Renovation and repair in Chicago
Two-flats, bungalows, greystones, cottages and condos across the city, planned in writing and priced line by line.
Chicago has its own building department, its own permit programs and a wide mix of housing: courtyard buildings near the lake, bungalows across the Bungalow Belt, and two-flats and worker's cottages on side streets citywide.
We plan each one around the building, the people living in it and what the city requires.
Permits in Chicago
Building permits here are handled by the Chicago Department of Buildings – Permits (opens in a new tab) (Cook County). Before work starts, we confirm what your project needs and who will pull the permit.
Local rules worth knowing
The Express Permit Program, launched in November 2023, replaced the old Easy Permit, Solar Express and short-form processes. It is an online system for most repair work, some small improvements, and administrative changes such as swapping contractors on an issued permit.
Source: City of Chicago :: Express Permit Program (opens in a new tab)Work that needs architectural plans goes through the Standard Plan Review Permit Program, submitted online through E-Plan. Each application is assigned a project manager as the applicant's main contact, and every project needs zoning approval.
Source: City of Chicago :: Standard Plan Review Permit Program (opens in a new tab)Most construction, rehab and demolition work in Chicago requires a City-licensed, insured general contractor. Exceptions include single-trade jobs done by a Chicago-licensed trade contractor and owners acting as their own contractor on a primary residence of up to six units and three stories.
Source: Does my project require a licensed general contractor? (opens in a new tab)Porch deck boards, stair treads or railing pickets can usually be replaced without a permit absent a code violation. Structural porch work, such as columns, beams, joists or footings, always needs a permit and plans from an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer.
Source: City of Chicago :: Porch and Deck Safety (opens in a new tab)For all-residential buildings with one to three legal units, the Express Permit Program covers removing kitchens, bathrooms or walls installed without permits. Reducing the legal unit count, such as converting a two-flat to a single-family home, is not eligible for that track.
Source: What types of work are eligible to use the Express Permit Program? (opens in a new tab)
Homes in Chicago
The Chicago Bungalow Association lists 15 National Register bungalow historic districts spread across the city, from South Shore to Rogers Park. Its district histories place much of this building between about 1910 and 1930.
Source: www.chicagobungalow.org (opens in a new tab)
Work we take on in Chicago
- Two-flat and multi-unit renovation
- Heating and water heaters
- Kitchen remodeling
- Bathroom remodeling
- Basement finishing
- Whole-home renovation
- Repairs and punch lists
- Flooring
- Drywall, plaster and paint
- Rental turnovers
Nearby
Rules change. Facts on this page were checked on September 30, 2026; always confirm with the official office before relying on them.
Planning work in Chicago?
Call, email or send an estimate request with photos. You deal directly with the person running your job.