All Forum Posts by: Max Hutchinson

Hello newbie here!

I have a duplex where I live in one side and rent out the other. It’s my first rental, and my tenants are a really nice respectful young couple with a baby. Where half way through the lease (year lease) and I just started smelling what smells like cigarette smoke (although I could be mistaken) in the shared utility room and it’s starting to come over a little bit through my side. They have a baby so I really can’t see them smoking in there, it’s not a big duplex either. My question is how should I go about asking them if they are for sure without making them mad or getting upset for me thinking they are when they aren’t and it’s just something there cooking. Like how should I word it or go about it? Also rookie mistake, my first lease I didn’t put no smoking in there. I know terrible mistake, but can’t I say I’d prefer if you guys don’t if they are smoking? But first I have to make sure they are.

Greatly appreciate any help thanks!!

@Brett Tvenge

Thanks! I might just end up putting new floor over the tile and reglazing tub , new toilet, and vanity in the pink bathroom. Sounds like ripping up 50s tile is a pain and can be costly.

@Mike Giallanza

Appreciate the advice! I was getting to carried away wanting to rip everything out

@Account Closed Awesome thanks for the advice!

@Account Closed

 The tile floor could be Asbestos. I will have to double-check if I rip it up. I do know there is asbestos in the living room but its encapsulated by carpet. So it most likely is in which case I will cover it up. What flooring would you recommend for a bathroom?

@Jaron Walling  I think I can remove all the old tile myself to save on labor costs. I know tile is not cheap. Going to look at getting quotes from different contractors and see about Facebook Marketplace.

Thanks!

@Uriah D. The bathrooms are in decent shape/move-in ready, just worried about the possible water damage in the drywall. But Im planning on living in the one that needs more work anyways so I can hopefully get a tenant in the other side. 

Thanks!

@Jaron Walling  Appreciate it, yes I still have a lot to learn, and realizing bathroom remodels are going to be quite expensive.

@Theresa Harris Thanks for the advice! Definitely going to check out habitat restore for vanities. Im not very handy so Im thinking I'm going to contract the surround out because I will probably have to replace the drywall too.

Hello! I'm getting ready to close on my first property (owner-occupied duplex) and it doesn't need too much remodeling, except the bathrooms. Both bathroom are dated from the 50s, blue/pink tile throughout and looks like some dry rot next to the showerhead Tile looks like its bubbling. Im wondering what would be the best and most inexpensive way to remodel the bathrooms. Im thinking I have to rip up all the old tile and replace the drywall around the shower and install new water-resistant drywall. Now should I install a surround or go with durable/cheap tile? Not looking for anything fancy. What's the most durable for a rental?  Hoping I can stay under $5,000 for two bathrooms is that realistic? I also need to get new flooring. As far as the tub I'm just going to reglaze it. Would appreciate any advice! Thanks. Ive included photos of the two bathrooms for reference.