All Forum Posts by: Letitia Harris

There are so many hidden costs, and then trying to not outsmart yourself.   I tore out the one wall of cabinets in my 3rd flip (to save $$), since there was only ONE wall of 5 cabinets. along with the sink & counter.  And ~ I hurt my shoulder, being careful and all.   Nope.  Now I let my handyman or contractor rip em' out, they get it done in minutes, love doing it, and I work on crunching numbers.  Good deal!

One unexpected thing that's popped up in my last 3 flips is having to texture some or all of the interior.  Now I just budget for it.  If it's not necessary, it's found money.  

I've staged my flips, and it's well received.   I lightly stage, with a love seat, nice rug, tables, side tables, lamps, small kitchen table with 3 chairs,  inflatable beds (there's been some comedy when people tried to sit on them!), and nice little touches in the kitchen.   Oh, and semi sheer curtains in the front room, dining room, & kitchen.   I have a trailer that I store my furniture in, and reuse it for each flip.   

When I remove my staging items after selling the house, the difference is amazing.  From a warm cozy home, to a barren shell.  Yep, I'll keep staging!

Hi,
Are you planing on doing all that work yourself?  It's something to think about.  What do the houses in the area have, hardwood or laminate?  If hardwood isn't expected, it might be better to put down laminate & get it done.  

In 2 of my flips, there were hardwood floors, but the better decision was to install laminate, timewise & pricewise.  Just my .02...

Best, Tish

References are best, but I found my excellent contractor through Homeadvisor.  I interviewed 6 contractors before I found my guy, and he's part of my Team.   He's been my contractor for all 4 of my flips.   Find a great handyman too!  

Best,

Tish

I interviewed 6 contractors when I got my first flip.  The differences in their quotes was amazing!  I called one and asked if there was a typo on his bathroom bid, nope.  That boy was mighty proud of himself!    I found a GREAT contractor, and he's worked all 4 of my flips, along with a super handyman.

Now to find the next one...

I'm interested in the Central Valley too, from Merced to Modesto.

I am also looking for deals in Merced, Turlock area.  Please contact me if interested.  

Thanks!

Thanks everyone,

I like the idea of the master having tile, since the main bathroom has the surround.   Subway to the ceiling sounds good.   

There isn't room to move a wall for more room.  Actually, there is, but I didn't realize we have to jackhammer out the drain to center it, and could have moved over the water lines that are set in concrete.  This house is on a concrete slab.  It's my first one on a slab, and it's been a problem more than a few times!  Live and learn.

Tish

Hi Cal,

It was built in 1955, and the original tile was a very dark green.  The shower looked like a coffin.   I'll have to ask the neighbors what they have.  

If I go with tile, I'm thinking white, with a 3" accent trim at the top.

I'm debating if tiling the master bath shower is better than a plastic surround.  It measures 32 x 32, 72 sq. feet,  in a VERY small bathroom in an inverted L shape.    The main hall bath has a soaking tub and shower, with a nice shower surround.

Also, is a pedestal sink a better option than a 14" vanity?   

Thanks!