Best Home Builders in Chicago (2024)

Our annual ranking of top construction firms highlights the top companies in Chicago based on their project volume over the past year, with a focus on relevance. This compilation is derived from permit and contractor information sourced from city, county, and state building departments through our partners at BuildZoom. For further information regarding data accuracy, please consult the note at the end of this article.

Construction data plays a vital role for various players in the industry, helping businesses connect with the right partners at the right time. Companies that supply materials or offer services to general contractors can use this data to target their audience more effectively. By tracking key milestones, such as the start of major construction projects or construction activity, suppliers can time their outreach when contractors are most likely to need new resources, making their marketing more relevant and timely. Additionally, analyzing construction market trends and growth patterns allows suppliers to focus on contractors who are expanding or taking on larger projects. Subcontractors can also use contractor data to identify and reach out to general contractors they wish to collaborate with on specific projects. At the same time, real estate developers, property owners, and other stakeholders can use detailed data to assess the quality and expertise of contractors and subcontractors, helping them make more informed decisions when choosing partners for their projects.

Real View Design and Development

Address:
1623 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612

Real View Design and Development is a leading Chicago-based design and development firm, founded by Prashanth Mahakali and Fernando Lopez, who bring over 40 years of combined experience in architecture, development, and real estate. With a deep understanding of the disconnect between traditional design and development practices, Real View was created to provide a transparent, cost-effective, and efficient alternative. Prashanth, a licensed architect with a Master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, draws inspiration from the city’s iconic architectural styles to craft contemporary, functional designs. Fernando, with over 15 years of construction experience and a successful development company, oversees project management and ensures that every project stays on budget and on time. Together, they have completed over 80 renovations and new builds, earning a reputation for delivering exceptional results on time and within budget. Real View’s unique 3-step process—Consultation, Development, and Realization—focuses on transparency, value, and client involvement, empowering clients with realistic expectations from the very beginning. The firm’s flat-fee approach and commitment to staying within budget have earned them a loyal client base, with many returning for multiple projects. Their ethos of integrity and focus on client satisfaction make them a standout choice for homeowners and developers alike.

Data from the Chicago Department of Buildings was also reviewed by the Chicago Architects team to track past projects completed by Real View Design and Development. In 2024, Real View completed a $500,000 project involving a two-story single-family frame residence with a rooftop deck and basement. Additionally, in 2020, the firm worked on another $500,000 project, which also featured a two-story single-family frame residence, but with a basement and a front open wood porch.

Greenline Homes, LLC

Address:
6625 S Ingleside Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Founded in 1999 by Benjamin Van Horne, Greenline Homes has been a leader in affordable housing development throughout Chicago, with a special focus on sustainable, high-quality homes for moderate-income buyers. Van Horne, who came to Chicago with a passion for affordable housing, began his journey by acquiring a dilapidated 24-unit apartment building on South Maryland Avenue, turning it into 20 affordable condos—marking Greenline’s first major success. Over the years, the company has expanded its portfolio, completing more than 70 single-family homes, townhomes, and condos across Chicago, with a commitment to creating mixed-income communities and promoting energy efficiency. Greenline’s work has earned recognition from Chicago Magazine and other publications, as well as a prestigious Bruce Abrams Award from the Chicago Association of Realtors. The firm has also earned a reputation for its LEED-certified homes, having focused on sustainable construction since 2009. Benjamin Van Horne holds certifications as a Certified Green Professional and LEED Green Associate, and he is actively involved with the U.S. Green Building Council-Illinois Chapter, the Southside Builders Association, and other advocacy groups. Greenline’s core values—development without displacement, environmental stewardship, and high-quality design—are evident in every project, as the company prioritizes affordability while using sustainable materials and cutting-edge technology. Greenline’s work has not only transformed neighborhoods like Woodlawn and Bronzeville but also sparked broader discussions on neighborhood renewal and social responsibility in the housing sector.

The Chicago Architects team reviewed data from the Chicago Department of Buildings to identify previous projects completed by Greenline Homes, LLC. In 2020, Greenline Homes undertook a $400,200 project involving a two-story single-family residence with a basement and detached two-car garage. The year prior, in 2019, the company completed another similar project, valued at $250,900, which also featured a two-story single-family residence with a basement and detached two-car garage.

Humboldt Park Contractors LLC

Address:
2450 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Humboldt Park Contractors LLC specializes in a wide range of residential construction services, including custom home builds, multi-room remodels, and specialized design work for new homes and multi-family properties. The company offers expertise in kitchen and bathroom remodels, basement renovations, roofing, flooring (hardwood, carpet, laminate), masonry, and concrete services. In addition, Humboldt Park Contractors is experienced in creating modular homes and ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), as well as offering design services for home additions, attics, and outdoor living spaces. Whether it’s a whole-home renovation or a single-room update, the company prides itself on delivering high-quality craftsmanship and tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of homeowners.

In 2023, Humboldt Park Contractors completed a $250,000 project involving the construction of a two-story frame house with a basement and new two-car garage. Similarly, in 2022, they worked on another $250,000 project, building a two-story single-family residence. The company’s consistent track record demonstrates their ability to handle diverse projects, delivering quality craftsmanship and timely results.

OG Remodeling Inc

Address:
2517 N Lotus Ave, Chicago, IL 60639

OG Remodeling Inc. specializes in a broad range of residential renovation services, including whole-home remodels, kitchen and bathroom renovations, basement remodels, and multi-room updates. The company has extensive experience in transforming single-family homes, as well as small to medium-sized multi-family properties. With a strong focus on high-quality craftsmanship, OG Remodeling Inc. delivers custom solutions for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces, whether through a single-room remodel or a complete home overhaul. Their expertise also extends to attic remodels, cosmetic upgrades, and creating functional, stylish living environments tailored to the needs of each client.

In 2020, OG Remodeling Inc. completed a $1,500,000 project involving a three-story single-family residence with a detached garage. Prior to that, in 2013, the company successfully renovated a two-story single-family residence with a detached garage, valued at $1,200,000. With a strong track record in both residential and commercial renovations, OG Remodeling has proven its ability to deliver high-quality results on projects of varying scale and complexity.

A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc

Address:
10330 Cambridge St, Westchester, IL 60154

A.B. Edward is a family-owned contractor specializing in roofing, siding, gutters, carpentry, and masonry services throughout the Chicago North Shore area, including Winnetka, Glenview, and Northbrook. With over 20 years of experience and more than 36,000 completed projects, the company offers comprehensive exterior remodeling solutions, delivering top-quality craftsmanship using premium materials from trusted brands like GAF, DaVinci Roofscapes, and James Hardie. Known for their exceptional service and commitment to customer satisfaction, A.B. Edward is a trusted name in home exterior renovations.

Data from the Chicago Department of Buildings was also reviewed by the Chicago Architects team to identify previous projects completed by A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. In 2022, A.B. Edward completed a $7,500,000 project involving the construction of a new single-family home. Additionally, in 2014, the company worked on a $2,625,000 project, which featured a new single-family home with an attached garage.

Note: The data used to compile this list may not be complete based on the availability of permit data – collecting and consolidating this data is a time-intensive and difficult task. It may not be complete in all areas due to jurisdictional reporting requirements and the availability of data. Job values and permit fees should be taken as estimates rather than exact values, based on the most complete permit and contractor data available. Additionally, number of projects and typical job size may be updated per contractor request.

The time period for the data used for this ranking was the past 365 days, plus an additional 45 days to account for the average timeline of a building permit. If you have any suggestions on the data or see any corrections that you’d like to give feedback on, please fill out this form. For more insights on construction data outside that are not directly related to contractors, there are other resources available as well.