All Forum Posts by: Tracey Smythe

Those look a little different from saltillo, but after doing some reading I found out they have similar properties to saltillo, the clay is just a little different and they may be machine made vs. hand made.

Everything about saltillo tiles seems to apply to terra cotta also-they are "thirsty", and they have to be sealed periodically. Everything I can find recommends using a thin-set mortar as opposed to adhesive.  I am not sure the adhesive would stick properly for tile, I have only ever used thinset on all the tile jobs I have done.

@Carley M.  Try posting the picture and I will be happy to look at it and see what I think.  I might not be able to tell you for sure, but it can't hurt.

Yeah, setting saltillo tile is a lot harder and messier than setting regular tile.  If it is saltillo (and even if it isn't, I would say any kind of terra cotta could be this way since it's unfinished clay) it is pourous and will soak up anything that gets on it.  I actually soaked the ones I had to set in a tub of water overnight before using thinset to set them.  You also have to immediately clean up anything that gets on them at this stage, or it will stain.  It makes the tiling process complicated.

When you say terra cotta tile, do you mean saltillo?  If so, then yes, you can use Behr sealer like this: 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/BEHR-Premium-1-gal-Wet-...

You will need to put at least 3 coasts on raw tile.  It says wet look, but after a week or two of foot traffic it will have a nice sheen to it but won't be super shiny and slick.  

Just be aware that you need to clean and reseal every couple of years.  About every 8-10 years you are supposed to strip and then re-seal.  I just did this at a new rent house we renovated, and it's labor intensive, but not hard.  

There are new cabinets in one of my recent purchases.  The problem is that the cabinets on both sides of the stove are the 'wrong' kind-they are sink basin type instead of just base cabinets.  They essentially look the same, but the front is fixed on these, as opposed to having a pull out drawer.  

The space exists for a drawer, and my new tenants are willing to pay for the cost of converting.  They just want more storage space, and I understand because the kitchen is small.  I have looked, but been unable to find anything designed to convert this space to a drawer.  I am sure a kit exists, and it would probably be as simple as taking the face off this drawer area, installing rails, and then building out a drawer and putting the face on it.  Does anyone have any experience in doing this, or know if a kit exists?  I have looked online until my fingers are sore. 

I have found that HD tends to have better selection and prices on building supply items, while Lowe's tends to have better selection and prices on things that are more "decorative" like light fixtures, flooring, etc. 

As others have said, shop around and compare the two, and don't count out other stores including local ones.  I was doing a big rehab earlier this year and had checked prices  from both Lowe's and HD, and on a whim called a local guy with a new business.  He beat them both, hands down, and the customer service he gave me was outstanding.

I have thought about doing the cash for keys thing.  The tenant makes decent money, but spends as much or more than they make so I definitely think lack of money to move may be the problem.

Does anyone know a good landlord lawyer in the Orlando area?  

We have a tenant who is coming up to the end of his 1 year lease this month. He mentioned to me several months ago that he is not renewing, so I sent him a non-renewal form mid March (certified mail). The lease states that it does not go month to month, and has to be renewed by both parties for the tenant to stay. The HOA requires one year leases, and they have instituted new screening requirements that he cannot pass. He has also been a terrible tenant, and I wouldn't renew even if the HOA would approve.

Everything seemed to be going well, and he was on track to move out based on our conversations.  Then this last week he contacted me and said he couldn't find anything else and asked to stay another month.  I told him no, and that he had to leave. I told him that I could not accept any rent, and that he absolutely had to leave. He kept trying to negotiate additional time, and I told him that he could not stay.  

He finally agreed that he would leave this weekend, if I could do the walk through the day he left and refund the security deposit (after assessment of any damages) quicker than the 15 days that Florida requires.  I have been driving by, and have friends that live next door, and so far it doesn't look like he has done anything towards getting out.

I have all the usual quit notices, but it seems as if there is a special notice for immediate eviction of a holdover tenant in Florida.  Can anyone confirm if this is true, and if so, can anyone guide me to where that form can be found?  This is my first (potential) eviction in almost 6 years, so I am a little nervous, but trying to get geared up for what I anticipate is about to happen.