Where to find good contractor but not too expensive to put a kitchen in the basement? (Chicago: real estate, rental)

[macno0b]

Where do I find them and How much would they normally charge?

Thanks,

[ChiNaan]

You find them through a google search. They charge between $500 and $150,000, depending on the type of kitchen you want.

[rparz]

I don't believe its legal to do that. I assume it's to prepare a garden rental unit.

[chet everett]

There is nothing that prevents someone from putting a kitchen in their basement in Chicago or anywhere else. If one does so without permits there are numerous downsides, most of which are likely to come into play when one attempts to sell the home.

It would be wiser to get the required permits to have a safe and conforming kitchen. The potential for one to unsafely attach plumbing to either water supplies or sewer lines ought not be taken lightly -- you can get very sick from containination from either... Similarly the potential to incorrectly hook up either a 220V electric range or a gas range resulting in a deadly situation is pretty high.

I would start be seeking referals from friends / neighbors / business associates / local real estate professionals...

[snoylekim]

^^ Very True ..I know of at least one restaurant in Chicago where the kitchen is in 'the basement' ..and it's all up to code ... not cheap, but ..

[Ace Rothstein]

A few of the Italian immigrants I know have kitchen basements that they always use instead of their actual kitchen.

[macno0b]

Thanks guys. What is the cost and how long does it take to get a permit?

[Attrill]

If you have architects plans you're probably looking at 3 to 6 weeks to get permits. It depends on how familiar your architect is with city codes and which offices have the shortest waits.

The cost? I think you really need to think about this a lot more if you're just throwing out questions about cost without details of what you're putting into this kitchen and what exists in the space already (especially electrical, gas, sewer, and water service). It could cost you $10-40,000 just to get services set up to install the kitchen. You also have to be very certain that the basement doesn't have issues with flooding. It's one thing to have a raw basement space that's used for storage flood, and a completely different thing to have a kitchen wiped out by basement flooding.

[macno0b]

Originally Posted by Attrill

If you have architects plans you're probably looking at 3 to 6 weeks to get permits. It depends on how familiar your architect is with city codes and which offices have the shortest waits.

The cost? I think you really need to think about this a lot more if you're just throwing out questions about cost without details of what you're putting into this kitchen and what exists in the space already (especially electrical, gas, sewer, and water service). It could cost you $10-40,000 just to get services set up to install the kitchen. You also have to be very certain that the basement doesn't have issues with flooding. It's one thing to have a raw basement space that's used for storage flood, and a completely different thing to have a kitchen wiped out by basement flooding.

Sorry for the lack of details. The basement has 2 separate exits, high ceiling, a lot of windows (above the ground). Everything (bathroom, heat, electrical, gas, sewer and water) is there but the kitchen. It's never had flooding issue. I have the cabinets, counter top, sink, faucet and appliances ready. This is for a small kitchen, no major work.

So with the permit, would the basement become a legal unit? Where can I find more details about getting the permits? I have very little knowledge in this matter so please bear with me.

Thanks,

[chet everett]

Having a kitchen is NOT the same as having a legally rentable unit. If your property is not zoned for a basement unit you need to apply for a zoning change. That is not just a building permit review, it is an opportunity for your alderman to get "input" into what is appropriate for your building,,,


Can get complicated. Make friends with your alderman and their staff. Take their suggestions about what firms to hire and who might need a campaign donation. Chicago is a wonderful place to learn about what is need to get ahead...