All Forum Posts by: Eric Yee

Thanks for the advice, Stuart! The current owner never applied for a rental license. And I believe, either way (whether the current owner had one or not) I would need to apply for a new rental license for this house under my name if I buy it. But I’m wondering if I do buy it, couldn’t I just apply for a rental license for the entire single unit house and list the 3 studios as short term rentals on Airbnb/VRBO? Would there be any issues with that scenario? 

Hi, I’m looking for advice from a Philadelphia Zoning Attorney. I’m looking to buy a 1,115 square foot Philadelphia row home that has already been converted into 3 studio units. It’s zoned RSA-5 as a residential single family with permit use as a single family. Can I get a change of use variance to make it a LEGAL multifamily or short term rental? Or will the city/L&I not allow it due to the square footage? I couldn’t find the minimum square footage needed per unit if it’s zoned RSA-5. Any help or advice is appreciated. Thanks!

@Ralph Justiz

Thanks for the advice. Definitely a lesson learned from this ordeal. I’m not paying a single penny from now until the project is fully completed...if it ever gets completed.

@Dennis Wasilewski

I have a signed contract that outlines the work we agreed on, as well as receipts from the 2 invoices I paid. We agreed on timing but it wasn’t in the contract. And the timelines have been via text or email but, again, he’s never met one of them. Fortunately he is progressing on the project but it’s at a snails pace. The minor bathroom work was just completed in the last 3 weeks. I’m thinking of getting an attorney but have hesitated since work is happening just very slowly. If I lawyer up, wouldn’t he just stop on the project completely?

Also, I’ve been asking for a copy of the building permit since the start. He constantly ignores my request for the building permit. I’ve asked the city and they don’t have a record of one.

Hi BiggerPockets community,

I contracted a project with Ideal Renovations back in July 2019. This is my first renovation project ever. The contract included: a bedroom to bathroom conversion, recessed lighting on the second and first floor, new kitchen, new powder room, and new vinyl plank flooring throughout the first floor. My general contractor said everything would be completed by Thanksgiving, 12/28/2019. He told me that there were some issues getting a permit but after a few months said that it was issued around October. He unfortunately convinced me to give him 2/3 of the project cost.

It is now towards the end of January and he’s only demolished the third floor bathroom, installed new water and drain lines, and put a sub floor down. That’s it. I’ve also been asking for a schedule since the start of the project. He’s given me a 1-2 week schedule twice but has never completed any of the work on the schedule timeframe. He’s also had excuse after excuse for not providing a schedule or not showing up to my house to perform work. He rarely answers my calls, texts, or emails. What do I do here???

Since this is my first renovation project, is this typical? Given the size of my project, how long should this project take?

Is this the typical interaction model with general contractors? I’m in business so I expect proper communication of project progression but I’m not getting it from my general contractor.

All of your responses and opinions are appreciated.

- Eric

Hi Investors, I’m looking to buy my second investment property. My first was a condo in Westchester, NY. I’m currently renting in Old City in Philadelphia but I’d like to buy something and live in it for 1-2 years before renting it out. I don’t mind hiring a contractor to do some renovations but not a total rehab flip job - I’ve never done it and I’m just not ready yet. I’ve been looking at properties for a couple of years now and have unfortunately lost out on a few great real estate deals in Olde Kensington, Fishtown, Passyunk, and Point Breeze due to bidding wars, waiting too long on some multi-families, etc. I keep wavering between buying a multifamily or a single family home/condo. House hacking typically in a more up and coming area or single family in a nicer more established safer neighborhood. Higher return, higher risk, lower quality of life vs. lower return, lower risk, higher quality of life. Currently I’m leaning towards the lower return lower risk, higher quality of life option. I’m deciding between buying a newer 750 sq ft condo in Chinatown or an older 1400 sq ft condo in Northern Liberties. Chinatown/Market East has Reading Terminal, the fashion outlets opening soon, and the beginning of Rail Park which I believe should increase home values. While Northern Liberties/Fishtown has a lot of entertainment like the Fillmore, Punch Line, Goose Island brewery, Frankford Hall, etc. which has increased home values and I’m sure has some appreciation left to grow. Which neighborhood do you think will appreciate more? Any advice or recommendations? Thanks in advance!