All Forum Posts by: Alex Smith

Hey folks! I'm wondering if for my first property, if I should have a professional Project Estimator/Construction Analyst do my Scope of Work for me, and then use that to shop it out to different contractors. I'll still do my own scope of work, but I'll just compare it to a professional version. What do you all think?

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bump

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I really don't plan to do any DIY. Maybe at most I might lay down some clickboard in the living room and dining room, as well as paint them, but I'm not doing any demo because I'd been advised to be careful where I'm knocking! lol

You make a point about time spent @Andrew K. Especially since this is my first deal, I really am thinking about how dirty I want to get with this? I will say, that I will have to learn all this stuff sooner or later, and it'a about the marathon and not the sprint; so we shall see. Thank you my friend!

Originally posted by @Andrew K.:

@Alex Smith you’ll get replies from people on either side of this argument. However, I think you should take a close look at the opportunity costs of your options. Is your time best served swinging hammers? Or looking for and analyzing the next deal?

I used a blended approach on my last property. Tackled the DIY projects I was comfortable with and hired out the rest to a GC. Working on the place myself also gave me the additional benefit knowing the neighborhood well, meeting the neighbors, mailman, etc.

Work on what you can, hire out the rest with the intent of cash flowing the place as soon as you can.

Best of luck.

-Andrew

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Hi Folks!

I have a two unit duplex opportunity, and have painstakingly put together the numbers and contractor bids for everything that needs to be rehabbed. I have all of the subs that I would need do the project. *I will be living in one of the units and can afford the mortgage on my own*.

My question is, do I really need a General Contractor to run the project in this scenario? I feel like I'd be wasting 10%-%15 of my budget on GC fees, when I'm not exactly on a rush time schedule. Since I will be living in one of the units, I can take my time.

However, as a newbie, I realize that there is a lot I don't know, so, I'm asking my Biggerpockets family! Should I skip the General Contractor this time around, or should I get one, especially since this is my first rental? What say ye? :-)

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Thank you everyone!

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Originally posted by @Aaron Poling:

This would really depend on the particular house and its condition. In general I would plan one to two hours each for electrician and plumber to do a general systems check. They may have a minimum amount of hours thought, so check before you schedule. Good Luck, Aaron

Thank you very much!

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Hello,

How long does it take *in hours* for an Electrician to do a top to bottom check of a property to take note of what does and does not need fixing?

I have the same question for a Plumber. How long does it take *in hours* for the Plumber to do a top to bottom check of the plumbing system?

I'm trying to figure out how much it will take to pay them. Thanks.

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Originally posted by @John Pearson:

if power has been off for year or longer, power company may require a thorough

inspection by an electrical contractor before restoring power

It's been about 6 months

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Originally posted by @Matthew Paul:

Yes and no . They can do a visual of the box and look around the house . A generator can be hooked up to do futher testing

Thank you very much!!!

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I would like an electrician to do a walk-through through this house that I am buying, and to please tell me if anything is wrong or needs to be repaired. Problem is, I have not closed on the house yet, and the power is off. Does the power need to be on for the electrician to know if something is wrong?

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All Forum Posts by: Alex Smith

Alex Smith has started 9 posts and replied 26 times.

Post: Do my own Scope of Work, or have someone else do it?

Post: Should I use a General Contractor for my first Rental?

Post: Should I use a General Contractor for my first Rental?

Post: Should I use a General Contractor for my first Rental?

Post: Electrical Question Newb

Post: Electrician and Plumber Walkthrough Time

Post: Electrician and Plumber Walkthrough Time

Post: Electrical Question Newb

Post: Electrical Question Newb

Post: Electrical Question Newb