Find a contractor in Chicago, IL
A general contractor manages construction and remodeling projects, from kitchens and bathrooms to additions. They hire and schedule subcontractors, order materials, handle permits and keep the job moving. A good contractor gives a detailed written contract, keeps you updated, and is licensed and insured where required.
How many contractors are in Chicago?
The Census Bureau counted 895 residential remodelers with employees in Chicago, IL ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, Cook County has 2,888, or 55.7 per 100,000 residents: more than the US rate of 40.5, and 20th of 165 large US cities per resident.
Another 19,676 self-employed businesses in residential building and remodeling contractors are based in Cook County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 60634 (136), 60630 (54), 60618 (53), 60641 (48).
Half of Chicago's homes were built before 1952, and 54% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 895 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, Cook County | 55.7 US: 40.5 |
| Rank among large US cities | 20 of 165 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 91% |
| Self-employed, Cook County | 19,676 Census NES 2023: residential building and remodeling contractors |
| Median year homes were built | 1952 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 54% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 2,707,648 ACS 2023 |
What do contractors in Chicago help with?
- Kitchen remodels
- Bathroom remodels
- Home additions
- Basement finishing
- Structural repairs
- Window and door replacement
- Decks and porches
- Whole-home renovations
- Accessibility upgrades
- Insurance restoration
How do you choose a good contractor in Chicago?
- Check the contractor's license where required and verify it online.
- Ask for proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance.
- Get three detailed written bids with the same scope.
- Ask who pulls permits. It should be the contractor.
- Ask for references from recent jobs like yours.
- Use a written contract with scope, schedule, payment milestones and change order rules.
- Avoid large up-front payments.
Many states and cities license or register general contractors and require permits for remodeling; ask for a license number where one is required. See Illinois license rules and lookup.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Who will be on site each day?
- Will you pull permits?
- What is the payment schedule?
- How do you handle changes and surprises?
- What warranty do you offer?
- Can I talk to recent clients?
Red flags to watch for
- Asking for most of the money up front.
- No written contract.
- Suggesting you skip permits.
- No license or insurance.
- Pressure to sign quickly.
What changes the price?
- Project size and scope
- Materials and finishes
- Structural changes
- Permits and inspections
- Access and site conditions
- Hidden damage found during work
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many contractors are there in Chicago?
The Census counted 895 residential remodelers with employees in Chicago, IL in 2023, plus 19,676 self-employed businesses in Cook County.
What is a change order?
It is a written change to the original contract, including new costs or timing. Get every change in writing.
Should I pay a contractor up front?
A deposit is common, but avoid paying too much before work starts. Pay in stages as work is completed.
Do I need permits for a remodel?
Many remodels need permits, especially for structural, electrical, plumbing or HVAC work. Ask your contractor.
Contractors in nearby cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a contractor.