New Construction Wiring in Pilsen, Chicago

For new construction in Pilsen, we engage at the design phase. The first decision is always the service configuration: for a new two-flat, that means individual 200-amp unit panels, a 400-amp building service, and a dual-meter bank on the alley side. For a new townhome development, we design individual unit panels, shared metering infrastructure, and common-area electrical as part of the new construction scope.

Permit submission follows design. Chicago's Department of Buildings requires electrical plans for new construction, which go through plan review before a permit is issued. For simple residential new construction, plan review is typically two to four weeks. We time permit submission to align with the construction start so rough-in inspection isn't delayed.

Rough-in proceeds after framing. Chicago code requires metallic wiring — MC cable, EMT conduit, or FMC — throughout all new construction within the city. Steel panels and steel boxes are standard. For new construction in Pilsen, we also coordinate with the structural engineer's drawings to avoid conduit conflicts with steel or structural lumber that cannot be penetrated without a separate engineering review.

• New two-flat construction — 400-amp building service, individual 200-amp unit panels, separate ComEd metering for each unit, house-load circuit; designed for the neighborhood's strong rental investment market
• Infill townhome developments — Individual unit panels, 200-amp per unit, common-area lighting, shared mechanical electrical, and EV provisions in individual garages or shared parking
• 18th Street mixed-use new builds — Ground-floor commercial electrical (three-phase if restaurant use is anticipated) with separate residential metering above; commercial and residential permits filed separately
• New single-family infill builds — 200-amp service on standard Pilsen lots; alley-facing service entrance; kitchen and bathroom dedicated circuits; EV provisions in rear garage
• Historic district-aware service design — Meter bank on alley side; service entrance conduit concealed in rear elevation; no visible conduit on 18th Street frontage or street-facing residential facades
• Gallery and studio new construction — Flexible lighting circuits for art gallery and studio spaces in new mixed-use buildings; track lighting infrastructure, high-bay lighting provisions, and dedicated circuits for large equipment

Pilsen's new construction market is driven by local developers, community investors, and families building their own homes — a mix that values relationships, clear communication, and fair pricing over the lowest bid. We've worked in Pilsen for years, and our permit experience with the Chicago Department of Buildings, our familiarity with the Pilsen Historic District's design standards, and our straightforward pricing model make us a reliable partner for neighborhood-scale new construction.

For new two-flat and multi-unit construction — Pilsen's dominant new build type — we understand the operating realities of a rental property from day one. Separate metering, properly labeled panels, clear circuit documentation, and finish quality that holds up to tenant use are the standards we build to, because they're what makes a rental investment work over the long term.

Our commercial permit experience matters for 18th Street new construction. Restaurant and retail new builds need an electrical contractor who can handle the commercial permit track, coordinate with the health department's pre-opening inspection sequence, and deliver the commercial kitchen electrical that a food service operator needs on opening day.