All
Members
Companies
Blog
Forums
Podcast
Webinars
    User Log in  /  Sign up
  • Forums
    Newest Posts Trending Discussions Followed Forums Real Estate News & Current Events General Landlording & Rental Properties Buying & Selling Real Estate Deal Analysis See All
  • Education

    Read

    BiggerPockets Blog BPInsights: Expert Analysis Coronavirus Content & Resources Guides Glossary Reviews Member Blogs

    Watch

    Webinars Video Library Financial Independence Blueprint Intro to Real Estate: Rentals

    Listen

    BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast BiggerPockets Money Podcast BiggerPockets Business Podcast Real Estate Rookie Podcast Daily Podcast (Audio Blog)

    Topics

    Business Operations Finance Finding Deals Property Management Property Types Strategy
  • Network

    Recommended Vendors

    Real Estate Agents Mortgage Lenders Companies Hard Money Lenders Contractors Investment Companies

    Search

    Members Events Jobs
  • Tools

    Calculators

    Rental Property Fix and Flip BRRRR Rehab Estimator
    Wholesaling Mortgage Payment 70% Rule Airbnb

    Services

    BPInsights: Property Insights Tenant Screening Property Management Lease Agreement Packages

    New Feature

    BPInsights (beta)

    Quickly analyze a property address or ZIP Code to compare your rent in your neighborhood.

    Analyze a property
  • Find Deals
    Real Estate Listings Find Foreclosures External Link Ads, Jobs, and Other
  • Bookstore

    Real Estate Books

    Profit Like The Pros Bidding to Buy See all books

    Featured Book

    BiggerPockets Wealth Magazine book cover
    BiggerPockets Wealth Magazine

    Written by financial journalists and data scientists, get 60+ pages of newsworthy content, expert-driven advice, and data-backed research written in a clear way to help you navigate your tough investment decisions in an ever-changing financial climate! Subscribe today and get the Oct/Nov issue delivered to your door!

    Get the Magazine
  • Pricing
Log In Sign up
User
Quick search links
Podcast Hard Money Lenders Books Washington
ForumsArrowRehabbing and House FlippingArrowNew Build Questions About Counter Tops
  • Newest Posts
    • Newest Posts
    • Unanswered Discussions
  • Trending
    • Top Discussions
    • Trending Discussions
  • Browse Forums
Search Nova
Topic: 1031 Exchanges Topic: Akron Real Estate Forum Topic: Alabama Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Alaska Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Alberta Real Estate Forum Topic: Albuquerque Topic: Allentown Real Estate Forum Topic: Anchorage Real Estate Forum Topic: Ann Arbor Topic: Arizona Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Arkansas Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Arlington Real Estate Forum Topic: Asheville NC Real Estate Forum Topic: Ask About A Real Estate Company Topic: Athens Real Estate Forum Topic: Atlanta Real Estate Forum Topic: Aurora Real Estate Forum Topic: Aurora Real Estate Forum Topic: Austin Real Estate Forum Topic: Bakersfield Real Estate Forum Topic: Baltimore Real Estate Forum Topic: Bankers, Lenders, and Mortgage Brokers Topic: Baton Rouge Real Estate Forum Topic: Beaverton Real Estate Forum Topic: BiggerPockets Business Podcast Topic: BiggerPockets Exclusive PRO Area Topic: BiggerPockets Money Podcast Topic: BiggerPockets Real Estate Investing Summit Topic: BiggerPockets Summer Reading List Topic: BiggerPockets Webinar Discussion Forum Topic: Billings Real Estate Forum Topic: Birmingham Real Estate Forum Topic: Bismarck Real Estate Forum Topic: Boise Real Estate Forum Topic: Boston Real Estate Forum Topic: Bridgeport Real Estate Forum Topic: British Columbia Real Estate Forum Topic: BRRRR - Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat Topic: Buying & Selling Real Estate Discussion Topic: California Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Cambridge Real Estate Forum Topic: Canadian Real Estate Topic: Cape Cod Real Estate Forum Topic: Cape Coral Real Estate Forum Topic: Casper Real Estate Forum Topic: Cedar Rapids Real Estate Forum Topic: Chandler Real Estate Forum Topic: Charleston Real Estate Forum Topic: Charleston Real Estate Forum Topic: Charlotte Real Estate Forum Topic: Chattanooga Real Estate Forum Topic: Chesapeake Real Estate Forum Topic: Cheyenne Real Estate Forum Topic: Chicago Real Estate Forum Topic: Chittenden County Real Estate Forum Topic: Cincinnati Real Estate Forum Topic: Cleveland Real Estate Forum Topic: Coastal NC Real Estate Forum Topic: Colorado Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Colorado Springs Real Estate Forum Topic: Columbia Real Estate Forum Topic: Columbia Real Estate Forum Topic: Columbus Real Estate Forum Topic: Columbus Real Estate Forum Topic: Commercial Real Estate Investing Forum Topic: Completed Deal Diaries Topic: Connecticut Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Construction & Remodeling Diaries Topic: Contractors Topic: Conway Real Estate Forum Topic: Coronavirus Conversation Topic: Coronavirus Government Assistance Programs Topic: Creative Real Estate Financing Forum Topic: Currently Under Contract Topic: Dallas Real Estate Forum Topic: Davenport Real Estate Forum Topic: Dayton Real Estate Forum Topic: Delaware Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Denver Real Estate Forum Topic: Des Moines Real Estate Forum Topic: Detroit Real Estate Forum Topic: Do it Yourself Topic: El Paso Real Estate Forum Topic: Eugene Real Estate Forum Topic: Evansville Real Estate Forum Topic: FAQ Forum Topic: Fargo Topic: Fayetteville Real Estate Forum Topic: First Time Home Buyer Topic: Florida Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Foreigners Buying in the USA Topic: Fort Collins Real Estate Forum Topic: Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Forum Topic: Fort Smith Real Estate Forum Topic: Fort Wayne Real Estate Forum Topic: Fort Worth Real Estate Forum Topic: Fresno Real Estate Forum Topic: General Foreclosure & Pre-Foreclosure Forums Topic: General Landlording & Rental Properties Topic: General Real Estate Investing Topic: Georgia Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Germantown Real Estate Forum Topic: Get Foreclosure Help - Stop Foreclosure Forum Topic: Gilbert Real Estate Forum Topic: Glendale Real Estate Forum Topic: Goals, Business Plans & Entities Topic: Grand Rapids Real Estate Forum Topic: Green Bay Topic: Greensboro Real Estate Forum Topic: Hammond Real Estate Forum Topic: Hartford Real Estate Forum Topic: Hawaii Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Henderson Real Estate Forum Topic: Hialeah Real Estate Forum Topic: Hilo Real Estate Forum Topic: Home Owner Association (HOA) Issues & Problems Forum Topic: Honolulu Real Estate Forum Topic: Housing News & Real Estate Market Discussions Topic: Houston Real Estate Forum Topic: HUD, VA, and Tax Sales Topic: Huntington Real Estate Forum Topic: Huntsville Real Estate Forum Topic: Idaho Falls Real Estate Forum Topic: Idaho Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Illinois Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Indianapolis Real Estate Forum Topic: Indiana Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Innovative Strategies Topic: Interest Rate Drops Topic: International Real Estate Topic: Investor Deal Diaries Topic: Investor Psychology Topic: Iowa Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Jackson Real Estate Forum Topic: Jacksonville Real Estate Forum Topic: Jersey City Real Estate Forum Topic: Job Loss/Company Closings Topic: Joliet Real Estate Forum Topic: Jonesboro Real Estate Forum Topic: Kailua Real Estate Forum Topic: Kānèohe Real Estate Forum Topic: Kansas City Real Estate Forum Topic: Kansas City Real Estate Forum Topic: Kansas Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Kentucky Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Knoxville Real Estate Forum Topic: Lakewood Real Estate Forum Topic: Landlord Problem Solving Topic: Las Cruces Real Estate Forum Topic: Las Vegas Real Estate Forum Topic: Lewiston Real Estate Forum Topic: Lexington-Fayette Real Estate Forum Topic: Lincoln Real Estate Forum Topic: Little Rock Real Estate Forum Topic: Local Real Estate Networking Topic: Long Beach Real Estate Forum Topic: Long Island Real Estate Forum Topic: Los Angeles County Real Estate Forum Topic: Louisiana Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Louisville Real Estate Forum Topic: Madison Real Estate Forum Topic: Maine Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Managing Your Property Topic: Manchester Real Estate Forum Topic: Manitoba Topic: Marketing Your Rental Topic: Marketplace Topic: Maryland Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Massachusetts Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Meads Real Estate Forum Topic: Memphis Real Estate Forum Topic: Meridian Real Estate Forum Topic: Mesa Real Estate Forum Topic: Miami Topic: Michigan Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Military Investing Topic: Milwaukee Real Estate Forum Topic: Minneapolis Real Estate Forum Topic: Minnesota Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Mississippi Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Missoula Real Estate Forum Topic: Missouri Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Mobile (Alabama) Real Estate Forum Topic: Mobile Homes & Mobile Home Park Investing Topic: Modesto/Merced Real Estate Forum Topic: Montana Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Montgomery Real Estate Forum Topic: Mortgage Payment Suspension Topic: Mt. Pleasant Real Estate Forum Topic: Multi-Family and Apartment Investing Forums Topic: Nampa Real Estate Forum Topic: Naperville Real Estate Forum Topic: Nashville Real Estate Forum Topic: Nebraska Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Nevada Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Newark Real Estate Forum Topic: New Brunswick Real Estate Forum Topic: Newfoundland and Labrador Real Estate Forum Topic: New Hampshire Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: New Haven Real Estate Forum Topic: New Jersey Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: New Member Introductions Topic: New Mexico Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: New Orleans Real Estate Forum Topic: New York City Real Estate Forum Topic: New York Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Norfolk Real Estate Forum Topic: North Carolina Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: North Dakota Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Northwest Territories Real Estate Forum Topic: Norwalk Real Estate Forum Topic: Nova Scotia Real Estate Forum Topic: Nunavut Real Estate Forum Topic: Oakland Real Estate Forum Topic: Off-Topic Topic: Ogden Topic: Ohio Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Oklahoma City Real Estate Forum Topic: Oklahoma Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Omaha Real Estate Forum Topic: Ontario Real Estate Forum Topic: Orange County Real Estate Forum Topic: Oregon Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Orlando Real Estate Forum Topic: Overland Park Real Estate Forum Topic: Pearl City Real Estate Forum Topic: Pennsylvania Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Peoria Real Estate Forum Topic: Personal Finance Forum Topic: Philadelphia Real Estate Forum Topic: Phoenix Real Estate Forum Topic: Pittsburgh Real Estate Forum Topic: Pocatello Real Estate Forum Topic: Portland Real Estate Forum Topic: Portland Real Estate Forum Topic: Prince Edward Island Real Estate Forum Topic: Private Lending & Conventional Mortgage Advice Topic: Property Insurance Questions & Discussions Topic: Providence Real Estate Forum Topic: Provo Real Estate Forum Topic: Quad Cities Real Estate Forum Topic: Quebec Real Estate Forum Topic: Questions About BiggerPockets and Official Site Announcements Topic: Raleigh Real Estate Forum Topic: Rapid City Real Estate Forum Topic: Real Estate Agent Forums Topic: Real Estate Crowdfunding Forums Topic: Real Estate Deal Analysis and Advice Topic: Real Estate Development & New Home Construction Topic: Real Estate Events and Happenings Topic: Real Estate Guru, Book & Course Reviews and Discussions Topic: Real Estate Investor Marketing Help & Advice Topic: Real Estate News & Current Events Topic: Real Estate Not-So-Successful Stories Topic: Real Estate Quizzes Topic: Real Estate Rookie Podcast Topic: Real Estate Success Stories Topic: Real Estate Technology, Social Media & Blogging Topic: Real Estate Wholesaling Questions & Answers Topic: Rehabbing and House Flipping Topic: Reno Real Estate Forum Topic: Renters Discussion Topic: Rent to Own a.k.a. Lease Purchase, Lease Options Topic: REOs Topic: Rhode Island Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Richmond Real Estate Forum Topic: Rio Grande Valley Real Estate Forum Topic: Riverside Real Estate Forum Topic: Rochester Real Estate Forum Topic: Rockford Real Estate Forum Topic: Sacramento Real Estate Forum Topic: Saint Paul Real Estate Forum Topic: Salem Real Estate Forum Topic: Salt Lake City Real Estate Forum Topic: San Antonio Real Estate Forum Topic: San Diego Real Estate Forum Topic: Sandy Springs Real Estate Forum Topic: San Francisco Real Estate Forum Topic: San Jose Real Estate Forum Topic: San Luis Obispo Real Estate Forum Topic: Santa Fe Real Estate Forum Topic: Saskatchewan Real Estate Forum Topic: Savannah Real Estate Forum Topic: Scottsdale Real Estate Forum Topic: Seattle Real Estate Forum Topic: Short Sales Questions Topic: Short-Term and Vacation Rental Discussion Topic: Shreveport Real Estate Forum Topic: Sioux City Real Estate Forum Topic: Sioux Falls Real Estate Forum Topic: South Bend Real Estate Forum Topic: South Carolina Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: South Dakota Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Southeast NC Real Estate Forum Topic: Spokane Real Estate Forum Topic: Springdale Real Estate Forum Topic: Springfield Real Estate Forum Topic: Stamford Real Estate Forum Topic: Starting Out Topic: St. Louis Real Estate Forum Topic: Stockton Real Estate Forum Topic: St. Petersburg Real Estate Forum Topic: STR Strategies Under Travel Restrictions Topic: Surprise Real Estate Forum Topic: Tacoma Real Estate Forum Topic: Tallahassee Real Estate Forum Topic: Tampa Real Estate Forum Topic: Tax, Legal Issues, Contracts, Self-Directed IRA Topic: Tax Liens, Notes, Paper, & Cash Flows Discussion Topic: Tempe Real Estate Forum Topic: Tenant Screening Topic: Tennessee Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Texas Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Thornton Real Estate Forum Topic: Toledo Real Estate Forum Topic: Topeka Real Estate Forum Topic: Tucson Real Estate Forum Topic: Tulsa Real Estate Forum Topic: Tuscaloosa Real Estate Forum Topic: Upstate New York Real Estate Forum Topic: Utah Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Vancouver Real Estate Forum Topic: Vermont Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Virginia Beach Real Estate Forum Topic: Virginia Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Waipahu Real Estate Forum Topic: Waipahu Real Estate Forum Topic: Warren Real Estate Forum Topic: Warwick Real Estate Forum Topic: Washington D.C. Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Washington Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Waterbury Real Estate Forum Topic: Westchester County Real Estate Forum Topic: Western NC Real Estate Forum Topic: West Gulfport Real Estate Forum Topic: West Virginia Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Wichita Real Estate Forum Topic: Wilkes Barre Scranton Real Estate Forum Topic: Wilmington Real Estate Forum Topic: Wisconsin Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Worcester Real Estate Forum Topic: Wyoming Real Estate Q&A Discussion Forum Topic: Yukon Real Estate Forum
Create post

New Build Questions About Counter Tops

24 Replies

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn
Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team and Residential
  • Posts 123
  • Votes 52

Bernie Neyer
Investor from Chanute, Kansas

posted 8 months ago

I'm doing a new build in Chanute, KS. It's a 3/1 duplex, slab on grade, SIP construction, ~900 sq. ft. each side. The kitchen cabinets are going to be knotty alder. It's a darker wood and just finished, not stained. The builder absolutely refuses to get cabinets from HD or Lowe's as they have had so many issues with them. I'd prefer white cabinets, but that would cost me $1K extra.

He is talking me into granite counter tops, but I'm not sure that is a good choice for my area. Chanute is a small town, ~9K and about 40 miles from a town that is much larger. The builder likes granite, but my question is what issues have any of you had with granite tops? I've read where they stain easily and you can bet the tenants won't take care of them. I'm wondering if a Formica counter top wouldn't do as well. I can actually get a cheaper counter top that runs $5 a linear foot. 

Please tell me what issues if any you've had with granite and whether you'd use them again.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Tenants, Flipping, and Single Family
  • Posts 1.7K
  • Votes 1.5K

Will Fraser
Real Estate Broker from Oklahoma City, OK

replied 8 months ago

Hi @Bernie Neyer - the only issues I've had with granite is the need for on-going sealing or restoration.  That said, it's not a huge deal and I'd go granite every time. 

Here's why:  it's hard, it's busy, and it (especially in 3cm thickness) communicates a premium feel in the most valuable room of the home.  Hardness makes it more robust and "knife, pot, pan, and toddler-proof", busy makes it yet again pretty resilient and able to hide minor imperfections, and niceness subconsciously selects tenants with a more premium mindset ideally.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team and Residential
  • Posts 123
  • Votes 52

Bernie Neyer
Investor from Chanute, Kansas

replied 8 months ago

My concerns were stains. Have you had any issues with that on lighter colored granite? I'm sure you've seen the crap a tenant can try to get down a drain, but first it sat on the counter top.

i had a tenant pour their bong juice down the SS kitchen sink. I had to replace the sink. It permanently stained it.


Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Analyze Deals and Residential
  • Posts 1.1K
  • Votes 1.7K

Brian Ellis
Rental Property Investor from South shore, MA

replied 8 months ago

Granite is fairly cheap nowadays. And will last forever as long as its kept up with. 

What are the rents for each unit? Don't dump unnecessary money into them if you don't need to. But if its a higher end rental, then listen to the contractor. Home Depot and Lowes cabinets are junk. Granite is the cheapest and best solution for something nice. Or you could go concrete (ive done this myself a few times). 

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team and Residential
  • Posts 123
  • Votes 52

Bernie Neyer
Investor from Chanute, Kansas

replied 8 months ago

Well . . . this will be a high end rental for Chanute, KS, but we're the armpit of Kansas too. Bottom amount needs to be $800 per side. I'm truly not sure that's possible. If you earn $15 an hour you can buy a house here. Heck my W-2 is $22 an hour and I own a few here and elsewhere.

$800 per side puts me at a 7 Cap, and usually I don't touch anything below a 10 Cap, unless by updating it I can raise the Cap Rate.

If monthly rental doesn't work, I thinking of Air BnB, when this Corona crap goes away.



Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team and Residential
  • Posts 123
  • Votes 52

Bernie Neyer
Investor from Chanute, Kansas

replied 8 months ago
Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 48
  • Votes 36

Jordan Atkin
Developer from SLC, UT

replied 8 months ago

@Bernie Neyer I personally haven't had more issues with granite staining over other products. A tenant who doesn't respect the property can cause damage regardless of finish quality. My hope for you is that by having a higher end unit maybe you'll be able to be more selective about the tenant and it will all work out! best of luck

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team and Residential
  • Posts 123
  • Votes 52

Bernie Neyer
Investor from Chanute, Kansas

replied 8 months ago

The pour is done, now I have to wait a week for the panels to get here. The framers are on another project and won't get here till a week from Monday.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Traditional Financing and Real Estate Finance
  • Posts 1.8K
  • Votes 1.6K

Jaron Walling
Rental Property Investor from Indianapolis, IN

replied 8 months ago

@Bernie Neyer What are you paying for the entire build, estimated? I don't see many investors building new for rental property. THanks 

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team and Residential
  • Posts 123
  • Votes 52

Bernie Neyer
Investor from Chanute, Kansas

replied 8 months ago

$171K about $90 a sq ft, if we stay on budget. I think we'll end up just just below $100 a sq ft.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 12
  • Votes 4

Paul Ouellette
Property Manager from Bangor, Maine

replied 8 months ago

@Bernie Neyer

We have granite kitchen counters in our home. They were installed about 10 years ago and no stains, so far. They have chipped on the edges. For that reason, I would not use them in a rental property.

Our rentals have Corian counters. They are rugged and can be fairly easily repaired. A light sanding will remove any stains. The white Corian sinks stain quite easily, but a quick soaking with bleach makes them look just like new. You may prefer to install an undermount stainless steel sink.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team and Residential
  • Posts 123
  • Votes 52

Bernie Neyer
Investor from Chanute, Kansas

replied 8 months ago

I wanted to avoid a under mounted sink. Whatever the counter top, if you have to replace the sink you will undoubtedly damage the counter top. It looks good though and is certainly the style now.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 46
  • Votes 31

Adam Fiore
Investor from Simsbury, Connecticut

replied 8 months ago

@Bernie Neyer

That’s extremely affordable

I just sold my last flip for $200 a sq ft

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team and Residential
  • Posts 123
  • Votes 52

Bernie Neyer
Investor from Chanute, Kansas

replied 8 months ago

How much of that was improvements and how much of that was land? A lot of times the land is worth more than the house that sits on it. I purchased the lot for $1 at a tax sale. It cost me $49 to register the purchase. Even then the county values the land at ~$1000. That's part of how upside down values are here, which limits rent returns.



Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 612
  • Votes 482

Lee Bell
Real Estate Appraiser from Reseda, CA

replied 8 months ago

I'm surprised they used that giant concrete pump truck for a not so giant looking foundation.

Does the competition use formica, tile, or granite, or what?

For a rental you want to meet or slightly beat them.

For your home place, granite all the way.

If your stainless steel sink is stained by "bong juice", it is really the resin / tar/ black crud.

Clean that off with iso alcohol and elbow grease. It can be removed.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team and Residential
  • Posts 123
  • Votes 52

Bernie Neyer
Investor from Chanute, Kansas

replied 8 months ago

Unless you've used a pump to pour a foundation you'll never know how quickly and easily it goes. 


I've been involved in several pours, but never used a pump. The sub contractor calculated it in their estimate I believe. If the cement wasn't an hour and half late, they'd probably finished by noon. 

The concrete started arriving around 8:30 and the pour was done before 10:30. It would have gone quicker, but there were delays between trucks. 

The total pour ran 45 yards at $109 a yard. There was some charge back due to tardiness of the trucks to cover crew and pumper costs. What that amount was I don't know. 

I've worked concrete and have been exhausted pushing around mud that was 1/10th the volume of this. 

This went quickly and easily. There would have been no way to get the concrete from the back to the front without a lot of work. I'm sold on pumpers and it can actually cost less using them to extra crew.




Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subject:
Single Family
  • Posts 1.1K
  • Votes 617

Alex Olson
Real Estate Agent from kansas City, MO area

replied 8 months ago
Originally posted by @Bernie Neyer :

I wanted to avoid a under mounted sink. Whatever the counter top, if you have to replace the sink you will undoubtedly damage the counter top. It looks good though and is certainly the style now.

I think a neautral gray granite would be perfect. You need a serfsce and fermica sucks and no one likes. 

 

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 107
  • Votes 87

Fernan Nava
Rental Property Investor from Barstow, California

replied 8 months ago

@Alex Olson Jey Alex, don’t overthink it, granite is the way to go. In southern cal, granite is cheaper than Formica, when bought in prefabricated slabs, people prefer granite and is easier to keep than Formica. Don’t worry bout the staining, a tenant that will stain granite is the same tenant that will destroy your Formica.!Good luck.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 19
  • Votes 8

Axel Louis Bastin
Architect from Montreal, QC

replied 7 months ago

@Bernie Neyer

I’m surprised nobody mentions quartz countertops. The feel will be similar to granite by being a hard surface but way less chances of stained. Here in Montreal most of the higher end houses have a quartz countertop. You don’t need to seal them since it’s not completely a natural material, it’s a mix of quartz stone and a binder material. And the cost between quartz and granite will be pretty similar.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team and Residential
  • Posts 123
  • Votes 52

Bernie Neyer
Investor from Chanute, Kansas

replied 7 months ago

I've heard of it, but in Chanute it may be overkill. I'll check into it though, thanks.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team and Flipping
  • Posts 433
  • Votes 222

Account Closed

replied 7 months ago

@Bernie Neyer how much for a pump like that? I’ve installed a few granite ctops and the hassle is it’s heavy. If you know how to work the seams, they’re fairly easy with a scribe and grind method. The best mainstream place I’ve found for getting granite countertops is (get ready for this everyone): Floor and Decor kills it on ready to install granite countertops. Also, the new trendy sinks offer a thin lip for an easy top mount sink rather than under mount. Thanks for the pix

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team and Residential
  • Posts 123
  • Votes 52

Bernie Neyer
Investor from Chanute, Kansas

replied 7 months ago

I'm in Kansas, there are no Floor and Decors here.

The pump charges so much an hour and then so much a yard for pumping the concrete. There was a 3 hour charge due to the delay and the pad took ~45 cubic yards of concrete. I can't tell you what the charges were as that was arranged by the sub. 

The concrete though ran $109 a yard and usually the pumper adds about 50% to that cost. However, you save the costs of your crew. Anyone that has ever worked concrete will tell you that you can never have too much help. 

i assumed that you wanted to know what it cost to pump the mud and not the price of the truck itself. The owner told me a new one like that would cost upwards of $750K. He purchased that 30 old one for $95K.


Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
  • Posts 1
  • Votes 1

Noah Harvey
Architect from Fargo, ND

replied 7 months ago

@Axel Louis Bastin totally agree with you Axel. I work for an architecture firm in Portland, OR and we try to spec quartz every chance we get. Super durable product that looks great. I think it could potentially reduce future maintenance concerns that less durable countertops present. I would install quartz in my own house.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Traditional Financing, Real Estate Finance, and Analyze Deals
  • Posts 1.7K
  • Votes 2.9K

Jill F.
Investor from Akron, Ohio

replied 7 months ago

@Bernie Neyer   I wouldn't let the builder make design decisions such as cabinet colors & materials unless I was VERY comfortable with his interior design credentials-- it's really not usually their specialty; though I'm sure the big builders have interior designers on staff. Knotty alder cabinets are expensive and will appeal to a much more narrow audience than will painted cabinets. Even when wood cabinets are "in", knotty alder is a pretty rustic, niche look. A designer that really knows their stuff can use any cabinets and make the room look great but it's going to be easier to do with more neutral cabinet materials. Stick with your gut and insist on the painted cabinets. White cabinets should not cost more than natural wood-- tell him you want to shop around.

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
user profile avatar
Check Rosette Top Subjects:
Team and Residential
  • Posts 123
  • Votes 52

Bernie Neyer
Investor from Chanute, Kansas

replied 7 months ago

Well that's the cheapest cabinets they make. It would actually cost me a grand more to get them white. I'd prefer white cabinets with a dark counter top. The builders won't use HD or Lowe's cabinets because they've had so many problems with them. The builders tell me they've used knotty alder almost exclusively on all the houses they've built recently. 

Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
  • 1
Related Resources Rehabbing and House Flipping
6 Handyman Skills Every Flipper Should Master
3 Reasons to Always Buy Distressed Property (& How to Find One)
How to Avoid Over-Improving Properties (& Make Bigger Profits!)
5 Bathroom Remodeling Tips Every House Flipper Should Know
How to Renovate a House—Whether You’re Renting, Flipping, or Moving In
Resources Read, see, and learn more!
Link Real Estate Investment Calculators
Link BiggerPockets Blog
Link Path to Purchase
Link Mortgage Loans
Link Find a Contractor
Link Real Estate Agents
Link Hard Money Lenders
Link Real Estate Listings

Top Contributors

Jonathan R McLaughlin
Jonathan R McLaughlin
Boston, Massachusetts (MA)
6.75
Score
Evan Polaski
Evan Polaski
Cincinnati, OH
6.39
Score
Russell Brazil
Russell Brazil
Washington, D.C.
4.82
Score
Russell Gronsky
Russell Gronsky
Baltimore, MD
2.44
Score
Ola Dantis
Ola Dantis
Houston, TX
2.41
Score

Rehabbing and House Flipping Trending Discussions

  • Bedroom HVAC options
    7 Replies
  • First Rental Property! Rehabbing
    2 Replies
  • Best places to list for sale by owner
    1 Replies
  • I'm 25 in Northern Colorado, need advice finding a flip property.
    1 Replies
  • Flipping with a partner
    2 Replies
Log in Sign up

Log in

Forgot password?

If you signed up for BiggerPockets via Facebook, you can log in with just one click!

Log in with Facebook

Or
btn_google_dark_normal_ios Created with Sketch. Continue with Google

Let's get started

We just need a few details to get you set up and ready to go!

Use your real name

Use at least 8 characters. Using a phrase of random words (like: paper Dog team blue) is secure and easy to remember.

By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.

Or
btn_google_dark_normal_ios Created with Sketch. Continue with Google

Why create an account?

Receive a free digital download of The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing.

Connect with 1,000,000+ real estate investors!

Find local real estate meetups and events in your area.

Start analyzing real estate properties, we do the math for you.

It's free!

Explore

  • Membership
  • Community
  • Education
  • Marketplace
  • Tools
  • FilePlace
  • REI Resources
  • Perks
  • Glossary
  • Reviews
  • iOS App
  • Android App

Company

  • About Us
  • Press
  • Advertising
  • Careers
  • Stats
  • Contact Us

Important

  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Terms of Use
  • Rules
  • Privacy
  • FAQ

Social

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
© 2004-2021 BiggerPockets, LLC. All Rights Reserved.