Explore why choosing a licensed general contractor ensures quality and peace of mind in your construction projects. Click here now!

Planning a remodel or new build? Picking the wrong contractor can cost you far more than money. General contractors typically charge between 7% and 15% of the total project cost for small jobs, rising to 20% to 25% for larger projects.

With so much at stake, hiring a licensed professional ensures you’re paying for expertise that meets strict state and local requirements. They uphold high standards of quality craftsmanship, safety, and accountability that protect your investment.

In this article, we’ll break down the benefits of working with a licensed general contractor in Lombard and the greater Chicagoland suburbs. Keep reading to learn how the right partner can make all the difference in achieving construction project success.

What Does a Licensed Contractor Do?

They keep your construction or remodeling project organized and on track by managing the following key tasks:

• Planning
• Permits
• Scheduling
• Labor coordination
• Inspections
• Final delivery

They are your primary point of contact between all the role players and ensure that timelines, expectations, and responsibilities stay aligned from start to finish.

Local Licensing: What It Means in Lombard and St. Charles

In Illinois, general contractor licensing isn’t handled by the state. Instead, cities like Lombard and St. Charles require contractors to register locally to obtain permits and perform work legally.

This registration ensures they’ve met minimum standards, carry insurance, and follow local building codes. While they may not hold a state-issued license, a registered contractor is still accountable to municipal requirements.

Some trades, such as plumbing and electrical work, require additional state licensing. But for general contracting, proper city registration is what protects you as a homeowner.

Key Benefits of Hiring a Licensed Contractor

Hiring an accredited professional protects homeowners from construction pitfalls. Here are some of the most important ways a licensed contractor adds value throughout your project.

They Handle Permits and Ensure Code Compliance

Without a permit, a city can halt your project or even force you to tear it down. Licensed professionals know how to secure the correct permits and schedule the required inspections (and help you pass them), saving you from:

• Costly mistakes
• Fines
• Forced rework

Because they stay current with changes in local regulations and building codes, they’re less likely to miss legal updates that could derail your project. This keeps your build compliant from start to finish.

They Manage the Entire Project

A primary reason for hiring a licensed contractor is project coordination. They keep your schedule moving by managing the entire workflow. With a solid network of skilled tradespeople, they know precisely when to bring in electricians, plumbers, framers, or roofers.

Instead of juggling multiple crews yourself, you have one accountable partner overseeing everything from demolition to finishing touches.

They’re Backed by Insurance and Bonds

Licensed professionals carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation, protecting you from financial liability if accidents or property damage occur. Many are also bonded, offering extra security if the work isn’t completed as agreed.

They Bring Proven Experience and Professional Standards

Getting a license isn’t easy. It requires experience, testing, and in many cases, ongoing education. That means they bring a high level of professionalism and knowledge to your project.

They typically will have a good understanding of:

• Materials
• Building science
• Timelines
• Cost control
• Risk management
• Quality assurance

With that kind of experience on your side, your chances of success increase significantly.

Hiring a Contractor Tips: What to Look For

Not every contractor with a license is the right fit for your project. Use these tips when choosing the best professional for the job:

• Verify their license through your state’s licensing board
• Check their insurance and bond documents
• Ask about their safety record and safety training certifications
• Ask about membership in any industry associations
• Ask about past projects that are similar to yours
• Read online reviews and ask for references
• Request a written estimate with detailed line items
• Clarify the project timeline and payment schedule upfront
• Ask how they handle change orders or unexpected costs
• Confirm who will be on-site doing the work, crew, subcontractors, or the contractor themselves
• Pay attention to communication, how quickly they respond, and how clearly they explain their process

Red flags to look out for include:

• Pressure to sign contracts quickly without time to review
• Requests for a large upfront deposit (over 30% or more than reasonable for your project)
• Demands for full payment before work begins
• Pressure to pay without clear terms
• Prices far below market rates, which can indicate cutting corners

Hiring the right person isn’t just about credentials. It’s also about finding someone who takes pride in their work and respects your time, budget, and property.

Licensed Benefits vs. Unlicensed Risks

Some property owners might be tempted to save money by hiring unlicensed workers or handling jobs themselves. This can lead to poor results, unexpected costs, or risks such as:

• Use of substandard materials
• Skipping important safety protocols
• Ignoring permit and code requirements
• Disappearing mid-project with your deposit
• No insurance or workers’ compensation, leaving you liable for accidents or damage

In contrast, licensed contractor benefits include:

• Being accountable to state or local licensing boards
• Meeting minimum standards of training, testing, and experience
• Having access to skilled, vetted subcontractors and reliable suppliers
• Understanding how to document changes, costs, and compliance, protecting you in the event of disputes

If something goes wrong, you have a legal path to recover damages. This level of accountability is worth every penny when protecting your home or commercial investment.

Why You Need a Licensed General Contractor on Your Side

The difference between a smooth project and a nightmare often comes down to the person in charge. Now that you understand the benefits of partnering with a licensed general contractor, you can approach your next project confidently.

Tolutions, Inc. has proudly served Lombard and the Chicagoland area for over a decade as a licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor. As a locally owned business and retailer of quality flooring, siding, cabinets, doors, and windows, we offer comprehensive services backed by a workmanship guarantee and emergency availability.

Contact us today for trusted expertise and peace of mind.