Hey there! Congrats on taking the plunge into your first rehab project!
For your first question, writing a scope of work (SOW) involves detailing all the tasks and materials needed for your project. It usually starts with a thorough walkthrough of the property to list all repairs and improvements. You can then document these in a SOW, which helps contractors provide accurate bids. While a general contractor (GC) can help with this, it's good to have your own detailed plan to avoid misunderstandings.
As for materials, you can either let your GC handle everything or split responsibilities—GC for rough materials (like lumber and drywall) and you for finish materials (like cabinets and flooring). This way, you can ensure the design choices match your vision.
Defining design choices often involves working with a designer or architect, but if you're hands-on, you can select finishes and fixtures yourself. Just make sure everything aligns with your overall vision and budget.
For your second question, if you can't be in El Paso every week, you have a few options. A property manager can be a great asset for regular check-ins and updates. Alternatively, your GC can keep you posted on progress, but having a local project manager or even a trusted friend to occasionally drop by can provide extra peace of mind.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your rehab project! If you have more questions, feel free to ask.
