Bathroom Remodeler Licensing in Illinois

Illinois Bathroom Remodeling License Verification

In Illinois, there is no single statewide general contractor license that applies to all bathroom remodeling projects. Instead, general contractor licensing and registration are primarily regulated at the city or county level. Therefore, contractors undertaking a bathroom remodel must verify and comply with the specific licensing requirements of the local jurisdiction where the work is performed.

However, specific trades involved in a bathroom remodel are regulated at the state level. Any individual performing plumbing work, including the installation, alteration, extension, repair, or maintenance of plumbing systems, must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This includes apprentice plumbers, licensed plumbers, and plumbing contractors. The IDPH is the governing body for plumbing licenses and the Illinois Plumbing Code. Similarly, electrical work must be performed by appropriately licensed electricians, and while not explicitly handled by a single state board for *all* electrical contractor licensing, it falls under the purview of local regulations and the National Electrical Code. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees various professional licenses and can be a resource for verifying professional standing and filing complaints.

Insurance and Bonding Mandates

The Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act (815 ILCS 513/1 et seq.) is a critical piece of legislation governing residential remodeling projects exceeding $1,000. This Act mandates that contractors performing such work must maintain public damage and general liability insurance for the duration of the project. Specifically, contractors are required to carry public liability and property damage insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, $50,000 per occurrence for property damage, and $10,000 per occurrence for improper home repair or remodeling, unless they have a net worth of at least $1,000,000. Plumbing contractors are also required to register with the state and maintain minimum general liability, bodily injury, property damage, and worker's compensation insurance. Local jurisdictions, such as the City of Chicago, impose their own general liability insurance minimums for general contractors, which can range into the millions depending on the project class, along with worker's compensation insurance.

Permitting and Local Regulations

Bathroom remodeling projects in Illinois almost always require permits, especially when the work involves structural changes, or alterations to plumbing or electrical systems. Cosmetic updates, such as painting or replacing tiles, generally do not require permits unless they affect underlying systems. Effective January 1, 2025, statewide building codes are required, meaning local codes must regulate structural design at least as stringently as baseline statewide standards. Electrical work must adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments, while plumbing work must comply with the Illinois Plumbing Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code Part 890).

It is imperative for contractors and homeowners to consult their specific city or county building department for exact permitting requirements, fees, and inspection schedules, as these can vary significantly by municipality. Homeowner associations (HOAs) or condo boards may also have additional regulations and approval processes that must be followed before any work can begin.

Official Illinois Resources

Validation Disclaimer

Regulations can change. We recommend contacting the Illinois licensing board directly before performing any work. Unlicensed contracting may carry significant legal penalties in this jurisdiction.