All Forum Posts by: Jeremy VanDelinder

The problem with most of my engineers is how backed up they are right now, but for foundations I use Tucker Engineering in Round Rock.

@Derek Clemons Let's get together for a cup of coffee--maybe next week?

Makes sense--I was thinking more in terms of doing jobs for customers (I am both an real estate investor and own a restoration & construction company). Thanks!

@Paul Welden That is incredibly helpful information--thanks so much. Question: As a GC, do you think it is worth it for me to become a certified 203k contractor? What is involved in that process? 

Perhaps someone who is more qualified can speak to the 203k loan--I've never used one--, but I'm not sure how they could require a GC license in states where no such thing exists. Let me clarify that licensed trades need to be used for electric, plumbing and HVAC, but there isn't a GC license in TX. 

Is there a particular requirement for the 203k loan? Because if you are referring to just a General Contractor license--Texas does not have a GC license. (You do need to register in the City of Austin, but this can be done by anyone when applying for a permit.) Let me know if I can help any further. 

Happy to help!

I flip fire-damaged properties and own a fire damage restoration company. It can be a big undertaking, although there can be profit in it IF the numbers are right and IF you have done your homework to know what you are getting into (both big “IFs”). Unless you are rather experienced with this type of damage, it may be hard for your to tell the extent of damage. The place to start is by asking the seller what the insurance company decision is—if they will share that info, that might tell you some of what you need to know.

The challenge with fire damaged properties is that there is more than meets the eye. For example, often fire damage is water damage--they put the red stuff out with wet stuff. Unmitigated water damage becomes mold damage and and there is the potential of extensive smoke damage in the same airspace. So even elements that don’t appear damaged can be contaminated. Also, ODOR is a huge issue. If the odor is not properly mitigated that will cause ongoing problems.

The Fire Department report will be of little value. It will just tell you what happened. If they have an estimated damage in the report it is a pretty wild guess by a Fire Marshall who doesn't estimate for a living. I would recommend you find a fire restoration company/contractor to walk the property with you and give you a good understanding as to what needs to be done. There are many things that could be overlooked as part of the renovation on fire-damaged properties. 

@Lewis Gordon also, what area of the country are you in?

I flip fire-damaged properties and own a fire damage restoration company. It can be a big undertaking--Unless you are rather experienced with this type of damage, it may be hard for your to tell the extent of damage. 

The challenge with fire damage is that there is more than meets the eye. For example, often fire damage is water damage--they put the red stuff out with wet stuff. Unmitigated water damage becomes mold damage and and there is the potential of extensive smoke damage in the same airspace. So even elements that don’t appear damaged can be contaminated. Also, ODOR is a huge issue. If the odor is not properly mitigated that will cause ongoing problems.

I would recommend you find a fire restoration company/contractor to walk the property with you and give you a good understanding as to what needs to be done. There are many things that could be overlooked as part of the renovation on fire-damaged properties.

A few questions: when you say "you have"--do you mean you just bought it? Did you buy it with damage? Did the damage happen while you owned it? What is the status of the insurance claim? If there is any way I can help or answer questions, please let me know!