All Forum Posts by: Alyse Oz

Hi James,

How did the basement work out?  I have a 3 family RM-1 with a crazy shed/ kitchen attached to the home.  Even though I’m getting tons of advice to knock it down, Id like to keep it (but not as a kitchen).  Is it grandfathered in?  Will I have trouble with L&I?  I don’t think it was part of the original house.... it was probably added Several decades ago.

Is there such a job as a construction consultant?  I am trying to rehab a house through subcontractors, and I think they are trying to take advantage of me.  The estimates are all very vague and every time I try to get specific information on what is to be done, i get the impression that they feel I am wasting their time....it's like pulling teeth.  It's a challenge to even compare the estimates I get because they are all so different and I want to compare apples to apples.

I'd like to hire a third party (neutral party) to come in and give me a workflow punchlist type thing...with the order things need to be done and approximate fair price.  I can pay them for the day I suppose, to look at the property, give me some advice, and a punchlist type thing....maybe a retired contractor who has no vested interest.  I really feel like I'm being taken advantage of by contractors!  

I’m also facing the same decision ... I have a C- class multi family home in Philadelphia  .... previous owner had trouble with tenants never paying the gas bill ... so liens were placed on home.... he said I should def. go electric (baseboard) and keep gas for cooking... but philly gets sooooo cold!

How much does an architecture plan cost anyway?  Where can you find someone to draw up plans for a good price?  

I am currently working with a contractor who isn’t very experienced with contracts/paperwork.  He does good work though (referral and I actually saw the work).  His estimate is very general.  I’d like a more specific ‘scope of work’ and detailed stage by stage punchlist type document so we can be on the same page.  I will get an outside plumber/electrician.  I just need help with a timeline project and project management.  It’s close to a gut rehab.  I’d go with a seasoned contractor, but they are crazy expensive.  This guy does the work well but doesn’t have the project management skills.  Does anyone know where I can get a sample of this?  I can customize it without reinventing the wheel.

I’m still looking for a good GC.  Any luck out there ?

Yes it is already zoned as an RM-1

I couldn’t find the original plans of the house though.... it looks like some crazy extensions have been made and I’m not sure they are ‘official’.  I’m afraid to get the city involved because I heard they are slow and very bureaucratic.  

I am planning on investing more in both.  I will buy fix and rent out.  I have heard violation/permit/ inspection nightmare stories from both.  It seems like the license and permit office in Wilmington is a bit better (less croweded and just easier and friendlier) ofcourse it is a much smaller city.  I'm scared of even entering L&I Permit Services-  MSB Concourse in Philadelphia.

I looked online for information on a property: https://li.phila.gov and on the atlas system

While I do get a lot of information, I can't see the original blueprint of the home or any other plans.  Do I physically need to go to "L&I Permit Services in the MSB Concourse" to get this information and what do I need in order to get this information?  

Also, how could you insure a place like that.  It wouldn't be normal homeowners insurance....but maybe the banks would require expensive contractors etc.?