All Forum Posts by: Bob Mason

It depends on how complicated your building is, and what your local building permit office requires. It sounds like the building is simple enough that you could have your HVAC contractor design-build the system. But then you still have the electrical panel to design. You are most likely going to need a civil to design the parking lot, storm water management, exterior utility plan, sediment and erosion control plan, etc. 

You are doing the right thing by talking to different architects. Some architects have these capabilities in house, some use outside consultants. Neither way is better than the other, and either way can be more cost effective than the other. 

I would recommend having a conversation with your local building permit office about what specifically they require. Then have a few more interviews with architects. The more info you can, the more you will be able to sniff out the architect with commercial experience from one who has done nothing but design houses but wants to step up to commercial buildings. 

Good luck!

Very good info! Keep it coming. Can't wait to see what the final numbers are!

Congratulations! My only comment would be have you confirmed your real estate taxes(Dormont borough, Keystone Oaks SD, school earned income, etc.)? The school districts are really on it to reassess if you're buying it for a lot more than it's currently assessed. Unfortunately here in Pittsburgh, the prices are low and you can get great cashflow, but you have to be careful with picking the right area that doesn't kill the deal with property taxes. Best of luck!

Great work! God is great for delivering the quick nickel rather than the slow dime to you on this deal! You did the hard work and due diligence, and the other investor just had dumb luck. That eventually runs out sooner or later. :)

Definitely interested. 

Awesome work! Hope everything goes well!

These issues will need addressed but @Chris Webb is correct. Consult a structural engineer, and get a good masonry contractor to do the repairs. 

Hey Charles, Welcome to BP. Let me know if you'd like to shop some time.

I would try Brian Tarantino. 

Mike, 

You're killing it. Great job. I'm in Kzoo a few times a year. Send me a PM. It'd be great to connect. 

Thanks,

Bob