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Chicago — Tier-1 Pillar

Chicago Bathroom Remodeling — CDOB Easy Permit, Vintage Stacks, Ventilation Code

Chicago bathroom remodel reality. CDOB Easy Permit vs Standard Plan, vintage cast-iron stacks in pre-1930 buildings, IL State Plumbing License required, Chicago ventilation code minimums, pre-1978 RRP lead-safe. $30K-$85K typical.

~1 min read·Updated 2026-04-23

Pre-1930 Chicago bathrooms live on top of cast-iron stacks that have carried water for 90+ years. Any Chicago bathroom gut over 40 years old should plan on at least partial stack replacement — copper or PVC. CDOB Easy Permit handles most like-for-like; Standard Plan kicks in for stack replacement, venting changes, or multi-fixture reconfiguration.

AskBaily matches your Chicago bathroom project to one BACP-registered GC and IL State-licensed plumber who has replaced cast-iron in greystones, 2-flats, and vintage Lakeview condos.

What a Chicago bathroom permit filing looks like

  • CDOB Easy Permit for like-for-like fixture replacement with no stack work.
  • CDOB Standard Plan if stack replacement, new vent, or structural modification.
  • IL State Plumbing License on all plumbing scope (state license, separate from BACP GC).
  • Pre-1978 RRP + Chicago Lead Safe compliance on dust-generating work.
  • Condo or 2-flat board approval where applicable.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to redo my Chicago bathroom? Fixture-in-place swap: can sometimes run as an Easy Permit. Any plumbing relocation or stack work: at minimum Easy Permit, likely Standard Plan if stacks are touched.

What's special about vintage Chicago stacks? Pre-1930 buildings typically have cast-iron stacks with 90+ years of use. Pinhole leaks and corrosion are common. Any bathroom gut in a vintage building should budget for partial stack replacement.

How much does a Chicago bathroom remodel cost? Mid-tier Lincoln Park or Wicker Park condo bath: $30K-$85K. High-end Gold Coast master bath: $95K-$185K. Pilsen, Logan Square, Albany Park: 25-35% less.

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