Depending on your end game- rental -flip - hold, for rentals- I get 12x12 granite tiles (under 5 bucks each) butt them together and trim it with 2" wood that matches either the granite or the cabinets.

I had a conference call with them this week that they initiated asking me as a investor/supplier how their processing can get better.I shared your post and let them know that my experiences were similiar in some instances.

The toilet has never leaked and it was just reseated 2 years ago when we re-tile the bathroom floor. 

1. speak with Nucor/CBC/etc. metal building suppliers to get their material cost and installer recommendations2. speak with an earthwork contractor on their anticipated cost PSF for the grading and pad prep for the building.

The renovation/rehab will include the following work: painting, tile work (flooring, shower, back splash), plumbing to relocate sink & toilet, wall removal, drywall finishing,  electrical, etc. 

Remember if you are doing this right, you are analyzing LOTS of properties and narrowing it down as quickly and efficiently as possible so you only spend time on the ones that are worth it.So lets use an example...... a roof may cost 10k on a CA property that is 1500 sq ft....... but 6k if I'm in the Midwest...... am I using tile on one and composite on another?

A lot of the construction process is loud (ever air chisel out a house full of old tile flooring?).

Always new cabinets, flooring, carpets, windows, some plumbing and tiles and doors.

I personally buy the finish materials myself (vanities, hardwood, tile, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, etc.).I don't do this to avoid the Contractor's markup. 

I keep an excel file with a tab for each property to document things such as paint color, tile type, etc.