Remodeling questions, answered
Straight answers about estimates, permits, timelines and what it is like to remodel with SRC.
Is the estimate really free?
Yes. Alvin or a team lead walks the space, talks through your goals and budget range, and sends a written proposal. There is no obligation until you approve the work.
What areas do you serve?
Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, especially the near west and northwest suburbs around our Schiller Park base: Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Elmhurst, Oak Park, Franklin Park, Norridge, Harwood Heights, Elmwood Park, River Grove, Melrose Park, Niles, Skokie, Evanston, Arlington Heights and Bensenville.
Who will be in my home?
SRC is family owned and run by Alvin Santos. You talk to the owner, and the same crew stays on your project from start to finish.
Do you pull permits?
Yes. When a project needs a permit, SRC pulls it and schedules the inspections with your city or village.
How fast do you respond?
Inquiries are answered 24/7 by text, phone or the estimate form, and we follow up the same day to set up a visit.
Do you do commercial work?
Yes. Offices, rental turnovers, retail and property management work, alongside residential remodeling.
Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen?
Usually yes once plumbing, electrical or walls change. Chicago and each suburb run their own building department, and SRC pulls the permits and schedules the inspections as part of the job.
Can you remove the wall between my kitchen and dining room?
Often, yes. We check whether the wall is load bearing first. A bearing wall can still come out with a properly sized beam, which we plan into the proposal.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A full gut of a standard bathroom usually takes a few weeks, depending on tile, glass lead times and inspections. You get a written schedule with your proposal.
Can you convert my tub to a walk-in shower?
Yes. It is one of our most common projects. We remove the tub, rebuild and waterproof the wet area, and tile a new shower with a bench and niche.
Do I need a permit to finish my basement?
Yes, in Chicago and in nearly every suburb we work in. SRC handles the permit and inspections.
Can you add a bathroom to my basement?
Usually. If there is no rough-in, we look at the main stack location and whether an ejector pump is needed, and plan it into the proposal.
Can we live in the house during a whole home remodel?
Many families do. We phase the work so there is always a working bathroom and a place to sleep. For a full gut, moving out for part of it is faster.
Do you handle permits for the whole project?
Yes. We pull permits for every trade that needs one and schedule all inspections.
Do you take small jobs?
Yes. Repairs and improvement lists are a big part of our work, and many of our remodel clients started with a small job.
What flooring do you install?
Luxury vinyl plank, engineered and solid hardwood, laminate and tile, with subfloor repair and new trim.
Will pavers heave in the winter?
Pavers on a properly excavated and compacted base with edge restraint stay put. Heaving comes from a thin or soft base, which is why we never skip it.
When is the best time to build a patio?
Spring through late fall, when the ground is not frozen. Booking in late winter gets you on the early spring schedule.
Do you bid commercial jobs?
Yes. Send the scope or schedule a walk-through and we will send a written bid.
Can you work after hours?
For occupied spaces we can schedule noisy work around your business hours.
Ready when you are
Tell us about the room. Alvin walks the space, talks through your ideas and budget range, and sends a written proposal. No obligation until you approve the work.