Looking 4 inspectors/property mgr/input on closing 1st duplex!

[Andrea E.]

Hi there!

So the sellers accepted my offer!! This is my first home, and first multi unit property!!! 

The short of it is that I am looking for inspectors for mold and sewer pipes for sure, and am contemplating adding in asbestos, lead and an energy audit. The home was built in 1958 and it is very important to me to (slowly) renovate this place to be eco-friendly and energy efficient before I'm done with it. I am also interested in looking into a property manager, or getting your input as to whether that is necessary. I am looking to close ASAP, so if you know inspectors who can come out tomorrow (yes, Memorial day), I would love you forever. I'll already be there in the morning with the home/termite inspector. 

If you can offer up referrals based on the above info, post below. If you want more info before posting, keep reading.

It is a duplex in 70118 (Leonidas), and has a converted shed in the back with a kitchen and bath. However, the shed has been used as a tool shed for awhile, so it will need a full renovation. The two main units of the house look great, but just dated enough that I have a lot of potential in increasing the value with minor updates. The owner side is a 3/1 with w/d and the rental side is a 2/1. It will need some subfloor repair in a couple of areas, and the enclosed porch in the back of the rental side does not have a permit. I'll be working to get one for it. 

Any advice as I move forward? They accepted the offer today, so I'm trying to stay on top of everything. If I am living in the owner side, is a property manager necessary? 

Thanks so much!

[Braden Smith]

Hi @Andrea E.. Congrats on getting the property under contract! Im in NOLA also. I am both an investor and a realtor. Are you buying this property off market, or is it a listed property?

Do you have a realtor helping you? If so, they should be handling most of this for you.

I recommend getting the following inspections done:

1. General home inspection

These companies are very thorough:  

Axelrad & Associates, Keypoint, Gurtler Bros (they do structural inspection also), Home Check

2. Termite Inspection

Many home inspection companies will include a termite inspection, but if not using Terminix is fine. I use H & M Pest Control.

3.  Video pipe inspection

For this I use Tunnel Vision.

If anything is found in those three that warrant further investigation, the inspector will let you know. The home inspector will be on the lookout for any signs of mold. They will let you know if any components have asbestos. If the home was built before 1978, then it's likely it will have at least some lead based paint. When it comes to asbestos and lead based paint it is fine, until you start messing with it.

As far as an energy audit goes, I can tell you that a house in the Leonidas area built in 1958 is likely to have little insulation, if any. What style of house is it?

A property manager isn't needed for just one unit in my opinion. They typically take about 10% for their services.

Why do you say it will need some subfloor repair? I assume there is some soft spots and/or unevenness... If so, it is likely that there is termite damage. Pretty much every house in New Orleans has at least some termite damage. I have a rehab going on in the neighborhood and the house has a massive amount of termite damage. We had to replace several sections of the sill, and rebuild the entire back wall of the house. 

What do you mean by, "the enclosed porch in the back of the rental side does not have a permit"? A permit for what?