https://akatsinc.com/blog/Building violations, permits, porches, brick, concrete and roofs, explained by a Chicago contractor that fixes them. In English and Spanish. en-us https://akatsinc.com/blog/how-chicago-architects-charge/https://akatsinc.com/blog/how-chicago-architects-charge/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How Chicago architects charge: percent of construction, hourly, or flat fee. What each model covers, what drives the fee, and what to ask before you sign.https://akatsinc.com/blog/design-build-change-orders-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/design-build-change-orders-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How design-build change orders and allowances work on a Chicago job: what triggers one, what the paperwork should say, and what to refuse.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-plat-of-survey-permit/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-plat-of-survey-permit/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000When does a Chicago permit ask for a plat of survey? Two cases the City names, what a survey shows, and what to confirm before you order one.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-as-built-drawings/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-as-built-drawings/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000As-built drawings record a Chicago building as it really stands. When a project needs them, who makes them, and what to do if the old plans are missing.https://akatsinc.com/blog/architect-or-engineer-porch-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/architect-or-engineer-porch-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Structural porch repair in Chicago needs plans by an Illinois architect or structural engineer. How to choose, and which porch work needs neither.https://akatsinc.com/blog/design-build-pros-cons-chicago-homeowners/https://akatsinc.com/blog/design-build-pros-cons-chicago-homeowners/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Design-build puts drawings and construction under one contract. The real pros, the real cons, and when a separate architect and builder fits better.https://akatsinc.com/blog/violation-needs-drawings-design-build-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/violation-needs-drawings-design-build-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Chicago building violation that needs drawings? See which repairs require an architect or engineer, and how one team can handle plans, permit and repair.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-bungalow-dormer-plans-permits/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-bungalow-dormer-plans-permits/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Adding a dormer to a Chicago bungalow means cutting the roof. What the plans need, who draws them, and what to confirm with the City before work starts.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-two-flat-deconversion-plans/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-two-flat-deconversion-plans/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Turning a Chicago two-flat into a single-family home? What the drawings need to show, who prepares them, and which questions to settle with the City first.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-two-flat-renovation-planning/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-two-flat-renovation-planning/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Planning a Chicago two flat renovation? See who does what: owner, architect, contractor and trades, which jobs need plans, and which permit route fits.https://akatsinc.com/blog/choose-design-build-firm-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/choose-design-build-firm-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How to choose among design build firms in Chicago: the licenses to verify, the questions to ask, and what the contract should spell out before you sign.https://akatsinc.com/blog/design-build-vs-design-bid-build-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/design-build-vs-design-bid-build-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Design build vs design bid build for a Chicago job: how each works, who is legally responsible for the drawings, and which one fits your project.https://akatsinc.com/blog/when-chicago-requires-architect-engineer/https://akatsinc.com/blog/when-chicago-requires-architect-engineer/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000When Chicago requires an architect or structural engineer for a building permit, which repairs skip drawings, and what happens if you file without them.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-design-build-guide/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-design-build-guide/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Design-build in Chicago explained: when the City requires an architect or engineer, how drawings feed the permit, and how to pick one team for the job.https://akatsinc.com/blog/book-exterior-contractor-spring-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/book-exterior-contractor-spring-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000When to book an exterior contractor in a Chicago spring: start the walk-around and estimates before the thaw, and know the permit steps that come first.https://akatsinc.com/blog/how-often-inspect-building-exterior-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/how-often-inspect-building-exterior-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How often to inspect a Chicago building exterior: what the City requires of owners, why we suggest two walk-arounds a year, and what to check each time.https://akatsinc.com/blog/thaw-leaks-after-winter-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/thaw-leaks-after-winter-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Ceiling leak after the thaw in Chicago? Where meltwater gets into a building: roof, parapet, mortar, flashing, chimney and drains, and who to call.https://akatsinc.com/blog/when-to-roof-rake-snow-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/when-to-roof-rake-snow-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000When to roof rake snow in Chicago: why we give no snow depth number, what owners actually see on flat and pitched roofs, and when to call a roofer.https://akatsinc.com/blog/how-does-freeze-thaw-work-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/how-does-freeze-thaw-work-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How freeze-thaw works in Chicago: water gets into brick, mortar and concrete, freezes, and breaks the surface. What it hits first and what to look for.https://akatsinc.com/blog/road-salt-damage-chicago-building/https://akatsinc.com/blog/road-salt-damage-chicago-building/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Road salt damage on a Chicago building: what it does to concrete steps, sidewalks and brick, which deicers to avoid, and when to call a pro.https://akatsinc.com/blog/best-time-exterior-repairs-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/best-time-exterior-repairs-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000The best time of year for exterior repairs in Chicago, job by job: masonry, concrete, roofs and porches, with the temperature limits behind each answer.https://akatsinc.com/blog/exterior-work-in-winter-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/exterior-work-in-winter-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Which exterior jobs can go ahead in a Chicago winter, which should wait, and the temperature limits for masonry and concrete. Plan the season with Akats.https://akatsinc.com/blog/fall-exterior-repairs-before-chicago-winter/https://akatsinc.com/blog/fall-exterior-repairs-before-chicago-winter/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Fall exterior repairs before winter in Chicago: which jobs to finish before the freeze, which can wait, and what cold does to mortar.https://akatsinc.com/blog/check-building-after-chicago-winter/https://akatsinc.com/blog/check-building-after-chicago-winter/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000What to check on a Chicago building after winter: roofline, brick, mortar, porches, concrete and drainage, and when a spring finding means calling a pro.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-landlord-exterior-maintenance-checklist/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-landlord-exterior-maintenance-checklist/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000A printable Chicago landlord exterior maintenance checklist: roof, brick, porches, concrete and drainage, plus what to do with what you find.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-building-maintenance-calendar/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-building-maintenance-calendar/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000A season by season Chicago building maintenance calendar for owners: what to inspect, what to repair, and what has to wait for weather. Free estimates.https://akatsinc.com/blog/contractor-abandoned-job-illinois/https://akatsinc.com/blog/contractor-abandoned-job-illinois/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000A contractor who abandoned the job in Illinois leaves you exposed. Steps to take now, what Illinois law says about suing, and why to talk to an attorney.https://akatsinc.com/blog/compare-contractor-estimates-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/compare-contractor-estimates-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Three contractor bids, three different numbers. How to compare contractor bids in Chicago by scope, materials, license and contract, not by bottom line.https://akatsinc.com/blog/who-pulls-permit-owner-or-contractor-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/who-pulls-permit-owner-or-contractor-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000A licensed contractor normally pulls a Chicago permit. See what changes if yours asks you to pull it in your name, and when that request is a red flag.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-contractor-insurance-certificate/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-contractor-insurance-certificate/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000What liability insurance a Chicago contractor should carry, the minimums in Illinois law and the City's GC license classes, and how to check a certificate.https://akatsinc.com/blog/contractor-deposit-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/contractor-deposit-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Is there a limit on a Chicago contractor deposit? We found no cap or percentage in City or State sources. Instead: a contract and milestone payments.https://akatsinc.com/blog/spanish-speaking-contractor-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/spanish-speaking-contractor-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Looking for a Spanish-speaking contractor in Chicago? Speaking Spanish is not a license. What to ask about language, paperwork and permits before you hire.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-contractor-red-flags/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-contractor-red-flags/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Chicago contractor red flags: door-knockers, cash-only deals, no license or contract, and permit dodges. What to check and what the law gives you.https://akatsinc.com/blog/home-repair-contract-illinois-requirements/https://akatsinc.com/blog/home-repair-contract-illinois-requirements/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000What an Illinois home repair contract must include under the Home Repair and Remodeling Act: the $1,000 rule, rights pamphlet, insurance, remedies.https://akatsinc.com/blog/questions-to-ask-chicago-contractor/https://akatsinc.com/blog/questions-to-ask-chicago-contractor/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Questions to ask a contractor before hiring in Chicago: license, insurance, permit, contract and payment, with what a good answer sounds like.https://akatsinc.com/blog/check-chicago-contractor-license/https://akatsinc.com/blog/check-chicago-contractor-license/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Chicago contractor license lookup: which license your job needs, where to check each one, and what to match on the record before you sign.https://akatsinc.com/blog/contractor-hiring-checklist-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/contractor-hiring-checklist-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000A printable contractor hiring checklist for Chicago owners: license, insurance, estimate, contract, permit and payment checks to finish before you sign.https://akatsinc.com/blog/hiring-contractor-chicago-guide/https://akatsinc.com/blog/hiring-contractor-chicago-guide/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How to hire a general contractor in Chicago: check the license, insurance and written contract, know who pulls the permit, and spot red flags early.https://akatsinc.com/blog/buying-foreclosure-building-violations-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/buying-foreclosure-building-violations-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Buying a foreclosure with building violations in Chicago? Check City records, the title work and the exterior before you bid, and bring an attorney.https://akatsinc.com/blog/landlord-emergency-repair-contractor-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/landlord-emergency-repair-contractor-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Brick falling, a porch giving way, a roof open? Who a Chicago landlord calls first, and how the emergency permit rule works. Call 312-339-9627.https://akatsinc.com/blog/building-violation-mortgage-refinance-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/building-violation-mortgage-refinance-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Will an open building violation block a Chicago mortgage or refinance? What the City's records say, what a lien changes, and what to ask your lender.https://akatsinc.com/blog/selling-chicago-house-building-violations/https://akatsinc.com/blog/selling-chicago-house-building-violations/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Can you sell a house with building violations in Chicago? What to pull first, how liens and defaults complicate a sale, and when to call an attorney.https://akatsinc.com/blog/spalling-brick-insurance-chicago/https://akatsinc.com/blog/spalling-brick-insurance-chicago/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Is spalling brick covered by insurance? We can't read your policy, but here is what to ask your agent and what to document before any repair in Chicago.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-home-inspection-two-flat/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-home-inspection-two-flat/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000What a Chicago home inspection can leave open on a brick two-flat: masonry, lintels, flat roof, porches and violations. Questions to ask before closing.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-building-owner-lookup/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-building-owner-lookup/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How to find who owns a Chicago building: public property records, the Cook County offices to check, City records by address, and when to ask for help.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-landlord-building-laws/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-landlord-building-laws/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000The Chicago landlord laws that reach the building itself: exterior maintenance, complaints, hearings, permits and licensed contractors. Not tenant law.https://akatsinc.com/blog/repairs-occupied-building-chicago-tenants/https://akatsinc.com/blog/repairs-occupied-building-chicago-tenants/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How to plan repairs in a tenant occupied building in Chicago: access, dust, porches and exits, scaffolding, emergencies and what to put in the contract.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-two-flat-exterior-repair-budget/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-two-flat-exterior-repair-budget/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Building a Chicago two-flat exterior repair budget: the five big line items, what drives each one, and how to rank repairs so water and safety come first.https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-landlord-porch-collapse-liability/https://akatsinc.com/blog/chicago-landlord-porch-collapse-liability/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000What the 2003 Chicago porch collapse put in front of the owner, what the City's code requires of porches, and why to call an attorney before a failure.https://akatsinc.com/blog/inherited-chicago-building-violations/https://akatsinc.com/blog/inherited-chicago-building-violations/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Inherited a house with building violations in Chicago? What to find out first, what the City's cases and liens can mean, and when to call an attorney.