Discovering that your property contains illegal construction—work completed without proper permits or inspections—can be alarming. Whether you've purchased a property with undocumented improvements or previously completed work without navigating Chicago's permit process, these situations create significant legal and financial risks. At Chicago Expediter Service, we specialize in transforming these challenging scenarios into fully compliant, legally recognized structures.
Illegal construction encompasses any building work performed without required city permits, including:
These unpermitted improvements not only violate Chicago building codes but can also create insurance coverage gaps, financing obstacles, and significant liability concerns.
We begin by conducting a detailed evaluation of all non-compliant construction, documenting existing conditions and identifying specific code violations that require remediation.
Our team develops a customized legalization strategy that balances code requirements with practical considerations, minimizing unnecessary demolition while ensuring safety and compliance.
Working with our partner architects, we create the necessary drawings and specifications to document the existing construction and any required modifications.
We assemble comprehensive permit applications that address the unique challenges of legalizing existing construction, including detailed explanations and compliance pathways.
Leveraging our established relationships with Chicago's Department of Buildings, we advocate for reasonable approaches to legalization that protect your investment while satisfying safety requirements.
When modifications are necessary to achieve compliance, we coordinate all required work, ensuring it meets both code requirements and quality standards.
We schedule and prepare for all required city inspections, accompanying inspectors to address questions and demonstrate compliance efforts.
Upon approval, we secure all necessary certificates and documentation proving the construction's legal status, providing you with valuable records for future property transactions.
Legalizing illegal construction eliminates the risk of stop-work orders, fines, and forced demolition that can occur when unpermitted work is discovered by city officials.
Properly permitted and inspected improvements maintain their full value, whereas illegal construction often becomes a significant liability during property transactions.
Legalized construction ensures your property improvements are fully covered by insurance, eliminating potential claim denials for unpermitted work.
Completing the legalization process provides the confidence that your property fully complies with Chicago building codes and safety standards.
Our unique position as both licensed expeditors and general contractors allows us to navigate the entire legalization process with exceptional efficiency. We understand not just the permitting requirements but also the construction standards that must be met to achieve compliance.
Our established relationships with Chicago's Department of Buildings enable us to approach illegal construction legalization collaboratively rather than adversarially, often resulting in more favorable outcomes than property owners can achieve independently.
Discovered unpermitted work during your home inspection or after closing? We help new owners address these inherited compliance issues efficiently.
Even improvements completed years or decades ago can be legalized through our process, bringing your property into full compliance regardless of when the work occurred.
If you've received a citation for illegal construction, our emergency response team can quickly intervene to prevent escalation while developing a comprehensive legalization strategy.
Illegal construction represents a significant liability that can undermine your property's value and create ongoing legal exposure. Our legalization services transform these liabilities into properly documented, code-compliant assets that enhance rather than detract from your property's worth.
Contact Chicago Expediter Service today to discuss your specific illegal construction concerns and discover how our experienced team can create a clear path to full compliance and peace of mind.