All Forum Posts by: Travis West

it is really easy to come in after the fact and say "you should have ..."

My suggestion is to consider adding water spill/overflow shutoff switches in key locations. They are usually available in big box plumbing departments or certainly online.

When a spill of water reaches a floor, it (the water) completes the connection for the switch (which is connected to a valve) thereby shutting off a home's water supply.

In that case you have an inconvenienced tenant calling because they don't have water versus the alternative that you've experienced.

I don't think that they are too expensive but may need to be installed by a plumber.

Just my 2-cents worth.

Travis

Calling all interested investors in the Houston, Conroe, Tomball, The Woodlands, and other North-side areas.

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 20th.That’s when we are launching a BP North Houston Area Meetup. Created to bring like-minded members of Bigger Pockets together in a “networking only” event. This first event is scheduled in The Woodlands, with future events (January) coming to a different North-side location.

This is a non-pressure event where we can meet new friends, make new contacts, and maybe even work some deals. Heck! We can even talk about Josh Dorkin if we run out of other stuff!

Join the Meetup HERE.

Thanks for the response Randy. I am aware that ozone can do it. I don't know why I didn't think if it myself.

Good luck on the investment homes. Yes, it is darned scary when you've got a home to put money in to ... but it's also a great feeling when you're done with the repairs/remodel and see what a gem you've created.

Travis

hi Kim.

Great minds think alike.

I was going to call or email you about this. I exchanged emails with Josh Dorkin of BP about doing a BP meetup in The Woodlands. He gave me some good ideas and provided me some good resources too.

Lets talk. Later today maybe?

Travis

I heard the same rumor.

Travis

@Amanda Fox.

I tried to create my own font using the process you explained.

It's really very easy. But I had a concern.

When they finish your font, they ask you to download a .exe file. That's an executable file. I did download it and before opening it, i did some research on it. Several sites said it was "suspect" as in ... it could contain a virus or trojan horse.

I am pretty internet savvy so I accepted it knowing if there was a problem, my AVG security software would find it ... Sure enough, when unpacking the font that was created for me, my AVG found a virus AND a Trojan Horse. It proceeded to segregate them - isolate them so they couldn't do my computer any harm. So, I went ahead and installed it.

Then ... whoa! To my surprise, the very next window I saw was a "Weatherbug" window. Sure, it just tells me the weather in lots of areas and locations, but hey! I didn't want Weatherbug. I've had it before and it's poorly written and causes conflicts with other programs that I use.

So ... my advice to anyone who is monitoring this thread it to "tread carefully" if you really want a font in your personal script. Be prepared to deal with a virus, a trojan and even (heaven forbid) Weatherbug!

Forewarned ... is fore-armed!

Travis West

welce to BP Julie!

I hope you have a chance to learn as much (and As often) as I have.

Jump in. Ask questions.

Learn and enjoy.

From a fellow Houston Investor.

Travis West

Hiya Ben.

Regarding the mold issues, I'd say that if the area that is affected is less than about 32 sq. ft. (4' x8') then you could probably do it (the work) yourself. There is some very good guidance at the US EPA website at EPA.gov. Half way down the left side of the screen is a PDF titled "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"

If the amount is much bigger that 4' x 8 or you just don't want to hassle with it, then you should look for someone who does "mold investigations" rather than mold remediation. The investigator is going to give you honest feed back on how much work is needed. If it's substantial, they can even write a scope of work that the remediator (contractor who removes the mold damaged materials) should follow.

Hiring the remediator first may imply to them that YOU approve of any methods they choose to do the work. That can (and has) led to problems later on. Some remediators will want to "rip it out" and drag it through the house. The mold investigator however, may create a scope that tells them to carefully place the mold contaminated debris into plastic bags and seal the bags before moving them out of the work area. That simple process can be the difference between having mold scattered everywhere throughout the house and NOT having it anywhere other than the problem area.

My first suggestion is to look up the EPA document. It's a small but complete guidance document that will have you "talking the talk" with either the investigator or the remediator (regardless of who you choose).

Best of luck.

Mold is easily overcome, but when discounted (taken too lightly) it can become a BEAR of a problem that will haunt you. Take your time and do it right!

Travis West

MAC0325 (Licensed Mold Assessment Consultant; State of Texas); CIEC #0306009 (Certified Indoor Environmental Consulant; ACAC.org)

We had a house painted 10 days ago. While the latex on the ceiling and walls is OK, the oil based trim paint continues to smell. How long with this continue?

Can anyone offer a way to accelerate the removal of odors?

Thanks.

Travis

Thanks for the info Joe. I have known Rita for many years. I don't know if she still owns Champion or not.

I will pass this on to my partner. She wanted to get her license.

Travis