All Forum Posts by: Donald Howaniec

It depends on how much you have to remove. A small amount ( a relative term) should be removed to bare wood. Larger amounts (another relative term) you should scrape and sand (using proper safety measures of course) all loose paint before applying new paint. I have removed old trim and put up new so I wouldn't have to deal with it in the future.

I installed a glued laminate in my previous home approx 15 years ago. It held up extremely well to 7 kids, a dog, cats. It still looked like new when we moved. My guess is that is was too good of a product. This was installed in the kitchen and the main entry to the home. The click together laminates do not hold up very well in those applications. There is a vinyl plank made by Cortec that is supposed to be waterproof.

How to books are important but more critical are books that teach you how to think. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a must or a book I read recently Extreme Ownership will work on you.

Fix it yourself. Sounds like you can use some hands on experience. It will also give you an opportunity to see how the tenants are doing.

She is behind on her rent. The quickest remedy is a 5 day notice(IL). Get it over with. Sure it's painful but it only gets worse the longer you wait.

What about the switch? They do make a GFI/switch combo. The box is there the power is there, you may have to get a neutral wire and your done.

I have not purchased material but I have read Wendy Patton's book. Her course, I believe is reasonably priced. She has had some positive mentions in BP podcasts.

I would use the fact that they are section 8 tenants as leverage against them. Give them notice that you are terminating lease as they are not taking proper care and send a copy of notice to section 8. They could loose their voucher and might be quick in settling. Please, no cash for keys. You have the leverage.

Why give a 30 day notice and have to wait 30 days to file eviction. If they are behind on rent give them a 5 day notice and be done with it. In Illinois if they have violated lease I can give them a 10 day notice. Every day costs you money.

Take note of YTD on check stub. An applicant may say they have been at s job for three years and only have 2 months worth of income and it is mid August. It is a good idea at this time of year to see a W-2. Very revealing.