All Forum Posts by: Rachel Imhof

@Sam Alkattan it would be easier if you call my husband to walk you through the pros and cons. We have had a partner in our last 10 flips and new construction. PM if you like.

@Kamil Kow if you would like to connect. I just completed a house in Arlington Heights and lumber plus everything else has gone up drastically. I flip houses as well and have done 6 new construction up to this point. If you like to discuss further PM me. I can walk through some of our numbers but nothing close to $120 a foot. Especially not high end.

@Frank Agyeman-Duah I never had any luck with anyone using GC's or any subs off of Craigslist. There's usually a reason they post on there. Most guys will set up a payment plan that you can pay as work is completed. I have learned by experience but very early on I been burned to many times. Most reputable GC's have more referral work that they can handle. They also have enough money to start the work. These guys ask for 50% upfront and will take on 10 jobs. They will get 20% done and you will be super frustrated with their speed. I would talk to and physically look at their last 3 jobs. Make sure there comparable to what your hiring him for. Doing this extra work will save you time and money!! After that money is paid it's out of your hands. Good luck but learn from all of us who have made those same mistakes cause there cheaper and you want to get started. There's always a reason there the cheapest.

@Bedford Roberts we are in Chicago and my husband is always willing to offer assistance and teach anyone who is serious about real estate. You can PM me so I can get you connected.

@Jennie Berger

We have done alot of Easy permits in the City of Chicago and have pulled permits to upgrade plumbing, electrical, HVAC and framing. I never have had a rough inspection or final inspection as we followed the guidelines of the easy permit process. You mentioned that you did some plumbing and I believe you mentioned electrical which would require a rough inspection and a final inspection. Here's the information for easy permit process. You can DM me if you want to discuss further.

The Easy Permit Program is a streamlined permitting process for small, simple home and building improvement projects. It allows home and building owners to obtain a permit to repair or replace existing features of a building or make minor modifications without providing architectural plans. You can use the Easy Permit Process for the following project types:

Inside the Building

Drywall Replacement (greater than 1,000 square feet)

Exterior Doors*

Fire Damage (buildings with 24% damage or less, require demolition inspection approval and a separate electrical permit)

Furnaces (replacement of existing gas-fired only in all commerical buildings and residential buildings with 4 or more dwelling units)*

Existing Plumbing Fixture Replacement

Electrical Work (requires an electrical contractor)**

Counter Top and Cabinet Replacement (required for condos only)

Outside the Building

Doors/Window Replacement (4 dwelling units or more, if same size, same location)*

Fences (non-masonry fences greater than 5 ft. in height or masonry walls of any height)*

Sheds greater than 150 square feet

Detached frame garages, up to 600 square feet in area, without rooftop deck*

Trash enclosure (wood only)

Porch repair (if a violation report says permit for repairs only)

Masonry work (mason contractor required)

Tuckpointing (mason contractor required, masonry cleaning and grinding require a pollution prevention permit from CDPH)

Roofs (If adding a layer, a general contractor or primary owner can perform the work)*

Roofs (If total tear-off, must employ Illinois-licensed roofing contractor)

Lintel repairs (6’-0” opening maximum, mason contractor required)

Scaffolding (an easy permit can be received the same day if the work over the public way has been approved by the Chicago Department of Transportation)

 * For this project type in an all-residential building, the easy permit may be obtained online.

** Electrical permits may be obtained online by licensed electrical contractors only.

@Tanikia Washington just did it. If the house purchase is worth the value of the land plus the costs to tear down and haul away then it's worth it.

@Nick Cruse I have done quite a few flips and now have a couple of rentals in NWI. PM me so we can connect. Take care and good luck.

@Stephanie P. Thank you! Had many inquiries after we already had it under contract

@Lina Bibikov thanks!!