All Forum Posts by: Dorothy Ma

Brian - welcome! Maybe we'll see you at the meetup on Monday.

What kind of projects are you inquiring about? I'm an architect that has worked in large and new institutional projects and we almost always provide as-builts.  For my fix and flip projects I do not provide them.  For me new residential development projects I provide them and I use Revit for all my drawings.

Thanks everyone!

I currently have a spreadsheet in excel I update.  RSmeans and past estimates are what I'm using but I guess I was looking for a shortcut since pricing is so hard to keep up with.

Bill,

I also have someone who is great. Let me know if you'd like his contact.

Any contractors or builders out there have a recommendation for a good construction cost estimating software that works well with smaller new build projects? <2 million construction cost?

Ideally I would like something that has updated real-time pricing and can be regional (I'm in the Denver area).

This may be wishful thinking on my part to try to avoid putting together a cost estimate with real time bids...it's pricing for Schematic or Design Development so it doesn't have to to 100% accurate.

Thanks in advance!

Jeff, do you use Rentec for keeping track of rental properties or for fix and flips?

I have both rental properties and fix and flips, as well as new construction development projects so I'm not sure if there is a program out there that is best for all three.  I'm not too worried about my rentals, but I would really like something for bookkeeping for the fix and flip and development projects.  Thanks!

Kelly, modular construction can be ideal in some situations. However, in Denver I've found the cost of stick frame often is less or similar to modular construction, so the savings doesn't make sense.  What is beneficial with modular is time-savings.  You can potentially have your building built in a factory and shipped and assembled in a few days.

In terms of your duplex situation, I think it depends on the neighborhood and also if you're looking to rent both or owner-occupy one side or sell.  It also depends on the year the home is built, the condition it is in, etc to assess whether doing a pop top makes sense.

Agree with Matt. I am an architect in Denver and ADUs are allowed in certain zoned properties.  You can go on Denver's website and type in your address to find out what you're zoned for.  You can then refer to the Denver zoning code for what defines ADUs. You'll need drawings in order to get a building permit.  If you don't know any contractors, I would suggest asking around for recommendations.  It's really hard to get an idea of cost without someone actually going out to bid the job (not knowing the size, location, grading for the lot, whether you need to add curb cuts to enter this new garage from the street or if it's from the alley, routing utilities, etc).  I would recommend getting at least 2-3 bids.

As Greg mentioned, it really depends on your city's jurisdiction.  You can reference the International Building Code but each city has their own takes to the code.  Commercial can definitely get strict with fire and safety and ADA.  It also depends on the amount of renovation you plan on doing, if you start to touch this and that, the more you "touch", the more likely you are to upgrade to meet current code which would require a sprinkler system and elevators.  

Also, what occupancy is this?  The use for the building and the occupant load also plays a part in the determining factor.  Your architect should be able to provide all this information in the code analysis and present a case to the city as to whether or not those elements are needed.

Anyone have a good accounting program/software/system they use for investors (development projects and fix and flip renovation projects) that's reasonably priced?  Since I really don't need to write invoices, i need something that helps with easy bookkeeping and expenses tracking.  Preferably a program that allows you to connect to bank accounts and credit cards and download transactions easily, and preferably something that can connect multiple accounts for multiple entities.

I know Quickbooks online has this feature but it seems a little pricey.  I like Mint.com for personal use, but would like something similar but more sophisticated for different business entities.  What do people use other there?

Thanks in advance!

Dorothy