[Chevelles]

I just closed on a small condo in Bucktown on Tuesday. It's on the third story and I have interior access to the roof which is 65' x 18'. In the process of looking for a place, I saw some really sweet decks and got a few good ideas.

I basically want a wooden deck, pergola, and an outdoor kitchen with a garden variety of plants and trees. I can do most of the work but I want the deck itself to be done professionally. So, if anyone knows a good, reputable builder who specializes in decks please let me know.

Here are a few pics of the staircase and the roof.

 

[mrmikey32]

Let me know when you need an electrician....

I dont work till tuesday, but i will ask around.

 

[Chevelles]

Let me know when you need an electrician....

I dont work till tuesday, but i will ask around.

Will do and thanks. I'm back in Tampa now but will be back up there in a couple weeks. I'd like to get started before winter sets in.

 

[Blownaway]

Talk to Ray (Club411) he has a sweet as setup from what I have seen in pictures!!

 

[Chevelles]

Yes he does!!! I was just checking that thread out. He definitely did it right.

 

[Luigi2Times]

looks like a very workable space. I also like the idea of the gardens on the roof. it will help absorb some of the heat that hits the surface area and will ultimately help cool your place down in the summer if designed right.

good luck on the project!

 

[JR3]

Looks like you have plenty of room to work with.. hope all turns out good.

 

[The Judge]

has great potential! hope everything goes well!

 

[Chevelles]

Thanks you all. It will be a slow process but I'll post pics of any progress throughout.

 

[Just In Time]

cant wait to see what else u have in store!

 

[Forfend]

Have you looked into restrictions mainly weight?

 

[D-VO]

I think weight is going to be your major restriction as well. Best of luck, you've got a clean slate to do whatever you want with it!

 

[slik560]

Any good deck builder in that market should know to consult with a structural engineer first to determine the load. That looks like a pretty new roof as well, so make sure they don't penetrate that membrane!

I also assume that you've checked the declarations & bylaws of the condo association to make sure that you have the right to do this. Even though by virtue of your unit you get roof access, it's part of the overall structure and may be subject to condo association approval. Maybe...maybe not. Just 2 cents worth.

Looks like a fun project - good luck with it!!!

 

[CityConnection]

I dont know about you in Chicago but here in Toronto we like to have a step up from the outdoors due to snow and ice that builds up in front of doors. If you make a deck, your step up will probably become pretty small.

 

[Chevelles]

You guys all make very valid points. There are definitely weight restrictions but they are pretty generous. The roof is rated for 40lbs per square foot which is fairly common nowadays. Obviously, I don't want to push my luck and install a swimming pool or anything but I think what I do have in mind should be well within the limits.

Slik560, you are correct. I do have the roof rights but I still needed to get approval from the condo association. Which all of that stuff is new to me. I've always lived on acreage and never had to deal with any sort of associations or nazi neighbors. Luckily, it's a 3 unit building and both of my neighbors are super cool.

I'm still in Florida but I am headed back up there on Tuesday. So, I should be getting started very shortly.

 

[Mark C]

Hope you can do work, theres some potential there id love to see pics..

mind sharing pics of the rest of the place? Bucktown has some great condos

 

[Chevelles]

Unfortunately, I am still in Florida. The spouse of a business partner of mine passed away this weekend. I have to attend a funeral on Friday in Tampa then attend a wedding in Chicago on Saturday. If I was flying, it might not be so bad but I'm not. I have to drive!!

When I get back up there, I will definitely post some pics of the place. I can't wait to see it myself. My girl is 8 1/2+ months pregnant and is due Oct.1st. You can see her in one of the roof pics. She been furnishing it while I've been down here tcb'in!!! God knows what she's done, maybe I won't post any!!!. . . . . . lol

 

[Chevelles]

The last month has been a wild one. We had our baby girl so, progress on the condo has been slow and the rooftop even slower. The good news is I found a really good carpenter with lots of experience and some really great references. They will begin on the 27th, I'll post pics as it progresses.

Inside, we have basically everything except our couch. Cool thing is the place were I bought it gave me a loaner until it arrives. It looks hideous but it works for now. We still need lamps and the little petty stuff but overall, we are very happy with it.

Here are a few pics of the condo and one of my little princess. . .

 

[mrmikey32]

can i get some info on that wine rack?

and let me know if you need any low voltage electrical work...

 

[Chevelles]

They are from Chiasso. It's located near Clybourn and Webster. Lots of cool stuff for very reasonable prices.

vino wall wine holder - a modern, contemporary wine holder from chiasso

I'm definitely going with LED's up there. I'll let you know when I figure out which ones.