All Forum Posts by: Brian Kraft

That was interesting. I called the city to get permit pricing info to do an egress window. The woman asked me what the valuation is. I told her, "well, the house is under contract @ 'two eighty.'" To my surprise, she asked, "$280 dollars?" Me, "Um, no... $280,000!" 

Well, that led to more confusion, because she then said it would cost $10,000 for the permit. WHAT!? We went round and round, "let me make sure I understand-- to convert one window to egress will cost me $10,000 for the permitting process???" She kept saying that's right. FINALLY, I discovered she was asking the valuation of the labor and materials for the window...hahaha... which brought it down to $169/per window. LOL.

Take home point: don't send the city $10,000 for a small permit until you make sure you've asked a few follow up questions first. ;-)

I won't be having the work done for another couple months, assuming we get to closing. But, I did hear back from Mark Barrows extremely promptly. He sent a couple example photos and said:

"Per window; includes tearing into apron (but not replacing)- $1500 without the ladder & grate, $1650 with ladder and grate. $400 to haul excess dirt. Prices include finishing outside only and doesn’t include inside finish or landscape or permit."

Thank you, gents. I've left word with both of them. I'll let you know what happens. Also taking other recommendations, if anyone cares to share. Thx!

Hi. I'm looking to get a couple quotes to convert a few basement windows to egress windows to a property in Colorado. Denver / Aurora area more specifically. If you have some good contacts please let me know-- here or PM. Thanks!

The third party notification with Xcel only informs all authorized people on the account that a shut off is impending. I think there's an additional level of authorization that can be granted, but again that requires the main account holder to make that authorization, but it would allow for you to have control over the account. 

My lease does have a specific clause about not growing pot.

Anyway, I contacted the tenant's mom (who is also on the lease) and explained that I received the water statements and noticed a big increase and feared there may be a leak, but asked for any info I may need to know about before getting a plumber there to investigate an unseen leak. She responded and said they had also been wondering and had asked their son. He said there was some kind of leak with the toilet and something about a hose being left on while he was at work one day. His dad, who is a contractor, came and fixed the toilet (before I even contacted them). The tenant assured his folks that the bill should be back down for the next bill. So, I will wait and see. Hopefully it's just that.

Redoing a bathroom floor in a rental. Price difference isn't huge when considering labor and materials--especially for a relatively small space. But, what are the pros and cons when comparing the two?

I've used Ultra Allure for faux-wood flooring in bedrooms, etc and love its durability. I don't think they offer (maybe I'm wrong) a faux-tile in "ultra," so I'm looking at Allure 12x36" planks (Sedona style). But I'm also looking at 12x12" porcelain tiles. I want something that will last a while in a bathroom, but at the same time--I want a high quality look and feel. I'm suspecting the porcelain will eek out ahead of vinyl in that department, but I've not personally compared them in a bathroom. Thoughts?

Thanks. If it is a leak, did you have to just suck it up and pay the full amount? Or did they make some kind of an accommodation?

I'll also note-- I don't currently have access to the Xcel electric bill. They seem to be a little more protective of the account holder's privacy. Although, I think I'll call them tomorrow to see if I can view those bills. That would be telling.

I should also mention-- his mom and dad actually co-signed the lease. They live in NM and most of the times I communicate well with his mom via email--in case that may be a route to a solution.  

Howdy. I've got a young guy renting a house of mine in the city of Denver/Unincorporated Adams County. He pays the water bill, but I have it set up through Denver Water to receive  copy of the bill, just so I can keep an eye on the bills. Last month, all of a sudden the bill which is generally in the $10 to $30 range, jumped up to $60 (which he paid). I was curious about the increase though. Now the latest bill arrives and the current charges are $240. WHAT!?!? For water. For a month. Now, either there's a crazy leak that I'm/he's unaware of or all that water is being used for something very specific--like a crap-ton of plants.

If he's got some big marijuana operation going, my big concern is fire (well, and apparently water) damage concerns. Not to mention, the lease specifically prohibits growing of marijuana on the premises. I have not entered the property since he's moved in a few months ago, so I have don't know for sure what's going on.

So, what would your approach be?

I've used Smartmove before @$30/application. Today if I have the "landlord"option check, it says $70 to get a full report and not $30. When I check "Renter," which I plan to do, any info goes away, so I don't really know what the renter is paying. I've been telling all applicants it's $30, because that's what it's been. Is it now $70? BTW--I am using the service through BP. Thx!