Chicago, IL
Home repair help in Chicago. Each trade has its own line.
Pick the closest match. Each page covers what that kind of job usually involves, what to do before anyone arrives, and the Illinois and Chicago rules worth knowing.
Local picture
What matters in Chicago.
Weather and risk
NWS Chicago recorded -23°F at O'Hare on January 30, 2019, the city's coldest temperature in 34 years. Chicago's sewers carry both storm runoff and sewage, so heavy rain can back water up into basements.
The housing
In the 2019-2023 American Community Survey, 496,256 housing units in Chicago (39.1%) were built in 1939 or earlier, and 172,173 (13.6%) are in two-unit buildings.
Licenses and permits
Illinois licenses plumbers through the Department of Public Health and requires roofing contractors to hold a state license. In Chicago, electrical contractors also need a City of Chicago license from the Department of Buildings.
- National Weather Service Chicago - January 30-31, 2019: Record to Near-Record Cold in Northern Illinois
- City of Chicago Department of Buildings - Blocking Rainwater and Preventing Sewer Backup
- US Census Bureau - ACS 2019-2023 5-Year DP04 Selected Housing Characteristics, Chicago city, Illinois
- Illinois Department of Public Health - Plumbing
- Illinois General Assembly - 225 ILCS 335/9 Licensure requirement (Roofing Industry Licensing Act)
- City of Chicago Department of Buildings - Electrical Contractor License
Being straight with you
What we are, and what we are not.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.