All Forum Posts by: Jim Adrian

Check your local landlord - tenant laws for the pet deposit and rent.  You many have a limit of what you can charge if you call it a deposit.  You many want to use the word "fee" in lieu of "deposit".   Look at 1/4 of the rent for a fee/deposit and $20-50 for monthly rent.   Monthly rent can be for "each" animal or total # of pets depending on how you write the pet addendum.

I would let them know of the lease violation with the pet and add a pet rent addendum.  I would also document with letter or email you notices smoking in the unit and point out its violation of the lease.  Remind them to smoke outside.   Treat it as a courtesy reminder.  I wouldn't remove them from the unit unless they have a bad attitude. Build your documentation incase there are issues in the future.

Check with your lender as you may be required to have a 20% down due this begin an investment property.  I thought fha requires you to live in the property 1 year before it can become an investment property. 

Simply write it into your lease as the only option to pay.    My tenant wanted to do cash and is not an online person (young guy).   I told him to give it a try and it also builds your credit rating.  I knew he wanted to buy a house someday and reminded him a 620 is a minimum credit score he needs for loan.  You will never get your credit score up by paying everything in cash.    A year later he is quite happy he did this.

Always get multiple quotes, like 3.  Let the roofer know you will be getting multiple quotes.  This doesn't mean you have to take the lowest bid.  If you want to give the roofer the insurance quote make sure you cross off all prices.  Quantities are fine as this will help to get to "apples to apples" comparison when looking at cost and amount of work.

One problem you will face by using asphalt shingles is how to do you transition to the top portion of the roof that is flat.  Asphalt shingles require a 3:12 pitch to drain and  maintain weathertight warranty.  Yes, you can install them on a lower slope but you will void the warranty. This roof will not have a 3:12 pitch, I bet.  At this point you need a to use a "Standing Seam Metal roof" that allows for  1/2":12" or 1":12" roof pitches.   You may need to use a "structural" standing seam vs an "architectural" type of standing seam roof system.  An architectural type is a push/snap on rib closure system vs a folded seam.

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I second what @Travis Sperr said.  An architect can put together a cost estimate for construction as well.

I would not try to reduce your bid by the demo cost as it could cost you the entire deal.  The demo cost you should consider part of your our investment / improvement cost.   Its like asking the owner to fund your new project. 

Scroll the main page for topics that may apply or interest me.   Then I jump into specific categories and the DYI.