I have a demo scheduled for tomorrow, but I'm really interested in actual experiences from our area - I've seen good reviews in Chicago and a few other areas, and I'm optimistic, but I'd rather not be their guinea pig here without knowing it :)

Plan, order, demo, draw a little map of bath on garage floor and place the cabinets, toilet and tape it all on the floor.

Should I demo it and put dirt?

She doesn't have a $$ she's looking for yet, but she'll let me know.I'd like to demo the house and build a 4-unit and live in one of the units, but I'm concerned it may be too ambitious for a first deal.

@Moly Yang - Not at all, I think you just need to run some numbers to ensure the house is profitable.

The first remediation company went to assess the damage and told us an overwhelming amount of work that they will have to do in order to repair the water damage, including demo the kitchen cabinets from the walls, potentially destroying the counter top, opening up downstairs bedroom drywall, ceiling and some carpeting, and that they will not be able to put anything back due to liability concerns (the fact that they are not licensed contractors to perform such types of work).

Hi Taylor,Free work in return for lowered rent might not be such a good idea.It would be Smart to go in person and see examples of the person's previous work (of the same kind you want done).I've seen (for example) gypsum board punched holes replaced that were  -->99.999% Invisible<-- and on the other hand, tub work by the same individual that was "childish" at best.I've had other instances of Handymen describing their work in various glowing terms, and according themselves with various (made up) glowing titles (master this, and certain grade experts)--claiming unbelievable past projects--who were no-shows or no-finishers.It's best to understand what the repair needs yourself, such as "Blue Board" or "Purple Board" and sealant XYZ vs just relying on statements such as I have done these for years--yes that may be true, but at what quality (if quality counts to you--it may not).You also may want to spec that you want the area left Broom Clean when the work is done, and make sure to provide a dumpster if there will be large demo taking place.Good Luck!

Contractors and helpers want to go in all full demo mode like a bad episode of HGTV.   

I designed and contracted a complete remodel of the house which also included some wall demo and kitchen reconfiguration.

Rehab includes: bathroom demo and rebuild, flooring, paint, and appliances.