Costs for Home Remodeling in Chicago

Dreaming of a revamped Chicago home but worried about the costs? Renovating can feel like a daunting financial adventure. From the big-ticket items to the hidden costs, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide breaks down the average chicago home remodeling costs, including how much to renovate a house in different areas of Chicago. We’ll also discuss factors that can influence your budget, like remodel cost per square foot and how much to rehab a house.

With this information, you can create a realistic financial plan and confidently embark on your home transformation journey.

UPDATED: Read our most up-to-date Chicago Kitchen Remodeling Costs and Bathroom Remodeling Costs

(Photo above) Remodel by Sweeten general contractor Christina. Photo: Chicago Home Photos

Baseline home renovation costs in Chicago

Here’s a breakdown of typical starting home renovation costs (including labor and materials) gathered from Sweeten contractors:

• Full-home renovation: From $105 per square foot (psf) 
• Budget bath remodel: $16,500 (standard full size)
• Mid-grade bath remodel: $26,000 (standard full size)
• High-end bath remodel: $37,500 (standard full size)
• Budget kitchen remodel: $23,500  (medium-sized)
• Mid-grade kitchen remodel: $35,500 (medium-sized)
• High-end kitchen remodel: $72,000 (medium-sized)
• Basement remodel: $40,000—$75,000

Keep in mind that every professional contractor will want to have a detailed conversation with you. They will also inspect your home before developing an estimate specific to your needs and wants.

Pro tip: Do not wait. The pandemic has caused a backlog in the supply of materials in many sectors. For homeowners interested in renovating, it’s smart to schedule and sign with a contractor to lock in your material prices. You’ll also want to book a start date on the contractor’s schedule. If you do wait, prices will only continue to go up and your material order starts at the back of a long queue.

Chicago remodeling costs per square foot

Gut Renovation vs. Non-Gut Renovation

Gutting a home essentially means starting with a clean slate. You’re removing everything down to the studs or framing and potentially knocking down walls. This more extensive approach typically starts at the higher end of the $100 to $200 per square foot (psf) range.

In contrast, a non-gut renovation focuses on remodeling within the existing walls. For example, a 700-square-foot, one-bedroom condo might cost between $50,000 and $70,000, while a gut renovation could exceed $100,000. These projects often involve new plumbing and wiring, moving doorways, and potentially installing new flooring.

Full Home Gut Renovation Costs

A full home gut renovation can start at $105 per square foot. This comprehensive scope includes demolition, framing, insulation, drywall, wiring, plumbing, heating/cooling systems, millwork, paint, flooring, tile, light fixtures, electronics, and all finishes (excluding appliances). 

According to Chicago-based Sweeten contractor Ryan, “A 3,000-square-foot whole-house renovation could cost anywhere from $200,000 at the low end to $400,000 or more at the high end, depending on the materials chosen.”

Wet Room Renovation Costs

Wet rooms, like bathrooms and kitchens, typically start at $250 per square foot. In urban areas, bathrooms in condos or co-ops can be as small as 30 square feet, while freestanding homes often have larger bathrooms.

High-end, fully custom renovations with luxury materials can cost upwards of $700 per square foot. This includes architectural design, demolition, construction, materials, fixtures, lighting, and finishes.

Build in a buffer to your budget

Contractors may build in overage fees to their estimates. This allows for the unexpected—which definitely can happen—to be covered. Overages are usually 10-15% of the project cost. (We recommend that the renovator reserve at least 10-15% above the bid as well). Don’t let the numbers shock you, though: the beauty of hiring a general contractor is that it’s one-stop shopping. Working with a contractor covers pretty much all the trades required for the job. This spares you the work of hiring individual tradesmen to complete the various aspects of your project. 

Chicago-based Sweeten contractor Brad recommends being realistic about how much you can spend. “You can’t buy a $100,000 ring on a $5,000 budget. Nail down your contractor first; they know pricing. And add 15 percent for unexpected conditions.”

Average cost of a kitchen remodel in Chicago

Budget kitchen renovation costs

To begin the process of remodeling a kitchen, the typical starting point is $23,500 based on a 100-square-foot space. This translates to stock cabinets from a big-box store with space to fit a refrigerator, a four-burner range, a dishwasher, and a microwave. Materials could include laminate flooring, tile under $10 / square foot, and fixtures by Delta and American Standard.

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Mid-grade kitchen renovation costs

We have found that revamping a kitchen measuring 100 square feet at this finish level can start at $35,500. Opting for mid-grade materials is a smart way to strike a balance between cost efficiency and quality. Some reputable options to consider include Diamond or Kemper cabinets, Caesarstone countertops, Daltile floors, and tiles from TileBar and Ann Sacks. For fixtures, brands like Brizo, Hansgrohe, and Kohler offer reliable choices.

High-end kitchen costs

Based on what we have seen, expect starting costs to be $37,500 for a 100-square-foot room at this finish level. Expect quality and craftsmanship with top-flight custom cabinets, stone or porcelain flooring, stone or quartz countertops, and tile from brands like Cle Tile and Artistic Tile.

Sweeten contractor Ryan has seen kitchens cost $50,000 for a gut remodel, and at the high end, closer to $100,000. “Those figures,” he says, “can vary greatly, as some cabinetry alone might cost $80,000.” 

Average bathroom remodel costs in Chicago

Budget Bathroom Remodel Costs

A budget-friendly bathroom remodel can start around $16,500. This might include:

• Fixtures: Stock vanities from big-box stores, budget-friendly tiles (under $5/square foot), and fixtures by Delta, Moen, or Pfister.
• Materials: Basic cabinetry, laminate countertops, and standard plumbing and electrical fixtures.
• Scope of work: Replacing the toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower while addressing any plumbing, electrical, or structural issues.

Example: A small bathroom remodel with a basic vanity, a white porcelain toilet, a budget-friendly shower, and ceramic tile flooring.

Mid-Grade Bathroom Remodel Costs

A mid-range bathroom remodel typically starts around $26,000. This might include:

• Fixtures: A recessed medicine cabinet, a standard toilet, fixtures by Kohler or Hansgrohe, a vanity counter from Signature Hardware, and a porcelain tub.
• Materials: Mid-range cabinetry, granite or quartz countertops, and upgraded plumbing and electrical fixtures.
• Scope of work: Replacing the toilet, sink, bathtub or shower, and potentially adding features like a separate shower or a freestanding tub.

Example: A medium-sized bathroom remodel with a vanity with integrated sink, a dual-flush toilet, a glass-enclosed shower, and marble flooring.

High-End Bathroom Remodel Costs

A high-end bathroom remodel can start at $37,500 or more. This might include:

• Fixtures: Custom vanities, a freestanding bathtub, a separate shower, and custom lighting.
• Materials: High-quality cabinetry, natural stone countertops, and premium plumbing and electrical fixtures.
• Scope of work: A complete overhaul of the bathroom, including custom features, luxury finishes, and advanced technology.

Example: A large master bathroom remodel with a custom vanity, a freestanding soaking tub, a walk-in shower with multiple showerheads, heated floors, and a spa-like ambiance.

Costs for a primary bedroom suite addition

Mid-grade primary suite addition costs

Estimated costs are around $452 psf or $177,273 for a 24′ x 16′ space, including double vanity, freestanding tub, separate shower, walk-in closet, dressing area. Whether it’s a ground-level addition, a basement remodel, or a second-floor addition, accessing rough-ins for plumbing will vary and affect pricing.

High-end primary suite addition costs

For a 32′ x 20′ primary suite with a separate sitting area and large primary bath over a crawl space, costs are around $553 psf or $359,232. This kind of project includes custom shelving, built-in storage, as well as a walk-in closet and dressing area with windows.

Basement renovation costs in Chicago

A starting budget for a basement is around $100 psf. At the low end, average renovation costs are around $40,000, which includes a bathroom with a shower. Flooring options can vary significantly, including laminate, vinyl, engineered wood, porcelain tile, or stained concrete. At the high end, a project for $75,000 may include a 5′ x 8′-foot bathroom with a shower, a wet bar, and flooring in an overall space measuring 20′ x 30′.

Costs for a basement renovation can be affected by multiple factors. Consider the existing condition of the space, if plumbing pipes need to be installed or moved, if new water service is required and if bracing needs to be done to eliminate structural supports in the middle of a space. Also take into consideration ceiling height, since Chicago basements are typically 8 feet or less, and as low as 6’7″. If you want to raise the ceiling, that requires digging out and underpinning the foundation. In addition, it’s necessary to assure the space is waterproof. A perimeter drain tile system is installed (repaired or extended). Connecting it to a sump pump also is important to consider, and this cost can start at around $2,500.

Chicago remodeling costs for permits

The permit process for renovating varies from Chicago to its suburbs, with each of the village’s or town’s governing bodies determining requirements and fees. In Chicago, permits are obtained through the Building Department. The issue in common is safety and compliance with building codes.

In Winnetka, remodeling permits cost $30 per $1,000 of construction; new construction is $1.30 per square foot of new gross area. There also are permit fees for plumbing, electrical service ($9,800 for 200 amp service; $21,000 for 400 amp service), furnace, and AC as well as roofing and pools. In Hinsdale, the permit fee for remodeling is calculated on two percent of the value of construction.  In addition, expect to pay permit fees for demolition ($3,000).

In Chicago, applications for building permits must include architectural drawings and names of all licensed contractors—plumbers, electricians, HVAC contractors (usually supplied by the general contractor). There is no one size fits all. But expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 minimally for a whole house remodel, major kitchen, and/or bath. The larger the project, the more the fee, ranging to as high as $10,000.

There’s also an Easy Permit Program for small projects that do not require architectural drawings (usually available the same day). There are nominal costs (a few hundred dollars for plumbing and electrical permits), which usually are pulled by those contractors.

Find expert Chicago general contractors near you

Post your project on Sweeten for free and make your dream Chicago home a reality. Sweeten puts you in control of your renovation, from finding the perfect contractor and gathering design inspiration, to using cost guides  to plan your budget wisely.

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Have a good handle on HOA (Homeowners Association) fees before you purchase your condo, co-op, or detached house.

At Sweeten, we’re experts at all things general contractors — we pre-screen them for our network, carefully select the best ones for your remodeling project, and work closely with hundreds of general contractors every day. So, we’ve tapped our internal expertise to bring you this guide.