All Forum Posts by: Jim Adrian

@Christian Nachtrieb

Don't loose the tub! This will cost you at the resale of the property.  It will also limit your market of people interested.   The tub is great to wash dogs in etc.  I also would not loose a bedroom.  Again resale issue and you de-valued your property.  I would design the entire kitchen and pantry area.  Put the washer and dryer in the basement would be the other place to locate it.  You have plenty of space to reconfigure the kitchen in that space. 

@Chris Lawrence

It really depends on  how much you want to spend.  I would take a serious look at "removable core" lock system or others call it "landlord locks".  This allows for a "great grand master key" system.  This allows you to have a master key that will work at every place you have a lock.  This system can also be integrated into electronic locks or electric strikes as well.  I would talk with a door hardware consultant, a door hardware supplier or a locksmith.  Its a pricey upfront cost but time and effort saved on the back end.  You wont find your answers at a big box store. Lots of options here but you need to consult a professional.

If you want something simple, look at Kwik Set locks, they have electronic locks but this is individually.  Some you can program several codes, one for the tenant and one for the landlord.  As long as the batteries work you are good and don't need a key.  This will require individual key management.   You may find some of these on sale at a big box store on Black Friday.

https://www.kwikset.com/

You will need to call the utility companies for this information.  Tell them you are buying the house and want to know the averages cost are what the level pay option is.  Note that usage will vary from person to person in how they live.  Example: water heater is it electric or gas?  Do you leave the lights on all the time? 

I have had good luck with Tenant Background Search.  It provides a nice layout that is easy to read.  I have let the future tenant fill out the information vs filling it out myself.  I have not had any problems this way. 

https://www.tenantbackgroundsearch.com/

@Russell Holmes

I know my house was built with 2x4  and 2x6 panels as its common in my neck of the woods.  I have 24" oc studs on interior walls in most cases but exterior walls are at 16" oc for structural capacity.  Interior sided of exterior wall panels did not have drywall installed on them to allow for electrical to be installed. The labor time is about the same or little less but the quality control goes up.  Factory assembled panels have better quality. The erection time is less so the house is enclosed faster.

Do you have anything in writing from the tenants saying were the deposit should be returned to?  If so stand on that and let the roommates fight about it.   Review the lease to see what that says about the security deposit return as well. 

Pricy items are deep foundations, elevator, windows.  Assuming the windows are Miami dade impact rating for hurricanes.   Drawings and specs need to be completed before bidding.  To many unknowns for the contractor to bid otherwise. 

Make the pet deposit a fee instead. This ways its clear its not refundable.

I have done popcorn tins. Sams Club has different gift packs each year. 

This is one reason to let the lease automatically turn into month to month after the initial length of lease period.   I include a clause that states rent price can't be change for 1 year and wont increase more than 10% of current rent.