# Finding contractors in Chicago There are 2 ways to find contractors, architects, and subcontractors, working on projects in Chicago. ## 1. Building Permits Browser filters Use the [[Building Permits Browser]] filters to search for Chicago building permits that would have contractors and subcontractors who may have experience in the project scope you have in mind. This could include: - the date range in which the permits were issued - the type of work (new construction, renovation, demolition, etc.) - a range of estimated costs - a keyword that will be found in the permit's work description and in the names of attached parties (i.e. contractors, owners, contractors, and subcontractors) ### Showing a list of contractors 1. Once you've selected the filters, select the "Search & apply filters" button. The data table and map will reload to show building permits that match the search criteria. 2. Below the data table, look for the "Download the data" buttons and select the "Contractors" button to display a list of all contractors shown in the data table. *See also: [[Play - Find contractors that specialize]]* This list can then be searched for all contractors that are of a certain type (plumbing, architect, masonry, etc.). This list can also be exported to a spreadsheet file. (See screenshot 1 below.) ![[findingcontractorsinchicago_buttons.png]] *Screenshot 1 showing the Contractors button that will show a list of all contractors attached to the building permits.* ![[findingcontractorsinchicago_table.png]] *Screenshot 2 showing the data table that appears after selecting the Contractors button.* ## 2. Top contractors in a Place It's also possible to show the top contractors working in a given area of Chicago based on the number of permits they're attached to. ### Show a list of top contractors 1. Open a Place Report in Chicago. Here's a link to the [Kenwood community area](https://www.chicagocityscape.com/maps/index.php?place=communityarea-kenwood) Place Report. 2. Go to Building Permits Browser by selecting "Building permits" in the table of contents or scrolling down to the Buildings data section. 3. Select the "Top contractors" tab. See *screenshot 3* below. 4. Select the "Load top contractors" button. 5. The data will be instantly crunched and shown in three tables: Top general contractors, top owners & developers, and top architects. ![screenshot showing the top contractors in the Kenwood community area](findingcontractorsinchicago_topcontractors.png) *Screenshot 3 showing the top contractors in the Kenwood community area* The default "look back" period is 90 days; select the "Look back 1 year" and "Look back 2 years" buttons to re-crunch data and list contractors active over a longer period. ## 3. Rankings Refer to the [[Analytics#Rankings|Rankings]] article. ## 4. Member directory Some of the Chicago Cityscape members listed in our [member directory](http://chicagocityscape.com/members.php) advertise their specialties. ## Related articles - [[Exporting to spreadsheet]] - [[Building Permits Browser]] - [[Find developers working in a particular part of Chicago]] - [[Analytics#Rankings|Rankings]] - [[Play - Find contractors that specialize]]