All Forum Posts by: Doug Smith

I have a really good RE Attorney.  Mike Pisarcik has handled a number of transactions for me, including some with complex tax implications.  [email protected] 

Please let him know I sent you.  Thx

Just to close this out... I found two shops that are experts in what I wanted to do. (I found both by researching equipment manufacturers, then finding their local reps in Pgh).

Long and the short, even with a gut rehab, the price was pretty high.  For JUST the radiant heat, it was going to be ~$40K+ (Then I’d still be in for $25K for AC and ducting).  It just didn’t make economic sense on the building.  If I’m going to live in it for a decade, I might spring for it, but not on a flip...

Thanks to everyone for the comments.

If you hire a GC, you’re really going to cut your return. Can you GC it yourself?

i have just completed one remodel where I physically did most of the work, and have just started another where I’m subbing out most of the work. Happy to chat live if you want. PM me with contact info

Thanks. This isn’t a budgeting question - I’m pretty sure this way will be more expensive than the bids I have to install forced air heat and cooling. I am already planning on doing a gut renovation, so we thought this might be an opportunity to use radiant floor for the heating because we like the quality of radiant heat so much. We will still install all the ducts and do a full AC system

Jim- thanks for sharing your thoughts.  I have several friends in other parts of the US who have retrofitted homes with RFH.  Their implementations were similar to what I’m describing- deploying full PEX systems across most/ all of the building.  It certainly wouldn’t make sense if one has a “finished” building, but in my case, this building will be near down-to-the-studs anyway, so installing the PEX/aluminum fin system would be achievable.  

I am also familiar with the electrical variation that you describe.  Yes, that version is well suited to kitchen/ bathroom floors, particularly when it’s tile/ etc.  This implementation would definitely need to be the hydro version.  Electrical requires too much of the overhead you described- definitely not what I’d want to do here.

Thanks for the input, though.

Does anyone have someone they'd recommend to install a radiant floor heating system?  This would be to heat the entire building (not just bathroom or kitchen.). There is an existing boiler in the building that produces more than enough BTU's to heat the building.  I just need someone who is skilled at installing the floors themselves.

Thanks

Count me in.  I have 1 unit rented (2 years) and am currently rehabbing 2 more units.  Would love to connect with folks locally

@Blaine Simmer - I did indeed.  Glen Normandy (Normandy Contracting) is an absolute rock star.  Solid work, reasonable pricing, and he shows up on time every day and cleans up after himself.  He’s been flexible about what I needed done (shifting priorities, etc.).  DM me if you need his contact info.  Please let him know I sent you.

For completeness... 

I contacted Arch, but they really only do commercial work/ extremely high end.  There was a bit of back and forth to get an estimate, but eventually it came in VERY high.

I tried contacting William McDonnough, but he didn't return my voice mail.  Not a shock (masons are *extremely* busy, so they're not exactly looking for business)

Contacted two other masons (one via YELP referral, one through personal connections).  Both of those came in at a fraction of the Arch estimate.  Selected one of those two, and they're doing the work now.  It's about 6-7 days of FT work for 2-3 guys.  They are repairing a parapet wall, cutting in some doors, moving windows, removing an entire chimney and fireplace, etc.  It is not a small job.  They are doing their best o minimize dirt (though that's nearly impossible when you're demolishing a 100+ year old chimney)

More details to follow.  

For the sake of completeness... I eventually selected Exception Exteriors.  I will post here when the work is completed, I'll post more info/ review.  So far, though, they've been very good (we ripped out a chimney, and they came over on very little notice to patch it to keep the rain out)