Masonry and tuckpointing in Chicago
The City issued 1,916 masonry permits in the last 12 months, to 342 licensed contractors.
- Middle cost on permits
- $15,400Half of jobs $7,500 to $39,000
- Permits, last 12 months
- 1,916
Permits
- On a home up to 4 stories, replacing up to 50 square feet of brick, stone or concrete like for like needs no permit (not in a landmark district).
- Routine repair such as tuckpointing, replacing the outer layer of brick, a lintel up to 6 feet and a parapet rebuild up to 2,500 square feet can go through the City’s Express Permit Program.
- A lintel over 6 feet needs drawings from an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer. Rebuilding every layer of an outside wall, or a parapet taller than 4 feet, doesn’t qualify for an express permit.
- The application names the contractor, and a City-licensed contractor has to accept the job by email before the permit is issued.
From What masonry work doesn’t need a building permit?, Express Permit Program: Masonry Work and Express Permit Program, Department of Buildings.
The license to check
The City of Chicago licenses mason contractors. Look the firm up by name or license number in the City’s license lookup, under mason contractors.
Ask before you sign
- Which walls, and how many square feet, are in the price?
- Will you match the color and joint profile of the old mortar?
- Who files the permit, and when?
Where masonry work is busiest
Masonry permits by neighborhood, last 12 months.
Questions
Do I need a permit for tuckpointing in Chicago?
Usually. On a home up to 4 stories you can replace up to 50 square feet of brick, stone or concrete like for like without one. Larger jobs, such as tuckpointing a wall, can get an express permit online.
How much does tuckpointing and masonry work cost in Chicago?
The middle cost reported on masonry permits in Chicago in the last 12 months was $15,400, and half of the 1,916 jobs fell between $7,500 and $39,000. The permits cover every size of building, so a job on one house often comes in lower. Get at least three written quotes for the same job.
How do I check a mason contractor’s license?
The City of Chicago licenses mason contractors. Look the firm up by name or license number in the City’s license lookup, under mason contractors.