Experience with Chicago building permits and architects?

[Andrew Fink]

Hello! I'm currently under contract for a condo in Chicago and looking to complete a rehab. My plan is to put in a new kitchen, add a laundry room, add a shower to a half bathroom, and rearrange the bedrooms (this will require knocking down non-load bearing walls and putting up additional drywall).

Wondering if anyone has insight into the building permit process. Would the work described above be considered structural changes and do I need to consult with an architect since I plan on moving some walls?

Thanks in advance!

[Prashanth Mahakali]

@Andrew Fink

Congrats on your new deal. As soon as you remove a wall, you enter in the realm of plans and permits. This is primarily because you are altering the size of the bedroom which would affect the light and ventilation requirements. If you left everything in place and only replaced drywall and related work without moving walls, you can get an “easy” permit over the counter. The building permit with plans is a longer process and would take about 4-6 weeks. Hope this helps. Good luck!