Painting & remodeling resources
Cost guides, paint advice and remodeling guidance for Chicago property owners, written by the people who do the work.
Three places to start
Cost Guides
What the work actually costs in Chicago, and what moves the number.
8 articles
Painting Guides
Finishes, sheens, timing and what is worth paying more for.
7 articles
Remodeling Advice
Planning a bathroom, kitchen or whole-home project.
5 articles
Cost Guides
What the work actually costs in Chicago, and what moves the number.
What a bathroom remodel actually costs in Chicago, what drives the price up, and where the money goes. Written by working contractors.
How commercial painting is priced in Chicago, from offices and retail to apartment common areas, and what affects the quote.
What determines the cost of painting a house in Chicago, why two estimates for the same property can differ, and what to have ready before a walkthrough.
Comparing hardwood, engineered, laminate and luxury vinyl on cost, durability and suitability for Chicago homes and condos.
How handyman work is priced in Chicago — when it is charged by the hour, when a list is quoted as one visit, and why grouping jobs costs less.
What a kitchen remodel costs in Chicago, the difference between a refresh and a full replacement, and where budgets usually go.
What tiling costs in Chicago, how porcelain and ceramic compare, and why waterproofing and set-out affect the price.
What wallpaper removal costs, why painted-over paper takes longer, and what wall repair is usually needed afterwards.
Painting Guides
Finishes, sheens, timing and what is worth paying more for.
Exterior colors that suit Chicago brick, greystone and frame houses, and which shades hold up to lake weather and strong sun.
How to pick the right paint for each room, from washable kitchen finishes to low-sheen ceilings, and where paying more is worth it.
The temperature and moisture conditions exterior paint needs in Chicago, and which months give you a reliable weather window.
When refinishing kitchen cabinets makes sense and when replacement is the better investment, with the real cost difference explained.
Where DIY painting saves real money and where it costs more than hiring a professional, judged on preparation, finish and time.
Realistic lifespans for interior and exterior paint, and why preparation matters far more than the brand on the can.
Which paint sheen belongs in which room, from flat ceilings to scrubbable satin in kitchens, bathrooms and hallways.
Remodeling Advice
Planning a bathroom, kitchen or whole-home project.
What a bathroom remodel actually costs in Chicago, what drives the price up, and where the money goes. Written by working contractors.
When refinishing kitchen cabinets makes sense and when replacement is the better investment, with the real cost difference explained.
Comparing hardwood, engineered, laminate and luxury vinyl on cost, durability and suitability for Chicago homes and condos.
What a kitchen remodel costs in Chicago, the difference between a refresh and a full replacement, and where budgets usually go.
What tiling costs in Chicago, how porcelain and ceramic compare, and why waterproofing and set-out affect the price.
Ready to get a real number?
Guides are useful, but every property is different. Tell us about yours and we will send an itemized written estimate.