Exterior Renovation
Chicago
Chicago's climate is brutal on exteriors — freeze-thaw cycles crack mortar, age brick, and deteriorate siding year after year. We restore, repair, and renovate exteriors across Chicago's greystones, two-flats, coach houses, and single-family homes.
Chicago’s Trusted
Exterior Renovation Contractor
Chicago's greystones, brick two-flats, and vintage coach houses require contractors who understand historic masonry — not just general remodelers. We specialize in the specific materials and techniques that Chicago's architectural stock demands. Lee & Sam is a licensed general contractor serving Chicago, the suburbs, and Northwest Indiana.
Our team brings 25+ years of construction expertise to every exterior project. We source the right mortar mixes, match existing brick, and restore exteriors that look original — because in Chicago, the exterior is the building.
Serving all 55 Chicago neighborhoods — from Lincoln Park to Hyde Park — plus the North Shore, Western and South suburbs, and Northwest Indiana.
Everything Your Exterior
Project Needs
Tuckpointing
Mortar joint removal and repointing using the correct mortar type and mix for your building's brick and age — critical for waterproofing and structural integrity in Chicago's climate.
Brick Repair & Replacement
Spalled, cracked, or damaged brick replaced with matched units — we source salvage brick where needed to maintain the character of historic Chicago buildings.
Siding Installation
James Hardie fiber cement, vinyl, and wood siding installed with proper weather barriers, trim details, and caulking for Chicago's extreme temperature swings.
Waterproofing & Sealing
Parapet walls, lintels, sills, and foundation waterproofing — we identify and seal every water entry point before it becomes a structural problem.
Window & Door Installation
Replacement windows and exterior doors installed with proper flashing, insulation, and air sealing — improving energy efficiency and curb appeal simultaneously.
Permits & Inspections
Exterior structural work, parapet repairs, and window replacements all require permits in Chicago. We handle all city filings and inspection coordination.
Our Exterior Renovation
Process
Exterior Assessment
We inspect your building's exterior from grade to parapet — identifying failing mortar joints, spalled brick, water infiltration points, and any structural concerns before scoping the work.
Scope & Estimate
You receive a detailed line-item estimate covering all repair and renovation work. We photograph all problem areas so you understand exactly what's being addressed and why.
Restoration & Renovation
Our crew performs all masonry, siding, and exterior work using materials appropriate for your building's age, style, and Chicago's climate demands.
Final Inspection
We walk the entire exterior together at completion — reviewing every repaired joint, sealed surface, and installed component before closing out the project.
Exterior Renovation Across
Chicago & Chicagoland
Exterior Projects
Across Chicago
Exterior Renovation
FAQs
Have more questions? We're happy to assess your building's exterior in person.
Call Us NowSigns include crumbling or recessed mortar joints, white staining (efflorescence) on brick, water infiltration on interior walls, or mortar that crumbles when probed. Chicago buildings typically need tuckpointing every 20–30 years.
In most cases yes — we source salvage brick from demolition projects across Chicago and work with masonry suppliers who carry historic Chicago brick profiles. We assess your existing brick before committing to a match.
Spring through early fall is ideal — mortar needs to cure at temperatures above 40°F. We do not perform tuckpointing in freezing conditions as it compromises the mortar bond.
Parapet repairs, structural masonry work, and most window replacements require permits. Cosmetic tuckpointing typically does not. We clarify permit requirements for your specific project before any work begins.
Every exterior renovation project is different. We've completed work across a wide range of budgets — from targeted updates to complete gut rehabs — and we build our estimates around what you actually need, not a one-size-fits-all number. The best way to get an honest figure is a consultation where we walk the space together.
Ready to Start Your
Exterior Renovation Project?
Get a free, detailed estimate from Chicago's trusted exterior renovation contractor.