Chicago Avondale - Basement Duplex Help

[Amir Haq]

Hello everyone!

Recently purchased a 3 flat w/ illegal basement unit in the Chicago - Avondale area.  The first floor and basement tenants recently moved out and now we're trying to get some better estimates on what it would cost to do a duplex.  After discussing with some architects the first step is to determine if we can get the proper ceiling height in the basement.  It's currently at about 7ft and we'd need to get it to 7'6 inches to have it be to code as living space. 

Anyone ever do this before in Chicago?  Need some tips and advice on how to approach this. 

Would also love to get some experienced GC's or Contractors to come out and give us an estimate on the work.  At this point, I don't need a GC to do the full duplex, I have a good electrician, plumber, and GC for the demo/framing/drywall and rest of the cosmetics. BUT, if I can get a good price from a GC to do all of it, I'd def. be open to it. 

Thanks! 

[Corby Goade]

I have not done this in Chicago, and it's likely that rules are more strict there than they are in my area. I just finished a basement unit with 7' ceilings and the city grandfathered it in as living space because the building itself predated the ceiling height requirement.