All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

It's always the other guy that's "being greedy"; never oneself!   :)

@Adam Schneider Groan.   :)

"Lower end" homes are not usually in great neighborhoods but things are changing a lot in Durham (and Raleigh) too.  Areas that have been rough are getting fixed up.  I work a lot in Durham and really like it.  The bottom line: do your research. Good luck!

@Travis Davenport You didn't say why he thinks the wiring should be replaced nor why he thinks you're "cutting corners".  Can you give further details about your areas of contention?  It's impossible to judge who's right in your situation without more information. 

If it were your own personal residence, I think you would have more standing.  But if it is a flip, I see it as different.  The contractor is the one who's name is on the final product.   He is responsible for the work performed and can be held liable for "cutting corners". He has a professional & fiduciary duty to do things right.  

In a larger sense, if someone can't make money by doing things properly, they shouldn't be flipping houses. One needs to buy low enough to allow that. The end buyer should not have to suffer harm because the flipper paid too much for the house to begin with.  You can save money with things cosmetic but you should never compromise on safety and functionality. 

@j Scott A better analogy is this:  As a waiter, would you serve food that is unsafe  simply because the restaurant owner told you to?

@Account Closed  The only "trick" I know is to fix it right. Why is it leaning?  Is it a foundation issue? Or framing?

Candace, I made my earlier suggestion based on memory from having been to the house one time; I should have looked at the pics first before commenting as now I see my idea doesn't work. Sorry about that (embarrassing).   :)

It's a beautiful home and no matter what the financial outcome, you've created a special place that its eventual buyer will be very proud to own. 

@Candace Berry  Is it possible to create a [large?] pass-through opening between the kitchen and the dining area?  That would open things up a bit. The house is gorgeous!

@Tammy Richards  I don't think you should put a third layer of flooring down.  That's a lot of weight on an old floor and you will have numerous height issues (doors,stairs,cabinets,toilets,etc).  Best to tear up the existing HW and lay your new floating floor over that (with the appropriate vapor barrier/foam padding). I'd also put down a vapor barrier over the basement dirt floor, at a minimum to help control moisture.   I also wouldn't use Great Stuff;  it will do little more than make a big mess. 

If it's your refrigerator, then it's your responsibility to ensure it works properly. 

@Michael Jobe  I'm planning to attend.  Thanks for organizing!