Homeowner Tools

Free planning calculators and trusted safety guides for Illinois homes

Seven practical calculators for materials, roofing and siding, decks and fences, lawns, insulation, rainwater, and seasonal maintenance — plus 12 evergreen home safety and Illinois guides covering fire, child safety, carbon monoxide, severe weather, aging in place, radon, basement moisture/flooding, private well and septic system safety, lead paint and asbestos remodeling safety, contractor license verification, home energy rebates and incentives, and how Illinois building codes actually work — statewide rules versus locally adopted codes. Sized for Illinois weather, and free to use.

Three people measure and work on wooden floor joists during construction of a house in Harvey, Illinois. — Volunteers work on floor joists during a Habitat for Humanity house construction project in Harvey, Illinois, May 17, 2006.Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Photographer's Mate Douglas E. Waite · U.S. government work — public domain · View original sourcehttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_060517-N-3342W-002_Sailors_from_Naval_Hospital_Great_Lakes_marked_Navy_Week_Chicago_by_giving_back_to_the_community,_unloading_building_materials_at_a_Habitat_for_Humanity_construction_project_in_Chicago%27s_South_Suburbs.jpg

Every calculator below runs entirely in your browser and produces a planning estimate only — nothing you enter is collected or saved. These calculators are not professional, structural, or permit advice. Always verify field measurements, product packaging, and manufacturer instructions, and confirm any local code or permit requirements before purchasing materials or beginning work.

The seven calculators

01Materials CalculatorEstimate concrete, mulch, gravel, paint, flooring, tile, and drywall quantities with adjustable waste.02Roofing & Siding CalculatorEstimate roofing squares, shingle bundles, underlayment, siding, and waste for simple roof planes and walls.03Deck & Fence CalculatorEstimate deck boards, framing, fence panels, pickets, posts, concrete, and waste.04Lawn & Landscape CalculatorEstimate grass seed, sod, fertilizer, mulch, soil, and gravel with Illinois seasonal guidance.05Insulation PlannerFind Illinois climate-zone insulation guidance for attics, floors, basements, and crawlspaces.06Rainwater Runoff CalculatorEstimate roof runoff and rain-barrel capacity for Illinois storms, with overflow guidance.07Home Maintenance CalendarPlan spring, summer, fall, and winter home maintenance for Illinois weather.

Volunteers wearing safety helmets work on the roof of a partially constructed house in Machesney Park, Illinois. — Volunteers work on the roof of a house under construction for a Habitat for Humanity project in Machesney Park, Illinois, June 2, 2015.Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter Melkus · U.S. government work — public domain · View original sourcehttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sailors_assigned_to_USS_Constitution_build_a_habitat_for_Humanity_house._(18424861691).jpg

Illinois Permit Finder

Planning a project that will need a permit? Look up the likely building and zoning authority for any Illinois address, complete with official contact information and sources.

Open permit finder

Construction material price indexes

Track how national producer prices for lumber, concrete, steel, roofing, drywall, wire and paint have changed — and estimate how much a past materials budget has shifted.

View material price indexes

Home Safety & Illinois Guides

12 evergreen, printable guides covering the most important home safety and homeowner topics for Illinois households — including fire, water, radon, private well/septic safety, lead paint and asbestos remodeling safety, contractor license verification, home energy rebates and incentives, and how Illinois building codes actually work — with emergency direction, practical checklists, and authoritative sources. These are educational resources, not a substitute for professional inspection, legal advice, or emergency services.

Fire Safety GuideSmoke alarm placement, escape planning, cooking and heating safety, and generator and battery fire risks.Child Home Safety GuideFurniture tip-over, window and stair safety, water safety, poisoning prevention, and emergency contacts.Carbon Monoxide Safety GuideCO alarm placement, fuel-burning appliance maintenance, and safe generator use to prevent CO poisoning.Severe Weather Safety GuideTornado, thunderstorm, flooding, winter storm, and extreme heat preparedness for Illinois homes.Aging-in-Place Safety GuideFall prevention, lighting, grab bars, and room-by-room home safety guidance for older adults living independently.Illinois Radon GuideRadon testing, understanding your results, mitigation options, and real estate and renter guidance for Illinois homes.Basement Water & Sump GuideDiagnose basement water sources, respond safely, and reduce future risk with sump, drainage, and sewer-backup guidance.Private Well & Septic GuideWell water testing and safety, septic maintenance and warning signs, remodeling capacity, and real estate due diligence.Lead Paint & Asbestos GuideWhat to ask before a renovation disturbs painted surfaces or suspect building materials, plus federal and Illinois rules and testing pathways.Contractor License CheckFind the correct official state or local lookup to verify remodelers, roofers, plumbers, electricians, lead/asbestos firms, and design professionals before hiring.Home Energy RebatesCurrent Illinois state and utility energy rebates, income-qualified weatherization assistance, solar programs, and federal tax credit status — with what to verify before you buy or sign.Building Codes ExplainedHow statewide energy, plumbing, accessibility, and fire-alarm rules differ from locally adopted residential, electrical, mechanical, and fuel-gas codes — and how to verify what applies to your project.