All Forum Posts by: Mark Shelstad

I like Jim's thought process; yes, I'm biased toward HWF. That being said, perhaps you could share the type of tenant, location, and quality of the unit you are seeking to produce/serve. If a more mature affluent tenant is your target, then I think you know the answer.

I love dogs, but they are floor killers.

Maybe best to settle on good, RELIABLE, and reasonable instead of less than retail. Discussing details with a GC, if you are knowledgeable, will demonstrate you are not a fool and take away the "retail premium".

If you PM me I can give you a couple names to stay away from.

Thanks, Les

Can anyone suggest a handyman operating in near west Chicago suburbs and who can do moderate drywall repair and downspout installation?

Suggest you invite Rahm and Preckwinkle to speak after any snow accumulation. All their HOT AIR will surely melt the snow.

@Syed Lateef  If you are also willing to share with me, I'd appreciate it.  I think a lot of us could use a quality handyman as you described. Thanks. 

Yes I've heard those stories Elbert. I have been advised many times to use a self certified architect for that reason. They will have the experience and will be responsible for securing permits. I hear numbers like 3 weeks if all goes normally versus 2+months for an architect that is not certified.  Kinda makes you wonder how an architect will ever get the experience to become certified.... but that's another matter.

David, we will need to keep in touch regarding our first Chicago experiences since I will be going for permits in about 10 days. Full gut with dormers; Edgebrook area. Selected my architect with one requirement being that they are self-certified with the city to keep review time under control. Good luck.

Thank you. I would say so although contractor would argue that point. We are about 90% complete on a $235,000 job. Balance owing under the contract is $12,000, but that is the hold back pending final inspection and punch list. The punch list is long, so I estimate I have paid ahead about $20,000 based upon line items yet to be completed. 

My flip project was to have been completed by April but is still not done. Going on toward 10 months now. GC constantly lies about when the next stage will be done and then doesn't show up...sometimes for weeks at a time. I'm always last priority or maybe they are running out of money, but for whatever reason, their communication, organization, and follow through are the worst I have ever experienced in business. I am considering firing them now even though a competent contractor could have it all done in 2 weeks. Selling season is slipping away and costing $$. If I fire them, I will also be going after them legally- like a mad dog -  and am looking for equally aggressive legal help. Any suggestions will be appreciated.