Rehabbing flip with "Stay at home" order in Minnesota

[Gus Muller]

Hello BP community! I have a flip going and am wondering what everyone's thoughts are for continuing work at it. We have been put on a "Stay at home" order here in Minnesota from our governor. 

We are 3 weeks in, the property is vacant, and 70% done. Tasks left are cabinet install, countertops install, final electrical and plumbing, and cleaning/prepping for sale.

I have scheduled subcontractors over the last 3 weeks on different days to minimize contact between crews, and building contractors are on the list for services exempt from the order. I do not have contact with the neighbors, and shouldn't have to make any trips to the hardware stores. If I need supplies, I could order them and have delivered.

I do want to get the project done and on market, and I really don't think that life will magically go back to normal after this 2 week order. I personally think we are being mislead and the government will continue to ask people to stay home for 2 week increments to avoid a larger panic. We of course have to consider holding costs if we stop work, so I am trying to weigh a full stop on the job or continuing work cautiously with no contact between workers.

Let me know your thoughts!!!

[Keith Linne]

@Gus Muller

I work full-time as a GC in the Twin Cities, and we spent last Thursday/Friday discussing this same topic with our active clients, upcoming clients, employees, and crews. 
Ultimately, we decided all active projects should proceed as “normally” as possible (while following CDC guidelines to minimize risk of contraction/spread of the virus). This allows us to keep on top of payroll and sub-contractor payments, while also ensuring projects don’t drag on indefinitely. We’re delaying upcoming project starts until late April, mainly so we can get through the first two weeks of lock down and then reassess how things are going.

I think you are safe to continue work, and that approach will help minimize economic down side for you (especially keeping in mind the longer you hold a flip in this environment, the more likely the real estate market is to change). In addition, it sounds like you aren’t taking the shelter in place order lightly, and are implementing all of the proper changes to minimize health risks for all involved. 
I say full-speed ahead, while adhering to all new guidelines and assessing any changes to the working environment on a daily basis. Good luck with the remainder of the project!