Question about Hiring a Handyman without license and rental properties purchase

[Greg P.]

Hello all. I am purchasing a rental property and planning on finishing the basement by adding two bedrooms and a bath. The bedrooms will need egress windows and the bath will have to be put in from scratch. My question is I have been getting bids from a couple of guys who are licensed and they are very expensive, almost triple to do the work compared to a handyman. This handyman was recommended by a local hardware store and he is very reputable and honest from what I have been hearing. If I am buying this to rent out, what kinds of issues other than the quality of work should I be worried about? Is the city going to know I am going that I have added Egress windows and bathrooms when I apply for a rental license? Please tell me the proper steps to make this successful as this handyman had told me he can take care of all the plumbing, egress, and cosmetics to finish off the basement and I believe him. His costs are so low compared to the other guys I just dont know how I can have him do the work and not have the city involved when I get renters in there etc. Please let me know as this is my first rental. Thank you!