All Forum Posts by: Cindy D.

Chris, I have really enjoyed your story. You are doing a great job of sharing the details here it is truly appreciated. 

Would you update us on how your actual numbers are comparing to your projected numbers a year ago? Also, is there anything you would have done differently if this same scenario was offered to you today?

Thanks so much for the valuable information, and very interesting story. Congratulations on your success!

@Michael Sato  Thanks so much for the encouragement, I totally agree the info on BP is priceless!

I knew a residential builder who did this with large homes in GA during the market crash (2006-2007) when he could not sell his large beautiful homes. He turned them into Assisted Living facilities and made a profit, more than renting them. He made a deal with the staff for minimal hourly wages, because he provided room and board to them as compensation. His un-skilled staff did not provide any medical care, just a place to live and 3 meals a day for the residents. The resident's families/insurance/etc. were responsible for their medical care. At that time the regulations in GA were very minimal, I don't know if it is still that way. I looked into doing it in FL at that time, but the regulations were much more challenging and I did not move ahead with it after some research. I do notice many of those facilities here in FL, and they are just a house in a residential neighborhood. Somebody must be making it work! Good luck.

Plenty of good advice posted here. I will just expand on three points: 1. Be certain to get proof of insurance with a Certificate of Insurance made out to you or your company, whomever owns the property. 2. Never go with "crazy low guy" you did not win the lottery! You hired a contractor who doesn't know what he's doing, or forgot to include something important and will come to you with a change order/increase request when he realizes. 3.Your signed contract needs to include a complete scope of work, and a predetermined rate for unexpected but needed extra work. i.e. Inspector requires extra outlet to pass inspection. Good luck with everything.

Everyone has great suggestions, my first thought was shutters on upper windows and window boxes on lower windows because of the tight squeeze on lower left. Please post after photos when you decide. Looks like a great house!

Fantastic!! I wish all 13-16 yr olds (20+ yr. olds too) had your work ethic and enthusiasm. Great job-keep it up!! Also thanks for sharing your inspirational story, please keep sharing as you go.

Asbestos can also be an issue. My daughter bought a 1960's house which required asbestos removal. Careful inspection is the way to go. 

Thanks so much @James Syed @Paul Timmins FL is super hot now. Only problem it's a sellers market and I want to buy! Thanks for the info.

@Kate B.you explained it very well. He sounds like a difficult and unscrupulous character. Good job firing him. I hope all goes well moving forward. Thanks so much for sharing all the details. Good luck!

@Kate B. That is awesome! Congratulations. I'm hoping for similar success in the future. 

I understand your handyman situation, but wanted to let you know contractors often mark-up items from Home Depot, they spent gas and time making the purchase so it cost them more than just the materials. It can help to work out a fair mark-up in advance for time & material projects and require receipts. Or (usually to my benefit) I prefer a quoted job where everything is included regardless of their time, gas, or material costs.

Wishing you all the best in this endeavour!