All Forum Posts by: Karen Cook

Hi guys, I also do purchases from auctions here in Houston. One problem is that many times there is a squatter that is hard to force out.  Any thoughts on remedying?

Thanks so much, you are exactly right that it probably will not fit through the doors. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that!

Sincerely, Karen Cook

I am rehabbing a flooded home.  I would love to slide in one of those all in one shower units:

1. I heard that it is difficult to pull out existing plumbing/tank

2. Possible problems with leaking at the connection on plumbing.

I have seen them in new construction and really like them.  Thinking it would be a quick and easy solution, but maybe not.

Karen in Houston

Thanks for the advice and yes, he probably would be considered more of an employee than a contractor, but he will be overseeing the jobs of the other subs , which are also his contacts. 

This has been insightful and ! am guessing that his salary would be different in other parts of the country. Not sure how to know if what he is charging is a good rate, since we usually hire in the guys and provide materials. One of my regular crew charges 250 a day for his overseeing other guys who are 150 a day. But that is for week long type jobs. 

Do you ever worry about your material being stolen by crew?

So if anyone has any ideas about paying a contractor during rehab while you are providing most materials and some of the labor, it would be great to hear your strategy!

I am busier now than when I have done previous rehab to hold. I use to hire in subs and oversee, but now I need a contractor and I need to not micro manage. That said, I do have a simple scope of work, materials list, chosen finishes and a timeline. 

The house has been gutted to the studs so everything needs replacing. it’s a 2600sf house that is on the lower end of the spectrum as far as neighborhood and around 330k arv. 

My question is how do most of you work with your contractors?  Do you settle on a price, give him draws, let them pick up materials? we have always delivered the first round of materials, then a second round at the midpoint (which should be everything they need except for last minute forgotten or unexpected items) but I won’t be there to “guard” the materials. 

So if you have some recommendations, I would really appreciate the input!!  

Karen Cook, realtor and investor in Houston

I live in Houston and have a friend who wants a recommendation for PSF rental in the Heights in Houston.  She has a smallish house += 1500 SF, she thinks is unrestricted (I am checking on that) but it's on Columbia (great street...)

Any thoughts?

Karen

Wow, awesome, thanks. Hadn't thought about much of this. When I was in China for a month, this is all they used. We are slow on the uptake here.  

We put in a mr slim (Mitsubishi) in our studio office and it is awesome!  So, pricing is less than I thought. 

Karen

Will do Anthony!

Karen

Thanks Boyd, That is what we have at our office, they work great, but kinda pricey for a flip. I am hoping they may have something that works for this... Ours is called "Mr Slim" Ha!

Karen