications.
It is nonporous and resistant to stains, scratches and heat, and can be used for countertops, backsplashes, shower walls, tub surrounds, bathroom flooring and other applications.
Is etherium® By E-Stone the same as quartz or granite?
No. etherium® By E-Stone is a proprietary engineered stone surface designed specifically for the TREND overlay process.
Unlike a traditional thick stone slab, etherium® is ¼-inch thick and is designed to be installed over an existing suitable surface in the majority of countertop projects.
Do you install backsplashes?
Can you replace my kitchen sink when you install my countertop?
Yes. We install both undermount and drop-in sinks.
Your existing sink may be reused if appropriate, or you can choose a new sink as part of your project. In many projects, homeowners choose to install a new sink along with their new countertop.
Bathroom & Shower
Bathroom & Shower Remodeling
Can I remodel my shower without remodeling my entire bathroom?
Yes. Bathroom remodeling does not always require a complete gut renovation.
We specialize in wet-area remodeling, including shower walls, tub surrounds, tub-to-shower conversions and shower-to-tub conversions. Other bathroom features can be updated separately or as part of a larger transformation.
Can you convert my bathtub into a shower?
Yes. We offer tub-to-shower conversions as part of our bathroom remodeling services.
Can you convert my shower into a bathtub?
Yes. Shower-to-tub conversions are also available, depending on the existing space and project requirements.
Do you use tile for shower walls?
No. Our shower walls and tub surrounds use etherium® By E-Stone, rather than tile.
The nonporous engineered stone creates a smooth, grout-free surface that is well suited to wet-area applications.
Do you install bathroom flooring?
Yes. We offer bathroom flooring using etherium® By E-Stone.
We do not install tile flooring in bathrooms.
Materials & Warranty
Materials & Warranty
Where can I see your available colors and styles?
Does etherium® By E-Stone have a warranty?
What warranty do you offer on cabinet refacing?
Installation & Process
Installation & the Remodeling Process
What happens during the consultation?
A TREND representative will meet with you in your home to discuss your goals, evaluate your existing space and help determine which remodeling solutions make sense for your project.
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore materials, colors, cabinetry and other selections.
Do I have to choose everything before signing a contract?
Will you take measurements before ordering my materials?
Yes. Once your project is moving forward, we take precise measurements and create the necessary templates before custom materials are ordered and prepared.
Will there be a lot of mess during installation?
Our remodeling approach is designed to minimize demolition and disruption whenever the existing structure is suitable.
While some projects require demolition or removal of existing materials, many TREND projects involve significantly less demolition than a traditional full-gut renovation.
Can I stay in my home during the remodeling project?
Yes. TREND projects are designed to allow you to remain in your home while the work is being completed. Because our remodeling approach typically involves less demolition and shorter installation times than a traditional full-gut renovation, you can continue using your home while our team transforms your space.
We’ll keep the work area as organized and contained as possible throughout the installation so you can continue with your normal routine.
Service Area
Service Area Questions
What areas does TREND Transformations of Chicago serve?
Do you work outside your listed service area?
Our primary service area is the Chicago suburbs and select communities in Southern Wisconsin. If you’re outside our listed areas, contact us and tell us about your project. We can let you know whether your location is within our service range.
We’re Here to Help
Still Have Questions?
Every home and remodeling project is different. If you don’t see your question answered here, we’re happy to talk through your project and help you understand your options.
Serving homeowners throughout the Chicago suburbs and select communities in Southern Wisconsin.