Chicago Cost Overview
Chicago has moderate home improvement costs, running about 5-10% above the national average—lower than coastal cities but higher than much of the Midwest.
Chicago Cost Index: 104 (National average = 100)Why Chicago Costs Slightly More
- Strong union presence - Higher labor costs
- Strict building codes - City and suburban requirements
- Weather extremes - Materials must withstand -10° to 100°
- Older housing stock - More complex work often needed
- Permit requirements - Varies by suburb
| Project | National Avg | Chicago Price |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC System | $7,500 | $8,000-$9,500 |
| Roof Replacement | $10,000 | $10,500-$12,500 |
| Window Replacement | $15,000 | $16,000-$18,000 |
| Kitchen Remodel | $25,000 | $27,000-$32,000 |
Popular Chicago Projects
HVAC Systems
Chicago's extreme temperatures make HVAC critical:- Cold winters (-10°F possible) require reliable heating
- Hot, humid summers need good AC
- High-efficiency furnaces (95%+ AFUE) pay off quickly
- Heat pumps work but need backup heat
- Average replacement: $7,500-$11,000
Window Replacement
Chicago's climate makes efficient windows important:- Triple-pane recommended for best efficiency
- Proper installation critical (cold air infiltration)
- Energy savings substantial (20%+)
- Average home: $12,000-$22,000
Roofing
Weather challenges for Chicago roofs:- Ice dams a major concern
- Wind and hail damage common
- Flat roofs on many vintage homes
- Average replacement: $10,000-$15,000
Basement Waterproofing
Common Chicago issue due to:- High water tables in many areas
- Clay soil
- Older foundation construction
- Cost: $3,000-$15,000 depending on scope
Costs by Chicago Area
Premium Areas (15-25% above Chicago average)
- Lincoln Park
- Gold Coast
- River North
- Bucktown
- North Shore suburbs (Winnetka, Glencoe)
Mid-Range (Chicago average)
- Lakeview
- Roscoe Village
- Oak Park
- Evanston
- Arlington Heights
More Affordable (5-15% below Chicago average)
- South Side neighborhoods
- Far Northwest Side
- South suburbs
- Western suburbs (Berwyn, Cicero)
- Far West suburbs
City vs Suburbs
- City of Chicago: Stricter permits, higher labor
- Cook County suburbs: Varies widely
- Collar counties: Often slightly lower costs
Timing Chicago Projects
Best Times by Project
HVAC:- Best: March-April, September-October
- Worst: Extreme cold (December-February) or hot spells
- Emergency winter repairs expensive
- Best: May-June, September-October
- Worst: Winter (not recommended), mid-summer
- Ice dam repairs: emergency in winter
- Best: Spring and fall
- Worst: Deep winter (hard to seal properly)
- Can be done year-round if needed
- Season: April-November
- Best pricing: Fall (contractors need work before winter)
Chicago Weather Considerations
- Winter projects limited by cold
- Plan major work for spring/fall
- AC installations should complete before June
- Heating should be ready by October
Chicago Permits
City of Chicago Requirements
Chicago has specific permit requirements: Permits Required:- All electrical work
- All plumbing work
- HVAC installation
- Roofing (often)
- Structural changes
- Windows (if changing openings)
- E-permits available for simple work
- Expedited review for standard projects
- Self-certification for some contractors
Cost & Timeline
| Project | Permit Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC | $75-$300 | 1-5 days |
| Roofing | $100-$500 | 1-2 weeks |
| Electrical | $75-$200 | 1-5 days |
| Kitchen Remodel | $500-$2,000 | 2-4 weeks |
Suburban Variations
Each suburb has own building department:- Some easier than Chicago
- Some stricter (Highland Park, Wilmette)
- Always check local requirements
Chicago Resources
Key Takeaways
- Chicago costs 5-10% above national average
- Weather extremes affect many projects
- Union labor common (quality but higher cost)
- Seasonal timing matters significantly
- Permits vary by municipality