All Forum Posts by: Chad Wilson

@Sam Cook I am just across the river in Ohio and do. Properties are cheap and rental market is solid.

@Jaquetta Turner I got off easy this time. The crazy part is that he came and finished. The work was rough but I guess in the end the $300 lesson wasn’t as bad but I learned it!

@Bill Brandt Agreed. I would have paid him more. The other two projects were great. I am just building a list at this point until I find some great connections.

I actually had a company that came today and were more professional and cost a little more but were reasonable. They are going to comeback out and finish. Fingers crossed.

@Jim K. In full honesty you do make a few good points. Which is why I said that it was a lesson. But, please don’t assume that because I currently work in a white color field that my hands are soft. I spent a significant portion of my early twenties beating my body into submission during tours in wonderful vacation spots in the Middle East.

I just don’t enjoy doing manual labor anymore. That is it. I know my skill set and know that others do and that is how they make their living. Based off of your profile, you do enjoy it. I don’t. I would rather pay a person to complete a task that they are better at than I am. I have a basic understanding of construction from being a Combat Engineer in the Marine Corps. Taking a day or two off work to complete a project would cost me than paying a “professional.” Add that to the fact I don’t enjoy it makes it a no brainer for me.

I originally hired him to complete a different job that per his words, “cost about $150 more because you found me through HomeAdvisor.” He told me that he did tile work and I asked him a price. That is it.

I learned my lesson by using HomeAdvisor. Not getting multiple quotes. Get referrals. Paying him before the job was complete and the list could go on. For $300, it was well worth it.

I am new in real estate. I’ve spent years learning before I could pull the trigger. I am not on a get rich quick plan. I watched my 401k lose 40% in a few weeks. That was the moment I decide I had to do something else.

I just rented my property out today to person for less than originally asking so that it could qualify section 8. I care for people and there situation which is why I worked with them to put them in a nice home. Do I need to put in a new backsplash? No. Did I need to put in an AC unit to the home? No. I have no intention on being a slumlord. Which judging by your pictures and your profile, neither do you.

If my light hearted story struck a nerve with you I apologize. That was not my intent. I told a quick story about my lesson to ask if anyone new of a contractor so I could find a reputable contractor.

You are very quick to judge and whatever it is that is fueling your discontent towards “white color” people I hope that someday you bridge that gap.

@Jim K. My determination came from his quote. His explanation and his description of the job. If he would have told me $400. I would have still said yes.

I think you missed the point of the post that I paid $300 for a lesson. But, my ability to determine a price can also come from things like reading. Lowe’s posts a sign that says tile installation starting at $350 for a specific square footage.

You are also assuming that the tile you posted is the same as mine. You also are assuming that labor costs in Pittsburgh is the same as mine. I believe that projects that are done in Peters Township, Wexford and the Hill District are all the same? If we really want to analyze it... Is the state tax structure for self employed in PA the same as WV? Or wait is my rental in Ohio? Oh wait expenses for contractors aren’t uniform? You don’t say.

I guess the point is that I paid $300 and didn’t do my due diligence, which I won’t do again.

But thanks for you feedback.

@Theresa Harris two weeks

I recently got started with my first property. I don't have a lot of contractor connections and know that I am not very handy. I don't enjoy it and know my time is best spent in other areas. I used HomeAdvisor and got a quick response. We messaged back and forth within minutes. He came over first thing the next morning and gave me a great price and was available to start the next day. 

He came over did decent work. I asked him about fixing the deck as well. Gave another great price. Told me that, I didn't need to fix what I thought. Bought the parts. Price was reasonable. I thought I had found my contractor. He talked a big game. But, so far he had backed it up.

I hired him for another job. Only $300 to cut some tile and put up some back splash. Simple project. Should be a quick turn around. He started. Blade broke on his saw. Had to get another one and said he would just come back tomorrow. I had to work early in the morning so I ignored every podcast, article, book or advice that I had ever been told, I paid him the full payment. Hey, its only $300. 

Well that was the last time I saw him. He has been having quite a lot of car trouble. I hope he is ok and I guess I should send him a thank you card for teaching me a lesson that I will never forget! 

Soooo who knows a great contractor near Wheeling, WV? 

@Dan Weber I could build another house there at a later time or add a garage to my rental. I don’t see any cash flow coming in the short term but the seller is only asking $1,800 for the lot. I know that owning the lot would take away some cash flow with taxes and insurance but I don’t want to miss a deal.

I just closed on my first deal. I am actively trying to rent it. But still have not. The lot next door to my property just went FSBO. I still haven't made any cash flow yet but what is everyone's opinion on purchasing it? It is very cheap. Is there a lot of value in adding additional lot space?

Thanks for your help.

@Sanjay Bakshi thank you!