Skilled Carpentry for Chicago-Area Homes
Good carpentry is the backbone of a well-built home. Whether you need a single door hung, an entire room trimmed out, or a custom piece built from scratch, ECV Handyman Services has the skills and the tools to get it done right. Owner Ricky Vargas learned woodworking early and has spent more than 15 years refining his craft on homes throughout Chicago, Oak Park, Cicero, Berwyn, and the surrounding western suburbs. He measures twice, cuts once, and stands behind every joint, miter, and fastener.
Custom Builds & Woodwork
Sometimes the solution to a storage problem or a design idea does not exist in a store. That is where custom carpentry comes in. Ricky builds custom shelving units, entertainment centers, window seats, mudroom benches, and storage solutions tailored to the exact dimensions of your space. Many older Chicago-area homes have non-standard room sizes and unusual alcoves that off-the-shelf furniture simply does not fit. A custom build uses every inch of available space and adds permanent value to your home.
Whether you want floating shelves in a living room, a built-in bookcase flanking a fireplace, or a pantry organizer that finally makes sense of a deep, narrow closet, we design and build it on site using quality lumber and hardware that will last for decades.
Trim & Crown Molding Installation
Crown molding, baseboards, chair rails, and wainscoting add character and architectural detail that elevates any room. Installing trim properly requires precise miter cuts, especially in older homes where walls and corners are rarely perfectly square. Ricky has trimmed out hundreds of rooms in Chicagoland homes, from the classic Victorian-era houses of Oak Park and River Forest to mid-century ranches in Berwyn and Melrose Park. He knows how to cope inside corners for a seamless look and how to handle the quirks that come with plaster walls and uneven ceilings.
Door & Window Installation
A door that sticks, a window that will not lock, or a frame that has rotted out is more than an annoyance. It is a security issue and an energy waster. We install interior doors, exterior doors, storm doors, and replacement windows. Every installation includes shimming the frame plumb and level, insulating gaps, and finishing the casing so the final result looks like it has always been there. If your existing door frame has water damage or termite damage, we repair the structural framing before the new unit goes in.
Shelving & Storage Solutions
Closets, garages, laundry rooms, and basements all benefit from smart shelving. We install wire shelving systems, solid wood shelves, and heavy-duty garage storage that keeps your space organized and functional. For homeowners in Cicero, Maywood, and Forest Park where bungalows and two-flats often have limited closet space, a well-designed shelving system can double your usable storage without a major renovation.
Deck Building & Repair
A deck extends your living space outdoors and is one of the best return-on-investment home improvements you can make. We build new decks from pressure-treated lumber, composite decking, or cedar, depending on your budget and preference. Every deck we build meets local building codes, uses proper joist spacing and footings, and includes sturdy railings and stairs.
Already have a deck that needs attention? Chicago winters are punishing on outdoor wood structures. We replace rotted boards, reinforce loose railings, resecure wobbly stairs, and apply protective stain or sealant to keep your deck safe and looking great for years to come.
Shiplap & Accent Walls
Accent walls are one of the most popular home improvement trends, and shiplap is leading the way. Ricky has completed several shiplap projects for homeowners across the Chicago area, including a striking fireplace surround featured in our project gallery. That project transformed a plain drywall fireplace wall into an eye-catching focal point using horizontal shiplap boards with a clean white finish. The result added warmth, texture, and real character to the room.
Beyond shiplap, we install board-and-batten walls, tongue-and-groove paneling, reclaimed wood accent walls, and beadboard wainscoting. These treatments work beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, and even bathrooms when finished with moisture-resistant materials.
Cabinet Work
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets take daily abuse, and over time hinges loosen, drawers fall off track, shelves sag, and doors warp. We repair and adjust existing cabinets, replace broken drawer slides and hinges, add soft-close hardware, and install new cabinets when a full replacement makes more sense than a repair. If your cabinets are structurally sound but look dated, we also offer cabinet painting and refinishing as part of our painting services.
What Our Customers Say
"Rick came out right when we called him! He fixed a drawer that was broken EVEN THOUGH WE WERE MISSING A PIECE! We decided he is a genius! And so friendly!"
— Gabriel S.
That hands-on problem-solving is what sets ECV Handyman Services apart. Ricky does not just follow instructions. He figures out what needs to happen, finds a solution even when parts are missing or situations are unusual, and gets the job done right.
Why Choose ECV Handyman Services for Carpentry?
- Licensed & insured for every project, big or small
- 15+ years of hands-on experience with Chicago-area homes and building styles
- Precision craftsmanship — clean joints, level surfaces, and lasting results
- Honest pricing with detailed estimates before work begins
- Full-service capability — need electrical, plumbing, or painting done alongside your carpentry project? We handle it all in one visit
- Problem solver — Ricky finds solutions even in tricky situations where others give up
Get a Free Carpentry Estimate
Whether you need a single shelf installed or an entire room remodeled, Ricky is ready to help. Call today at (708) 497-8893 or request a quote online. We serve Chicago, Oak Park, Cicero, Berwyn, Forest Park, Maywood, River Forest, and Melrose Park. Same-week scheduling is often available.