*FREE ESTIMATES! We have the experience and dedication to bring your dreams to reality! Specializing in Remodeling Services, wood flooring, tile, cabinets, drywall, framing, porches, patios, fences and decks. We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click to schedule a free estimate today!
"quick, reliable and excellent work"
tim D on August 2024
*FREE ESTIMATES! We have the experience and dedication to bring your dreams to reality! Specializing in Remodeling Services, wood flooring, tile, cabinets, drywall, framing, porches, patios, fences and decks. We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click to schedule a free estimate today!
"quick, reliable and excellent work"
tim D on August 2024
OWNER-OPERATED, I'M A ONE MAN COMPANY. FREE ESTIMATES. NO SUBS. COST IS DETERMINED BY THE JOB. NO TRAVEL CHARGES. NO SERVICE FEES. MAY CONTACT THROUGH EMAIL. IF THROUGH EMAIL PLEASE LEAVE CONTACT NUMBER.
"Did an excellent job on my punchlist!"
Brian D on May 2024
OWNER-OPERATED, I'M A ONE MAN COMPANY. FREE ESTIMATES. NO SUBS. COST IS DETERMINED BY THE JOB. NO TRAVEL CHARGES. NO SERVICE FEES. MAY CONTACT THROUGH EMAIL. IF THROUGH EMAIL PLEASE LEAVE CONTACT NUMBER.
"Did an excellent job on my punchlist!"
Brian D on May 2024
15 TIME TOP SHELF DESIGN WINNER by CLOSETS MAGAZINE/WOODWORKING NETWORK. Offering custom-designed closet and cabinetry systems, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality workmanship, superior materials, and personalized service on every project.
"Mary offered great advice on how to make our garage more functional, and was extremely receptive to our feedback. The guys who installed the cabinets did a great job! Overall we are very happy."
Amanda S on November 2023
15 TIME TOP SHELF DESIGN WINNER by CLOSETS MAGAZINE/WOODWORKING NETWORK. Offering custom-designed closet and cabinetry systems, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality workmanship, superior materials, and personalized service on every project.
"Mary offered great advice on how to make our garage more functional, and was extremely receptive to our feedback. The guys who installed the cabinets did a great job! Overall we are very happy."
Amanda S on November 2023
I’ve been running my own handyman business for about 4 years. I have work in most of the trades in my life. I have experience with roofing, plumbing, general repairs, and assembly of furniture. Estimates are always free.
"Great job very efficient"
Jen M on June 2024
I’ve been running my own handyman business for about 4 years. I have work in most of the trades in my life. I have experience with roofing, plumbing, general repairs, and assembly of furniture. Estimates are always free.
"Great job very efficient"
Jen M on June 2024
Design First Builders is a premier Chicago home remodeling company and all-inclusive design/build firm located in Itasca. We specialize in kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, basement remodeling and basement finishing as well as home additions, room additions and design. Serving all of Chicagoland we have over 100 years combined experience and are dedicated to simplifying the renovation process and building sophisticated spaces that add value to your home or business. We will also build your custom home on the lot of your choice. When DESIGNfirst was founded in 2006, we had a staff of three people managing all design, development and construction for projects throughout Chicagoland. Today we have a large team of Designers, Architects, Managers, Contractors and more to assist you in defining, expanding and building your dream space. We also offer financing options, client referral rewards, excellent customer service and have various industry partners offering discounts exclusive to our clients. We do everything with the client in mind to ensure a smooth process in creating every dream space!
"We hired Design First to redo our downstairs including a kitchen and bathroom. I would never recommend this company to anyone based on our experience with them. The company should be renamed Disappointment First. We used this company due to the recommendation of a friend but did not realize the ownership had changed. There are several other reviews that discuss how the company’s performance degraded with the new ownership. If you do use Design First, please learn from our mistakes in dealing with them and insist upon a firm completion date with a penalty per day for missing it. Several of their competitors offer this, and in our naivete we did not request a penalty for missing the completion date. We had a signed change order with a guaranteed 12/25/23 completion date, that they missed by several months. When we brought this up in discussions with them, they were dismissive and stated no penalty so nothing we can do."
SAIF R on July 2024
Design First Builders is a premier Chicago home remodeling company and all-inclusive design/build firm located in Itasca. We specialize in kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, basement remodeling and basement finishing as well as home additions, room additions and design. Serving all of Chicagoland we have over 100 years combined experience and are dedicated to simplifying the renovation process and building sophisticated spaces that add value to your home or business. We will also build your custom home on the lot of your choice. When DESIGNfirst was founded in 2006, we had a staff of three people managing all design, development and construction for projects throughout Chicagoland. Today we have a large team of Designers, Architects, Managers, Contractors and more to assist you in defining, expanding and building your dream space. We also offer financing options, client referral rewards, excellent customer service and have various industry partners offering discounts exclusive to our clients. We do everything with the client in mind to ensure a smooth process in creating every dream space!
"We hired Design First to redo our downstairs including a kitchen and bathroom. I would never recommend this company to anyone based on our experience with them. The company should be renamed Disappointment First. We used this company due to the recommendation of a friend but did not realize the ownership had changed. There are several other reviews that discuss how the company’s performance degraded with the new ownership. If you do use Design First, please learn from our mistakes in dealing with them and insist upon a firm completion date with a penalty per day for missing it. Several of their competitors offer this, and in our naivete we did not request a penalty for missing the completion date. We had a signed change order with a guaranteed 12/25/23 completion date, that they missed by several months. When we brought this up in discussions with them, they were dismissive and stated no penalty so nothing we can do."
SAIF R on July 2024
As a Remodeling and Roofing company, dedicated to providing premier customer service, it is important to us to deliver unparalleled workmanship on every assignment. We are accredited, licensed, bonded, and insured. With our experience, contractors and expertise, we can provide the support your project needs for every construction project. We will work with you to meet deadlines and coordinate with other related projects. We will maintain open communication with you to keep you up to date on the status of your job. We do this to guarantee that the project is completed according to your preferences. We combine our industry knowledge, the highest quality building supplies and equipment, and our dedication to deliver exceptional service to our clients. We will stay in touch, keeping you up to date on both the paperwork and renovation process with our general contractor.
"If I could give zero stars I would! Russ claimed they’ve done concrete countertops before and we were careful to select a company that had done them since they’re pretty difficult. We have huge concrete cracks that he refuses to rectify saying it’s something WE did to cause! He was a major bully over text exchanges with my husband and I, and his team did a sloppy job with our backslash. 0/10 do not recommend Russ."
Tara D on November 2022
As a Remodeling and Roofing company, dedicated to providing premier customer service, it is important to us to deliver unparalleled workmanship on every assignment. We are accredited, licensed, bonded, and insured. With our experience, contractors and expertise, we can provide the support your project needs for every construction project. We will work with you to meet deadlines and coordinate with other related projects. We will maintain open communication with you to keep you up to date on the status of your job. We do this to guarantee that the project is completed according to your preferences. We combine our industry knowledge, the highest quality building supplies and equipment, and our dedication to deliver exceptional service to our clients. We will stay in touch, keeping you up to date on both the paperwork and renovation process with our general contractor.
"If I could give zero stars I would! Russ claimed they’ve done concrete countertops before and we were careful to select a company that had done them since they’re pretty difficult. We have huge concrete cracks that he refuses to rectify saying it’s something WE did to cause! He was a major bully over text exchanges with my husband and I, and his team did a sloppy job with our backslash. 0/10 do not recommend Russ."
Tara D on November 2022
We are a family owned and operated company; with every phase of design, building and community development under the skilled guidance of a family member. At A.P. Builder & General Contractor, our business is more than building. Our business is building a better quality of life for our residents, respecting the communities in which we build and demonstrating a concern for the landscape we change. These qualities combine to comprise a thirty-year tradition of family commitment to excellence in building. Our clients receive impeccable attention to detail and premium service from a financially stable and sound company. We are dedicated to customer satisfaction with every aspect of the project from concept to completion. This is who we are and what we are at A.P. Builder & General Contractor; people who build, enjoy it and want to extend our expertise to you. Let us know how we may be of service to you.
"Our experience with AP Builder was great. Angelo was very knowledgeable and professional, keeping us informed every step of the way. This was a big important project for our home and I am extremely happy with how it came out! The cost was very reasonable and there were no surprises, everything was open and honest. I would definitely use them again and recommend to friends and family. Thank you AP!"
David A on March 2025
We are a family owned and operated company; with every phase of design, building and community development under the skilled guidance of a family member. At A.P. Builder & General Contractor, our business is more than building. Our business is building a better quality of life for our residents, respecting the communities in which we build and demonstrating a concern for the landscape we change. These qualities combine to comprise a thirty-year tradition of family commitment to excellence in building. Our clients receive impeccable attention to detail and premium service from a financially stable and sound company. We are dedicated to customer satisfaction with every aspect of the project from concept to completion. This is who we are and what we are at A.P. Builder & General Contractor; people who build, enjoy it and want to extend our expertise to you. Let us know how we may be of service to you.
"Our experience with AP Builder was great. Angelo was very knowledgeable and professional, keeping us informed every step of the way. This was a big important project for our home and I am extremely happy with how it came out! The cost was very reasonable and there were no surprises, everything was open and honest. I would definitely use them again and recommend to friends and family. Thank you AP!"
David A on March 2025
The Surface Doctors is a Bathtub, Tile and Countertop Refinishing and Repair company. We serve all of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. All work is performed by our experienced and certified refinishing technicians.
"Hello Gunnar, Been meaning to reach out since you had your serviceman out to help patch up the peeling spot on the tub. He did a great job! But what I wasn't expecting from him was to share that there was no charge. WOW! I think we may have been past the warranty timeframe on the tub and your teams service and support were above and beyond. Thank you so much for giving us what we unknowingly needed and providing Customer Service that is in my opinion, excellent! Regards, Robin, a Happy Customer"
Robin K on March 2025
The Surface Doctors is a Bathtub, Tile and Countertop Refinishing and Repair company. We serve all of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. All work is performed by our experienced and certified refinishing technicians.
"Hello Gunnar, Been meaning to reach out since you had your serviceman out to help patch up the peeling spot on the tub. He did a great job! But what I wasn't expecting from him was to share that there was no charge. WOW! I think we may have been past the warranty timeframe on the tub and your teams service and support were above and beyond. Thank you so much for giving us what we unknowingly needed and providing Customer Service that is in my opinion, excellent! Regards, Robin, a Happy Customer"
Robin K on March 2025
Horton Family Group is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and responsibility in all of our jobs. We are a locally owned and operated business with more than 20 years of experience serving Chicago, IL and surrounding areas. There is no job too big, or too small for our team. Call today and let us put our experience to work for you!
"Mr. Horton and his worker Alex were extremely professional, prompt, reasonably priced. Iâ m looking forward to completing more projects with this company."
Arma A on February 2021
Horton Family Group is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and responsibility in all of our jobs. We are a locally owned and operated business with more than 20 years of experience serving Chicago, IL and surrounding areas. There is no job too big, or too small for our team. Call today and let us put our experience to work for you!
"Mr. Horton and his worker Alex were extremely professional, prompt, reasonably priced. Iâ m looking forward to completing more projects with this company."
Arma A on February 2021
At Rhodium Contractors we specialize in indoor & outdoor home renovation, as well as general handymen work. We are strongly committed to providing high-quality work and customer service. We offer free estimates and will work with you side by side on every aspect along the way. We uphold a high standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and responsibility in all of our jobs. There is no job too big, or too small for our team. Call in today and let us put our experience to work for you!
"did a good job"
Alicia J on May 2024
At Rhodium Contractors we specialize in indoor & outdoor home renovation, as well as general handymen work. We are strongly committed to providing high-quality work and customer service. We offer free estimates and will work with you side by side on every aspect along the way. We uphold a high standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and responsibility in all of our jobs. There is no job too big, or too small for our team. Call in today and let us put our experience to work for you!
"did a good job"
Alicia J on May 2024
The average cost to hire a handyman ranges from about $40 to $140 per hour. Average project cost ranges between $180 and $700, but the cost per hour and per project depends heavily on the type, size, and complexity of the project. The pro’s experience level and your location also factor into how much a handyman charges per hour or per project. You can also expect to pay higher rates or additional fees for emergency services, or around periods of high customer demand, like holidays.
There are several countertop options available to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Granite countertops are durable and come in a variety of colors.
Soapstone countertops are prone to scratches and best in smaller kitchens.
Marble countertops are less durable than granite but a good option for busy kitchens.
Slate countertops are stain-resistant, making them easy to clean.
Limestone countertops must be sealed often to prevent scratches.
Acrylic countertops cost less than granite while still providing durability.
Laminate countertops are the most affordable but chip and fade faster.
Wood countertops need monthly sealing to maintain.
The cost to install countertops is $3,105 on average. This project cost can range from $400 to $8,500, depending on the material, edging, and countertop size.
Laminate countertops are generally the most cost-efficient, ranging from $8 to $27 per square foot. On the other hand, slate countertops are considered more luxurious and range from $30 to $90 per square foot. There are also countertop materials priced between those two, including stainless steel, granite, Corian, and wood.
There are several questions or things to know before hiring a handyman to do any work in your home.
What kind of work do they do?
Do they have proper licensing?
Do they charge for estimates?
Is the estimate for both labor and materials?
Do they provide references?
Do you provide a guarantee?
When can you start and finish the job?
Do you have any before and after photos of your work?
How long have you been doing this kind of work?
Do you clean up and dispose of waste when the job is finished?
Yes, you should hire a handyman who’s licensed, certified, and insured, if possible. States have different requirements for handyman licensing, registration, and certifications. If licensing is required in your area, you may pay more for a licensed handyman with experience than one who is not licensed or certified, but you’re likely to get a better end result for your project. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local handymen guidelines.