All Forum Posts by: Laureen Youngblood

What a great discussion.  Thank you @Account Closed  There are some great ideas here.  Take what works for you, do your due diligence on any contractor you might want to work with and make sure you have a legal contract before the work starts with a very, very clear scope of work - do NOT sign a contract that is vague and does not DETAIL the exact work that will be completed, or you could find yourself paying a lot for "that is not included" work.

@Account Closed You are right about that.  The challenge with Angie's list and HomeAdvisor is that contractors pay to be on there.  They pay for the advertising and the solicitation of reviews.

You might also check out my blog posts:

Maybe the powers that be will start such a section right here in our community.  Try searching thru the forums and you might find the answers you seek.  I have no doubt that the question has been asked about your area already... at least once.

I would recommend starting with your state's contractor licensing board.  That is the best place to get a true picture of disputes, current licensing and insurance, longevity and whether or not they keep changing licenses (multiple licences for the same person over the course of a few years can indicate less than desirable business practices).

I'm disappointed.  Painting all contractors ( or even most of them) with a broad brush of con men is like saying all RE Investors are just out to be slum lords and only care about the money and Flippers are selling you junk houses with paint jobs.  

It is smart to be careful, check licensing, insurance, bonds and references.  That is just smart business.  I am a woman in construction for most of my life now and I still get the "good 'ol boy" syndrome from time to time.  It is wise for you to use your military experience with this type of attitude.  The good news is if you are talking to a contractor like that ... uh, DON'T use them!  They have to be willing to respect you so that you can respect them. 

@Account Closed This will decrease as you work with them over time and multiple jobs and become more flexible as you both build a relationship of trust.  Don't pay them half up front( typical 10-30% ) and hold 10-20% until job completion, depending on the total cost of the project.  % complete payments as you go is a great pay schedule.

Start with a good foundation of general knowledge.  Read the "How to Estimate Rehab" book by Jay Scott.  It will give you a basis of language that will indicate to a contractor that you have a general idea of what you are getting into and will allow you to create a mutually understood "scope of work".  Make sure any contract you have is detailed.  I do mean DETAILED.  Line item, by line item what they are planning on doing.  If they are not willing to create a detailed scope of work to include in their contract, then it is time to move on.  Check out my blog post.  "Contractors - The Final Frontier!" and "Characteristics of a Good Contractor"

@Jeff Dippel

Check out Jay Scott's book on "The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs".  I have been in construction and doing remodels for 13 years and I read it 2 years ago.  It is a great source of information for terminology and scope of work.

Hi Jordan,

I don't know much about paint - Here in Oregon we have companies that do recycled paint.  They take left overs and mix cans together for some basic neutrals.  These are your second hand construction supply places.

Flooring - your most inexpensive flooring is going to be builders line vinyl (which you should be able to find at any local flooring store).  Same goes for carpet - rental grade berber or cut pile is the least expensive.  However, if you are looking for the lease expensive over time then go with an LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile or plank)  it will hold up to rental abuse and not have to be replaced every 5 years.

You get what you pay for.

Hi David,

I use a lazer measure tool, but don't know of any that connect to estimating software.  For that you need to talk to a company that does insurance restoration.  They will have tools that connect to their Xactimate estimating software.  My guess it that it is pretty cost prohibitive.

Good luck

Tips for finding and vetting a good structural engineer.  My suggestion would be to ask your trustworthy contractor.  You want an engineer that has experience with your area and has at least a few years experience as an engineer.  Hills can be tricky.  If you have contractors that are doing work in your area (specifically the Hollywood Hills)  call them and ask who they use as an engineer.

Laureen

Welcome @Matthew P. I am a local Investor in Eugene. You should come meet us at our Monthly REIA on the second Tuesday of the month.