Over 40% of homeowners who decide to renovate their kitchen do it because they “can’t stand” their current kitchen. But what exactly can’t they stand about it? Maybe the appliances are outdated, the layout feels awkward, or the aesthetic just doesn’t feel like them.
No matter the reason, you don’t want to spend time in a space you don’t like.
The kitchen is the heart of your home, and when it’s frustrating or uninspiring to use, it affects everything. At Shack Built, we don’t just do kitchen remodeling to make your kitchen look like it belongs in a magazine. We do it so you feel excited about cooking, inviting guests over, and even just making your morning coffee.
Here’s how working with the right people for your kitchen remodel in Shawnee, KS, can bring joy back to the place where life happens every day.
Changing How Your Kitchen Looks
When your kitchen feels dark, dated, or disconnected from your style, it doesn’t feel like yours. A thoughtful kitchen makeover in Overland Park—or, well, anywhere—breathes new energy into the space, making it more inviting.
Small changes can make a big difference.
Lighting With Purpose
For example, many older kitchens lack natural light, which can make the space feel smaller than it is. Strategically adding or repositioning windows around the room allows more sunshine in, creating more of an open, welcoming space, and even increasing your happiness!
Lighting fixtures also play a key role in how you see your kitchen, shining a light on every element of your kitchen remodel in Shawnee. Updating fixtures can highlight focal points, like a new backsplash or refaced cabinets, and shine a brighter light in “task areas,” so you can see exactly what you’re chopping or measuring. There’s a reason restaurants dim the dining area and flood the kitchen with light—one kind of lighting sets the mood, and the other makes chefs’ jobs easier.
Fresh Finishes
And, of course, new colors and textures go a long way in transforming a space. Surface-level changes like refinishing the floors, redoing the backsplash, and refacing the cabinets allow you to tailor your kitchen to your aesthetic without starting over completely.
That said, aesthetic improvements alone only work if your kitchen has good bones. They change how you view the space, not how it works.
Changing How Your Kitchen Works
Aesthetic upgrades may get compliments, but they don’t make your kitchen any easier to use. So, before you decide to invest solely in an aesthetic kitchen remodel in Shawnee, KS, take a step back.
Does the layout make sense? Are the cabinets sagging? Is there room for someone to help you cook without bumping into them?
If your kitchen isn’t laid out in a way that supports how you cook and move throughout it, using the space feels like a chore—and a new backsplash won’t change that.
Rethinking the Layout
A big part of functional kitchen remodeling is prioritizing the “work triangle,” or the distance between your sink, refrigerator, and stove. If an island, weirdly placed cabinets, or too much empty space interrupts that triangle, it interrupts how you use your kitchen.
For example, if your sink is all the way across your kitchen from your stove, you have to walk with a full pot of water before you can set it down to boil. It might not seem like a big deal, but these small annoyances add up to a big headache.
Smart Storage Solutions
Another common frustration: cluttered counters. If your espresso machine takes up the counter space by the stove and the Instant Pot is covering the countertop real estate by the sink—even when you’re not using them—you might be left chopping vegetables in a tiny, uncomfortable corner.
That’s why you need to think about how you use your kitchen before starting your kitchen remodel in Shawnee, designing around your needs. Moving the espresso machine to a dedicated coffee station and the Instant Pot into a tucked-away “garage” cabinet or enlarged pantry reestablishes your prep space.
Changing How Your Kitchen Feels
A beautiful kitchen is great, but a beautiful kitchen that flows and functions how you need it to? That’s way better. When you work with Shack Built, you don’t have to choose between style and substance.
Our design-build approach keeps everything under one roof, from initial sketches and tile selections to demolition and installation. By working together, our contractors and designers make the renovation process seamless, and the finished space cohesive—functioning as beautifully as it looks.
What Our Clients Are Saying
We understand that investing in a kitchen remodel in Shawnee, KS, is a personal decision, and it’s just as emotional as it is financial. While we’re in the business of remodeling homes, we’re really in the business of building relationships. We’re here to give you the clarity and support you need to feel confident throughout the process, not just in the end result.
→ Navigating the Emotional Journey of a Kitchen Remodel in Mission Hills
We take pride in what we do and who we work with, and our clients’ reviews explain exactly why that matters.
“The quality, professionalism, and responsiveness of Derick and his team before/during/after our full kitchen remodel exceeded our expectations over and over again. We knew going in that this big of a project would have some hiccups (especially during the pandemic), but the few that we encountered were quickly communicated to us and resolved. The follow-up on any issues or concerns was immediate. We will use them for all of our future house project needs.”
– Charles
“We have been very pleased with the entire design process with Shack Built. From the first meeting, they took time to find out what our vision was and how we lived our lives to design the best kitchen for our use. Through drawings and renderings, we were able to visualize the outcome, and they were very accommodating with any changes that we made. Their team was instrumental in helping with the decision-making of cabinets, countertops, appliances, etc., and their vendor contacts were all exceptional. Everyone we have dealt with during this process has been professional, knowledgeable, and willing to go above and beyond to ensure we got the design we wanted. We would highly recommend Shack Built to anyone looking for a design-build company to work with.”
– Melanie
“We had a major remodel done on our house that included a small addition, full kitchen remodel and expansion, half bath, as well as a patio and sun porch, and Derick and his team did an amazing job. The job was fairly complex and presented some unique challenges, including material shortages, weather, as well as the normal difficulties of tying an addition into an older house. Marty, James, and Cara, as well as the subs, rolled with the punches and delivered a series of spaces that we not only love but look like they have always been there. Like any major remodel, some problems cropped up along the way—they were dealt with quickly with lots of communication and always to our satisfaction. I am in the trades and know many contractors in the metro, either by reputation or I have personally worked with them. When it came time to select a contractor to work on our own home, ShackBuilt was our only choice…period.”
– Marcus
The best remodels start with trust, so we build that first.
Meet the Shack Built Team
Remodeling isn’t just about construction. It’s about people.
Our team doesn’t settle for good enough, approaching every kitchen remodel in Shawnee, KS, with craftsmanship, intention, and a desire to build relationships that last just as long as your new space.
As our owner, Derick, says, “There’s always a better way.”
Derick Shackelford: CR, CRPM, CLC, and Owner
When Derick founded Shack Built, he raised the bar for design-build companies. From high school trades to studying environmental science abroad, he’s developed more than an impressive skill set over the years.
He’s developed our core belief that clients deserve better, and so do their homes.
Cara Christman: Designer, CKBR
Cara believes that great design solves problems. Blending technical skill with creativity, she approaches every kitchen remodel in Shawnee with a commitment to understanding how you use your home, designing a space that fits your needs and your vision.
Sarah Hemme: Office Administrator
From your first phone call to your final walkthrough, Sarah keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes. She manages all of our billing, invoicing, and bookkeeping with the attention it deserves, helping the rest of our team stay on track.
Scott Boxx: Project Manager
With over 20 years of experience, Scott has mastered the art and science of renovation, helping families turn “this isn’t working” into “we should’ve done this sooner.” He truly loves his craft, and he’s a team player you want on your side.
New Faces, Same Commitment
We’re proud to welcome two new members to our team: Project Coordinator Kristyn Bruce and Project Manager Chris Chapman—photos coming soon! While Kristyn brings clarity, empathy, and impressive organizational skills to every project we take on, Chris’s solution-first mindset strengthens our field operations, maintaining our high standards.
Create a Kitchen You Can’t Wait to Come Home To
Ready to reimagine the heart of your home? Shack Built’s experienced designers and certified contractors are ready to transform your kitchen into a space that reflects how you live now, curating a place where every meal and moment matters.
And it all starts with a consultation.
Reach out to schedule your visit with us, or use our virtual tool to start planning your kitchen remodel in Shawnee, KS.
