Rehab Advice Needed

[Max Traveler]

Hello all,

I just purchased a legal 3-unit in Logan Square/Avondale area (Thread). Big kudos to @Henry Lazerow. I’m a bit handy and will like to do as much work as I can because I want to learn and be better.. of course, saving too.

I’m brain storming ideas and your professional feedback is much appreciated.

Property Detail

• -Lot: 30x 100 (More spacious than typical 25 footer)
• -Units: Basement (2/1), 1st FL (2/1), 2nd FL & Attic (3/2 or 4/2)
• -Heater: Single Gas heater each floor and it appears to be in 1930s
• -AC: None
• -Water Heater: located in the kitchen of each floor except the attic.
• -Electric: mostly old wiring, it appears to be split bus panel.
• -Chimney: it looks like heater and water heater tank are venting from it.
• -No laundry hook-up at all.

Questions:

1. -Most important question: in which sequence of repairs should I start?
2. -I plan to put a furnace in each unit which requires the duct work (central air). Should I also get the AC for each unit? Or window AC?
3. -Should I relocate the 1st FL and 2nd FL water heaters to basement unit? Maybe tankless is an option to create more space?
4. -Electric panels definitely need to be upgraded. I will obviously ask for electrician’s professional judgment for panel amperage. Should I rewire the whole house?
5. -I want to remove the Chimney if no venting is needed. Should I keep it?
6. -I prefer to put in-unit washer and dryer for each unit but at a reasonable cost… is it worth it? Or should I just have the community washer and dryer in the basement unit (this will take away some space in basement unit and in addition to water heater tank relocate there)?
7. -I think I have asbestos tiles in the kitchen but haven’t tested them yet. Since I am not doing the full gut rehab, should I remove them or tile or plank over it?
8. -Attic appears to need a full gut rehab. Attic is large enough for 2 bedrooms and 1 bath or should I have a large master room (1 bed and 1 bath). It’s a duplex up so… it could either be 3/2 or 4/2, price variance is about $400 but attic bedrooms will be a bit small.

Sorry for the long post and rookie questions. I truly appreciate your feedback…

[Paul De Luca]

@Max Traveler

I think @Jonathan Klemm will be able to give you some solid feedback as an experienced contractor.