All Forum Posts by: Byron W.

Hey folks, I'm currently in search for an insurance broker or company who covers 2-4 units on the Southside of Chicago. I've gotten a quote from StateFarm for a 3unit recently for about $3k. My current premium with State Auto just jumped to $3.8K from its previous $2.4k. If anyone has any recommendations for brokers or insurance companies, feel free to send them my way. Thank you!

I'm purchasing a 3 unit building. The 2nd and 3rd floor bathrooms have self adhesive tile flooring. So there's just this peel and stick tile right on top of the subfloor. My question is, should I attempt to have someone install tile (and possibly fix the subfloor if it's water damaged) while the tenants are there? Or wait for a turnover to happen? Or should I just try my best to maintain the self adhesive tile while the tenants are there, so as to reduce water damage issues? It would definitely inconvenience the tenant to not be able to use their bathroom for a couple of days while the tile is installed and settled, since there's only 1 full bathroom and 1 half bathroom in the apartment. What are your thoughts? Thanks!

Sorry, disputing the assessment.  

Anyone have an attorney referral for disputing property taxes in Chicago? Thanks in advance!

 The second method you mentioned. A part of the subfloor is rotted and he's replacing it and putting in the 2x4's.

I'm in the middle of a bathroom rehab. My contractor ripped up the floor tile and noticed that my subfloor wasn't level and in bad shape, I took a look and agreed. The rehab itself is in a bathroom that's about 60 square feet roughly and is costing me $3500 (our agreed upon price). However, for leveling the floor, he's quoting me $800. After some negotiation, he came down to $600. Bringing me at $4100 total in labor for this rehab. The rehab includes installing a new tub, vanity, floor and shower tile, mirror and light fixture. Am I being ripped off for the floor leveling cost? It seems pretty steep to me but I've never encountered this issue. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Info about the property:

3 unit brick building located on southside of Chicago. Purchased for $442k. Appraised for $445k. Currently househacking it.I am out of my depth when it comes to insurance plans but after hours of research, this rate seems like it makes sense. It's the rate that an insurance broker provided me. My current insurance is $3100 with State Farm and this plan is at $2492. I asked if we could knock down personal property coverage to a lower number but apparently I can only lower that if I lower the dwelling amount.

Should I lower the dwelling amount? From what I've read, it makes sense to keep this pretty high in the worst case event that the building burns down. For those of you more experienced with insurance premiums, please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Info about the property:

3 unit brick building located on southside of Chicago. Purchased for $442k. Appraised for $445k. Currently househacking it.I am out of my depth when it comes to insurance plans but after hours of research, this rate seems like it makes sense. It's the rate that an insurance broker provided me. My current insurance is $3100 with State Farm and this plan is at $2492. I asked if we could knock down personal property coverage to a lower number but apparently I can only lower that if I lower the dwelling amount.

Should I lower the dwelling amount? From what I've read, it makes sense to keep this pretty high in the worst case event that the building burns down. For those of you more experienced with insurance premiums, please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Thanks. Didn't realize it was a code requirement, good to know. Any clue on where to get the hardware? I already have the mesh. Just need the frame and connectors.

I have some larger than normal windows and the frame for the window screens is missing in a few. None of the bigbox stores seem to have the size frame I need. Where can I get custom frames? Thanks