What a square-foot number can tell you
Cost per square foot is useful for an early feasibility allowance and comparing broadly similar scopes. It is not a contractor quote. A small condo with two rebuilt bathrooms and a custom kitchen can cost more per square foot than a larger home because expensive work is concentrated.
Planning bands, not promises
Early Chicago planning may use roughly $75–$150 per square foot for cosmetic work, $150–$300 for substantial renovation, and $300–$500 or more for custom or infrastructure-heavy work. These are broad allowances, not bids, and change with labor, materials, access, building rules, and design.
- Cosmetic: finishes and limited replacement.
- Substantial: kitchens, baths, systems, flooring, and lighting.
- Custom: reconfiguration, fabrication, infrastructure, or difficult access.
Define what is included
Ask whether the figure includes design, engineering, permits, contractor fee, appliances, fixtures, millwork, owner purchases, contingency, housing, and building fees. Then replace the range with quantities, drawings, a clear scope, and comparable bids before committing.
360 perspective
Use cost per square foot to test feasibility, then replace it with a scope-based estimate before major decisions.
Frequently asked questions