Do you need a permit for your construction or remodeling project in Chicago? Find out here with Kolmena Construction!
- Kolmena Contractor
- Aug 11
- 4 min read
Hello everyone! As your trusted contractor here in Chicago, we at Kolmena Construction know that embarking on a home construction or remodeling project can bring up a lot of questions. One of the most frequent, and often most confusing, is: "Will I need a Chicago construction permit? And if so, who handles all that paperwork?"
That's an excellent question, and the answer is crucial to ensuring your project runs smoothly, legally, and with the peace of mind you deserve. In this blog post, Kolmena Construction will break down everything you need to know about permits in the Windy City.
First things first: What types of projects require a permit in Chicago?
Generally speaking, if your project goes beyond purely cosmetic changes, you'll likely need a permit from the Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB). Think of it as a safety measure for you and your property. The city wants to ensure that the work is done safely, complies with building codes, and doesn't jeopardize the structure, utilities, or safety of the occupants.
Here are some common examples of residential projects that almost always require a permit:
Additions to your home: Building a new room, a second story, or expanding your home's footprint.
Structural alterations: Moving or removing load-bearing walls, changing room layouts that affect the structure.
Major bathroom or kitchen renovations: Especially if they involve changing the location of plumbing or electrical wiring.
New installations or major changes to systems: This includes plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems.
Construction of garages, porches, or decks: New or significant structures require approval.
Major roofing work: Complete replacement or adding significant layers.
Projects that generally DO NOT require a permit:
Interior and exterior painting.
Replacing flooring without affecting the underlying structure.
Changing cabinets or fixtures without moving plumbing or wiring.
Replacing windows or doors if the opening size doesn't change.
Our golden rule at Kolmena Construction: When in doubt, it's always better to assume you need a permit and verify! It’s much easier to get the permit beforehand than to deal with the consequences of not having one.
What's the process for obtaining a construction permit in Chicago?
The permit process can seem overwhelming, but it's designed to ensure safety and compliance. It generally follows these steps:
Design and Plans: A licensed architect or engineer in Illinois will create detailed plans for your project, ensuring they comply with all Chicago building and zoning codes.
Application Submission: The application and plans are submitted to the Chicago Department of Buildings.
Reviews and Approvals: The plans are reviewed by various city departments (structural, electrical, plumbing, zoning, etc.) to ensure everything is in order. They may request additional information.
Permit Issuance: Once all departments give their approval, the permit is issued, and we can legally begin construction!
For more details on permit types and the process, you can visit the official Chicago Department of Buildings website:
How long does it take to get a permit in Chicago?
Processing time can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your project and the DOB's workload. For simple residential projects, it could take a few weeks. For larger, more complex projects or those requiring zoning variations, the process could extend to several months.
The key to speeding up the process is submitting complete and accurate plans from the start. Errors or missing information can cause significant delays!
The million-dollar question: Who handles all this?
We at Kolmena Construction handle it!
At Kolmena Construction, we understand that you have enough on your plate when planning your dream project. That's why we manage the entire permit process from start to finish.
This includes:
Coordinating with architects and engineers to ensure the plans are correct and ready for submission.
Submitting the permit application on your behalf to the Chicago Department of Buildings.
Actively following up on the application status and responding to any questions or requests for information from the DOB.
Coordinating and being present during all city-required inspections at different stages of construction (foundations, structure, electrical, plumbing rough-in, etc.) to ensure the work complies with the code and is approved.
Our knowledge and experience with Chicago's permit codes and processes allow us to navigate the bureaucracy efficiently, saving you time and headaches. Your only task will be to review and approve the final designs and sign the necessary documents as the property owner.
What happens if I build without a permit? (An important warning!)
Never, under any circumstances, start a project that requires a permit without obtaining it first. The consequences can be severe and include:
Work Stoppage: The city will issue a "stop-work" order, immediately halting your project.
Hefty Fines: Significant fines will be imposed for code violations.
Illegal Work: You may be required to demolish the illegal work or modify it to comply with the code, which is far more costly and complicated than doing it right from the beginning.
Future Problems: You may face difficulties selling or refinancing your property, as unpermitted work is not "on the record" with the city.
To verify if a permit has been issued for a specific address or to check the status of a permit, you can use the DOB's search tool:
Your peace of mind is our priority at Kolmena Construction!
We understand that the construction process is a significant investment of time and money. By handling the permit process, Kolmena Construction ensures that your project is not only beautiful and functional but also legal and safe. This gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your home is in good hands and that everything is being done according to the City of Chicago's regulations.
Do you have more questions about your next project or the necessary permits? Don't hesitate to contact us! We are here to help you turn your home dreams into reality in Chicago.