The project is looking great. I too, have much experience with construction in Illinois. Codes and inspections as you know vary a great deal. After 20 years as a self employed General Contractor, I'm following my passion of fishing and water. Our new fishiding products are selling well...more than can be said of our housing market. Instead of building houses for people. now I'm building houses for fish. Lot less stress and they don't complain about the cost. You will enjoy your place that much more having been hands on throughout the process. If you need some help before I get too soft, let me know and I'll come give you guys a hand.
