All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

@KJ D'Costa  I would not work for anyone that would set up cameras to watch me.  If you hire a truly professional contractor, no 'babysitting' is required... but of course, they cost more.  

@Kevin McDonald  Perhaps you would do well to ponder why your attitude towards your customers (tenants) is so hostile (e.g. calling their belongs "crap", getting all worked up about their hanging things on the walls)?   I would view their hanging pictures as a good sign...as a sign that they see it as their 'home'...and are settling in for the long term.   That would be good, right?   

A rental usually needs to be repainted after a turnover anyway and it is just the cost of doing business. In my experience, tenants respond back to the way they are treated.  Be kind and generous to them and they'll want to stay. 

@Daniel Murphy Is it something I can help you with?  Feel free to contact me. 

@Colton S. You would need to pull permits for this work and unless this is a house you plan to live in for at least 12 months after the work is done, you will not legally be allowed to do the plumbing, electrical or mechanical work yourself. You would be required to hire licensed professionals in those trades.  If the project cost exceeds $30K, you are required to hire a GC. 

If the proposed bathroom is directly above the existing one, it simplifies things greatly.  Another thing to consider is if the house is on city sewer or has a septic tank. 

@Chris Sackinger  Why not simply ask him when he expects to finish?  You didn't say what the scope of work is but, unless it's purely cosmetic, two months isn't so long to rehab a house.  If at all possible, I'd try to make it work out with your current contractor.  It can be complicated and messy to switch horses midstream. 

@Lenzy Ruffin  Permits are supposed to be pulled  and posted onsite before any work begins.  Your contractor should know this.  Why doesn't he?!  

@Daniel Murphy  Every situation is different; it's pointless and very dangerous to use "ballpark" figures.  Much depends on the age and condition of the house.  It's really best that you get actual contractor estimates and go from there. 

@Donna Ragan  

Option 1 really makes little sense for a contractor as he can make more money and incur less risk by simply doing what he is in business to do.

Option 2 is problematic in that you would essentially be acting as the General Contractor for the project, yet it may not be legal for you to do so.  I assume you intend to pull building permits for the work.  Most states have laws prohibiting property owners from acting as their own GC, unless they intend to occupy the house themselves for a period of time (typically 1 year) upon the completion of the work.  You may want to inquire with your local building department regarding this.

A 3rd option would be to simply hire a licensed GC to perform the work.  You may end up making a little less but you will have a solid renovation, with the work professionally done and fewer hassles and headaches. 

 It's true: you have to find and select a good contractor but if you intend to flip houses regularly, having one will prove to be invaluable.

@Bryce Wong 

 I don't think there are 6" cabinets;  9" is the smallest I'm aware of. You'll need to use filler strips in this situation...maybe a 3" strip on each side of the opening.

 Another issue: how are you supporting the counter-top where you removed the cabinets for the dishwasher?  Did you or the installer frame an 'end panel' or some type of support?  If you are not able to do this work yourself, you'll have to hire a carpenter but it's not difficult for someone with experience.

@Paul Winka  You will need to hire a licensed general contractor to do this job; it's not trivial. A permit should be pulled and the beam sized by a structural engineer.