*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
GR General Contracting is a one stop shop for all of your residential remodeling needs. For an immediate response to your remodeling project call Gordon Rudd (Owner) @ (847) 871-7439
"Perfect. Done in 2 hours. Work was well done."
Julie K on April 2025
GR General Contracting is a one stop shop for all of your residential remodeling needs. For an immediate response to your remodeling project call Gordon Rudd (Owner) @ (847) 871-7439
"Perfect. Done in 2 hours. Work was well done."
Julie K on April 2025
Formerly know as G & G Furniture and Cabinet Restoration - Same Ownership since 1976 - We specialize in Refacing/Painting & Restoration of cabinets. All of our cabinets include custom doors, stain colors, paint colors, and finishing options. We also specialize in full Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Counter Tops, Interior Doors, and all trim including crown molding.Tell us what you want to spend, and we will work out a plan to meet your budget.
"We researched several kitchen restoration companies and finally selected 3 of them to give us estimates for painting our outdated oak cabinets in the kitchen and master bathroom. The price ranged widely among the 3 companies. One estimate was extremely high. GG Kitchen Restorations was the cheapest estimate however, once we had each company come out and had them explain what they were going to do it was very evident that GG Restorations was going to be a one-stop shop for us to get everything done as we needed and with high quality workmanship. We did have a couple of extra small issues in the cabinets that needed to be fixed prior to the painting prep could start and the other 2 companies would either charge us a huge amount to do a drastic re-design which really wasn’t needed or said they wouldn’t do that type of work and left it up to us. GG Restorations was more than willing to help us get past these small barriers and get our dream kitchen to our specifications at a reasonable cost. Frank and his team were great. Frank is very pleasant and fun to work with and he takes the time to really get to know what you want. Chris and Tim, that did the work in the house, did excellent work, and they never left a mess. Our kitchen and bathroom look great and what a transformation from old to a modern look. We highly recommend GG restorations to anyone."
Joel U on May 2024
Formerly know as G & G Furniture and Cabinet Restoration - Same Ownership since 1976 - We specialize in Refacing/Painting & Restoration of cabinets. All of our cabinets include custom doors, stain colors, paint colors, and finishing options. We also specialize in full Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Counter Tops, Interior Doors, and all trim including crown molding.Tell us what you want to spend, and we will work out a plan to meet your budget.
"We researched several kitchen restoration companies and finally selected 3 of them to give us estimates for painting our outdated oak cabinets in the kitchen and master bathroom. The price ranged widely among the 3 companies. One estimate was extremely high. GG Kitchen Restorations was the cheapest estimate however, once we had each company come out and had them explain what they were going to do it was very evident that GG Restorations was going to be a one-stop shop for us to get everything done as we needed and with high quality workmanship. We did have a couple of extra small issues in the cabinets that needed to be fixed prior to the painting prep could start and the other 2 companies would either charge us a huge amount to do a drastic re-design which really wasn’t needed or said they wouldn’t do that type of work and left it up to us. GG Restorations was more than willing to help us get past these small barriers and get our dream kitchen to our specifications at a reasonable cost. Frank and his team were great. Frank is very pleasant and fun to work with and he takes the time to really get to know what you want. Chris and Tim, that did the work in the house, did excellent work, and they never left a mess. Our kitchen and bathroom look great and what a transformation from old to a modern look. We highly recommend GG restorations to anyone."
Joel U 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
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
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
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
Avanti Stone, winner of Super Service Award 2015-2022, is a family owned and operated business. Our customers happiness and satisfaction is our number one priority. We specialize in interior residential and commercial installations of counter tops, tile, stone restoration and repairs. We work with many materials from all over the world such as granite, marble, travertine, quartz, quartzite and various others. Avanti Stone also offers all types of exterior concrete services. Repairs and replacement of driveways, patios, sidewalks, decorative concrete overlays, epoxy finishes , and many more. There is no better place than Avanti Stone to help you beautify your kitchen, your bath and the curb appeal of your property!
"Excellent! Very professional and offered a lot of knowledge. The backsplash really turned out incredible. Thank you again"
JACK K on March 2025
Avanti Stone, winner of Super Service Award 2015-2022, is a family owned and operated business. Our customers happiness and satisfaction is our number one priority. We specialize in interior residential and commercial installations of counter tops, tile, stone restoration and repairs. We work with many materials from all over the world such as granite, marble, travertine, quartz, quartzite and various others. Avanti Stone also offers all types of exterior concrete services. Repairs and replacement of driveways, patios, sidewalks, decorative concrete overlays, epoxy finishes , and many more. There is no better place than Avanti Stone to help you beautify your kitchen, your bath and the curb appeal of your property!
"Excellent! Very professional and offered a lot of knowledge. The backsplash really turned out incredible. Thank you again"
JACK 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
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 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.