All Forum Posts by: Hugh Ayles

I am also in Cedar Park.

I use my previous experience and can get to an estimate within 30 minutes or so.  I have the gray hairs to vouch for my experience.

i have a BS in Construction Management from Texas A&M.

The years of experience in renovations and cost estimating is what helps me.

Keep in mind that even if you get 100% financing, most lenders are expecting interest payments each month.

I have a hunch when you hear the radio ads talking about getting into real estate investing with no money, they are talking about wholesaling.

If you are looking for something that will provide a price, there is not an app I would use.

I have over 25 years of estimating experience.  there are too many variables in pricing construction to rely on an app.

I currently just use a simple spreadsheet.

I belive there is rehab estimating software, but you really need to know your costs and look at the software as nothing more than providing you an outline and you fill in the info.

Since I joined BP, all 3 of my flips have come directly or indirectly from connections made on BP.

I had no idea when I joined this website that it would actually put money in my pocket.

Thanks, BP.

Please add me to your buyer list

I used Austin Area Plumbing with good success on a flip.  They are also on call with Sears.

The contractor may want to know if it is your residence for tax reasons and also for lien reasons in case of non-payment.

@Gilbert Ross Jr

J Scott and I are not trying to be smart alecks.  I have been a professional estimator for many years.  J Scott has developed a strong residential business and written a book about estimating costs.

Within my market, one neighborhood may get away with laminate countertops while a few blocks away you must use granite if you are going to sell.  In both cases they might be considered medium rehabs.

A house built before 1980 may require abatement.  A house built before 1970 may require new wiring.

Some people always replace a roof while others go case by case.

We make it a rule to change out windows on houses over 20 years of age for energy efficiency reasons.

My point about location is this: in Austin a carpenter may get charged out at $30/mh while in San Francisco a carpenter gets charged at $60/mh.

Really, it is very dangerous to try to price renovations with average prices or square foot prices.  It i seven more dangerous to get people to say they spend $20k for a renovation without expounding on size, age of house, and scope of work included.

Which part of the country?

Material and labor costs are different depending on region.