All Forum Posts by: Stephen Kunen

Hey it’s me again having questions on the 6 unit in Allentown that I’m renovating. Inspectors told us that we need to install 4 fire rated windows by the fire escape because the property is commercial...where can I get affordable fire rated windows / glass?

@Ashley Crump Scott Trench, Ceo of BiggerPockets now.

Set for Life!

@Nik Moushon thank you.

@Phil Chadbourn we just opened them to redo plumbing and electric. No movement of walls load bearing or otherwise. Some spots do need to be reinforced with additional beams but that’s it.

We are doing a lot of work on a 6 unit building in Allentown, PA. As of today, we realized that since we opened up walls to do the electric and plumbing work, we need to get a building permit. Because it's a commercial building, we need plans, drawings and how the work is being performed. The inspector suggests that we have a third party review the plans before we submit them. Do you have any recommendations on:

1) an architect or professional who can create the plans, drawings and description; and

2) the third party who reviews the above?

At this point, should we hire a GC to handle it? It’s putting a lot of stress on us since the scope has significantly exceeded what we planned and the handyman we normally use for the rehab work did not seem familiar with the process.

Thanks very much in advance!

What’s your recommendation for reliable and affordable cameras / security systems? Thanks!

@Pat L. Thank you for this. I’ll be asking my plumbers perspective on this one for sure.

Thanks @Ned Carey and @James Dainard. We are pursuing the full plumbing and electric upgrades now.

@Ingrid J. I would also recommend in your budget having a “contingency” item for unexpected surprises, especially if you are working with a lender and old buildings.

Wow there is a lot of wisdom in this thread. Thank you all @Account Closed! 

I especially took away the point about the insurance being able to be reduced. I will for sure look into this one once completed, will work to get this job completed ASAP.  I've checked on the insulation and I've been advised that since the building is brick that has plaster around it.  And that it's mostly the windows and door openings that could be the culprit here for inefficiency.  I will see about if the utilities have any incentives though. 

I've also asked my team for pictures of the before and after work to show the appraisers to make them aware because who knows. The submetering of electric and water and lower insurance should all help with the new NOI calculation.

Thanks all! This is the biggest project we've ever tackled and a lot is riding on it. I'm determined to make it succeed. Feeling the growing pains on this one but will pull through!