The Details Are Killing Me!

[Ron Hollingsworth]

So I'm now entrenched in my 5 full on rehab and I've noticed that I am running into the same problem on them all.  I am having issues with, I guess remembering is the best way to describe it, all of the details that need to be done in a flip.  For instance, today, walking the project I noticed that we didn't address the washer values.  I remember seeing them capped during my first walk through.  Now we are past the drywall stage heading into shower and tile work and I have to go back and deal with something that I should have dealt with earlier.  

I wish I had some list or workflow (granted one that can be manipulated due to differences in properties) that would include all of these possible items that need to be addressed or a better system in handling all of the different inflection points of a rehab.  Anyone have an out of the box system they are using for project management?

[Andrew Syrios]

I have a document for putting together scopes of work I could share although it's not quite that detailed. Whenever you miss something you can always add it to the sheet to make sure that never happens again, but there will always be things like that. It's just part of the process

[Jacob Sherman]

i would get full quotes from every contractor and do a checklist after every stage . every project is different 

[Marc Winter]

In the 30+ rehabs I've done, I learned to start with the finished product in mind.  I'd prepare drawings showing dimensions, locate outlets for example electric, water, and gas) drawn in, etc.  Same for windows, doors, relocated walls, and so on.  

BTW, they do not have to be done by an architect at this stage--your rough sketch should suffice.

I made copies of the drawings and highlighted each system.  Example:  if a ceiling light needed to be moved and/or installed, I'd highlight where it should go (with dimensions noted) and give that to the electrician.  

It's best to go over each set of drawings while on-site with each contractor.  Listen to what they suggest, and make sure to keep an open dialogue with them to make sure you are both on that same page.  If it's a long-distance rehab, Facetime it.

Do this often enough and it will limit (not 100% eliminate) the chances of missing something.  That's just the nature of the beast.

Good luck.  Keep investing and moving forward!

[Patrick O'Sullivan]

This isn't exactly what you are looking for but one tool that we use that helps with ensuring things are done the way we want them, not just that a checkbox gets checked is using video in our walk thrus that can be shared. We use CompanyCam for this, that might be something that will help you catch things that are missing as well as making sure things are done correctly, whether you are there personally or reviewing remotely.

[Peter Mckernan]

Quote from @Ron Hollingsworth:

So I'm now entrenched in my 5 full on rehab and I've noticed that I am running into the same problem on them all.  I am having issues with, I guess remembering is the best way to describe it, all of the details that need to be done in a flip.  For instance, today, walking the project I noticed that we didn't address the washer values.  I remember seeing them capped during my first walk through.  Now we are past the drywall stage heading into shower and tile work and I have to go back and deal with something that I should have dealt with earlier.  

I wish I had some list or workflow (granted one that can be manipulated due to differences in properties) that would include all of these possible items that need to be addressed or a better system in handling all of the different inflection points of a rehab.  Anyone have an out of the box system they are using for project management?

 You can do a walk flow, but sounds like you need a quality control person in there making sure there is nothing missed (or a project manager).