All Forum Posts by: Nate Hawkins

@Tim Loughrist thanks for this post I have a similar couple properties near me and it is helpful to see something actually written and responded by @Michaela G. with some extremely good advice. I hope you get it. The only thing I would add is, since you have looked at it for years don't let that cloud your judgment when an offer is drafted it sounds like you are a bit attached already.

@Lennie Holland Im glad to hear your inspectors are like ours! Never try anything that is a word for people expecting to fail. It DOES work. especially the part where you do something for them.

Over 6,000 posts and A LOT of podcasts later people still do not know how to find a GREAT contractors.

Raise your hand if you want one!

There is no need for a lengthy post short and sweet makes it happen.

I am a contractor and I rely heavy on reputation and referrals so I know this technique works everytime, in every market, everywhere!

the Home depot idea is fine except A+ Contractors don't shop at the box store for their parts they might pay a little more going to a specialty store but its a one stop shop for quality products everytime with people educated to help. So before you set out to the Depot or Lowes at 6AM remember those people are the "Do-it-yourselfers" which doesn't make them bad it just makes your chances of finding Pro's lower.

Step one: locate your states building department EX: Idaho

http://dbs.idaho.gov

Step two: Locate the building department

~you will want the building department regardless of if it is Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, or GC

Step three: Locate the list of inspectors

Step four: CALL THE INSPECTOR

An inspector see's himself or herself as a super-hero they love to be asked questions and to be seen as a professional with ALL the answers. Ask them about a contractor you want to use, ask them if they have heard of them, ask if you know of any A+ contractors, ask if they like long walks on the beach, ask, ask, ask. They love to chat and be seen as the hero. This is not a time to be shy. Thank them!!! Ask if you can buy them lunch sometime this will help you next week when your getting an inspection!

Getting on the right side of the inspectors is like making friends with the kid at school who sells candy bars...if you hang out long enough you might get a freebee.

@Terri Ward

Welcome to Disneyland for adults AKA Bigger Pockets. I'm not going to wish you luck because you won't need it you just need this site, podcasts, these wonderful people, and The 10X Rule. This community is fabulous for newbies and seasoned investors.

Jonathan Wildy I'm an Electrical contractor in Idaho, I just want to give a little advice on what you are asking for. Make sure you understand the difference between price and cost when you hire anyone in construction. Price is what you pay for one time. It may be a lot or a little. Cost is measured by a long term timeframe if you get something cheap it may COST more money to fix it. I am not a cheap electrician by any means but I do quality work that lasts. Keep long term in mind when hiring.

Perry Ivy I am electrical contractor, your options for moving the panel in a cost effective way are limited. A good electrician will NOT need to "open walls" to move your panel to the other room. Code states closets are off limits for a panel do it's good to move it. Secondly why on earth are you covering it? Panels are beautiful I wish they made clear covers!

1200sqf, 3 bedrooms? Single story? Basement? I am an electrical contractor in Idaho we are required one in each bedroom, one in the hallway, one in the living room. Each floor requires ONE co2. All must be connected with 12/3 or 14/3 NMB cable this gives you the interconnection. NEC 2011 requires all smoke detectors to be protected by arc faults -- this doesn't mean much since most of the house needs these anyhow. Someone posted $125/smoke this is accurate. 900 is slightly high but not outrageous.

Fans are cheap mold is expensive!

Welcome to the community!

I think I wrote this post a dozen times and deleted it. I'm not sure how to ask it. In 2013 I lost my step mother(mom) to cancer she left behind many assets and a bit of money for my family and I. Earlier in 2013 I attended FPU Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey and learned a lot about not being debt. So I purchased a house with cash in 2014. Now I wonder if I made a mistake. Should I have a mortgage and used that money for properties? Who is right Dave or Robert? I've read many books on leveraging money (rich dad) but I can't seem to figure out which one is correct. What is the best way to use that equity if I should leverage?