The 10 Best Chicago, IL General Contractors

Any contractor doing business in Chicago must have either a home repair license or a general contractor license. If you hire someone to conduct home improvement or construction work, you must hire someone with a proper contractor license.

Although the state of Illinois does not require licensing for general contractors, the city of Chicago does. Since 2014, all general contractor licensing is done through the Department of Building’s trade license partner, Continental Testing Services. Applicants for a general contractor license must show proof of general liability insurance and pay a fee ranging from $300 to $2,000, depending on the individual or business being licensed. Unlike in other cities or states, there is no test of relevant laws or building codes, nor required prior professional experience.

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) issues a home repair license. By law, businesses that fix, replace, alter, convert, modernize, improve or make an addition to residential property in Chicago must have a home repair license. To obtain one, companies must pay a $250 biannual fee and show proof of liability insurance.

Licensed general contractors are required to hold general liability insurance with limits no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury or property damage. Limits may be higher depending on the contractor’s license class. Typically, insurance coverage minimums are $1 million to $5 million. Home improvement contractors must hold liability insurance with a minimum limit of $300,000. You should also ensure that any contractor you hire holds an active workers’ compensation policy. Request copies of all insurance certificates prior to beginning work.

Nearly all building and construction work in Chicago will require a permit. However, the city of Chicago has created various permitting processes based on the size of your project, including a very quick, simple process for small projects that often wouldn’t require a permit in other cities. If you build without a permit when one is required, you risk fines, increased permitting fees, the forced removal of such work, problems selling your home in the future and the risk that homeowners insurance won’t cover issues that occur as a result of non-permitted construction. If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, contact the Chicago Department of Buildings at 312.744.3449.

The Chicago Department of Buildings handles the issuing of permits and is responsible for ensuring projects comply with all applicable codes and ordinances. This is designed to protect the public safety and your investment. You should decide with your contractor at the start of project planning who will be responsible for acquiring the necessary permits. The Department provides services to guide you through the permitting process, including useful online guides. The Chicago Department of Buildings offers a variety of methods for acquiring permits, including the Easy Permit Process Program which streamlines the process for small scale, simple home improvement projects.

Licensed contractors in Chicago are not required to hold a surety bond, nor is there a homeowners recovery fund. Illinois does require roofing contractors to obtain a surety bond. Homeowners may file a claim to recoup money in the event of faulty work, or damages to their property incurred during a roof project.

The BuildZoom score is based on a number of factors including the contractor's license information gather from the Chicago Department of Buildings and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection; building permit data gathered from the Chicago Department of Building; and feedback and behavior we have observed in the BuildZoom marketplace and in other, third-party review sites.

We have analyzed every licensed contractor who has worked in Chicago, Illinois. Using this information, we’re able to save you time, money and lessen your risk by providing you with a simple and straight-forward way to gather and receive multiple bids from vetted general contractors in Chicago. Click here to get started by providing us with a few details about your project.