Need to add a garden unit w W&D section

[Ralph Atansuyi]

I want to add a 2bd/1 bath and a section for the building washer and dryer section. I pretty much have an idea of what I want to be done. Need help with getting a Permit but the Chicago Homeowner program site is of ho help (https://www.chicago.gov/city/e...). Finding a contractor or a GC or even an architect (they are very expensive) has been a huge task. Where can I find resources to help the small guy?

[Chris Winslow]

Hi @Ralph Atansuyi it can be tough to find great GCs or contractors for relatively small jobs, my recommendations are ask your network of friends and real estate investors, check local community Facebook pages and see if you can find people helping around the neighborhood on various jobs or actually doing GC work, and also check on thumbtack and post your job and scope of work

[John Warren]

@Ralph Atansuyi if you are finishing a basement and don't want to use an architect, then I honestly believe the total cost will be well beyond what you are expecting. To add a unit the "right" way involves upgrading electrical service, water service, potentially digging down for ceiling height, adding windows, and more. This is why most of the garden apartments in Chicago are... bonus units. 

[Michael K.]

Quote from @Ralph Atansuyi:

I want to add a 2bd/1 bath and a section for the building washer and dryer section. I pretty much have an idea of what I want to be done. Need help with getting a Permit but the Chicago Homeowner program site is of ho help (https://www.chicago.gov/city/e...). Finding a contractor or a GC or even an architect (they are very expensive) has been a huge task. Where can I find resources to help the small guy?

I did this same project a couple of years back, I more or less served as my own G.C. and architect. I had a nice space to work with so the final project turned out pretty well. As part of the process, I had to upgrade the building's water supply to copper (was originally galvanized pipe and the water pressure had been terrible). That was the single most expensive step. Did my own demo and framed it myself but hired electricians, plumbers, drywall, and hvac guys for the rest. Happy to chat if you like. 

[Eudith Vacio]

Hey @Ralph Atansuyi - where are you located? There are a ton of Facebook groups that you can join but depending on where you are located, I might be able to refer some people to you. 

[Crystal Smith]

Quote from @Ralph Atansuyi:

I want to add a 2bd/1 bath and a section for the building washer and dryer section. I pretty much have an idea of what I want to be done. Need help with getting a Permit but the Chicago Homeowner program site is of ho help (https://www.chicago.gov/city/e...). Finding a contractor or a GC or even an architect (they are very expensive) has been a huge task. Where can I find resources to help the small guy?

 You can do a search on this site for architects. Make sure you pick a self certified architect. The architect can then make some recommendations for contractors.  You can also go to facebook and join the Chicago Renovation Room We've found contractors there as well as on Bigger Pockets. Another resource we've used is Thumbtack

[Jonathan Klemm]

Hey @Ralph Atansuyi - Are you adding the W/D to your primary residence or for an investment property?  The main reason I ask that is because adding a W/D can come at a steep cost because of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work that comes along with it.  Not to mention per the city of Chicago you actually need plans and a permit for this time of work, which you mentioned.

Cost can easily be from $4-8k.....if you aren't doing any other work alongside adding the W/D I'd carefully evaluate whether or not you will get your desired ROI.

Happy to connect and walk you through our process.

[Ralph Atansuyi]

Thanks for the reply. I have a design of what I intend to build. I found a contractor to quote labor while I buy the materials myself. I guess the next step is estimate the cost of permit for electrical, plumbing and structural work. Chicago can be complicated.

[Ralph Atansuyi]

Quote from @Eudith Vacio:

Hey @Ralph Atansuyi - where are you located? There are a ton of Facebook groups that you can join but depending on where you are located, I might be able to refer some people to you. 

I am at Fulton Blvd and Homan. Chicago. Ralph

[Ralph Atansuyi]

@Eudith Vacio. I am by Fulton Blvd and Homan.

[Ralph Atansuyi]

@Jonathan Klemm...how can I contact you? I am working on the cost of the project to be able to seek funding.

[Ralph Atansuyi]

@Crystal Smith....you are awesome with that FB link. Appreciated 👍🏾.

[Ralph Atansuyi]

@Michael K. How easy was it for you to get a permit? It seems shrouded in some hard to find closet. Homeowners assistance program allows resident to get relaxed permit but that process is offline. How do I contact you?

[Ralph Atansuyi]

@Jonathan Klemm. How do I contact you? I am doing cost discovery and calculations for estimates.

[Jonathan Klemm]

Hey @Ralph Atansuyi - Feel free to shoot me a DM through biggerpockets.  Happy to connect to see how we can help.