Replacing Chimney with Bathroom: Seeking Contractor Referrals and Tips on Appraisals

[Gonzalo Ambriz]

Hey BP community,

I recently purchased a SFR property in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina where I plan to replace the first-floor chimney with a bathroom (toilet, sink, vanity, stand-up shower). The new bathroom will be constructed within the existing structure, and while electrical wiring might be needed, plumbing installation is definite. The chimney's exterior, made of metal tubing, will remain intact.

I plan to hire contractors for the entire project. As a newcomer to real estate investing, I'm unsure which documents, such as the title or appraisal, need updating to reflect the addition of a bathroom. This update is crucial to ensure lenders recognize the increased value of my property, especially since I have equity in the home and am looking to refinance at an opportune time.

Is it necessary to hire a licensed general contractor for this type of project? I’ve had difficulty finding licensed contractors and discovered that not all listed on Angi's are licensed. If anyone has referrals or knows of reliable channels (like Google or specific websites) for finding licensed contractors in the High Point/Jamestown/Greensboro area, I would really appreciate your input.

Also, any helpful tips and experiences related to construction, dealing with appraisals, titles, and refinancing would be incredibly valuable. I’d love to hear about considerations both before and after construction that might impact the process.

Thank you all,

Gonzalo