Cook County

Home permits and project costs in Chicago, IL

Chicago enforces its own building code with licensed-trade requirements, so electrical and plumbing work carries higher permitted labor cost than surrounding suburbs.

Model reviewed August 2026

Local cost index

+20%

vs national average

Permit fee index

+35%

vs national baseline

Population

2,664,452

Homeownership

45%

Do you need a permit in Chicago?

For most structural work, yes

Chicago enforces local adoption of the irc; statewide plumbing and energy codes apply through Cook County. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, structural, pools and most exterior additions require a permit and inspection. Cosmetic work — paint, flooring, cabinet swaps — generally does not.

Project costs in Chicago

National baselines adjusted by the local labor and materials index.

Project	Typical cost	Permit	Deep pages
Roof Replacement	$12,800 – $43,100	required	Cost·Permit
AC Replacement	$6,600 – $19,600	required	Cost·Permit
Fence Installation	$3,000 – $13,800	usually required	Cost·Permit
Water Heater Replacement	$1,600 – $7,000	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Installation	$49,900 – $150,900	required	Cost·Permit
Window Replacement	$9,800 – $44,400	required	Cost·Permit
Electrical Panel Replacement	$2,500 – $8,900	required	Cost·Permit
Generator Installation	$8,400 – $28,600	required	Cost·Permit
Solar Panel Installation	$18,800 – $60,100	required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Remodel	$21,800 – $111,500	conditional	Cost·Permit
Bathroom Remodel	$11,000 – $51,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Driveway Replacement	$5,300 – $24,000	usually required	Cost·Permit
Paver Patio & Walkway	$4,300 – $19,700	conditional	Cost·Permit
Deck Construction	$7,100 – $36,100	required	Cost·Permit
Shed Installation	$2,200 – $14,800	conditional	Cost·Permit
Whole-House Repipe	$5,900 – $20,900	required	Cost·Permit
EV Charger Installation	$1,000 – $5,400	required	Cost·Permit
Hurricane Shutter Installation	$4,300 – $24,100	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage	$12,000 – $55,800	required	Cost·Permit
Septic System Replacement	$9,900 – $37,000	required	Cost·Permit
Impact Window Installation	$11,900 – $55,700	required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Door Replacement	$1,200 – $8,500	usually required	Cost·Permit
Garage Door Replacement	$1,900 – $9,900	required	Cost·Permit
Siding Installation	$10,300 – $49,100	usually required	Cost·Permit
Stucco Repair	$1,100 – $19,600	conditional	Cost·Permit
Soffit & Fascia Replacement	$2,300 – $14,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Gutter Installation	$1,100 – $7,800	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Roof Repair	$500 – $6,300	conditional	Cost·Permit
Flat Roof Replacement	$8,000 – $37,500	required	Cost·Permit
Attic Insulation	$1,400 – $8,800	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Ductwork Replacement	$3,200 – $15,200	required	Cost·Permit
Mini Split Installation	$3,000 – $15,800	required	Cost·Permit
Flooring Installation	$3,000 – $23,900	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tile Installation	$2,200 – $19,400	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Interior Painting	$1,900 – $11,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Painting	$3,400 – $18,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Drywall Repair	$400 – $5,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing	$5,400 – $24,200	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Countertop Replacement	$2,600 – $14,100	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tub to Shower Conversion	$4,400 – $20,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Sod Installation	$1,100 – $8,300	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Irrigation System Installation	$2,700 – $12,300	conditional	Cost·Permit
Tree Removal	$600 – $7,000	conditional	Cost·Permit
Outdoor Kitchen	$7,600 – $56,800	usually required	Cost·Permit
Seawall Repair	$10,800 – $128,100	required	Cost·Permit
Dock Construction	$12,100 – $114,600	required	Cost·Permit
Well Installation	$7,200 – $33,000	required	Cost·Permit
Mold Remediation	$1,900 – $19,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Water Softener Installation	$1,500 – $8,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Home Addition	$60,300 – $374,900	required	Cost·Permit
Heat Pump Replacement	$8,200 – $27,900	required	Cost·Permit
Furnace Replacement	$4,100 – $14,600	required	Cost·Permit
Foundation Repair	$3,500 – $40,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Basement Waterproofing	$3,700 – $22,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Drain Field Replacement	$7,800 – $32,400	required	Cost·Permit
Toilet Installation	$300 – $1,300	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Hot Tub Installation	$6,900 – $27,800	usually required	Cost·Permit

Chicago permitting basics

Jurisdiction	Chicago, Cook County
Building department	Official site
Permit portal	Apply online
Owner-builder permits	Homeowner permits allowed in most jurisdictions, restricted in Chicago
Contractor verification	Verify any license with Illinois Capital Development Board before signing

Sources

Sources & verification

Model vintage August 2026. The links above are the issuing agencies' own pages — we publish them so you can confirm the current rule yourself, not as evidence that each fact on this page was re-checked with them today. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing, not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.