Lake Forest, IL · 60045
Local Handyman Services in Lake Forest
Repairs and upkeep for Lake Forest homes and businesses.
4.9 stars · 87 Google reviews
Handyman tips for Lake Forest homes
Lake Forest was platted in 1857 on a plan whose streets follow the ravines and lake bluffs instead of a grid, and the city was incorporated in 1861. It has five local historic districts, among them the Lake Forest Historic District and the Vine-Oakwood-Green Bay Road Historic District. The City's rule of thumb for single-family homes is that you need a permit for anything except flooring, painting or planting. About 20 percent of Lake Forest's parkway trees are ash, and the emerald ash borer was found in the city in 2009. With that much tree cover, clear gutters and downspouts every fall. We handle painting, drywall, doors, trim, gutters and fixtures, plus repairs for offices and shops.
Residential handyman services in Lake Forest
Details- Drywall repair
- Doors & locks
- Painting & touch-ups
- Light fixtures
- TV & shelf mounting
- Furniture assembly
- Caulk & weatherproofing
- Gutters
- Carpentry & trim
- Preventive maintenance
Commercial handyman services in Lake Forest
DetailsOffices · Retail stores · Restaurants · Medical & dental offices · Property managers
- Drywall & paint touch-ups
- Door hardware & closers
- Fixtures & ceiling tiles
- Shelving & signage installs
- Furniture assembly
- Preventive maintenance walkthroughs
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
Quick answers
Do I need a permit for small projects in Lake Forest?
Often, yes. The City of Lake Forest says most construction projects need a building permit, and for single-family homes the rule of thumb is a permit for anything except flooring, painting or planting. Permits come from the Community Development Department at 800 Field Drive. Construction hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends.
Is my Lake Forest house in a historic district?
It may be. Lake Forest has five local historic districts: Lake Forest, Vine-Oakwood-Green Bay Road, Green Bay Road, Meadowood Dairy and Grove School. Other properties are on the City's Local Register of Historic Properties. The City's Community Development Department handles questions about individual properties and can confirm yours before you plan exterior work.
Do you serve all of Lake Forest (60045)?
Yes. We take residential and commercial jobs throughout Lake Forest, ZIP code 60045. Commercial work covers offices, retail stores, restaurants, medical and dental offices, and buildings run by property managers. To start, text photos of what needs fixing to (847) 877-1877 and we will reply with next steps for your job.
Do you handle plumbing or electrical in Lake Forest?
No. Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors. Illinois licenses plumbers and roofers at the state level, and electricians are licensed locally. Lake Forest requires a permit for most work beyond flooring, painting and planting, so ask the City about permits before trade work begins. We handle the drywall, painting and trim work around them.
Do fences and decks need a permit in Lake Forest?
Yes. The City of Lake Forest lists decks, gazebos, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and fences, walls and pillars among improvements that require a permit, with separate applications for fences and decks. Applications go through the City's online portal. Call Community Development before starting.
How do I dispose of leftover paint in Lake Forest?
Latex paint is not hazardous, so the City says to dry it out with an absorbent such as kitty litter and put the open can in regular trash. Oil-based paint goes to SWALCO household chemical events, which are by appointment. Check swalco.org or the City's hazardous waste page.
How do I book a handyman visit in Lake Forest?
Text photos to (847) 877-1877 with your address and a short list of the jobs. Mention if the house is in a historic district or on the Local Register, since exterior work there may need City review before it starts.
4.9 stars · 87 Google reviews
What our customers say
...completed some much needed repairs around our garage door frame as well as the front door to our home. It required some heavy carpentry work. The completed job looked much better than the original and he did not cut corners on the products used either. Extremely skilled, a strategic problem solver, and a craftsman quality finish was far more than what I expected to get — in addition to very friendly, knowledgeable, and far beyond competent service A++ will use again in the future and recommend to anyone seeing repairs.
Ed was excellent to work with — professional, skilled, patient, and just genuinely helpful. He installed a mantel, mounted my steer horns, helped place artwork, and even assisted with swapping out a TV, all while being mindful of my budget and the hourly scope. Everything was done with care and precision, and the finished wall looks amazing. What I especially appreciated was that he didn’t just do the work - he shared helpful tips (like a painter’s tape trick for hanging my remaining gallery pieces myself), which I really valued as a homeowner. He took pride in getting things right, communicated clearly, and even stayed a little longer to make sure everything was done well. Reliable, knowledgeable, respectful, and a pleasure to work with. I’d absolutely recommend ED and and would gladly request him again
...was great with communication and service. He installed shower curtain rods for us and fixed our install mishap. He ensured to ask our thoughts and preferences along the way. Very professional and fairly priced. Highly recommend !
Consultation went great. Worked out some details to give a bigger picture and work to be started soon Update on completion. Installation went amazing. Looks exactly how I wanted it to look and the tech Chris was amazing and willing to do anything I was asking. Any issues he was willing to work with me on and made the process pleasant. Thanks again.
We had the front door repainted both inside and out, and the weather stripping replaced. I was happy with their service and feel they were very honest and professional.