Why Did Your Neighbor Pay Half? | Understanding Contractor Types in Chicago, IL
- Kolmena Contractor
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
When looking for construction services in Chicago, the price difference between quotes can be shocking. At Kolmena Construction, we believe transparency is key to protecting your investment.
The 3 Types of Contractors in Chicago
To rank your options, you must understand who is actually performing the work and what tools (and protections) they bring to the site:
1. The Handyman (Maintenance Only): Best for minor repairs.
Example: Perfect for replacing a single shingle or cleaning gutters. However, if they attempt a tuckpointing job on a Chicago 2-flat without understanding the specific mortar mix required for historic brick, they can trap moisture and cause the brick to crack (spalling) within one winter.
2. The Uninsured Specialist: They know the trade but cut costs by skipping Workers’ Compensation and General Liability Insurance.
Example: Imagine a worker drops a heavy bundle of shingles through a skylight or onto a neighbor's car. An uninsured contractor will likely disappear, leaving you to pay for the damages out of pocket and potentially facing a lawsuit from your own insurance company.
3. Licensed & Bonded General Contractors (The Kolmena Standard): Companies like ours carry active licenses with the Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB).
Example: We handle the "Easy Permit Process" for roof replacements. This ensures that a city inspector validates the work, confirming that the ice and water shield (critical for Chicago winters) was installed correctly to prevent ice dams.
Why Price Matters: The Cost of Safety
Hiring a licensed contractor in Chicago ensures:
Permit Compliance: Avoiding "Stop Work" orders. If the city spots an unpermitted dumpster or work crew, they can fine the homeowner up to $1,000 per day.
Insurance Protection: We carry high-limit General Liability. If a pipe is accidentally nicked during a kitchen remodel, our insurance—not your bank account—covers the water damage.
Warranty Validity: We are certified installers. For instance, a GAF Golden Pledge warranty is only available through certified contractors and covers both materials and labor. A "half-price" contractor's work usually voids these protections the moment they step on the roof.
How to Verify a Chicago Contractor (Checklist)
Before signing any contract, verify these three pillars of trust:
License Search: Check the Chicago Business License look-up. Ensure they have a "General Contractor" or "Home Repair" license.
Insurance Certificate: Demand an "ACORD" form showing active Liability and Workers' Comp coverage specifically for the state of Illinois.
Proven Track Record: Look for established names like Kolmena Construction (formerly Torres Construction). We have navigated Chicago’s building codes since 1978, from Archer Heights to the North Side.
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