After 25 years remodeling Chicago homes, we field the same great questions over and over — about cost, permits, timelines, and what it’s actually like to live through a project. So we put the most common ones in one place, with straight answers. Think of this as the conversation we’d have at your kitchen table before any work begins.
Chicago Remodeling at a Glance
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need a permit? | For most real remodels, yes |
| How long does a remodel take? | Weeks to several months by scope |
| Can I live in my home during it? | Usually, with the right phasing |
| Fixed price or estimate? | We work fixed-price |
How Much Will My Remodel Cost?
It depends on scope, finishes, and your home’s age and neighborhood, but for rough Chicago ranges: kitchens run about $45,000–$150,000+, bathrooms $20,000–$65,000, finished basements $55,000–$150,000, and additions $100,000–$600,000+. The honest answer comes from walking your actual home — our pricing center breaks it down by project.
Do I Need a Permit?
For most meaningful remodels in Chicago — anything structural, electrical, plumbing, or that changes the footprint — yes. Cosmetic-only work like paint may not, but kitchens, baths, basements, and additions generally do. We handle the permits and inspections so the work is legal and protected at resale.
How Long Will It Take?
Anywhere from a few weeks for a focused bathroom to several months for a whole-home or addition — plus a design and permit phase before construction. We give you a real schedule up front and run design, engineering, and permitting in parallel to protect it.
Can I Live in My Home During the Remodel?
Usually, yes — with the right phasing. We renovate in zones so you keep a working bathroom, a place to sleep, and a way to make meals, and we contain dust and noise to the active area. Whole-home projects are where careful phasing matters most.
How Do People Pay for a Remodel?
Common paths include home equity (HELOC or home-equity loans) and renovation loans like the FHA 203k and Fannie Mae HomeStyle, which fold renovation costs into financing. We have deep 203k experience and coordinate scope and our fixed price with your lender’s requirements.
What Makes Pegasus Different?
We’re a design-build general contractor founded by developers in 2000. That means one team for design and construction, a fixed price set before we start, the developer mindset on value and equity, and no surprise bills. Ready to talk specifics? See our story or reach out for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rough 2026 ranges: kitchens $45,000-$150,000+, bathrooms $20,000-$65,000, finished basements $55,000-$150,000, and additions $100,000-$600,000+. The accurate number comes from walking your actual home, since age and neighborhood move the price.
For most meaningful remodels, yes. Structural, electrical, plumbing, or footprint changes require permits. Cosmetic-only work like paint may not, but kitchens, baths, basements, and additions generally do. We handle permits and inspections.
From a few weeks for a focused bathroom to several months for a whole-home or addition, plus a design and permit phase before construction. We run design, engineering, and permitting in parallel to protect the schedule.
Usually, yes, with the right phasing. We renovate in zones so you keep a working bathroom, a place to sleep, and a way to make meals, and we contain dust and noise to the active work area.
Common options include home equity (HELOC or home-equity loans) and renovation loans like the FHA 203k and Fannie Mae HomeStyle that fold renovation costs into financing. We have deep 203k experience and coordinate with your lender.
We’re a design-build general contractor founded by developers in 2000: one team for design and construction, a fixed price set before we start, a developer mindset on value and equity, and no surprise bills.
Remodeling Questions, Answered Across Chicago
Pegasus Construction answers homeowner questions and builds throughout Chicago and the North Suburbs. Explore remodeling in your neighborhood:
