All Forum Posts by: Ken Robinson

what made you select them as your contractor?

Hello,

I picked up a couple of 1/2 acre lots in R5 Zoned area. Both are large enough to divide in half and place house. There is public water and sewer available, and street front access for all lots. I am wondering if anyone locally doing work in MD, specifically Anne Arundle County would be able to help estimate my costs for the following:

1. Engineer/Grading cost

2. Impact/County Fees

3. Utility Contractor fees not covered in AACO  fees

I am a builder, turned developer by natural progression it seems so building the house is the easier part for me. I appreciate your time!

Ken

@Russell Brazil Common sense? If I were to cave every time a contracting client tried to reduce my final draw on a project just trying to save themselves money on the tail end of a job, I would likely not be in business. It's a common tactic for some, and for me to say "oh well at least I got our first 3 draws". That may well be the path of least confrontation and stress, but hardly common sense for a business practice. They are breaking an agreement, and then to position themselves on the offensive and try to bully there way out of the lease with some trumped up claim is unacceptable.  

Thank you all for the replies. Some good information for consideration.

Ken

Hello,

I am wondering if anyone with knowledge of Maryland Law could provide some advice. I am a contractor who flips houses as well so a good knowledge of buying and selling. Unfortunately a not so good knowledge of being a landlord.

We have rented out my wife's house once she moved into my home. We have a renter who was referred by family friend. They wanted 4 year lease so we liked that. We used a standard MD Lease agreement. 3 years into the lease they notify us they have a family hardship and need to break the lease. My wife dealing with the Mrs. Renter tells her we will allow them, but they will need to pay some fees per contract to break, along with last months rent of course and then walk through property to determine any portion of security deposit held. After this conversation between my wife and Mrs. Renter...

Mr. Renter, who is not a lawyer but certainly fancies himself as one being a lobbyist. Sends my wife a certified letter outlining our options. Informs us there was leaking in the house that caused mold and we did not fix in a timely manner. Therefore this issue puts us in default of contract and they will be allowed to break lease, not pay fees and basically bullying there way out on some bogus claims. I am very troubled by this obviously. Remind you I am a contractor for 30 years, we have replaced the dishwasher twice, the refrigerator once, they broke the screen door off claiming wind, broke a toilet tank off the base. All in 3 years. They have been terrible, and now this. The mold upon inspection was obviously a towel placed behind yet another broken toilet for an extended period of time. They did not notify us of a leak until mold present which to me is an obvious issue of their creation to break lease. A scheme that was only launched once my wife informed them of the cost to break lease.

Any experienced input here would be much appreciated.

Ken

@Russell Brazil Thanks

I would certainly appreciate input from @Michael Paris

@Chris Seveney I know it's a tough question, I don't use sq ft pricing in Remodels as every project is different and costs change. This is helpful, and along the lines of what I was thinking. thanks

Hi BPers,

It would be great if someone with good knowledge of new construction would comment as to the cost per square foot in the Maryland market. Average cost. I am a remodeling contractor and know that market, but I have some clients looking to build on lots and some general pricing to find out where they are for budget/expectations would be helpful here.

your time is appreciated, Ken

Is it a rehab property 

@huan pham

@Chris D. What is the objective for a "Rehabber Pro" meeting? Who attends and topics for discussion?