Episode 73: Understanding the Cost and Maintenance of Chicago Porches with Mr. Porch

For many Chicagoans, the porch has been the focal point of countless memorable times. Since Covid, the importance of "outdoor spaces" in real estate has re-emerged as a priority for plenty of homebuyers, too. But how many investors know how to evaluate the build quality of a property with a porch? And what's the process like when wanting to add a back porch to an existing property? How do you work with the city to ensure compliance? Frank Knight, AKA Mr. Porch, has built about 3,000 porches in the Chicago area and he's here today to shed some information on this Chicago cultural phenomenon.

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Guest: Frank Knight of Mr. Porch

Sponsor: Exetor Sponsor: Appeal.tax

Link: City of Chicago - Search Building Department Records

Link: Pavlovcik Architecture Inc.

Link: Law of Success: Napoleon Hill

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Guest Questions

Guest Intro and background. 6:30

How did you become Mr. Porch? 9:30

How is lumber pricing affecting your business? 13:15

Differences between a steel and wooden porch? 14:30

How should you evaluate existing porches on new properties? 16:00

How do you know if you have a violation on your porch? 19:00

Difference between replacing or modifying? 22:25

Are you a one stop shop or do clients need to go to other places? 25:45

Timeline for new porch? 28:45

How can I maintain the porch longer? 34:15

Wrap Up Questions

What is your competitive advantage? 40:25

What is one piece of advice you'd give a new investor? 41:20

What do you do for fun? 42:00

Self development? 42:50

Network Recommendation? 43:00

How can we learn more about you? 43:45

That's our show, thank you so much for tuning in!

If you want to make the most of your investment, connect with us at https://www.gcrealtyinc.com/.

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

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