Question 1

What does Nailwake do?

Accepted Answer

Nailwake organizes Chicago residential permit filings so roofers and remodelers can look for projects that may fit their work. A filing is a starting point for research; it is not a request for a quote or a promise of a job.

Question 2

Where do the permit records come from?

Accepted Answer

Nailwake uses the City of Chicago Building Permits dataset only when the City’s access rules and dataset terms allow it. Nailwake does not bypass access restrictions. If permitted access cannot be confirmed or the source is unavailable, the site does not fill the gap with made-up records.

Question 3

Are the records complete and up to date?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Public records can be incomplete, delayed, corrected, or changed by the City. The filing date is the date shown in the source; it does not guarantee when Nailwake received the record. Check the original City record before acting.

Question 4

What can I see in the public sample?

Accepted Answer

The sample shows ZIP code, project type, and filing date. It leaves out street addresses and permit numbers. It displays real eligible filings only when the source is available for use.

Question 5

Does a permit mean the owner is looking for a contractor?

Accepted Answer

No. A permit filing does not mean the property owner is seeking bids, has chosen a project, or wants to be contacted. Review the original record and decide whether it is relevant to your business.

Question 6

Who is responsible for contacting people?

Accepted Answer

Each contractor is responsible for following the source terms and the laws that apply to their outreach, including consent, do-not-call, identification, and opt-out requirements. Public permit information is not consent to call, text, or email anyone.