Home Remodeling in Ravenswood, Chicago
Get an Eric, LLC is a licensed general contractor based in Ravenswood, steps from Lincoln Square. We work in this neighborhood regularly and know its homes, from Craftsman built-ins and leaded glass windows to classic two-flats and brick bungalows. We are a renovation contractor, not a handyman service, and every project gets real planning, licensed tradespeople, and a finished result built to last. Free estimates are available by calling (773) 692-9573.
Kitchen Remodeling in Ravenswood
Kitchens in Ravenswood’s pre-war homes are often small, closed off, and running on plumbing and electrical that has been patched for decades. Whether you are working with a tight galley kitchen in a two-flat or a dated layout in a Foursquare, we handle full kitchen renovations including cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, flooring, lighting, plumbing, and appliance placement. We understand the structural realities of older buildings, from plaster-and-lath walls to load-bearing partitions that limit how much you can open up a floor plan.
- Full kitchen gut and rebuild in two-flats and single-family homes
- Opening up closed-off galley kitchens where structure allows
- Countertop, cabinet, backsplash, and flooring installation
- Updating aging plumbing and electrical to current code
Bathroom Remodeling in Ravenswood
Many Ravenswood homes still have original hex tile, cast-iron tubs, and single-handle fixtures from a century ago. In two-flats, bathrooms are often compact and oddly shaped. In single-family Victorians, the master bath may be spacious but dated in every way. We handle full bathroom renovations including plumbing, electrical, tile, cabinetry, glass, and fixtures, and we know what to expect behind the walls, from galvanized supply lines to knob-and-tube wiring.
- Complete bathroom gut and remodel
- Tub-to-shower conversions in tight spaces
- Custom tile showers, vanities, and flooring
- Replacing galvanized and cast-iron plumbing with modern materials
Basement Finishing in Ravenswood
Most Ravenswood homes have full basements that are either unfinished or barely finished with decades-old materials. With the median home price in the neighborhood around $550,000, finishing your basement is one of the most cost-effective ways to add usable living space. Chicago basements come with their own challenges, especially moisture near the North Branch of the Chicago River, low ceilings, and outdated electrical. We address all of it before any finish work begins.
- Full basement build-outs into rec rooms, offices, or guest suites
- Basement bathroom additions with ejector pump installation
- Egress window installation to meet Chicago code
- Moisture management, waterproofing, and sump pump work
Whole-Home Renovations in Ravenswood
Many buyers purchase older Victorians, Foursquares, or two-flats in Ravenswood because the bones are solid but the interiors need a full update. Others have lived here for years and are ready to modernize everything at once. We manage whole-home renovations from start to finish, working through layers of past renovations, coordinating every trade, and handling permits through the City of Chicago Department of Buildings.
- Full interior gut renovations of Victorians, two-flats, and bungalows
- Floor plan reconfiguration and open-concept conversions
- Complete electrical and plumbing upgrades to modern standards
- Permit coordination and inspection management
Remodeling Challenges Unique to Ravenswood Homes
Working on homes built between the 1880s and 1930s is different from remodeling newer construction, and Ravenswood has some of the most diverse vintage housing stock in Chicago. Here are some of the issues we regularly encounter and address in Ravenswood renovation projects:
Plaster-and-Lath Walls
Most pre-war Ravenswood homes have plaster-and-lath walls rather than drywall. Plaster is durable but cracks easily during renovation work. We know when it makes sense to preserve it and when to replace sections with drywall for a clean, modern finish.
Aging Plumbing Systems
Galvanized steel supply lines and cast-iron waste stacks are standard in homes from this era. Galvanized pipes corrode from the inside over time, reducing water pressure and eventually failing. When we open up walls for a remodel, we assess the full plumbing picture and replace what needs replacing so you are not dealing with failures after the project is done.
Outdated Electrical
Knob-and-tube wiring is still present in some Ravenswood homes, and even where it has been partially updated, we frequently find panels and circuits that are undersized for modern use. We make sure the electrical system supports the finished project.
Structural Limitations
Opening up a floor plan in a Victorian or two-flat is not as simple as knocking down a wall. Many interior walls are load-bearing, and the framing was done with old-growth lumber in configurations that differ from modern construction. We assess the structure before any demolition and engineer proper solutions when walls need to come down.
Basement Moisture
Homes near the North Branch of the Chicago River and throughout the neighborhood deal with seasonal moisture in the basement. Before any finishing work begins, we address drainage, waterproofing, and sump pump systems so the finished space stays dry.
Why Ravenswood Homeowners Choose Get an Eric
We are not just working in Ravenswood, we are based here. We understand the homes, the building department process, and the expectations of homeowners in this neighborhood. We are a renovation contractor, not a handyman service, and that distinction matters when you are investing in a home built over a hundred years ago.
- A contractor who lives in and knows Ravenswood inside and out
- Licensed, insured, and experienced tradespeople on every job
- Expertise with Victorians, two-flats, bungalows, and Foursquares
- Detailed estimates with no hidden costs or surprises
- Free, no-pressure consultations for every project
- Work that meets City of Chicago code and passes inspection the first time
- Experience navigating Chicago’s Easy Permit Process and Standard Plan Review
Also Serving Neighborhoods Near Ravenswood
Get an Eric, LLC is based in Ravenswood and also serves homeowners across Chicago’s North Side, including Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Bowmanville, Gold Coast, North Center, Edgewater, Uptown, Albany Park, Irving Park, Budlong Woods, and Arcadia Terrace.
We also work with homeowners in the North Shore suburbs, including Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Skokie, Glenview, Park Ridge, Lincolnwood, Lincoln Park, Niles, and Morton Grove. No matter where your home is, we bring the same level of expertise, communication, and quality craftsmanship to every project.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Ravenswood?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Ravenswood typically runs between $25,000 and $60,000, depending on size, materials, and the condition of existing plumbing and electrical. Older two-flats and Victorians sometimes require additional work behind the walls. We provide detailed estimates upfront so there are no surprises.
Do I need a permit to remodel my Ravenswood home?
Cosmetic work like painting, new flooring, and cabinet replacement typically does not require a permit. Projects involving structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or gas lines require a permit through the City of Chicago Department of Buildings. Many projects qualify for the Easy Permit Process, which is usually approved within a few days. We handle permits and inspections as part of the project.
Can you remodel a two-flat in Ravenswood?
Yes. Two-flats are one of the most common building types in Ravenswood, and we work on them regularly. We understand the structural and mechanical considerations specific to two-flats, including shared systems, separate utility meters, and code requirements for multi-unit residential buildings.
How long does a bathroom remodel take in Ravenswood?
A standard bathroom remodel typically takes two to four weeks. In older Ravenswood homes, we sometimes find deteriorated plumbing or outdated wiring behind the walls that can add a few days. We set clear expectations upfront and communicate any changes immediately.
Is it worth finishing my basement in Ravenswood?
In most cases, yes. With the median home price around $550,000, adding finished square footage in the basement is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make. We address moisture, low ceilings, and drainage before any finish work begins.
What makes Get an Eric, LLC different from other contractors?
We are based in Ravenswood and specialize in renovating the types of homes that define this neighborhood. We are a renovation contractor, not a handyman service. Every project gets proper planning, licensed tradespeople, and clear communication from start to finish.
Get a Free Estimate for Your Ravenswood Remodel
Call (773) 692-9573 or visit our contact page to request a free, no-obligation estimate. We will walk through your project, answer your questions, and give you a clear picture of cost and timeline before any work begins.