Find Certified Contractors in Chicago, Illinois

The state of Illinois requires companies to hold a license for various home repair and renovation work—usually roofing and public works, in particular. Sometimes, the city of Chicago has different requirements than the state, so it's important to verify that you or the company has the correct license for the area(s) you are working in.

When in doubt, it's best to check with your local permit office before you start working on your home. If you start work before securing the necessary permits, you may be subject to fines until you do obtain them. Permits usually start around $50.00, and some require plats of survey, structural drawings, cost estimates, measurements, and HOA approval when applicable.

It can take anywhere from two to ten business days to acquire a permit. Some counties and cities allow you to apply and pay for the permit online, while others may require an in-person visit to the permits office.

Contractor licensing in Chicago is handled at the city level by the Department of Buildings. Illinois does not require a statewide general contractor license, but certain specialty trades (like roofing and plumbing) require state licenses.

City of Chicago Licenses:

• Online: Use the Chicago Contractor License Lookup to search for licensed trade contractors
• By Phone: Contact the Department of Buildings at (312) 744-3449

State-Level Licenses (Specialty Trades):

• Roofing Contractors: Verify through IDFPR License Lookup
• Plumbers: Verify through Illinois Department of Public Health

Cook County (outside Chicago): Use the Cook County Registered Contractors Search for unincorporated areas.

Tip: Chicago has tiered license classes (A through E) based on project value. Verify the contractor's class matches the scope of your project.

General Liability: Chicago has tiered requirements by license class:

• Class A (unlimited projects): $5,000,000 per occurrence
• Class B (up to $10M projects): $3,000,000 per occurrence
• Class C/D (up to $5M/$2M projects): $1,000,000 per occurrence
• Class E (up to $500K projects): $1,000,000 per occurrence

Workers' Compensation: Illinois requires workers' comp for ALL employers with at least one employee—no exceptions. The state is very strict about enforcement.

The Best Pick Promise: We verify that every Best Pick contractor holds valid general liability insurance and meets all state-mandated workers' compensation requirements. You can also verify a license directly via Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

Because Chicago is next to a lake and in the northern part of the country, the tendencies for snow and severe winter weather is greater than in other parts of the country. Be aware that some contractors may not be able to get to your home immediately depending on the severity of the weather and how many other homes also need the company's services.

Maintaining clean and clear gutters twice a year will help prevent ice dams, and if you take care of the cleaning in spring and fall, the gutters should function well year round. Salt and other materials used to de-ice the road can cause damage to garage floors, driveways, and walkways, but these problems can be taken care of after the severe weather is over.

Other aspects of your home, such as roofing and siding, also sustain wear and tear over time due to cold weather. Faulty or worn-down roofing and siding can impact your HVAC system's efficiency no matter what time of year it is, so it's always a good idea to ensure there are no gaps for heat or air to escape or room for unwanted animals to enter.

Best Pick Reports conducts independent consumer satisfaction research in Chicago annually. We survey thousands of homeowners who have recently hired home service companies, analyzing their experiences to identify contractors who consistently deliver quality work.

To earn Best Pick certification in Chicago, companies must:

• Maintain a 4.0+ Google rating or 80%+ customer recommendation rate
• Hold all required state and local licenses
• Carry general liability insurance [+ workers' compensation where required]
• Have no unresolved complaints or regulatory violations
• Re-qualify annually through fresh consumer satisfaction surveys

We verify licensing and insurance annually for every certified company. When you hire a Best Pick contractor, you're also protected by our Best Pick Guarantee, which provides up to $2,500 in coverage if a certified company fails to meet their commitments.