All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

As @Shawn Gageby noted, there are licensing requirements and stipulations as to whom is eligible to make a claim against the State's Guaranty Fund.  

Additionally, the licensing requirements are not limited to the GC - all subcontractors must have a MHIC license too (unless they hold a state specific, electrical, plumbing, HVACR license and perform just that respective work).  If the contractor (with a little "c") only holds a Subcontractor's license and not a Contractor's license (with a big "C"), then legally MD does not permit them to enter into a contract directly with anyone other than a big "C" licensee.  A license issued at the County level is not the same as a MHIC license.  

Regardless of which route you take, I suggest you get a COI from each and every person who steps foot on the property.  And have their insurance company send it to you directly - don't accept it from the insured.  The COI should name you as a Certificate Holder or better yet, an additional insured.  If they don't have Worker's Comp coverage - be sure to check with the State to verify that they have registered their right to waive this.

First thoughts... is this a relatively new tenant... were the prior bills estimated and the most recent bill from an actual reading - that alone could be the culprit from December to January?  

To answer your specific question though about who to call - there are companies that specialize in duct cleaning - they may be stand alone operations that focus on that, or a smaller component of a larger mechanical company.  Many have the ability to scope the lines with a camera (a great sales tool to show folks how dirty their ductwork may be).

In my journey toward becoming a full time real estate investor, I’ve completed another personal milestone that I wanted to share… last Monday, I sat for, and passed, the Maryland Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam!

I think it’s fair to say that if construction were a molecule that could be identified in one’s blood, an abundance of them would be found in mine. Simply put, I love the construction industry, and of course, blame Lego (the best toy ever) for that! I do intend to keep my contractor’s license in good standing and leveraging my background as I proceed. I just felt that having the education that is required to receive a real estate license, and of course the things I can do with it, would expand my reach and resources.

That said, I believe my construction knowledge is my greatest offering to the community of BP, and of course, I so enjoy sharing it here, as well with those I come in direct contact with. Thank you all for allowing me to contribute!

@Tim Lindstrom, I applaud you for owning your part in this and not simply walking away, but pursuing it and scoring a victory.  And while you may never know, perhaps your experience may prevent others (investors or consumers) from experiencing a similar fate if this guy chooses to think twice (we can at least hope, eh)?

@Matt Taschner - personally I would not pursue a VA loan as a Sub2 deal as it ties up the seller's VA eligibility (ditto with FHA, etc.). And while they may be okay with that currently (which of course has been fully explained to them and they have acknowledged it in writing), down the road it could create unwanted noise and challenges.

No doubt running toilets can cost a bundle.  But don't miss the forest for the trees if you've got older toilets or those that may be "low flow" but perform so poorly, they require multiple flushings.  Instead of replacing the guts, it might be time to replace the toilet.  For more of what I have to say on that note: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/7413/46957-the...

@Cody Barrett, I'm in @Max T.'s court on this one... a few things to consider:

- Are you certain that there is enough wear layer on the flooring to refinish them again in the future to even have that option in play?

- I have often found that the damage caused to hardwood floors, that can't just be sanded-out is a result of having carpet or some other floor covering over them (e.g., folks seldom pull back the carpet to dry the floor below if there is a leak/spill/pet - hopefully, they address what is visible and accessible; down the road, when carpeting is removed, the boards below are beyond salvaging).

@John Warren, notwithstanding the source of the water problem (although in my opinion, a sewage problem is something very different than a water problem), when I read your original post, my first thought concerning the standing water you saw, was simply that the slab, when poured originally, created the low spot where water could pond/collect.  If there are no visible problems with the slab's integrity (cracking, etc.), then I personally would not immediately conclude that there is a slab, or sub-slab problem. But rather, since water seeks the path of least resistance and is subject to the laws of gravity, it will naturally collect in low spots.

I was just on a project this year in which, despite having a floor drain, the concrete was not sloped properly to it and so water puddled elsewhere in the low spots of the basement.

@Brandon Hall - right along with all the others, congratulations and thank you for your contributions and expertise! Having met you personally, you were as true in the flesh and blood as you are online! Being genuine is priceless - kudos to you!

Wishing you continued success, personally and professionally!

Thanks @Justin Lenk... AJ, looks like you've been given folks to connect with, but of course, I'm happy to assist you as I am able.  Feel free to reach out at will.