Frequently Asked Questions

Remodeling is a big investment, and most homeowners have the same questions before they commit. Below are straight answers to what we get asked most — no vague runaround, just how the process actually works.

Don’t see your question? Call us at (773) 302-7912 and ask.

Cost & Budget

What does a kitchen remodel cost?

Every kitchen is different, so we don’t quote a flat price. Cost comes down to three things: the size of the space, the scope of the work (are we replacing cabinets and countertops, or moving plumbing and relocating walls?), and the materials you choose — countertop selection alone, for example, can shift a budget significantly depending on the stone.

What we do provide is a free in-home consultation and a detailed written estimate that breaks out labor and materials line by line, so you can see exactly where the money goes and adjust the scope before we start.

What does a bathroom remodel cost?

The same three factors apply: size, scope, and materials. A cosmetic refresh — new vanity, fixtures, and tile — sits at one end. A full gut that moves plumbing, reframes a shower, or converts a tub to a walk-in sits at the other.

We’ll walk your bathroom, talk through what you actually want to change, and give you a written estimate with the numbers broken down.

Why won’t you give me a ballpark price over the phone?

Because a number given without seeing your space is a guess, and guesses set expectations that fall apart later. We’d rather spend 45 minutes in your home and give you a figure you can plan around.

If you’re early in the process and just trying to understand whether a project is realistic for your budget, tell us that on the call — we’ll be direct with you about what’s feasible.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. We offer financing options for qualifying homeowners so you can spread the cost over time instead of paying up front. Details are on our Financing page, and we can walk you through the options during your consultation.

How does payment work?

We structure payments in stages tied to project milestones, not one lump sum up front. The exact schedule is written into your contract before any work begins, so there are no surprises about when payments are due.

Process & Timeline

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Most kitchen remodels run about 4 to 8 weeks of active work. What moves that number: whether we’re relocating plumbing or electrical, how long your chosen materials take to arrive, and whether the project needs permits and inspections.

We give you a stage-by-stage timeline during your consultation so you know what’s happening each week.

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

Typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on scope. Cosmetic updates move faster; anything involving moving plumbing, reframing, or waterproofing a new shower pan takes longer because those stages can’t be rushed without risking the result.

What are the stages of a remodeling project?

Most projects follow the same path:

1. Free consultation — we walk the space, understand what you want, and talk through options
2. Written estimate — detailed breakdown of labor and materials
3. Design and material selection — we help you choose finishes that fit your budget and style
4. Permits — we handle the applications and coordinate inspections
5. Demolition and prep
6. Rough work — framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC as needed
7. Inspections
8. Finish work — drywall, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, paint
9. Final walkthrough — we go through the space with you and address anything on your punch list

Can I live in my home during the remodel?

For most projects, yes. We seal off work areas with dust barriers, protect flooring on walk paths, and clean up at the end of each day.

The honest exception is a whole-home renovation or a project where your only kitchen or only bathroom is out of commission for an extended stretch. We’ll tell you up front if we think you’ll want to make other arrangements — better to plan for it than discover it in week two.

How much disruption should I expect?

Demolition days are loud. Beyond that, most of the work is manageable if you’re home during the day. We’ll give you a heads-up before the noisiest stages so you can plan around them.

We also agree on working hours before we start, so crews aren’t showing up at times that don’t work for your household.

What happens if something unexpected comes up mid-project?

It happens — older Chicago homes hide things behind walls. Outdated wiring, water damage, structural issues that weren’t visible during the walkthrough.

Our approach: we stop, show you what we found, explain the options and what each would cost, and get your sign-off before continuing. You won’t find out about a change from an invoice.

Trust & Accountability

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. GreenBuild Home Solutions is licensed and insured for all the interior and exterior work we perform. We’re happy to provide documentation before you sign anything.

Do you offer a warranty on your work?

Yes. Coverage varies by the type of work and the materials used — manufacturers carry their own terms on products like cabinetry, flooring, and roofing, and structural work is covered differently than finish work.

We go through the exact coverage for your specific project before work begins, and it’s documented in your contract. If something we installed fails within the covered period, you call us and we come back.

Do you use subcontractors or your own crew?

We work with a network of trade specialists — electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs — alongside our core team. Everyone who works on your home is vetted, insured, and managed by us.

You have one point of contact throughout the project. You won’t be chasing four different trades to figure out who’s responsible for what.

Who manages the project day to day?

We do. From permits through the final walkthrough, project management is part of what you’re paying for. You get one person to call with questions, and we handle coordinating the trades, scheduling inspections, and keeping the sequence on track.

What if I’m not happy with something?

Tell us while we’re still on site. We’d rather fix it during the project than have you live with something that bothers you.

Before we consider a project finished, we walk the space with you and build a punch list of anything that needs correcting. We don’t call it done until you agree it’s done.

Service Area & Scope

What areas do you serve?

Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, including Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Naperville, Elmhurst, Northbrook, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Winnetka, Lincoln Park, Evanston, Glenview, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Skokie, Wilmette, Park Ridge, Oak Park, Deerfield, Bartlett, Lombard, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Highwood, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Mundelein, and Barrington.

Don’t see your town? Reach out — we likely serve your area too.

Do you work on condos and multi-unit buildings?

Yes. Condo remodeling has its own requirements — HOA approvals, building rules on work hours, elevator scheduling, shared plumbing and structural constraints. We’ve done this work and know how to coordinate with boards and property managers.

Do you handle both interior and exterior work?

Yes. Interior: kitchens, bathrooms, basements, whole-home renovations, flooring, cabinetry, drywall, painting, plumbing, electrical, HVAC. Exterior: roofing, siding, masonry, concrete, decks and porches, fencing, gutters, windows, landscaping and hardscaping.

Having both under one roof means a project that touches inside and outside doesn’t require you to manage two separate contractors.

Do you do small jobs, or only full remodels?

We take on both. Not every project needs to be a gut renovation — sometimes it’s a single bathroom, a drywall repair, or replacing a run of gutters. Call and describe what you need.

Can you help with design, or do I need my own plans?

We can help. Many homeowners come to us with a general idea rather than finished plans, and we work through layout, materials, and finishes with you as part of the process. If you’re already working with an architect or designer, we’ll build from their drawings.

Permits & Compliance

Do you handle permits?

Yes. We manage the permitting process as part of project management — preparing and submitting applications, and coordinating inspections with the municipality. You don’t deal with the paperwork.

Does my project even need a permit?

It depends on the work and your municipality. Structural changes, electrical and plumbing work, additions, and anything that changes the building envelope typically require permits. Cosmetic work like painting or replacing fixtures usually doesn’t.

We’ll tell you during the consultation what your specific project requires. Skipping a required permit creates problems when you sell the house — it’s not worth the shortcut.

Getting Started

How do I get started?

Call (773) 302-7912 or use the contact form on our site. We’ll set up a free in-home consultation, walk the space, talk through what you want, and follow up with a written estimate.

No pressure and no obligation — plenty of homeowners meet with us while they’re still deciding whether to move forward at all.

How soon can you start?

It depends on our current schedule and the size of your project. We’ll give you a realistic start window during the consultation rather than promising a date we can’t hold.

What should I have ready for the consultation?

Nothing formal. If you have photos of what you like, a rough budget in mind, or a list of what’s bothering you about the current space, bring them — but a general idea is enough to start the conversation.