Answers

After a walk-through, you get a written scope that lists the work item by item, with each item priced on its own line. You can see what every part of the job costs and decide what to do now and what can wait.

Older Chicago-area homes hide things: rotted framing, old wiring, a drain that runs somewhere unexpected. When we find something, we stop and write it up as a change order with its own price. Extra work starts only after you approve it in writing.

Yes. Material purchases are tracked and the receipts are available for you to review. On larger jobs they can be posted to your private project page.

It follows the written scope line by line, with any approved change orders listed separately, so it is easy to check against what you agreed.

Yes. Turnover and repair work is itemized, so each repair, removal and replacement appears on its own line with its own price.

Many projects do, especially anything that changes plumbing, electrical, gas, structure or the layout of a room. The rules differ between the City of Chicago and each suburb, and many require the permit to be pulled by a licensed or registered contractor or trade. We confirm what your project needs before work starts and tell you who will pull the permit.

Our area pages link to each municipality's official building department so you can read the rules yourself.

It can be. Chicago and several suburbs have landmark districts with extra review for exterior changes. Tell us at the walk-through if your home is in one, and we will check what review applies.

Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Paid work that disturbs painted surfaces in them must follow the federal lead-safe rule, which requires certified renovators and lead-safe work practices. We confirm how that will be handled for your house before any sanding or demolition.

Usually, yes. We plan the order of work, shut-offs and dust control with you so the rest of the house stays usable.

Yes. In two-flats and small buildings we plan noisy work, water and heat shut-offs, and access ahead of time so you can give tenants proper notice.

Robert Waltos. You deal directly with the person running your job, from the walk-through to the final punch list.

Yes. A short punch list of repairs is a normal job for us. Each item is priced separately.

The City of Chicago and the suburbs. Our area pages cover a number of municipalities; if you are nearby and not listed, ask.

A short description of the work, your address or ZIP code, when you hope to start, and a few photos if you have them. Photos help us come to the walk-through prepared.

It depends on the size of the job and the current schedule. Ask when you call, and we will tell you plainly.