All Forum Posts by: Chris Jenkins

Welcome to Bigger Pockets!

I'm a contractor as well, just now getting into REI. This is an awesome place to learn and network.

Wish you luck.

Welcome to Bigger Pockets!

I'm just now starting out in REI as well. I suggest reading a book called ' Rich Dad Poor Dad ' during the early stages. It's free on youtube, good during rides to work. I found that it gave me a good mindset and motivation.

Good luck and keep learning.

Welcome to Bigger Pockets!

I'm in the same boat as you right now. I'm out of Hampton, VA. Have you joined up with any REI groups in the area? A lot of these groups use Meetup. If not I highly recommend it.

Also, I'm an electrical contractor, which I find is a big help with REI personally. If you need any Electrical or construction advice or work feel free to contact me.

Wish you luck.

To answer your questions.  I lean towards a fan with combo wall switches.  I would leave the pull strings in, it doesn't hurt.  I really don't think remotes for fans are a HUGE necessity, even if it is good technology, I don't think people would find it practical. Dimmers for individual fans I would not worry about either.  If the fan was on the same switching as other lighting, such as can lights, I would replace all with LED and get an LED dimmer.

One thing I want to mention concerning older house wiring.  If there is only lighting installed in older homes with no fans, upgrading the outlet is a good idea if the circuitry allows it.  I know when I troubleshoot older homes a lot of the problem is the general circuitry wiring for lighting and receptacles.  Older homes were not wired to compensate for today's power demands, so as you add fans, more TV's, Gaming Systems, Computers, MORE circuitry to existing, etc. it takes a toll on the wiring causing it to overheats which breaks down the integrity.  Usually the lighting and receptacles are on the same circuit, so adding a vibrating heater on the ceiling could cause problems down the road, or inherently drum some up.

Welcome Brandi.  This is my wife and boss, I work for her.  Haha.

Before I read it I thought it was outdoor hardwood floors, haha.  I have seen several stained concrete projects up close, but not hard wood floors.  Me personally I would not like the hardwood floor stain because there are so many other awesome stains the look better to me.

The stain in the concrete will also penetrate it deeply and last for a long time, so definitely choose something you want to age with.

I agree that you should at least call the inspector up and communicate with you about your project.

1. I'm not sure about CA local authorities having jurisdictions and their rules. In VA you don't have to update any electrical unless you upgrade the service to a larger Amperage or the new circuitry being installed.

2. Upgrading your electrical system is a very good idea, especially if you have the walls open and the budget. A newer electrical system can be a highly energy efficient upgrade and get rid of the possibly existing overloaded system with high heat stress.

3. It is up to you if you want to add the other items and repair or add to the existing system if it can handle it. I would definitely figure out some type of fire alarm system and ground fault protection in areas necessary. Also if you are either doing a like for like panel swap or upgrade, arc fault protection can drive up the price.

4. I'm not sure, depends on your square footage and demand. I'm an electrical contractor and for residential I usually charge anywhere from $4.50 - $6.25 per Square foot. I can tell you that I recently quoted a customer with a duplex rental around $11,000 for a full Upgrade and re-wire. Though the walls were not open and I was patching everything I opened up, also my electrical installs are very High quality. I've seen the low quality ones and they can be worse that existing conditions at times.  If the general contractor is already there and has an electrician he works with, it may be a good deal through both parties for you.  He also may be buddies with the inspector and selling you a pitch.

Thanks everyone. Yeah, I hope that my current business skill set will give me an edge in starting in REI, at least for the business side. I have joined my local REI Group and am going to a meeting next week to introduce myself and meet people.

My good friend and I have been contemplating on investment ideas for a while and are both getting into this at the same time.  We also work together as electricians as well and have a good network with local tradesman and contractors.  I have read a lot of controversy with flipping houses and it seems like Management and Cost of Tradesman is a good bit of it, which I do that as my current job.  Hopefully I will be able to find my direction I want to go in that will suit me, just will take time.

Hello, my name is Chris Jenkins. I live in Hampton, VA within Hampton Roads and I'm 29 years old. I am just starting this venture of becoming a Real Estate Investor and seeking knowledge and networking to build a base for my future. I am currently an Electrician by trade and own a small Electrical Contracting business. My goal is to buy my first rental property within a year and I'm saving up the proper funds to purchase a single-family residence around $30K - $50K.

I do have one property right now as my primary residence that I bought in 2008 for 174,000 and currently underwater with an FHA mortgage roughly around 30K. I will have a roomate (Family) move in with me and they are going to pay rent which will help offset my current costs. My plan is to save as much as possible and Learn before I take this Leap. This site seems like an ideal place to start.