Kitchen remodel cost in Chicago 2026: complete breakdown
A realistic look at what Chicago kitchen remodels actually cost in 2026 — including the cabinet tariff impact, North Side labor premiums, and what to budget per square foot.
★ Licensed · Insured · Chicago-Based
Honest remodels.
Real estimates.
Right here in Chicago.
Eight free instant estimating tools — from painting to concrete — calibrated to current 2026 Chicago contractor pricing. Serving Albany Park, Lincoln Square, North Park, and every neighborhood and suburb in between.
Heads up: these calculators are accurate budget-planning tools — but every project gets a free in-person evaluation from us before any work or firm written quote. Site conditions, hidden damage, and material selections can change the number, and we'd rather see your project in person than guess.
Chicago's neighborhood remodeling specialist
Paint Precision LLC is based in Chicago's 60625 — the diverse, growing area covering Albany Park, Lincoln Square, North Park, Ravenswood, Ravenswood Manor, and Budlong Woods. We know these blocks: the 1920s bungalows on Kedzie, the brick two-flats off Lawrence, the Lincoln Square greystones with original plaster walls, and the North Park ranches that deserve modern updates.
Beyond our home base, we work throughout the city — Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Uptown, Edgewater, Andersonville, Rogers Park, Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Avondale, Irving Park — and across the close-in suburbs including Evanston, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Niles, Park Ridge, Morton Grove, Wilmette, and Oak Park.
Why Chicago homeowners choose us
- Transparent pricing. Eight estimating tools right on this page — no calling around for hidden quotes.
- Real Chicago experience. We know city permit processes, ward inspections, and the realities of working in 100-year-old housing stock.
- Painting as a specialty. Most general contractors treat paint as an afterthought. It's in our name — and our paint work outlasts the competition.
- Licensed & insured. Full Illinois licensing, general liability, and workers' comp coverage.
2026 Chicago remodeling market notes
Chicago labor demand is up across all skilled trades, with finish carpentry wages rising 4.1% year-over-year per BLS data. A 25% federal tariff on imported cabinets remains in effect through 2026 (set to rise to 50% in January 2027), which has shifted demand toward domestic semi-custom lines. Most reputable Chicago contractors are booking 4–8 weeks out for kitchen and bathroom work; painting jobs typically schedule within 1–3 weeks. Concrete pours follow Chicago weather — typically April through November.
How our estimator pricing is sourced
Every calculator on this site uses 2026 Chicago-specific market data, cross-referenced against multiple sources to avoid relying on any single one. Our reference sources include:
- Material suppliers (real-time prices): Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Floor & Decor, Ferguson, and Chicago-area concrete suppliers (Ozinga, Prairie, Lehigh)
- Industry pricing databases: Homewyse, HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor, Angi Chicago-specific cost data
- Labor benchmarks: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) skilled-trade wage data for the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro
- Local Chicago contractor data: R-Deco Painting, ZBL Concrete, Improovy, and other published Chicago-area contractor rate sheets
- Our own historical pricing from completed Paint Precision LLC projects across Albany Park, Lincoln Square, and the surrounding Chicago neighborhoods
Pricing is updated quarterly. Numbers in our calculators represent realistic 2026 Chicago ranges — not bargain-basement quotes that skip permits, rebar, waterproofing, or licensed labor. Every project still gets a free in-person evaluation before any work or firm written quote — that's where we lock in actual pricing based on what we see on site.
Quick answers
How much does interior painting cost in Chicago?
$2.50–$5.50 per square foot of wall area in 2026, including labor, materials, and prep. A typical 200 sq ft Chicago bedroom costs $600–$1,500. Plaster walls common in Chicago bungalows and greystones add prep cost — about $1–$2 extra per sq ft.
What's the average kitchen remodel cost in Chicago?
Mid-range Chicago kitchen remodels run $35,000–$70,000 in 2026. North Side neighborhoods (Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Square) trend higher; Northwest Side and suburban projects often come in 15–25% lower.
Do you pull permits?
Yes — we handle all City of Chicago and suburban permits. Permit fees typically run $200–$2,000 depending on scope, and we include them in your written quote.
How fast can you start?
Painting projects: 1–3 weeks. Bathroom remodels: 4–6 weeks. Kitchen remodels: 6–8 weeks (cabinet lead times). Concrete: April–November weather-dependent. Emergency or move-in-ready painting: often within 48 hours.
What if my project is in a co-op or condo building?
We work in plenty of Chicago condos and co-ops, including high-rises along Sheridan Road and the Lakefront. We'll review your building's HOA rules, certificate-of-insurance requirements, and elevator/freight scheduling before scoping the project.
01 / Painting
Interior & Exterior Painting Estimator
Chicago's most-requested painting service. Calibrated to 2026 labor rates with prep allowances for older Chicago plaster walls.
Project details
For exterior, enter siding sq ft.
Your estimate
PROJECT TOTAL
$0
Range: $0 – $0
Free in-person evaluation included: these calculators are accurate for budgeting, but every Paint Precision LLC project gets a free on-site walkthrough before any firm written quote. Site conditions, hidden damage, and material selections can change the final number. Chicago painting averages $2.50–$5.50/sq ft of wall area for interior, $2–$6/sq ft for exterior siding. Older homes (pre-1940s) typically need additional prep due to plaster, lead paint, and previous oil-based finishes.
What's actually in a Chicago painting job
Painting in Chicago has unique factors most national calculators miss. Plaster walls in pre-war buildings need different prep than drywall. Lead-paint disclosure (EPA RRP) applies to homes built before 1978 — common in Albany Park bungalows, Lincoln Square greystones, and most North Side housing stock. Window-trim work in older homes often involves stripping decades of paint buildup.
Our painting process
- Surface inspection — we assess plaster, drywall condition, water damage, lead-paint indicators
- Repairs first — patching, skim coating, mold/water remediation as needed
- Premium primer — stain-blocking on water spots, oil-bonding primer over old oil paint
- Two coats minimum — applied with appropriate roller nap or spray for the surface
- Trim & ceilings last — cut lines protected with proper tape technique
Get a free in-person painting walkthrough
Get an instant estimate above, then book a free walkthrough — we'll lock in a firm written quote.
02 / Kitchen Cabinetry
Kitchen Cabinetry Remodel Estimator
2026 market-accurate pricing for new cabinets, refacing, or full kitchen remodel. Cabinetry typically accounts for 30–40% of a total kitchen budget.
Project details
A typical 10×10 Chicago kitchen has ~20 linear feet. Add base + uppers along the wall.
Your estimate
PROJECT TOTAL
$0
Range: $0 – $0
Free in-person evaluation included: these calculators are accurate for budgeting, but every Paint Precision LLC project gets a free on-site walkthrough before any firm written quote. Site conditions, hidden damage, and material selections can change the final number. Pricing reflects 2026 national averages including the 25% tariff on imported cabinets in effect through 2026. Chicago metro labor rates trend ~5–15% above national averages, especially in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and the North Shore suburbs.
2026 Chicago kitchen remodel realities
A typical 10×10 Chicago kitchen with semi-custom cabinets runs $25,000–$50,000 in 2026. Cabinetry alone consumes 30–40% of total. The biggest cost driver after cabinets is whether plumbing or electrical gets moved — keeping the existing layout typically saves $3,000–$10,000.
Get your kitchen quote in writing
Free in-home walkthrough. We bring samples, measure precisely, and give you a firm number — no surprises.
03 / Shower & Tub
Bathroom Shower & Tub Estimator
Tub-to-shower conversions, walk-in showers, soaker tubs, and full bath remodels — calibrated to current 2026 contractor pricing.
Project details
Your estimate
PROJECT TOTAL
$0
Range: $0 – $0
Free in-person evaluation included: these calculators are accurate for budgeting, but every Paint Precision LLC project gets a free on-site walkthrough before any firm written quote. Site conditions, hidden damage, and material selections can change the final number. Set aside 10–20% buffer for hidden water damage, which 70% of Chicago bathroom remodels uncover behind tile. Older Chicago bathrooms often have galvanized supply lines that need replacement during shower work.
Free shower walkthrough
04 / Full Bathroom
Full Bathroom Remodel Estimator
Vanity, toilet, fixtures, lighting, tile, and layout — every piece of a bathroom in one estimate.
Project details
Your estimate
FULL BATHROOM TOTAL
$0
Range: $0 – $0
Free in-person evaluation included: these calculators are accurate for budgeting, but every Paint Precision LLC project gets a free on-site walkthrough before any firm written quote. Site conditions, hidden damage, and material selections can change the final number. Chicago full bathroom remodels in 2026: powder rooms $1,500–$15,000, full baths $6,500–$25,000, primary suites $20,000–$60,000+. Plan a 15–20% contingency — 70% of Chicago bathroom remodels uncover hidden water damage or outdated supply lines.
Chicago bathroom remodel cost breakdown 2026
Bathrooms are where Chicago's housing-stock age really shows. Pre-1940s homes (the majority of Albany Park, Lincoln Square, Lakeview) frequently have galvanized supply lines, lead solder on copper joints, cast-iron drains that have rusted, and asbestos floor tile under newer flooring. A "simple" bathroom remodel in a 1925 bungalow runs about 30% more than the same scope in a 2010 condo.
Where the budget actually goes
- Labor: 40–60% of total — Chicago plumbers and tile setters in particular
- Tile, fixtures, vanity: ~30%
- Electrical, plumbing rough-in: ~15%
- Permits + waste disposal: ~5%
Free bathroom design consultation
05 / Flooring & Walls
Flooring & Wall Layout Estimator
Flooring installation, wall paint, and trim work in one place. 2026 Chicago material and labor rates.
Project details
Length × width. Add 10% for cuts and waste.
Your estimate
PROJECT TOTAL
$0
Range: $0 – $0
Free in-person evaluation included: these calculators are accurate for budgeting, but every Paint Precision LLC project gets a free on-site walkthrough before any firm written quote. Site conditions, hidden damage, and material selections can change the final number. Multi-room jobs and stair installations cost more per sq ft. Always order 10–15% extra material for waste and future repairs.
Free in-home flooring consultation
06 / Windows & Trim
Windows & Trimming Estimator
Replacement and new construction windows with full interior & exterior trim, sized to current 2026 Chicago pricing.
Project details
Your estimate
PROJECT TOTAL
$0
Range: $0 – $0
Free in-person evaluation included: these calculators are accurate for budgeting, but every Paint Precision LLC project gets a free on-site walkthrough before any firm written quote. Site conditions, hidden damage, and material selections can change the final number. ENERGY STAR-rated windows for the Chicago climate zone qualify for federal tax credits up to $600/year. Most Chicago homes pre-1978 fall under EPA RRP lead-paint rules.
Free window consultation
07 / Tile
Tile & Wall Tile Estimator
Floor tile, shower walls, and backsplashes — calibrated to 2026 Chicago contractor labor rates and material pricing.
Project details
Tiled area only. Add 10–15% extra material for waste.
Your estimate
PROJECT TOTAL
$0
Range: $0 – $0
Free in-person evaluation included: these calculators are accurate for budgeting, but every Paint Precision LLC project gets a free on-site walkthrough before any firm written quote. Site conditions, hidden damage, and material selections can change the final number. Showers require waterproofing membrane (Schluter KERDI, RedGard, or Hydroban) for warranty compliance. Large-format tiles (24"+) require ultra-flat substrate — budget for self-leveling compound.
Free tile consultation
08 / Concrete
Concrete Patio & Walkway Estimator
Plain, broom-finished, stamped, or stained concrete — sized to 2026 Chicago ready-mix and labor pricing.
Project details
Your estimate
PROJECT TOTAL
$0
Range: $0 – $0
Free in-person evaluation included: these calculators are accurate for budgeting, but every Paint Precision LLC project gets a free on-site walkthrough before any firm written quote. Site conditions, hidden damage, and material selections can change the final number. Chicago concrete pricing runs ~30–50% above national averages due to union labor, 10.25% sales tax, and weather-driven scheduling. Pool decks and driveways require 5–6" pours, adding ~25%. Pricing benchmarked against Chicago-area suppliers (Ozinga, Prairie, Lehigh ready-mix) and contractor data from ZBL Concrete and Angi Chicago. Bids under $10/sf for plain concrete typically skip rebar, gravel base, or proper sealer — those shortcuts surface as cracks within 2–3 Chicago freeze-thaw cycles.
Free concrete site visit
Project Portfolio
Recent Chicago projects.
A look at what we do — from Albany Park bungalow refreshes to Lincoln Park kitchen overhauls. Every photo is real work, no stock images.
Kitchen
White shaker cabinets · Lincoln Square
White shaker cabinets · Lincoln Square
Bathroom
Frameless walk-in shower · Ravenswood
Frameless walk-in shower · Ravenswood
Painting
Whole-home interior · Albany Park
Whole-home interior · Albany Park
Flooring
White oak engineered hardwood · Lakeview
White oak engineered hardwood · Lakeview
Tile
Herringbone backsplash · Logan Square
Herringbone backsplash · Logan Square
Concrete
Stamped patio · Skokie
Stamped patio · Skokie
Bathroom
Primary suite remodel · North Park
Primary suite remodel · North Park
Bathroom
Powder room · Wicker Park
Powder room · Wicker Park
Windows
Vinyl replacements · Edgewater
Vinyl replacements · Edgewater
Kitchen
Custom island · Lincoln Park
Custom island · Lincoln Park
Painting
Exterior · Andersonville greystone
Exterior · Andersonville greystone
Bathroom
Tub-to-shower conversion · Evanston
Tub-to-shower conversion · Evanston
See a project you like?
Tell us what caught your eye and we'll put together pricing and similar references.
Chicago Remodeling Insights
Cost guides & planning advice.
Honest articles for Chicago homeowners. No fluff, no upselling — just the information we wish we could give every client before the first phone call.
Painting Chicago plaster walls: what every bungalow owner should know
Pre-war Chicago bungalows and greystones have plaster, not drywall. Here's why prep matters and what it adds to a paint job — plus how to spot bad prep work before it ruins your investment.
Tub-to-shower conversion: when it's worth it (and when it isn't)
Walk-in showers boost resale value but can hurt you with families. Here's how Chicago realtors think about this trade-off — and when keeping the tub makes more sense.
Why Chicago concrete cracks: freeze-thaw, rebar, and proper pours
Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on concrete. Here's what separates a 25-year patio from one that cracks in 3 winters — and what shortcuts to watch out for in cheap bids.
Replacing windows in a 1920s Chicago bungalow without losing character
Modern window efficiency vs. original architectural detail — how to get both. Plus, the federal tax credit details that apply through 2032.
When you actually need a Chicago permit (and what happens if you skip it)
Painting? No. Moving plumbing? Yes. Here's a clear list of Chicago permit requirements by project type — and the real consequences if a buyer's inspector catches unpermitted work.
Looking for more Chicago remodeling guides?
Read the full blog →New posts on Chicago contractor pricing, permit guides, and remodeling tips — published monthly.
Have a question for the next post?
Customer Reviews
What Chicago homeowners say.
Real reviews from real clients. Sourced from Google, Angi, and direct project follow-ups.
🌟
Reviews coming soon
We're a young Chicago business and we're earning our reviews the right way — one happy customer at a time. As we complete projects, real reviews from real Chicago homeowners will appear here, pulled directly from our Google Business Profile.
Already worked with us? Leave us a Google review →
Want to verify our work?
Until we have a public review history, here's how to verify us:
- Ask us for references from recent projects — we'll connect you directly with previous clients
- Verify our Illinois contractor license through IDFPR
- Confirm our general liability and workers' comp insurance — we'll send you the COI on request
- Check our Google Business Profile as it grows — first reviews will appear there as soon as they're posted
Be our next 5-star review
Start with a free estimate — we'd love to add your project to the list above.
Get In Touch
Let's talk about your project.
Three ways to reach us. We respond fastest to texts during the day.
📞
Call us
(312) 810-2172
Mon–Sat · 7am–7pm
💬
Text us
(312) 810-2172
Fastest response · usually under an hour
Or drop us a message — we'll text you back fast
Tell us about your project. The more detail, the better the first conversation.