All Forum Posts by: Bruce Woodruff

Lawyers are not allowed in SC Court anyway.

If you do go that route, do your research first. Getting a judgement (which you surely will) does nothing by itself. You will need to get that recorded. Most tenants are called 'non-collectibles' because of their lack of ability or desire to pay you what's owed....

But this Judgement will follow them around...every new place they rent, ever vehicle they buy or lease, every time their credit is checked, there it will be...so at some point, if they want to join society, they may pay up what they owe....but don't count on it!

SOWs are so job specfic, it's tough to have a 'one-size-fits-all'. PM me and I'll send ya one I used to use....

No way. Call me old-fashioned (I am) but I want a human eyes and brain on something as important as this......

Possibly one of the ducts is undersized too and needs an upgrade.

 Just for the AC condenser?

Quote from @Greta Andrews:

Quote from @Ken M.:

Quote from @Greta Andrews:

How do I know if a wall is load-bearing or not

 The general idea is that a load bearing wall runs perpendicular to the trusses it supports, but, it's a whole lot better to have a contractor look at your situation before you do any demo work. 

In the photo, the load bearing wall runs from left to right.

 Thank you. Unfortunately, I really have no visible way of checking this. The buildng has no attic. We've had ceiling fans installed. I wish I knew to look when it was open.

If the building has no attic, cut out a square hole to look in the space above. You are required to have access usually anyway. Is this a flat roof or a pitched (gable) roof? You've given us no info to work with.

@Ken M. is typically correct, but the picture could also have just 2 posts and a beam....or bear on the wall plates for support.

You will see some weird things that are not typical and make no sense.... In the old days, I've seen the load wall supported by kickers going to the rafters!

In my experience, most Home Inspectors are not ex-carpenters, more likely to be retired accountants, lol....call a guy who does framing for a living...a General Contr or a veteran framer. Or as @Chris Seveney said, even better, get a copy of the plans from the City...

"In most buildings 1980's or newer a load bearing wall is a 2x6 wall"

This is not true in CA or AZ. It must be region specific...

Definitely ask a Contractor like Todd said!

If it's slab-on-grade, look in the attic and follow the structural path. If a raised foundation, go underneath and do the same. Make 100% sure before you do that first cut.

Note: If it has a truss roof instead of a framed roof, then generally none of the walls will be bearing.....

My first thoughts were along the lines of what @Patrick Roberts said.... 1) Can your Grandma withstand the loss of all of her money? 2) Don't lie on the Loan App about where you got the money for your down...

Never assume that the deals will work as planned, and that you will make money. We've all gone home at the end of a 'deal-gone-wrong', licking our wounds....well. at least I have.

Maybe think about partnering with her, create an official K1 partnership, or start an LLC or S Corporation with you both as officers....? Just my thoughts....at least you're ready to get started on your RE journey.

Good Luck ! 

By HVAC, do you mean a new Furnace/air-handler, an AC condenser, or both?

Both would run you maybe $8k ish installed...I think 3 ton is about right.