Historic Renovation & Terracotta
general contractor in Chicago, Illinois 60611
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5.0 from 11 reviews
- Address
- 400 Lower Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Open
- 5 days a week
- Service area
- Chicago
- Phone
- (773) 669-3642
About
Historic Renovation & Terracotta is a general contractor based in Chicago's Lower Wabash Avenue area. The business holds a 5.0 rating across 11 Google reviews.
Reach the team at (773) 669-3642. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Service Area
Serving Chicago.
Hiring a General Contractor in Chicago, Illinois
In Illinois, general contractors are regulated by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Before hiring any contractor, you should verify that they hold an active license. You can check an individual's or company's license status through IDFPR's online portal at idfpr.illinois.gov, or call their Help Center at 1-888-473-4858. This step protects you by confirming the contractor is licensed to perform the work.
Chicago projects require permits issued by the Department of Buildings. Your contractor should be familiar with permit requirements and the process for obtaining them before work begins. Depending on the scope—whether you're doing a remodel, addition, or new construction—different permits and inspections apply. Ask your contractor whether they handle permit applications or coordinate with a permit professional.
When you contact a general contractor, confirm their approach to your project. Ask whether they self-perform the work or use subcontractors, and what the timeline and scope include. A clear understanding of who does what and what approvals are needed helps avoid surprises during construction.
How do I check if a general contractor is licensed in Illinois?
Visit the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation website at idfpr.illinois.gov and use their online license lookup tool, or call 1-888-473-4858. You can search by the contractor's name or company name to confirm an active license. [1]
Does my Chicago construction project need a permit?
Most construction work in Chicago requires a permit from the Department of Buildings. The type of permit depends on your project scope—remodels, additions, and new builds all have different requirements. Your contractor should know what permits apply to your work. [2]
What should I ask a general contractor about their licensing and permits?
Ask whether they hold an active Illinois general contractor license (verify it yourself at idfpr.illinois.gov). Also ask whether they handle permit applications for Chicago projects, or if you'll need to work with a separate permit professional. Clarify who is responsible for obtaining each permit before work starts. [1, 2]
What is the Chicago Department of Buildings' role in my project?
The Department of Buildings issues permits that ensure construction work meets safety and code standards. They also conduct inspections during and after construction. Your contractor should plan inspections into the project timeline. [2]
Can I look up permits that have already been issued for a Chicago address?
Yes. The Chicago Department of Buildings maintains a searchable database of issued permits and inspection records. You can search by address to see what permits have been pulled for a property. [2]
Sources
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (read 2026-09-20)
- City of Chicago — Department of Buildings permits (read 2026-09-20)
Contact Information
Address: 400 Lower Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (773) 669-3642
Business Hours
| Monday | 8 AM – 5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM – 5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM – 5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM – 5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM – 5 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |