All Forum Posts by: Craig Tripp

But he’s had 15 years to get better at testing... why hasn’t he?

Not saying you’re crazy to think that, but it comes out to about $48/sqft to gut and rebuild.  I wish that were accurate pricing because I need to do some similar work to mine, but in my area that’s not close to realistic.

But, life is full of compromises, see what must be done now and what can be saved for later. I say go for it after crunching numbers and getting it into a more realistic range.   

@Scott Mac nailed it, and nothing more needs be said.

Seems a lot like home warranty company and charges... and those never really make sense to me.  I want to shop and use a handyman, electrician, plumber.... that I feel comfortable with

It’s a 400 sqft studio, that can’t be that difficult.  I would trust a reputable GC to have the right subs to build that from the ground up without architectural/engineered plans.

Building and code department will have all the minimums required for inspection process.

Bottom line: it’s all local, if you need architect/engineered plans then there will be no avoiding it

There is no clear cut winner on this issue.  After all it is a personal finance decision.

What has not been brought up:  why so cash broke?  Why not cut every extra expense for a while and do both?

Yes.  Me and my wife own warehouse space that my foundation repair company rents from us.

Make sure you have a signed lease and rent for fair market rate.

Will you be retiring or ETSing?

Have you thought about a transition to ARNG if ETSing?

Where are you from originally, do you plan on going back there?

Do you have GI bill available and plan on using it?

Do you plan on/want a W2 job after leaving AD?

Those are some fundamental questions to ask first to help narrow down your search for where to settle down, and then how to maximize that with real estate.

TX and the TX ARNG has been good to me and helped ease the transition from active duty.

You only have 1 opportunity to install the foundation right, I would wait until conditions improve and that can be done.

As a foundation repairman I am admittedly biased in my belief above.  But, I get frustrated for homeowners that find themselves in this position that sometimes is avoidable or can at least be minimized.