All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

In my opinion @Joseph Pytcher ,

Expressing your opinion, as you initially made it known, is nothing to be apologetic about. It was clear, concise, respectful and professional. I didn't read anything offensive in your opinion just as I didn't find @Wendell De Guzman opinions offensive either. That's the beauty in America, the free market, Capitalism and choice. We are free to enter contracts without some 3rd party telling us that we can't make that choice because, they know better than we do. If I wanted that kind of opinion, I would have never left mom and dad's house some 25 years ago and never had the great experience of being and entrepreneur. Express your opinions then I know who I might have the pleasure of doing business with.

But this is just my opinion.

Thank God I live in America.

Congratulations Luis on starting your REI career! Here on BP you'll discover people are supportive and truly want you to succeed. Try to read and contribute in the forums as frequently as you can. It's such a powerful tool.

Congrats!

Jacob,

You state that there's existing demo. I would start with what you know. Try to piece together the history of this property as much as possible. Who was the previous owner? Were there any permits/inspections? Can you get a copy o fplans from DCRA? You may uncover critical information or be able to cut your learning curve.

Regarding bids; I guess most people try to get 3 bids. Sometimes you get more, sometimes you get less. It all depends on the scale of the project, how many contractors you know, how fast they can get you a proposal and how long you plan to remain in the preconstruction phase.

You will probably find that the proposals you receive have a large range/variation. More than likely, the reason for this is that each GC will compile their costs from historical figures from like projects. Few GC's use the same subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, suppliers/vendors or self perform the same scope of work. Fewer use detailed estimates when delivering "Free" estimates.

A great way of managing this is to compile as complete a scope of work as possible. If you don't understand the "Work" then you will need to consult with someone who does. This is money better spent now then after engaged a contractor and begun the "Work". Therefore, if your new at it then I would recommend you engage an experienced draftsman, architect, engineer, owners rep, construction manager etc.

I've operated as a Land Developer, Home builder and Commercial GC since the 1990's primarily in VA, DC and MD. We have built small cluster residential, large retail and numerous renovations, just to name a few, and almost every Owner underestimates their scope of work. They almost always overestimate the amount of salvageable and reusable items, rarely allow enough for concealed conditions and never put the money upfront for the due diligence studies.

D.C. is very unforgiving, especially in their historical overlay districts, where you may have to go through the ANC or Historical Boards (Thinks Politics). This is not a good place to learn by going through the school of hard knocks without the right team.

Failing to plan is planning to fail.

Good Luck!

Hello Matthew and welcome to BP! There are many ways to get in contact with other RE investors here on BP. The forums area is certainly a great place to begin. Good luck!

Jason, in most jurisdictions the need to have a contractors license is if you are performing construction services to other parties. If you are performing those services as an owner of your own properties the license would be unnecessary.

This is true in MD, DC and VA.

The need for permits is something you may need and this varies, once again, by jurisdiction.

My advice, call your local building department.

Welcome to BP Shayne!

Welcome to BP Kevin! There's a lot of good info here to help you take control of your futre. All the best!

Hi all, I just picked up a lot in Dawsonville, GA. 3+ ac. I am thinking of putting a home on it and renting it. I would be grateful to anyone who could refer any of the following as I am in Northern Virginia: a land surveyor, septic & well company and or a local realtor/investor/builder who might have an interest.

If anyone has any experience in this market please share your story as well.

Thanks ahead of time!

Steve

Welcome to BP @Tracy Walker !

@Kenneth E. That's some serious tidbits of wholesaling tactics! Thanks!