Wood Rot & Dry Rot Repair Chicago, IL 60623

Carpentry in Chicago, IL (60623) · Local Professionals

Chicago Carpentry · Fast response in Chicago and the Chicago area · Free estimate 24h

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Chicago's Bungalow Belt is built on freeze-thaw cycles, lake-effect snow, and termite pressure that rises every humid summer. When wood fails in a 1920s brick bungalow or a greystone two-flat, it fails hard.

Since 2016, Chicago Carpentry has repaired wood rot, termite damage, and structural framing across Chicago and the surrounding neighborhoods. We work on the same homes our grandparents' generation built, and we know what happens when winter ice gets into a sill plate or when summer humidity feeds termites into a rim joist. We show up, we explain what we see, we price the repair honestly, and we do the work right. We're fully insured, and we work across Chicago and the surrounding areas.

Carpentry in Chicago (60623)

Chicago sits on glacial terrain with flat grades and heavy winter snow. The iconic Chicago bungalow, built by the tens of thousands from the 1910s through the 1930s, carries wood framing just inches above grade in many cases. Greystones and two-flats line the North and South Sides with tight lot lines and shared walls. Every winter, freeze-thaw cycles work at siding, fascia, sill plates, and rim joists. Every summer, humidity and termite pressure climb together. A soft floor, advancing wood rot in exterior trim, or termite damage discovered after a pest inspection are common calls we get in Chicago.

Our team has been working on Chicago residential carpentry since 2016. We repair wood rot and dry rot in siding, deck frames, and structural members. We replace damaged floor joists, subfloors, and beams. We install finish carpentry, trim, crown molding, baseboard, and built-ins. We know Chicago's housing stock, its seasonal stresses, and the neighborhoods from the Bungalow Belt to the Gold Coast to the converted lofts along the Chicago River.

Our services in Chicago

Wood Rot & Dry Rot Repair in Chicago · Chicago's humid summers and severe freeze-thaw winters make wood rot a fact of…
Termite Damage Repair in Chicago · Chicago's humid summers bring real termite pressure to the region's older homes.
Floor Joist & Subfloor Repair in Chicago · Sagging; bouncy or soft floors in Chicago's older bungalows and two-flats…
Beam Replacement & Load-Bearing Wall Removal in Chicago · Open-concept conversions and failing beams call for real structural carpentry.
Framing & Structural Carpentry in Chicago · Remodel framing done right: new interior walls; garage and basement build-outs…
Finish & Trim Carpentry in Chicago · The details that separate a real finish carpenter from a handyman…
Crown Molding & Baseboard Installation in Chicago · Crown molding; baseboards; chair rail and window trim installed with coped…
Custom Built-Ins & Shelving in Chicago · Built-in bookshelves; window seats; media walls…
Interior Door Installation & Repair in Chicago · Doors that stick; swing open on their own…
Exterior & Entry Door Installation in Chicago · Entry; back and French doors installed weather-tight against Chicago's…
Cabinet & Vanity Installation in Chicago · Precise installation of kitchen cabinets; bathroom vanities and laundry storage.
Stair & Railing Repair in Chicago · Squeaky treads; loose banisters; worn stringers…
Deck & Porch Repair in Chicago · Lake-effect snow load and severe freeze-thaw cycles are hard on Chicago decks…
Fascia, Soffit & Exterior Trim Repair in Chicago · Peeling paint and soft fascia boards are often the first sign of ice-dam…

How a Job Works in Chicago

You call us at (312) 685-4329 or reach out with photos and a description. We schedule a free on-site assessment. We show up, walk the property, identify the wood condition, and explain what we see in plain language. We take measurements, note access and grade, and talk through your timeline and budget.

We send you a clear written estimate. If you approve, we schedule the work. On job day, our team arrives with the materials and tools we need. We work efficiently, protect your property and landscaping, and coordinate with you if permits are needed (your local building department sets the rules, and we help you understand what applies). We work to code and to the wood itself, repairing sound framing whenever repair is the honest answer, and replacing when replacement is what the wood needs.

When the work is done, we clean up thoroughly. We walk through with you, answer your questions, and leave you with a clear picture of what was done and how to maintain it going forward.

Pricing in Chicago depends on the scope, access, and condition of the wood. Wood rot repair in siding or fascia typically starts around $650. Termite damage repair in framing runs from $1,200 up, depending on how much wood needs replacement. A soft floor with damaged joists and subfloor can run $1,800 or more. Structural work like beam replacement or load-bearing wall removal starts at $3,500 and up. Finish work like crown molding or baseboard installation starts at $450. Door installation ranges from $350 for interior doors to $850 for exterior entry doors. Custom built-ins and shelving start at $1,900. The best way to get a real number is a free on-site estimate. Call us at (312) 685-4329, and we'll come look at the work, answer your questions, and give you a price you can trust.

✅ Fully Insured, fully insured for work in Chicago and nearby areas.

My Chicago bungalow has soft spots in the floor near the basement stairs. What causes that, and how much does it cost to fix?

Soft or bouncy floors in older Chicago homes usually mean the floor joists or subfloor have absorbed moisture and begun to rot or fail. In a bungalow, this often happens where a basement is damp or where a sill plate has taken water from the grade. We assess the extent of the damage, replace the bad joists or subfloor sections, and reinforce the structure. Depending on how much wood is affected and how easy access is, floor joist and subfloor repair typically starts around $1,800. We'll give you a real estimate after we see it.

A pest inspector found termite damage in my greystone's rim joist. Do you treat the termites?

No. Termite treatment and pest control are a separate regulated trade, and that's not our work. What we do is repair and replace the wood that termites have damaged, working from your pest inspection report. We remove the damaged rim joist or header, install new pressure-treated or solid wood, and sister additional framing if needed to restore strength. Termite damage repair typically starts at $1,200, depending on how much wood is involved. Your pest professional handles the pest side. We handle the carpentry.

How much does it cost to install crown molding and baseboard in a Chicago bungalow?

Crown molding and baseboard installation in Chicago typically starts at $450 for a modest room or hallway. The total cost depends on the linear footage, the profile you choose, and whether the walls are plumb and square (many older bungalows and greystones have settled a bit, so we may need to scribe or cope joints to fit tight). We'll measure the space, show you options, and give you a price before we start. Call (312) 685-4329 for a free estimate.

Do I need a permit to replace a load-bearing wall or beam in my Chicago home?

Structural work like removing or altering a load-bearing wall, replacing a beam, or modifying floor joists commonly requires a permit in Chicago. Permit requirements and thresholds vary, and your local building department sets the rules for your property. We recommend you contact your alderman's office or the city building department to confirm what applies to your job. Many structural projects also require a licensed structural engineer to size the beam and produce drawings. We work with engineers regularly and can help coordinate that process. The key is to check with the city first.

My property is in a historic Chicago neighborhood with an HOA. Do I need approval before you start work?

Yes. If your property is subject to an HOA or a historic district review, you'll need to check your covenants and possibly get approval before exterior or structural work begins. Interior finish work like trim and baseboard usually doesn't require review, but it's worth confirming with your HOA. We're happy to work with your HOA timeline and coordinate inspections. Just let us know upfront what rules apply to your property.

Are you fully insured?

Yes. Chicago Carpentry carries full general liability and workers' compensation insurance. We protect your property and our crew on every job. If you need documentation for an insurance claim, we can help you with that as well.

What's the best time of year to do carpentry work in Chicago?

Late spring through early fall is ideal. Winter is possible, but freeze-thaw cycles and snow make access harder and slow the work. If you have active wood rot or termite damage, we don't recommend waiting. The damage gets worse over time, especially through a Chicago winter. Summer and fall are when we see the most demand, so if you can plan ahead, book early. For emergencies, call us at (312) 685-4329 and we'll fit you in as soon as we can.