The apartment offers hardwood floors through out, huge master with its own bathroom, central air, storage space, and a balcony.

Something like this:This home has a completely remodeled kitchen and bathroom, new hardwood floors throughout, all updated mechanicals, new roof, etc - which none of these comparable properties have. 

Thanks all, one thing I would like to add id that this guy has put in new hardwood flooring and perhaps other upgrades without permission.

Weighing cost of hardwood vs less expensive carpeting.

Hardwood flooring but would need some work in the kitchen and bathrooms. 

The good part is there is hardwood underneath.

It's very therapeutic and you might find beautiful hardwood under that carpet.

On a typical project, here are the contractors I'll probably use:- Demo- Roofer- Painter- Carpenter- Plumber- Electrician- HVAC- Window Company- Tile Guy- Carpet Guy- Hardwood Guy- Cabinets/Countertops Company- Termite Inspection- Landscaping- Garage Door Company- House CleanerIn addition, on many projects I'll also use:- Drywall Guys- Insulation- Surveyor- Structural Engineer- Inspectors- Concrete Company- Driveway/Paving Company- Grading- Tree Trimming- Shower Glass CompanyFor big projects, new construction:- Architect- Civil Engineer- Foundation- Asbestos Removal- Sediment Control- Excavation, Dirt Hauling- Interior Sprinklers- Stone WorkEach of those contractors will typically get between 1-4 draws, depending on the scope of the work they have for the project.Then there are materials and other non-labor costs:- Permits (0-3 transactions per project)- Porta Pottys (0-3 transactions per project)- Home Depot Materials (3-5 transactions per project)- Dumpsters (1-3 transactions per project)- Paint Purchase- Cabinets/Countertops Purchase (2-4 transactions per project)- Flooring Material Purchase (1-2 transactions per project)- Specialty Material Suppliers (0-10 transactions per project)- Utility/Service Installation (0-5 transactions per project)- Private Inspections (0-5 transactions per project)- Insulation/Airtightness Tests- AppliancesOn top of that, I will potentially write several checks to:- Title Company- Property Inspector- Appraiser- General Contractor or Project Manager- Interest Payments- Utility Payments- Tax PaymentsOn top of that, I have my general business expenses:- Accounting- Legal- Interest Payments- Tax Payments- Brokerage Fees- E&O Fees- MLS Fees- Overhead/Office (Supplies, Equipment, Subscriptions, Software, etc)- Telephone/Fax/Internet- Income from Property SalesAll of these easily add up to a couple hundred transactions on a large project or new build, meaning many dozen per month. 

Thank you so much for your insight in this tough and overpriced market in and around the DMV.I only have one question regarding this scenario, pertaining to what the contractor told me: is it true that the original hardwood floors can be kept from a moldy house if they get refinished and sanded on the back side too?

I am looking for a handyman who can do tiling and hardwood floor installation charging by square feet.