Top General Contractors in Chicago
Chicago’s construction market is a study in extremes: 120 million ft² of new development in the last decade, record-high permit values, and—thanks to the 2025 Energy Transformation Code—some of the strictest performance targets between the coasts. Deep foundations plunge through glacial till along the riverfront while century-old lofts on the Near West Side get retrofitted for life-science tenants. Material costs bounce with every tariff headline, and union labour supply will remain tight until apprenticeship cohorts catch up. Add carbon-bonus zoning incentives, minority-work-hour mandates on TIF projects, and insurers that now demand AI-driven site-safety analytics before quoting wrap-ups, and it’s clear that hiring a GC is no longer about lowest bid—it’s about risk transfer and strategic partnership. Use the quick-vet checklist below during your first round of interviews to separate true Tier-1 builders from résumé inflation.
- Code & Carbon Mastery
- Two or more projects that beat Chicago’s 2022 EUI baseline by ≥ 10 % and a documented plan for 2025 code tightening.
- Embodied-carbon accounting that can unlock FAR or fee bonuses under new zoning incentives.
- Change-Order Discipline
- Historical change-order ratio ≤ 5 % on comparable scopes—validated by cost logs, not marketing decks.
- Labour Resilience
- Signed PLA or preferred-sub agreements that guarantee manpower even during peak seasons, plus apprenticeship partnerships feeding the 2026 pipeline.
- Prefab & Supply-Chain Strategy
- In-house or allied off-site fabrication capacity for MEP racks, bathroom pods, or façade panels.
- Bulk-buy contracts for steel, copper, and switchgear to blunt price swings and 40-week lead times.
- Digital QA/QC & Transparency
- Live dashboards integrating BIM clash detection, DOB Tier-2 reporting, schedule float, and real-time cost escalation.
- Safety & Insurance Readiness
- TRIR at least 25 % below national average and AI-camera analytics already accepted by major underwriters.
- Community & Equity Commitments
- Verified track record of hitting ≥ 30 % minority work-hour targets and meaningful subcontract awards to local MBEs/WBEs.
- Close-Out Performance
- Punch lists cleared prior to substantial completion and turnover packages delivered within 30 days—ask for past close-out logs.
Keep this list handy: two hours of focused due-diligence now can save months of schedule recovery and millions in contingency later.
General Contractors in Chicago
Discover the top general contractors in Chicago known for their expertise in commercial, residential, and historic renovations. Whether you need large-scale development or a high-end custom project, these general contractors in Chicago bring innovation, sustainability, and top-tier craftsmanship to every build.
312.596.69608750 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60631
Power Construction is one of the top general contractors in Chicago, specializing in high-profile projects across healthcare, commercial, and education sectors. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, safety, and collaboration, Power Construction excels at managing complex projects efficiently. Their ability to deliver projects on time and within budget makes them a trusted partner in construction in Chicago.
- Healthcare and Institutional Projects
- Commercial Construction
- Sustainable and Green Building Practices
- Construction Management
- Preconstruction Services
(312) 986-8000
1737 South Michigan AvenueChicago, IL 60616
McHugh Construction is a leading Chicago general contractor, recognized for its expertise in high-rise, hotel, and mixed-use developments. Their ability to execute large-scale projects with precision has led to iconic structures such as the Marina City towers. Their use of advanced construction methods makes them one of the top contractors in Chicago.
- High-Rise and Mixed-Use Development
- Hotel and Hospitality Construction
- Urban Infrastructure Projects
- Concrete and Structural Engineering
- Preconstruction and Value Engineering
312.563.5400
929 West Adams Chicago, Illinois 60607
Established in 1898, Walsh Group is one of the top general contractors in Chicago, specializing in large-scale infrastructure, healthcare, and transportation projects. Their work includes major developments in public transit and commercial construction, showcasing their ability to manage multi-phase projects efficiently.
- Infrastructure and Transportation Projects
- Healthcare Facility Construction
- Public and Government Buildings
- Design-Build and General Contracting
- Heavy Civil Construction
773.278.1100
Novak Construction Company3423 N. Drake AvenueChicago, IL 60618
Novak Construction is a recognized leader in construction in Chicago, known for its work in retail, healthcare, and mixed-use developments. With a strong focus on sustainability and client collaboration, they are trusted for delivering quality results in both commercial and industrial sectors.
- Retail and Mixed-Use Developments
- Healthcare and Medical Construction
- Sustainable Building and LEED Certification
- Industrial and Warehouse Facilities
- Construction Management Services
312-943-8100
600 W. Jackson Blvd.8th FloorChicago, Illinois 60661-5625
With over 130 years of experience, Reed Construction is a top general contractor in Chicago, providing expertise in capital improvements, healthcare, and education projects. Their ability to blend innovation with collaboration ensures the successful completion of complex projects throughout the Midwest.
- Healthcare and Life Sciences Construction
- Educational Facility Development
- Corporate Interiors and Office Renovations
- Capital Improvement Projects
- Design-Build and Preconstruction Services
+1 312 781 0265
1330 W Fulton Market Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607
Skender is an innovative Chicago general contractor, specializing in modular construction, healthcare, and corporate interiors. Their emphasis on sustainability and efficiency allows them to fast-track projects while maintaining high-quality craftsmanship.
- Modular Construction
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
- Corporate Interiors and Office Buildouts
- Technology Integration in Construction
- Sustainable Building Solutions