All Forum Posts by: Chris Christianson

Hard to find a more expensive form of heat than oil but you know what your local numbers are better than me. One thing for sure, never let a tenant install their own window AC unit. No matter who's responsible for supplying the unit I'd install it myself or make sure whoever does knows proper procedures. There are an awful lot of water damaged walls and floors out there from improperly installed window shakers. Also a good idea to verify adequate power where the unit is to be installed.

Undoubtedly a plug in the drain below the lower level toilet. The bubbles coming from around the toilet bolts suggest a bad wax ring on that toilet as well. Since the wax ring needs to be replaced, I'd pull that toilet and snake the drain. Should be a 3" or 4" drain so you'll need a real snake, not the little hand model, or a professional. Pretty simple project actually.

I'd like to add one more voice here on behalf of the Android users of the world. I believe this applecentric approach is a bit dated. Maybe you're not getting the miles out of your current AppleApp and that's what's preventing the development of it's Android equivalent. That would be a palatable argument. Short of that, the preferential slant towards iOS seems tired in an age where iOS represents about a third of the smartphone accounts nationally.

Anyway, I love the site. Glad I can view it on my PC.

If you just purchased the property, did you not already use the current condition of the units in your negotiates with the seller? That would seem the correct time for you to get compensation for existing issues. If you did, then charging the tenant would be double dipping in my opinion and not ethical. If you didn't, carpet is cheap so it's not likely your most expensive lesson of the year.

That comment and $2.00 should get you a good cup of coffee.

Going to bump this topic again. Thinking about heading to DC for the REI Expo in May. Other option is to wait for the Chicago expo in July...even if it's actually in Schaumburg. Anyone here planning on attending?

Hello @Dylan Swanson

Welcome to BP. I'll keep my eyes peeled for you next time I'm at JJ's. Pretty sure everyone from Golden Valley goes there. There's quite a contingent of Twin Citiens on this site so not only is there a ridiculous amount of great info, there's also lots of local expertise.

@Paul Timmins

I've searched the web a bit to find the list of emerging markets that you have listed here. I see a good number of lists but not this one. Can you share your source?

Welcome Michael,

I'm just finishing up my first year in the business, here in Minneapolis as well, and find this sight my go to source for information. Spend lots of time here and you'll learn lots of things you didn't know you didn't know.

Like most all home issues the first step should be figuring out the root cause of the problem. Where is this water coming from. If it's from below, ie. a spring or high water table then your solutions are few and complicated. If it's from above due to poor drainage around the perimeter of the house, lack of rain gutters, even lack of rain gutters on the neighbors house, then the solution is much easier. If the problem is from below then the interior perimeter drain system with a sump is probably the way to go. If the problem is outside, which it usually is, then install gutters and spouts, make sure you have proper grade at least 10 feet out and if all else fails, install an exterior French drain. If it's from above then installing an interior drain system will still leave you with wet walls and a continued water problem.

Would love one of those in Minneapolis right now! How many sq/ft is it? I'd keep that 32" CRT and sell it with the house. :)