About Illinois Renovation Costs
Illinois construction labor costs run about 12% above the national average, largely driven by the Chicago metro which has strong union presence and competitive contractor rates. Downstate Illinois runs closer to the national average. The Chicago renovation market is steady with good contractor availability compared to coastal markets, though demand has increased significantly since 2022. Mid-range contractors are booked 4-8 weeks out for kitchen and bathroom projects. Chicago has a detailed permit process for major renovations, typically running 4-12 weeks. Suburban Cook County and collar counties are generally faster. Always verify with your specific municipality before budgeting your project timeline.
Kitchen renovations in Illinois average $38,000 to $72,000 for a mid-range project in 2026.
Bathroom remodels run $16,000 to $34,000 depending on scope and finishes.
These estimates use a 1.12× regional cost factor based on RSMeans construction cost indices for Illinois.