Quote from @Jason Luhn:
Bottom line: if it's contractors, give them your specific expectations up front so that they will know what they are working to. If it's utilities/municipalities, just be honest since you're presumably a legitimate business, not a shady slumlord.
This- When I am doing work on a property, the expectations for code and quality are often different for rentals. Usually tighter codes. Quality is highly varied when it comes to the landlord for work done on a future rental. Slumlords will often request the absolute minimum work done to make a place viable, so the contractor in this case is often gauging expectations of: Quality, timeframe, and landlord expectations.
Since I wouldn't want to be a slumlord, be upfront and insistent on those three things regardless of whether you tell them your intentions.
Super important whenever dealing with a contractor- Set up a
draw schedule and stick to it. Don't pay too much up front or you'll likely deal with issues finishing the project.
I hate to say it, but most contractors aren't as organized and put together as investors would like. the draw schedule protects both parties from the worst of construction problems.
