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.
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
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!
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Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com
Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com
Guest Name: Frank Knight
Guest Company: Mr. Porch
Guest Link: https://www.mrporch.com/company
Other Links for show notes:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/inspect/svcs/building_violationsonline.html
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