All Forum Posts by: Larry Jansen

Does anyone have a resource for homeowners insurance coverage for a vacant property I'm rehabbing in Massachusetts.

Thanks Larry J   

Thanks for the information - it's all helpful

My contractor will be taking a look at it with me later this week. We will certainly look to see what we can in the crawl space.  My initial observation was this will be a very uncomfortable space to work or get around in.   There was at least 2 vents in the cinder block foundation so some ventilation.

As far as work it should have a full shed dormer put on the back second floor to enlarge the 2 upstairs bedrooms and bathroom.

First floor living room needs wall refinishing. Kitchen needs an update.

We haven't looked at the electrical or heating system. They may need replacement or updating.

Still my major concern is lack of a cellar. I would guestimate more than 95 percent of the homes in suburban Bostion have one. Without one am I just spinning my wheels considering this property?  I could do a great renovation but the market may reject the home as  being inadequate or cottage like. That is what I'm trying to determine.    

I'm looking a a home  for a flip which needs fairly extensive work but it looks to be manageable.

The house was listed as built on a slab but when I looked it turns out there is a crawl space and a cinder block foundation -house was built around 1955. 

The only look I could get at the crawl space was through a small hatch in a closet. The depth of the crawl space looks to be 2-3 feet and has a dirt floor - very hard to work in I'm sure. I wouldn't call this arrangement standard operating procedure for suburban Boston.

The furnace and oil tank are situated in an ajoining shed which buts up against the house.  

Does anyone have experience with a house such as this in the New England region? What are the pitfalls?

Larry J