All Forum Posts by: Jennie Berger

@Christopher Grannen Thanks for the moral support! I hope you find some clarity too. :)

I'll admit, I'm totally confused about easy permits and the required inspections.

It was our understanding, per 2 different professionals (an architect & licensed GC), that we do NOT need rough inspections when doing a rehab with an easy permit. However, upon scheduling our final inspection for a rehab project (which we were told we DID need), the city told us we needed rough inspections. 🤦‍♀️

As you can imagine, this has been an absolute nightmare of a process to backpeddle and get everything 'righted'. But it still doesn't solve the mystery for me. Do we, or don't we, need rough inspections with an easy permit? I know the city said we do but...

Let me elaborate--the only walls we opened were to update associated piping with new plumbing fixtures and electrical fixtures/switches. This was all on the easy permit. Thus, it would make sense to me that roughs were NOT necessarily, by default required. Add to that the fact that 2 industry professionals told us explicitly that they were NOT necessary, and hence, perhaps you see where my confusion comes from.

Did Chicago change the laws recently? Did something else change? Is this just a decision left up to the discretion of whoever happens to receive the inspection request?

Not gonna lie-- It feels like a moving target with city inspectors at times. One inspector comes out for a rough plumbing inspection and wants a) changed. Even though it's up to code, as is. So you change a) and another plumbing inspector comes out later and says what's a) about? And you try to say that the previous inspector wanted it like that but they don't seem to care and they make you change it again...and this can go on, and on, and on.

Is it just me or are we living in some strange universe where plumbing and other codes don't matter, and inspectors can say and do whatever they want with no recourse? And what about the architects and GCs...shouldn't they know the rules and any applicable changes as they occur?

Do we have recourse? Is there a way to avoid this? Whom can we talk to/complain to (without shooting ourselves in the foot)? Is there a way to hold city people accountable without a lawsuit? Looking for proactive and practical solutions and suggestions.

Thanks guys.

*Oh, and I cross posted this in another forum. I posted it first in rehabbing and flipping, and then copied it over here because I thought I would get more Chicago related people to respond. :)

@Jonathan Klemm Exactly! I've read through that flow chart too and noticed it wasn't up to date. :/ And tried calling the city, and emailing, with no clear response.

 QUESTION: Can we request certain inspectors, and ask to please avoid certain others, when requesting online inspections? Or does this reflect poorly on us? My gut feeling is if the same inspector who made this last month a living hell for us ever returns to one of our properties, we will be totally stuck and helpless again.

I couldn't agree with you more on building rapport and establishing relationships with the inspectors. I try to put this in perspective, if for noone else than myself and my team. I'm willing to bet that many developers/rehabbers: 

1. Are afraid of inspectors 

2. Don't care about inspectors (other than the fact that they want to pass their inspections) 

3. Look at inspections as a necessary evil, which they are, but they're also there to protect us from shady contractors :)

4. View inspectors as city/government employees who don't really care about other people because they get paid, regardless.

Now, I'll admit, I viewed them this way too LOL. Before this whole debacle ensued. And as time goes on, however, I realize more and more that some inspectors are actually very nice people. In fact, most that we have dealt with seem to want to help. And above all, they're human beings, just like us. Aside from the one-offs who are just plain cruel--you may know one or two of those--I'd say the majority are actually very decent human beings. 

To that end, we have made it a top priority to at least TRY to engage with them on some more meaningful level. Would you believe how many GCs and developers don't even know the name of the inspector who comes to check out their work? I mean, it's written on the back of the permit, but not always legible. (HA) I truly believe something as simple as asking their name, introducing ourselves, and thanking them for their help can go a long way. Kind of how we would treat anyone else in business, or life, for that matter...

Thanks for your feedback. We try to do everything on the up and up. I hope to solve this mystery and never have to go through anything like this again.

Hey @Jonathan Klemm. Thanks for that website link. We are always searching for vacant land or tear downs to build new. Going to check it out now!

No @Luka Milicevic. We have a shortage of quality trades and contractors here too.🤣

Hey @Riley Ricobene! Awesome that you're looking to get involved in RE. Your profile says you're a broker. Thus, are you looking to hang your license with a brokerage, or do something else related to RE?

I'll admit, I'm totally confused about easy permits and the required inspections.

It was our understanding, per 2 different professionals (an architect & licensed GC), that we do NOT need rough inspections when doing a rehab with an easy permit. However, upon scheduling our final inspection for a rehab project (which we were told we DID need), the city told us we needed rough inspections. 🤦‍♀️

As you can imagine, this has been an absolute nightmare of a process to backpeddle and get everything 'righted'. But it still doesn't solve the mystery for me. Do we, or don't we, need rough inspections with an easy permit? I know the city said we do but...

Let me elaborate--the only walls we opened were to update associated piping with new plumbing fixtures and electrical fixtures/switches. This was all on the easy permit. Thus, it would make sense to me that roughs were NOT necessarily, by default required. Add to that the fact that 2 industry professionals told us explicitly that they were NOT necessary, and hence, perhaps you see where my confusion comes from.

Did Chicago change the laws recently? Did something else change? Is this just a decision left up to the discretion of whoever happens to receive the inspection request?

Not gonna lie-- It feels like a moving target with city inspectors at times. One inspector comes out for a rough plumbing inspection and wants a) changed. Even though it's up to code, as is. So you change a) and another plumbing inspector comes out later and says what's a) about? And you try to say that the previous inspector wanted it like that but they don't seem to care and they make you change it again...and this can go on, and on, and on.

Is it just me or are we living in some strange universe where plumbing and other codes don't matter, and inspectors can say and do whatever they want with no recourse? And what about the architects and GCs...shouldn't they know the rules and any applicable changes as they occur?

Do we have recourse? Is there a way to avoid this? Whom can we talk to/complain to (without shooting ourselves in the foot)? Is there a way to hold city people accountable without a lawsuit? Looking for proactive and practical solutions and suggestions.

Thanks guys.

Hey @Daimyan: 

Great question that really depends on how involved/hands on you want to be in your project. 

1. What type of project is it? 

2. How experienced are you with these types of projects and sourcing materials? 

Might be good to know these things before making any recommendations. Various material prices have increased over the last 6 months or so, as you may well know. So it can definitely behoove you--and save some dough--to buy your own. However, it can also be a total hassle to take this on if it's not something you're very comfortable with and have good resources for. 

I would add that it also depends on your timeline & budget for the project. Materials can be back ordered and having a seasoned quality contractor order them for you may enable you to get the project completed in a more timely manner. 

Jennie Berger

Property People

Sounds like a great #win. Congratulations!🎉

@Terrell Garren Sad but true. Even more reason for those who CARE (I'm sure they are out there albeit far and few between) to step up and raise the bar. I hope this post inspires even one aspiring wholesaler to put more effort into their business and themselves. G*d knows, we could use a really good wholesaler or two in our life.