Chicago is home to an unusually large community of home renovation bloggers, and among the most respected are Aaron and Jeanne Marie Olson. For the past six years they have documented the restoration of their 1914 bungalow on HouseinProgress.net and helped build Houseblogs.net, a community-driven resource for DIY homeowners and renovators.
When compiling this Chicago DIY City Guide, their firsthand renovation experience proved invaluable. Over the years they’ve gathered a list of vendors, contractors, and retailers who consistently demonstrate knowledge, reliability, and craftsmanship.
Note:
+ Some of the contractors listed are small, referral-based operations; they typically charge standard rates for their expertise.
+ An important but often overlooked quality is how contractors interact with women. In Jeanne Marie’s experience, the contractors listed here have treated her with respect and professionalism.
This guide is not exhaustive. If you know of dependable local vendors or craftsmen who should be included, please share them in the comments.
Hardware Stores
Clark & Devon Hardware
6401 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60626, 773.764.3575
A classic neighborhood hardware store with tool rental and a knowledgeable staff able to advise on repairs and historic-home parts. They often offer competitive pricing compared with big-box stores. Ideal for parts for old wood windows, radiators, and other vintage-home needs.
The Faucet Shoppe
3844 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60618, 773.478.3890
A specialty faucet and plumbing supply shop with experienced, friendly staff. Well-regarded for Chicago Faucet products and helpful problem-solving service.
Landscaping
Topiarius
773.944.5400
Topiarius is known for creative landscape and hardscape design that can transform even small urban yards into attractive outdoor spaces.
Lumber
Lee Lumber
Northside: 3250 North Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618, 773.509.6700
Southside: 633 West Pershing, Chicago, IL 60609, 773.927.8282
Reliable local lumber supplier with locations serving different parts of the city.
Owl Hardwoods
4655 W. Southwest Highway, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, 708.422.1300
Specialty hardwood supplier for flooring, millwork, and custom wood projects.
Foundations and Footings
Great Lakes Builders
7606 W. Devon, Chicago, IL 60631, 773.631.7676
Provides foundation and footing work and also serves as structural engineering consultants.
Tile
Fine Line Tile
209 W. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60610, 312.670.0300
A professional tile shop offering a wide selection and knowledgeable staff for residential projects.
Mosiacos
4948 N. Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60630, 773.777.TILE
Specialty tile retailer with an emphasis on mosaic and decorative tile options.
King of Tile
4401 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60630, 773.463.1771
An affordable, mainstream tile supplier—don’t be put off by the exterior; they carry plenty of budget-friendly materials.
Tile Outlet
2434 W Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60647, 773.276.2662
A bargain-focused tile store with frequent deals and a large inventory.
House Inspectors
Tomacor
333 W. North Ave., Ste. 342, Chicago, IL 60610, 312.475.0835
Experienced inspectors who understand both older and modern homes and can identify issues typical to different eras and systems.
Best Pest and Animal Removal
Critter Detectives
1294 S. Lloyd, Lombard, IL 60148, 630.916.7678
Recommended for careful, thorough handling of wildlife and pest problems.
Custom Built Wood Windows
Just Sashes – John Videckis
5952 West Addison Street, Chicago, IL 60634, 773.205.1429
Specializes in custom wooden window sashes and restoration work for period homes.
Best Tub and Sink Refinishing
Aquarius Limited Tub & Tile Refinishing
Naperville, IL 60540, 708.443.5768
Professional refinishing services for tubs, sinks, and tile surfaces.
Best Electrician
W P Electrical Co (Wieslaw Pollak) — Licensed Electrician
773.481.9465 (serves the Northside)
A trusted electrician for residential electrical work in northern neighborhoods.
Best Heating and Cooling (steam, hot water, or forced air)
Unique Indoor Comfort
910 Riverside Drive #7, Elmhurst, IL 60126, 630.833.4400
Provides HVAC service across multiple systems and is experienced with the variety of heating setups found in older Chicago homes.
Best Insulation Removal
Attic Experts – Superior Insulation & Attic Ventilation Inc.
630.941.3800
Specializes in safe insulation removal and improving attic ventilation.
Best Wood Stripping and Furniture Refinishing
The Stripp Joynt
Elston Avenue, Irving Park neighborhood, Chicago, IL, 773.545.6666
Offers professional stripping and refinishing for furniture and woodwork.
Best Sandblasters (for radiators)
Ace Sandblasting
4601 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL, 773.777.6654
Experienced with metal restoration, including radiator sandblasting.
Best General Contractor (tile, bathrooms, kitchens, general home improvement)
PMc Rehab
2646 N. St. Louis, Chicago, IL 60647, 773.544.3800
Email: [email protected]
A general contractor recommended for a range of residential renovation projects.
Security System
ADT Security Systems
630.458.7649
Recommended for upgrading or installing monitored security systems.
Steam Boiler Service
A & M Heating & Cooling Specialists
Des Plaines, IL, 847.803.1333 / 773.292.1313
Service and repair for steam boiler systems commonly found in older homes.
Rodding Pipes
TCellar Master Flood Control
815.727.7355
Specializes in clearing and rodding basement and sewer pipes to address drainage and flooding concerns.
Salvage Shops
Many long-standing salvage shops in Chicago have closed or become expensive and less welcoming. For bargain finds, people often turn to Craigslist, community forums like the Chicago Bungalow Association, and neighborhood searches. For larger salvage inventories, consider traveling outside the city—some suburban salvage shops remain worthwhile. Antiques and salvage shopping now often requires more patience and willingness to search multiple sources to find good value.