Update 1/5/15Since the last post we've done the following:- Started removing laminate flooring (decking underneath)- Sanded cabinets- Patched a few drywall holes in the basement- Painted stove range and hood- Removed laminate backsplashPhotos:The paint for the range and the hood was Rustoleum High Heat (Home Depot).  

Some examples of items you should understand: recommended (non-treated) wood/soil separation, all common DFW residential foundation types, minimum roof slope for asphalt shingles, termite identification, etc. 

An exception would be extensive storm damage that goes beyond the surface and affects multiple areas.The most common repairs performed on roofs include:90-95 percent occur around flashingBlown- Off or loose shinglesPonding water due to insufficient protective measuresPunctures or penetrations relegated to a single areaShingles that are curling upwards may mean there are leaks underneath the surface or that water is getting into parts of a roof where it shouldn’t be going. roofs with curled shingles often need to be replaced within 1-5 years.Complete replacement is typically recommended when:Damage extends below a roof’s surface layerRepairs are becoming increasingly frequentBald spots are showing up where granules( materials that provide added protection to a roof) are missingA roof is more than 20- 25 years old or has undergone too many re-roofs to make re-roofing a safe option againAn existing roof was poorly installed or not installed according to codeRoof replacement doesn’t necessarily mean completely tearing off an existing roof and starting over from scratch.

If it is farmland then the soil type matters.

@Mei Li I'd be looking for what's "hiding" underneath the new rehab work.For instance, is there new drywall in the basement covering up old galvanized steel plumbing, outdated wiring or asbestos?

I definitely encourage you to join up with people that have a similar moral compass as you do, but once you find good soil to plant in, I'd suggest you give everything you got to the opportunity before you- no holding back at all!

Sorry it is much harder to scan through the forum posts because of the "posted by" or "in forum" line underneath with a similar font and size.

The people that did the my kitchen in the house we just purchased failed to do that and there are several spots that you can feel whatever is underneath the planks when you walk over it even with shoes on.

It was frozen to the cement so I couldn't lift it to look underneath...

Hello does anyone know about any grant money for testing a remediation of contaminated soils on a property you already own?