All Forum Posts by: Alfred Edmonds

I would think a license would be almost useless unless you have real experience in construction. The real value if a good GC is their knowledge of the flow of a project and all the potential snags. I've read some pretty insane threads on BP in which people are putting sheetrock on before wiring or plumbing and such. That's a simple example but things get more subtle. If I don't know how to fly a plane a license won't prevent catastrophe. they also have crews and subs and a realistic view on actual cost and time. I know licensed guys whom are actually not good tradesmen but excellent GC's in that they understand how things work and are good managers. so yeah, it can't hurt and just like real estate if one is willing to learn it could really be an asset. in many states a homeowner can pull permits so it really isn't that necessary for that.

If you pulled a permit you will have to insulate. insulation isn't expensive. If the tenant has to put all their money towards heating or cooling, that may affect YOUR bottom line.

it's your furnace,,,,,, neither request is unreasonable.

Yeah Jd Martin I've never heard of a roofer back down from a fight!! Sorry I'm not trying to hijack the thread, just thought that was hysterical

James K. Is spot on Also, the handyman you want to cancel will likely tell everyone he knows to stay away and stay away they will. Just like you expect tenants to follow through with rent, you are expected to follow through. Yes, I'm sure he can return the goods but that takes time and time is money. Cheaper isn't always better and reputation is all we've got. Be a stand up person and YOU eat the cost. Your mistake not his. Next job go ahead and hire the cheapest guy you can find but for now I'd just go ahead and learn

Good deal! We got one for residential remodeling and it paid for itself within the third job. It was 4500 and charge clients 400 a load. It's larger than yours but they are so great So yeah if the math works it's a no brainer. Just make sure everything works and no big leaks

I've seen a rental property that was flooded with heating fuel because the renters assumed it was oil and the tank and the fill pipe were still there but no longer attached. Renters called for a delivery the truck came and pumped away. Remove all traces of it!

I've been reading this thread and it seems that there is a lot of confusion going on here. 50% in my state (ma) is illegal period, and I would assume in yours as well. As a contractor myself, I would have no problem walking away from any client who refuses reasonable and legal deposit. Just like skin in the game is required for many RE partnerships so it is with a homeowner or so called investor. It has nothing to do with not being able to float money. I also don't let customers buy materials because as previously stated, they usually end up costing themselves more money and my aggravation because while they may think it is a no brainer they usually have no clue. Of course they play a very active role in choosing all finish materials because they have to live with that. Everyone should be properly vetted on both sides as there are shady contractors as well as investors. The fact is simple. If you could do the job yourself go for it, if not, hire a licensed and reputable person to do it and abide by their terms. I get the feeling from some of the responses that some of you think you are above the lowly tradesmen. By saying things like I would never pay a deposit and such is truly showing ignorance of how the business works. That being said I will tell you that I ask for deposits rarely and it really depends on the scope of work. Small jobs under 10k I usually don't unless I get a vibe from someone, but I do require a schedule of payment if the job will last more than a week. After that, no $ no more work and I'll see you in court. It rarely comes to that. Just for the sake of it, here is what is allowed in MA and many other states: A time schedule of payments to be made under the contract and the amount of each payment stated in dollars, including any finance charges. Any deposit required to be paid in advance of the start of the work SHALL NOT exceed one-third of the total contract price or the actual cost of any material or equipment of a special order or custom made nature, which must be ordered in advance of the start of the work to assure that the project will proceed on schedule. No final payment shall be demanded until the contract is completed to the satisfaction of all partie

These wholesale questions always make me think that either the wholesalers don't have a deal or they have no hustle to get the money for the deal, in other words they are trying to rip off the seller and a potential buyer. I don't know, but if I'm dealing with someone who isn't willing to shoulder some risk I'm not really interested in dealing with them. This is all just my opinion of course but I read these threads and always scratch my head. I'm sure there are legit and honest wholesalers out there but on the whole it seems that it is shady at best. I've heard it many times here and elsewhere that if you really have a deal then you will find funding. So go find someone with some cash and partner up

If you're flipping it, it's nice to leave some paint for the new owners for future touch up... unless it's more than a gallon. Same for tiles and other finish materials. Otherwise yeah it can be reused somewhere else.