Questions, answered.
The questions homeowners in the western Chicago suburbs ask us most often — about pricing, permits, timelines, and what it’s like to work with us.
Service area & basics
What areas does RL Remodeling serve?add
We serve the western Chicago suburbs from our base in Brookfield, IL — including Berwyn, Cicero, Oak Park, Riverside, Forest Park, La Grange, Brookfield, Lyons, North Riverside, Stickney, Western Springs, River Forest, and surrounding communities. Bilingual English and Spanish service.
Are estimates free?add
Yes. Initial walk-throughs and estimates are free for any project in our western Chicago suburbs service area. Detailed design and architectural services have separate fees once the scope is locked.
Are you licensed and insured?add
RL Remodeling is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the State of Illinois. We carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance on every project.
What types of remodeling projects do you take on?add
Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, decks, siding, flooring, drywall and plaster repair, interior and exterior painting, doors and windows, and whole-home renovations.
What is the smallest project you take?add
No project is too small — we take everything from a single-room paint job or a drywall patch on up to whole-home renovations. Where quality matters, from the smallest repair to the biggest renovation.
Timelines & scheduling
How long does a typical kitchen remodel take?add
From the day demo starts, a mid-range kitchen remodel takes 8–12 weeks. High-end kitchens with structural changes typically run 14–20 weeks. Add 4–8 weeks of design and ordering on the front end.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?add
A standard bathroom remodel runs 4–6 weeks once construction starts. A primary suite or full master bath can take 6–10 weeks.
How far in advance should I plan my remodel?add
For 2026 starts, we recommend reaching out 3–6 months ahead. Spring and summer slots fill fastest. Design and materials lead-time alone is typically 4–8 weeks.
Can I live in the house during the remodel?add
For most kitchen, bathroom, and basement projects, yes — we set up dust containment and protected pathways. For whole-home gut rehabs, most clients move out for the duration.
Pricing, permits & payment
Do you handle permits?add
Yes. We pull and manage all permits — village, county, and state — including with Berwyn, Cicero, Oak Park, Riverside, Forest Park, La Grange, Brookfield, and surrounding municipalities.
How are payments structured?add
We use a milestone draw schedule — never paid in full upfront. A typical structure is a deposit at signing, draws at framing, mechanical rough-in, and finishing, with final payment held until the punch list is closed.
Do you offer financing?add
We don’t offer in-house financing, but we work alongside several local Chicago-area lenders that specialize in renovation financing and home equity lines of credit. We’re happy to make introductions.
What if I want to make changes during the project?add
Change-orders are normal — we handle them in writing with a clear cost and schedule impact before any work proceeds. No surprise invoices.
How we work
Do you use in-house crews or subcontractors?add
Our carpenters, finish trades, and tile setters are in-house. We use trusted long-term subcontractors for specialty trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC — never a rotating sub list.
What warranty do you offer?add
We back our workmanship with a one-year warranty after project completion, in addition to manufacturer warranties on all materials and appliances. We stand behind our work — call us if anything moves.
Do you provide design services?add
Yes. We offer in-house design for kitchens, baths, and basements, and partner with licensed architects for additions and whole-home renovations.
Can you work on historic homes?add
Absolutely — we specialize in heritage and craftsman-era homes throughout Berwyn, Cicero, Oak Park, Forest Park, and Brookfield. We preserve original millwork, restore plaster, and bring electrical and plumbing up to code without losing the soul of the house.
Will you work with materials I supply myself?add
Yes for some items — vanities, lighting, decorative tile, and appliances. We don’t recommend client-supplied cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, or anything we’d need to warranty.
What sets RL Remodeling apart?add
In-house craftsmanship, fixed-price bids with no hidden change-orders, a small project load so we’re never spread thin, and decades of experience with the older housing stock specific to the western Chicago suburbs.
How do I start a project with you?add
Fill out the form on our contact page, email rlremodeling38@yahoo.com, or call (708) 244-6132. We’ll schedule a free walk-through within a few days.
Question we didn’t answer?
Call us. We’ll tell you straight whether we’re the right shop for your project.
