We are looking to do some initial rehab to at least 2 kitchens, 2 bathrooms, some windows, some masonry work on the building, and likely will need a new tear off roof with some metal capping around the parapet wall.

I am a structural engineer (working on my licenses at the moment) with experience in concrete, masonry, steel and wood construction.

@John Vanhara What is the square footage of the buildings and is a masonry product required on the walls?

I don't think you will ever have a masonry house where the inspector doesn't site a need for tuck pointing.

If something is accidentally unfinished, you're going to be cutting open your brand new walls to fix it.You can also save some money doing your own tile and finishing work like installing cabinets and what have you.It really depends on your skill level and how comfortable you are with the work.Unless its just 1 or 2 rooms I always hire out; Demo, HVAC, Drywall hanging and finishing, Floor refinishing, Carpeting, Roofing and Brick pointing or larger masonry jobs.

Also, you can use the cash to float your own expenses — again make sure you budget properly to make up for pending expensesAlso, at least in today’s market rates, at least you can get 5% apr with your funds in a masonry market fund if you hold onto it.Good luck

I guesss I could rip out all of the finished walls, and put mortar (waterproof) on the actually basement walls, and baring the masonry will help me keep an eye out for the rest of the structure and to make sure it doesn’t reach the rest of the house?

Louis, our 100 year old homes have masonry/stone foundations and seeping rain water is part of life.

The inspection has seen bowing of the walls as well as deteriorated masonry.

Syracuse code requires the roofers go above and beyond, copper flashing everywhere there is masonry, chimneys must be repaired when the roof is done, etc.