What’s been the biggest surprise you’ve had on a flip—good or bad?

[Deborah Wodell]

I feel like every project has its curveballs, and sometimes it’s the unexpected stuff that teaches us the most. Maybe it was a hidden issue that turned into a big project, or a small upgrade that made all the difference. Either way, I’d love to hear your stories!

Also, any advice for avoiding those unexpected surprises (or at least making them less painful) would be super appreciated. Let’s hear it!

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Deborah Wodell:

I bought a hoarder house and decided to renovate it myself. The lesson I learned is the lesson that most everyone shares: renovations will take longer than expected. 

I spent six months renovating. Had I hired a professional, it would have been done in a month and the extra five months of rent income would have paid for the contractor, saving me six months of nights and weekends.