All Forum Posts by: Jack B.

I have a bathtub leak in one of my upstairs bathrooms. It requires someone to go into the drywall downstairs to fix. The previous owner tried it themselves and didn't resolve the problem, like pretty much everything else he tried to do himself.

Anyways, he gave me a quote but in the quote the terms are that once he opens the drywall, if there are additional issues that will increase the cost, he will discuss them with me before proceeding. Yet there is no cap on dollar amount such as a "not to exceed $200 in additional charges". I'm curious, should I not ask him to add that in there? Is his verbiage standard for residential contractors? Is there another way to have him word it?

Yeah, if he want's to feel safe that I'm not robbing him, he can buy two wireless surveillance cameras for $100 and point them at each door. His idiotic paranoia isn't my problem.

But his childish idea of a chain lock on ONE door is downright moronic. I could understand how making BOTH doors inaccessible to me would accomplish what he wants, but he knows I have a right to entry so he just wants one door. OK...so here's an idea, buy some cameras and put them on both doors. Problem solved.

I've had several quotes, most of them for the bottom of the barrel shingles with terrible reviews and class action settlements, with absurd prices, especially the ones that know I have a few properties...

They wanted to charge me 12K for CertainTeed or IKO shingles known for their issues, with a one year warranty (one had 10 year warranties). 

I found one roofing company that has all 5 star reviews and will use top end Owens Corning shingles with 5 years labor, for 8K, everything included. They would like a 50% deposit.

The guy I'm dealing with is clearly not from here, although he can speak English well enough, he can't write very well and they don't have a formal contract though they are willing to sign one I put together. I have a one page thing I found online a while back, but I figured I'd ask the experts how best to handle this. 

I've asked if they are licensed, bonded and insured, and they say they are, and I told them that I will need copies before I sign a contract or pay a deposit. 

Their reviews are really good on google, but you never know, they may have had some of their buddies who can write leave glowing reviews. No BBB complaints that I saw.

Basically, I want to hire them, but I need an air tight contract. If you have one please share. Other than the contract situation, I feel better with these people than the other companies. The other companies were trying to sell me bottom of the barrel shingles proven to have issues. These guys are using Owens Corning which is the #1 rated and highly reviewed. 

 I knew there had to be some info missing. Luckily as you can see I'm in WA. As far as the 9mm, wouldn't you knock and identify yourself first?

I could see someone reacting like that if the door gets kicked in, but only a moron would be pointing a gun at someone who identifies themselves as the landlord and uses a key to open the door. 

 Now this is a useful post. Would you be willing to post the full list?

 So if they can only be unlocked inside, how do they get in or do they just not lock the door?

Again, it is only 1 door out of 2 he is asking for this. To do it on both would lock ME out....

 Lol, just like the back door has a deadbolt already (did you think I leave it lockless and unlocked and that a chain would be secure?????), I already asked him. His explanation made zero sense.

 Ummm...there's already a dead bolt....

I've had people who want to put in a fence, tear down walls, want me to remove my appliances so they can put theirs in, etc. Today I had a tenant want me to install a chain at the back door so that I couldn't get in. I declined, pointing out that unless he intends to change the front door lock on me to lock me out, it wouldn't do anything.

He started hemming and hawing, at which point, because this guy has been a bit dishonest about visitors staying extended periods, etc., I put my foot down and told him no, that it's an unreasonable request, that as the property owner I have a right to entry and I don't want to establish a precedent of locking myself out of some doors of my own properties for strange reasons, and that perhaps he would be happier as a home owner if he wants more privacy.  

Then there are the ones who call me and are eager to schedule a tour, but as soon as I ask them about their income, credit or criminal history, all of a sudden they mention they have an eviction, a felony, or make less than the rent. Really starting to get tired of some of the weirdos I have to deal with. I'm glad I'm an owner, as there are times I want to tell these people off.

I think my strategy above is favorable to all parties and allow me to secure in writing an agreement to that effect via email.

He get's some of his money back, I get to keep some of the money for my time and hassle as well as risk of not finding a tenant in time and I get something in writing. He has already agreed in writing that I keep the full amount if I can't find a tenant in time, but I think it would help my case to offer some of his money back if I find a tenant and get agreement to that now in writing, so that there is no legal issue.