All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

@Ursula B.  A home inspector is very different from a structural engineer.  Even if it looks like just the floorboards need replacing, I'd still have an engineer inspect it for safety. If the repair need is more extensive than that, you'll need him to sign off on the repairs anyway for your building permit. I'd estimate he'd charge ~$500.00

You really don't want a tenant fallng from a 3rd story balcony. As you so succinctly put it: "UGH!"   :)

@Ursula B. Buying sight-unseen?  You're braver than I am!  :)

The balcony might not be too bad to fix but it's impossible to say without seeing it. I would however strongly suggest that you have the balcony inspected and the repairs detailed by a structural engineer. A 3rd floor balcony is nothing to take lightly, from a safety perspective. It will also help you when getting contractor bids since they will then all be bidding on the same repair method. 

@Dan Nad You should probably talk to your local building dept and HOA before planning anything. Townhouses are a different animal from SFH and you may be very limited in what you can change.

In general though, it would be very difficult and expensive to make some of the changes you're wondering about i.e. relocating a kitchen, and stairs, etc. I would think it better to find a home who's floorplan better suits you. 

@James Hutson I attended this meeting and enjoyed getting to meet some local BP'ers in person. 

But I'm not so sure that this statement is true: "This poster certifies that there will be no pitching of products or services at this event."

Golden Realty's name keeps popping up (in the presentation that night and in a subsequent email that I just received) along with the fact that they are "investment brokers" offering to help me/us.  Though there has not (yet) been any mention of specific services or fees, it is enough to make me feel a bit uneasy.

My understanding was that this was to be an informal, spontaneous get-together of local BP members.  I find myself a little disappointed that it was not just that.

@Craig Shrimpton  Welcome to BP!   I feel for you; I grew up in Greenfield!  :)

@Nat C.  I wonder why you bother employing a property manager if you still have to deal with things like this. Isn't that what they are for?  I'm not sure you are being well served by them. 

You didn't mention your response time so I assume it was prompt. I think you would have been justified to enter the unit with your plumber after receiving her report of sewage backup. 

As it stands now, you might still want your plumber to go examine the situation...to confirm that work has indeed been done (properly or at all) and that the problem is now adequately resolved. 

Based on his findings, I'd pay or not pay the invoice. 

@Jay Y. I looked at your profile and read your contact address: "....anothercheapguyblog...".  Aptly named!

Attended church.   :)

@Stephen Zipp If you view landlording as mostly a service business, then your instincts are right. I consider following up on an issue to be great service and I commend you!

If you and your partner don't share the same basic philosophy of conducting business, it may not work. You should discuss the larger issue. 

@Mike Wallace It sounds like it's going to be a long 11 months...   :)