All Forum Posts by: Mike B.

Thanks Julia Choseed

Hi all, 

Wrapping up my property I flipped to rent, tenants moving in Feb 1st.  Normally I do a lot of the work myself, but with this project, I'm subbing some things out.  

This time, would like to use a cleaning crew to clean the whole house top to bottom (clean windows in & out, vacuum, wash floors in kitchen and bath, wipe down all surfaces in kitchen including cabinets). 

Anyone have recommendations on a company/person I should use?  I've asked around with my friends and they all say the cleaning crews are "about the same" quality/service wise, just varies in price.  I feel you do "get what you pay for", but any recs out there?  Thanks in advance

I've done 2 major whole home projects now as the GC (full renovations). For a job I'm unfamiliar with cost wise, I get (3) bids at least. If I'm familiar with what cost should run approximately I only get 1-2 from recommended subs (e.g. Recs from friends who have used a sub and vouch for them). To save time, I agree have multiple subs for same project walk project with you at same time so everyone is on the same page. If you're uncomfortable with this, line up the subs back to back during the same day (e.g. One at 8, then another at 9am etc) and you can get all your guys in there to place a bid on one day vs eating up your time over a week.

Sorry Eric Wang but I don't have someone reliable to recommend at this point. Last guy I used, things didn't work out in the long run but thankfully project got completed (although with some delays).

Forgot to note, as John Adams said I have the same Schlage model and only had 1 issue. However the company replaced it free of charge since they have lifetime warranties. Why pay someone to rekey a deadbolt when you can reprogram a lock in a minute. Also it definitely is a bonus selling feature for renters. Every tenant (or applicant) I show the lock to LOVES it

I use electronic deadbolts. Can change the code every / any time needed and don't need to pay re keying. You can get ones for $30 Black Friday deal or even for $50 on a regular day. Then I program each lock with my own code so I can always gain access to my units if needed

Cozy.com is the way to go

Nathan Gesner thanks for the advice. The auction was for a foreclosure As-is, where-is. The market in Philly is also becoming super competitive so I wanted to get into the game finally after being outbid on 6 other properties this year. Agreed that doing additional due diligence would have been better but this was kind of a "take it or leave it" deal and I knew in the end it would still make money despite going way over budget. Learning lessons 10fold on this project which will definitely help me for the future.

KITCHEN wrapping up! 

Bathroom before and AFTER re-spraying high gloss white (need to clean tub still)

Sorry couldnt get images to turn correctly, but you get the idea.  These pix show the front pressure washed and repointed, with new windows door and railing installed.  Just need to do final paint on door trim. 

Well, tenants signed a lease, $1200 a month. After purchase rehab etc my net cash on cash return is 10% annually just for rents. Doesn't include appreciation which I'll have to wait until March to cash out refi. Will see the true appraisal then but I'm estimating the $175K range. I'm all in at $130K so it's a nice return for 3 months of work. Will post updated pix of final product when I get the chance. Onto the next one (hopefully this coming summer)