All Forum Posts by: Mel C.

I'm a NJ investor, and now expanding to Cincinnati.

Here in NJ, underground oil tanks are a big concern when I'm purchasing an older house; I've always performed an oil tank sweep before I purchase a property.

Does Cincinnati have the same concern, i.e. are there a lot of properties in Cincinnati that have underground oil tanks?

here in NJ, I've never worked with a designer for a flip - I don't need the additional expense. My mantra is always "open floor plan" if I can accomplish it, then I work closely with draftsman/architect and GC to get to my layout.

Good luck with your projects. 

I'm an out of state investor (NJ) looking for a boots-on-the-ground project manager. Looking for someone who knows good RE agents, contractors, familiarity with the area.

Will be in town next week, hopefully I can meet some of you fine folks and see some properties.

@Manolo D. @Account Closed thank you, your responses have given me perspective. Need to look for another architect.

@Ibrahim Hughes thank you. That gives me some perspective.

I have been very frustrated with how long it takes my draftsman/architect team to draw up plans so I can submit to the town's zoning office for approval. This is in Central NJ.

Draftsman told me that a realistic time frame from onsite discussion to plans ready to submit is 2 months. In the meantime, my GC can't do anything until plans are submitted and approved, and I've got carrying costs all this time.

How long does it take for your architect to have ready-to-submit plans?

And if you're in Central NJ, and you have an architect that can do quick turnarounds, I sincerely would appreciate a name so I can use them for my next project!

PS I don't even know if I'm getting good value for what I'm paying for. As an example, I'm adding a whole second floor and bumping out the rear 2 feet, and plans cost me $4500...

I have been very frustrated with how long it takes my draftsman/architect team to draw up plans so I can submit to the town's zoning office for approval. This is in Central NJ.

Draftsman told me that a realistic time frame from onsite discussion to plans ready to submit is 2 months. In the meantime, my GC can't do anything until plans are submitted and approved, and I've got carrying costs all this time.

How long does it take for your architect to have  ready-to-submit plans?

And if you're in Central NJ, and you have an architect that can do quick turnarounds, I sincerely would appreciate a name so I can use them for my next project!

PS I don't even know if I'm getting good value for what I'm paying for. As an example, I'm adding a whole second floor and bumping out the rear 2 feet, and plans cost me $4500...

My contractor in Central NJ told me $120-$150 per sf as a very rough estimate.

@Christine L.

@Sylvia Pomazak

Feel sorry for both of your experiences, but appreciate you sharing it here.

Any updates on this?

I'm sure you'll get multiple answers on your question, but for me, I need at least a 10% ROI, after all (and I mean ALL) expenses are factored in.