All Forum Posts by: Tristan Brenner

@Roberto Gutierrez The climate here is fairly mild. There are some large developments in my area that are all slab on grade homes. I will defiantly be doing radiant heat, it seems cost effective, low maintenance and comfortable.

In an above post I did say that I was going to put vinyl tile down but I do plan on polishing the concrete and have that be the finished floor. I should of specified that I was only thinking in the bath rooms for more traction when getting out of the shower because concrete can be slippery. The more I think about it people use rugs to stand on when getting out of the shower.

Thanks for the input

Michael Hacker Thanks for clarifying about good sheets. I started messing around with google docs, keep and sheets. I think you got me pointed in the right direction.

@Michael Hacker sounds like you have it set up great. My goal is to set up a system so that I can become efficient and do multiple properties at one time. So are the excel spread sheets that you utilize totally custom or are they something that you found on the internet and then tweaked for your situation? I like the Idea to have one for every line item needed for building budgets. I noticed in my last build there was a hand full of things that I had not included in the original bid sheet.  I'm a fan of spread sheets but I'm struggling on where to start this process. 

 I will defiantly check into google keep. I really like the idea of having a master checklist that relates to the scope of work that is being performed. Seems like a great way to make sure that everything for that contractor gets done on one scope of work without getting charged for simple repeat visits for things that were over looked.

Is there any where online that I could go and look for the tools that you use to keep you organized? Sounds just like what I need to keep me organized. Thanks again for the spot on response.

@Kevin Martin I will look into builder trend thanks!

I'm a new investor/ builder out of Washington State and just finished my first new construction custom home build last year. I'm currently working to convert one of my rental properties into a duplex.

I have worked in construction for 10 plus years and feel I have a good grasp on what needs to be accomplished. The main thing that I learned from the build last year is that I'm really lacking in the management and time line of the project with no real systems in place. 

My question is, do you have or use specific construction management and accounting software that helps keep things moving towards the end goal in an organized fashion?

@Elizabeth Zieman Thanks for the thoughts on the building code modification. I just recently finished up a custom home build and have found a great architect and engineer. I will definitely consult them before deciding which way I will go. Have you designed any houses that have been slab on grade? If so have you came across any thing else to watch out for? If I did radiant heated concrete floors with a smooth sealed finish. Would It be weird if I didn’t put any additional floor coverings over the finished concrete? Seems like it would be warm, durable, long lasting and cheap. Thanks again for the input! 

@Matthew Paul Thanks for the idea!

Dominic thanks for the thought on resale. I will check with my agent and see what data they can find on resale for slab on grade vs conventional. Matthew I really like the idea of putting all the mechanicals in the basement. In the area of Washington I live in the frost line is only 18 inches. We are basically at sea level. Also the water table in this area is to high to build a full basement with out fully fighting water every step of the way. I was kind of leaning towards slab on grade for a couple reason. 1. Lower constructions cost 2. Quicker construction time. 3. Possibility to have level entry into home for wheelchair access. 4. Durability of concrete floors with a vinyl tile flooring over the top seems very bomb proof from tenants and water. 5. No crawl space for rodents and other things to call home. Thanks for the feedback!

I'm currently working on converting my first single family rental into a duplex in Washington State. I will be keeping this project in my portfolio for years to come. I'm trying to figure out best practices from more experienced investors and builder for constructing a high quality and low maintenance rental, so no better place to start then with the foundation. My question is, If you could build a portfolio of multifamily rental properties to hold for long term, would you build a slab on grade concrete floor (no crawl space) or standard conventional wood framed floor (has a crawl space) There are pros and cons to both but just hoping to get some people who might have other insight on it. Appreciate any and all feedback! Newbie from Washington State