BiggerPockets

There is software available that will help with this but the best way is to go shopping. Write down the dimensions of your rooms, cabinets, counters, walls, etc. and go price paint, carpet, padding, sheetrock, toilets, tile, mirrors, cabinets, etc. etc. It is time consuming, but if you are going to be making the purchases it is a good way to learn the materials and the costs of them.

I would also have a contractor come in and give you a detailed list of costs for materials and labor for the job. His connections may be able to get him a better price on some materials. You may also find some things he can do for you as cheap or cheaper than you can yourself. My wife and I are working on a rehab right now and we have taken many trips to Home Depot and other stores just pricing the items we will need. Make it fun and enjoy it. It is all a part of your education in rehabbing.

Hello,

My username is jmlcarpenter and I am a real estate wholesaler. My job is to provide serious rehabbers like you with property that fits your specific needs and convenience. No matter where you live or what type of property you want, I can find it as long as you live in the USA. I will search my inventory sources and find the property you want and I will then assign the contract to you for a fee. If you are interested and serious about doing business with me, please contact me by e-mail and I will send you an interview questionare.

Triton has good suggestions, I think. I took that path when developing skills and techniques for estimating. The more deals you do the better you'll get. It will takes some time comitment, but pace yourself. A little here, and a little there will ultimately get you to the final destination.

Here are some tips that might help. Locate material supply stores for needed items. Don't rely simply upon the mega retailers like Lowe's and HD. Go the specialty and wholesale in your area. Browse the showroom and pick out some material that you like and you can envision going into your project. Talk with the sales person and ask them " What's the typical cost for installation of this material?" Nine out of ten times, they'll have an idea. After all they specialize in selling that product. While you're doing this, TAKE NOTES, GET NAMES and CONTACT INFORMATION for both the sales person and installers they recomend. By doing this, you're killing two birds with one stone - pricing materials from local providers and learning about installation cost:wink:.

The next step is call the referals you've given and mention that Mike over at Mega Tile Mart refered you. It establishes a sense of familiarity. Arrange to meet with the contractor on site and review the work. Ask them to provide you a written estimate to include a brieg description of the work. I also recomend breaking it up into materials and labor costs so later you may be able to utilize " I'll buy materials" as a negotiating tool.

Hope that helps. Don't hesitate to send a personal message if there's any other questions you feel I might be able to help with.
Glenn

That's why their moto is " you can do it, we can help" .

I have come across several abandoned properties that I am considering rehabbing & renting out... can anyone guide me step-by-step on how to get all the information to decide whether or not to on each property?