All Forum Posts by: Dumitru Anton

Here's my latest cheapy granite job. $750 for the granite and sink. Backsplash cost about $150 in materials and $125 labor for the install. So a $1000 upgrade.

Had multiple applicants applying and the house rented within a weekend.

Here's what I had been doing to save a few $$. Granite tile. Probably $150 in materials+$125 labor+$100 cheapo sink. So $375 vs $1000.

The tile has held up suprisingly good but the grout can get dingy and the painted wood trim gets banged up quickly.

@Ed Lee,

something to think about:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/67/topics/229...

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Originally posted by @George P.:

yes definitely. but the level of updates are the main aspect of renting the house. i dont put granite, but the finishes are modern. yet, i am surprised the people are super picky and dont like the size of the rooms, or the fact that they dont have two sinks in the bathroom. it's weird. i think at times they act like they are buying the place. and i know i have probably the best rentals in the area.... i dont know how other landlords do it.

@George P.,

Ikea (if available in your area), has double sinks in a compact form. they usually also work with their vanities, but to gain space the plumbing is really strange (end european size) and not sure if their setup will pass code inspection everywhere.

P.S. sorry to jump latter but your threads are so educational

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Originally posted by @Jay Y.:

In my humble opinion, the jury is still out on concrete counter tops. That and stained floors. They seem to be used in mostly higher end homes, or at least I haven't seen it used in lower end ones so far. But I'll keep in it mind, it has its advantages and disadvantages...

some alternatives:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/84/topics/149687-painted-countertops---success

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/131610-has-anyone-painted-laminate-countertops-with-success

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@James Joseph,

@John Fedro, is one of the guys practicing and teaching this. read his blog, his BP posts and connect with him.

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@Tim Coppola,

water powered sump pump: they run on city pressure water. (@Pat L. mentioned them "water units")

This-Old-House has 2 shows mentioning type of sump pumps....

Chicago experienced some flooded basement/houses either because primary sump pump give the ghost, battery backup drained because of extensive periods of power outs, local sewer system....

One brand is called BASEPUMP. (shout out to @Scott Weaner for mentioning it)

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Originally posted by @Andrey Y.:

Originally posted by @Galen Bricker:

I installed 3/8" bamboo flooring in a townhouse I renovated from HD for $2/ft. It is VERY hard and scratch resistant which is great when tenants move furniture around. I took off the baseboard, installed it and replaced the same baseboard. Looks great, fairly cheap and long lasting!

Where did you find the flooring?

Home Depot will sell some of those by the pallet. just search for bamboo flooring on HD website.

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@ Cal C.

thank you, i have a (every couple of years) mother with kits and one young adult.

she seems to know what a cage/trap is, and she disappears after seeing them...

will try that.

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calling, @Marcia Maynard, @Crystal Smith, @Marc Ainley

@Larry Smet, the local section 8 has partnered with the local VA to find housing for veterans. they are looking at studios and 1-bedrooms.....

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@Milan Sanghvi,

couple of thoughts:

-how familiar you are with the area where the building is?

-what is the closest bank/7-eleven/currency exchange place? (can introduce yourself and setup accounts/payment systems there?)

-a landlord on 1st of the month with wad's of cash may be a target in that area. so i think you are looking at a mix of everything while connecting/converting. careful with "but the former owner did this always...."

-know the neighbors/some locals. they are your alarms/guardians/signals for any trouble/changes. Also being somebody known in the neighborhood makes you somebody they know, not a potential target anymore...

-i think somebody mentioned (in previous threads) something about a prize ($25-$50 card) each month for the first to pay on time....

-read ALL the threads on section 8 and low-income renting!!!

-try to connect with current landlords from the area (potential deals also off-market, access to local handymens). local church/churches too (potential future tenants)

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@ Aaron Vaughn,

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/116... would be a start.

I think the program is called HUD-VASH.

calling: @Gail Kaitschuck, @Bradley Bogdan(they may know more about this)

Also if my memory serves me right, the local Chicago Section8/HCV partnered with the HUD-VASH to help them reach local landlords. I think they where searching for 1 bedroom/studio in the thousands...

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All Forum Posts by: Dumitru Anton

Dumitru Anton has started 0 posts and replied 192 times.

Post: Whats the most amazing inexpensive countertop on the planet?

Post: #21 rental was purchased today

Post: What to do with this countertop

Post: Trailer park millionaires and "different" RE investments

Post: Sump pump backups

Post: Advise...Replace old carpet with new carpet, or something else?

Post: Male Raccoon Urine

Post: Marketing to tenants with Disabilities

Post: **JUST BOUGHT A 10 UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING NOW WHAT???

Post: Renting to VA vets program