1st major house rehab - 2 family

[Rene Bee]

Hi Everyone,

I'm inheriting a 2 family home that has been recently gutted. The house will need new interior everything - plumbing, electrical, kitchen, bathroom, walls, etc.  It is a big project and I am nervous as I have never done a gut renovation! I need to prepare for this project by getting informed.  Is there a book I can read or a podcast I can listen to that breaks down the steps for a rehab - starting with how to pick a contractor, how to prepare a SOW, what are the steps in the rehab (ie first you fix the roof, foundation , windows and exterior doors and then plumbing, etc.) , what work can be done at the same time (ie plumbing and electrical) etc.   When would I need to secure items for installation like the kitchen cabinets and toilets, etc.   I basically want to understand the process and prepare and make sure I hire the right team to help me.  Oh the house is out of state - which adds another level of stress!  

Thanks in advance!

[Chris Seveney]

Quote from @Rene Bee:

Hi Everyone,

I'm inheriting a 2 family home that has been recently gutted. The house will need new interior everything - plumbing, electrical, kitchen, bathroom, walls, etc.  It is a big project and I am nervous as I have never done a gut renovation! I need to prepare for this project by getting informed.  Is there a book I can read or a podcast I can listen to that breaks down the steps for a rehab - starting with how to pick a contractor, how to prepare a SOW, what are the steps in the rehab (ie first you fix the roof, foundation , windows and exterior doors and then plumbing, etc.) , what work can be done at the same time (ie plumbing and electrical) etc.   When would I need to secure items for installation like the kitchen cabinets and toilets, etc.   I basically want to understand the process and prepare and make sure I hire the right team to help me.  Oh the house is out of state - which adds another level of stress!  

Thanks in advance!

 If you are out of state and trying to do a major rehab, unless you are in construction for your full time job then my recommendation is one of the following:

1. Do not do it. It will take 3x longer and cost 2x more and you will have horrible quality. 

2. Hire someone professionally locally to work for you and oversee manage the project (a construction manager).

Some examples I can provide having worked in the construction industry is - soda bottles filled with urine in the walls, food thrown in the walls, throwing coffee down duct risers, sheetrocked over outlets providing fire hazard... Just to name a few.