Experience working with an affordable contractor in Chicago that's licensed

[Porsha Fross]

We have an 11-unit apartment building (five 1br/1ba, six 2br/1ba) and want to do a cosmetic rehab (new kitchen, bathroom, paint, sanding, and staining hardwood floors, excluding repairs on MEPs). We've received a few quotes, but most are over $30k per unit.

I've seen several posts on Facebook and Instagram BRRRR groups that do medium rehab for $8k-$14k per unit for both labor and material costs. Do you know where these people get quality work and contractors for that price?

What general contractor recommendation have you used in the past that can pull a permit with the City of Chicago that you recommend? I also need a roofing contractor, so I am open to any recommendations you have. Thanks!

[Jonathan Klemm]

Hey @Porsha Fross - @Bruce Woodruff always has true and spot-on comments!

How many square feet are your different units?  We recently did a cosmetic renovation for a client for about $27k, which didn't include new kitchen cabinets or countertops.  We also didn't have any work that required permits; however, we highly recommend always pulling them.  The new Express Permit Program is pretty decent here in Chicago.

Facebook & IG are full of people thirty for work and probably not being forthright in their numbers.