Home Remodeling Services in Chicago & the North Shore
Get an Eric, LLC is a licensed general contractor based in Ravenswood on Chicago’s North Side, serving homeowners throughout Chicago’s North Side neighborhoods and the North Shore suburbs. We focus on a select group of high-impact remodeling services so every project receives the attention, planning, and craftsmanship it deserves.
Whether you are updating a single room or planning a full renovation, our team delivers clear communication, dependable scheduling, and results built to last. We are a renovation contractor, not a handyman service, and that distinction shows in every project we take on.
Our Remodeling Services
Kitchen Remodeling
Upgrade the heart of your home with a kitchen designed for how you actually live. From opening up closed-off galley layouts in pre-war two-flats to full gut renovations in North Shore colonials, we handle layout changes, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, lighting, plumbing, and electrical.
Bathroom Remodeling
Transform outdated bathrooms into clean, functional, modern spaces. Whether it is a compact guest bath in a city two-flat or an oversized master suite that has not been touched in 30 years, we deliver bathroom renovations with quality materials and precise installation.
Basement Finishing
Turn unused basement space into a comfortable, livable area. Our basement projects add usable square footage for rec rooms, home offices, guest suites, and entertainment spaces. We address moisture, low ceilings, egress requirements, and aging electrical before any finish work begins.
Whole-Home Renovations
When a single room is not enough, a whole-home renovation lets you reimagine the entire space at once. We manage the full project from planning and permits through every trade and final walkthrough, keeping the work coordinated, on schedule, and built to last.
Exterior Renovations
The exterior of your home matters as much as the interior. From porch rebuilds and siding replacement to window and door installation, we handle exterior projects built to hold up to Chicago weather and meet local code.
Handyman Services
For smaller jobs that do not require a full remodeling crew, we offer handyman services covering repairs, minor installations, and maintenance tasks that keep your home running smoothly between larger projects.
What Chicago & North Shore Homeowners Should Know Before Starting a Remodel
Remodeling a home in this area is different from remodeling in a newer market. The housing stock is older, the permit process is specific, and what you find behind the walls can change the scope of a project overnight. Here is what we tell every homeowner before they sign with any contractor:
Expect Surprises Behind the Walls
Most homes on Chicago’s North Side were built between the 1880s and 1930s. The homes across the North Shore suburbs are generally newer, most from the 1940s through 1960s, but they still carry their own set of aging infrastructure. In both cases, once demolition starts, it is common to find galvanized plumbing that has corroded from the inside, cast-iron drain stacks with cracks or buildup, knob-and-tube wiring that has been partially but not fully replaced, undersized electrical panels, and moisture damage that was hidden behind finished walls. A good contractor prices in the likelihood of these discoveries and communicates with you immediately when they appear. A bad contractor covers them up or hits you with change orders. We assess the condition of what is behind the walls before locking in a final scope, and when something unexpected comes up, we explain the options, the cost, and the timeline impact on the spot.
Understand the Permit Process Before You Start
In Chicago, most renovation projects that involve structural, electrical, plumbing, or gas work require a permit through the City of Chicago Department of Buildings. Many straightforward residential projects qualify for the Easy Permit Process, which is typically approved within a few business days. More complex projects, especially those involving structural changes or multi-unit buildings, go through Standard Plan Review, which takes longer and requires architectural drawings. In the North Shore suburbs, each village runs its own building department with its own application, fee schedule, and inspection timeline. Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Skokie, and the others all have slightly different processes. We handle permitting in every community we serve, but it is worth understanding that permit timelines are part of your project timeline, not separate from it.
Seasonal Timing Matters
Chicago’s weather affects remodeling schedules in ways that are easy to overlook. Exterior work like porch rebuilds, siding, and window installation is best scheduled between late spring and early fall. Interior work can happen year-round, but scheduling trades during the busy spring and summer months can add lead time. Basement projects are often best started in the drier months to get an accurate read on moisture conditions before finishing. If you are planning a renovation, starting the conversation early, even a few months before you want work to begin, gives you the best options for scheduling, material lead times, and pricing.
Know the Difference Between a Renovation Contractor and a Handyman
For a faucet replacement or a door rehang, a handyman is the right call. For a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, basement finish, or any project that involves opening walls, running new plumbing or electrical, or pulling permits, you need a licensed renovation contractor. The difference is not just about scale. It is about planning, trade coordination, code compliance, and accountability. We offer both services, but we are clear about which one fits your project, and we never apply a handyman approach to a renovation-level job.
Why Homeowners Choose Get an Eric, LLC
Homeowners throughout Chicago’s North Side and the North Shore suburbs choose us because we keep the process straightforward and the results dependable. We are locally owned, based in Ravenswood, and we have built our reputation on clear communication, honest pricing, and quality work.
- Licensed, insured, and experienced tradespeople on every project
- Detailed written estimates with no hidden costs or surprises
- Free, no-pressure consultations for every project
- Deep experience with vintage Chicago homes and North Shore housing
- Permit handling in Chicago and every North Shore suburb we serve
- A dedicated point of contact from start to final walkthrough
Proudly Serving Chicago & the North Shore
We provide home remodeling services throughout Chicago’s North Side and the surrounding North Shore suburbs. Our service area includes Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, Andersonville, North Center, Bowmanville, Edgewater, Uptown, Albany Park, Irving Park, and Budlong Woods in Chicago, as well as Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Skokie, Glenview, Park Ridge, Lincolnwood, Niles, and Morton Grove in the North Shore suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a remodel cost in Chicago?
It depends on the scope, the size of the space, the materials you choose, and the condition of the existing infrastructure. A mid-range kitchen remodel typically runs $25,000 to $60,000. A bathroom remodel ranges from $10,000 to $35,000. Basement finishing projects vary widely based on square footage and whether a bathroom is included. We provide detailed written estimates with clear pricing before any work begins.
How long does a typical remodeling project take?
A bathroom remodel typically takes two to four weeks. A kitchen remodel runs four to eight weeks depending on complexity. Basement finishing projects range from four to ten weeks. Whole-home renovations vary significantly based on scope. We set clear timeline expectations during the estimate process and communicate any changes immediately.
Do I need to move out during a remodel?
For most single-room projects like kitchens and bathrooms, you can stay in the home. For whole-home renovations or gut rehabs, it is usually more practical and comfortable to find temporary accommodations. We will advise you based on the scope of your specific project.
Do you offer financing?
We do not offer in-house financing, but many homeowners work with their bank or credit union to secure a home equity line of credit or home improvement loan. We are happy to provide the detailed estimate documentation that lenders typically require.
Can I see examples of your work?
Yes. Visit our gallery page or contact us directly and we are happy to share photos and details from past projects in your neighborhood or in a similar home type.
Ready to Start Your Remodeling Project?
If you are considering a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, basement finish, or any other remodeling project, we would be happy to talk through your ideas and provide a clear estimate. Call (773) 692-9573 or visit our contact page to get started.
Get an Eric, LLCRavenswood, Chicago, IL(773) 692-9573