All Forum Posts by: Richard Chang

Hi Steve, OK, Good Point ! I will need to first carefully check the existing tub / enclosure for cracks to see if it can be refinished and if not then go for a replace.

Thanks, Rich C

Robert, Thanks, I don't know what my tub is in that place.
Also, think fiberglass is a viable / cheaper option.

Thanks, Rich C

Karen, Ok, I did see some Refinish Countertop and Tub videos on youtube.
I saw the tile countertop being resurfaced to a "concrete or chip" layer after sanding and priming.

Will check local Builder warehouses ,overstock and craigslist for stove/dishwasher.

Thanks, Rich C

Hi all, Thanks for everyone's excellent replies :)

[b]1. I can't figure out the @Mention or @mention , I don't get a list of posters to pick ?

2. how to upload images to show ?

3. Having trouble with bold tags , not showing bold ( only one set is bold, rest show bold tags ? ) in PREVIEW Mode using browser IE9[/b]

Refinish vs Replace

It's a rental and the refinish seems more practical (for the short term 5 years).
One issue is that I would have to haul in a new tub / enclosure and pay for the old tub to be trashed in the dump and it will be much harder job.
But I'm not sure yet what the 25year old tub is steel or fiberglass ( will check ).
I got a quote for $250 to refinish the tub ( someone said I can do it myself with materials from Home Depot ).

[b]Read that the Refinish material is not very durable and will not endure
abrasive soaps / scouring pads etc.[/b]

The water proof statement is important ( didn't know materials aren't waterproof ? )

The kitchen cabinets are acceptable and could be painted and put knobs on ...

Which discount stores have cabinets ? Home Depot is advertising that you can do a makeover of your cabinets by replacing the doors ?

Thanks to all, Rich C

@Michael Lawrence
Thanks for the responsible Dog owners point of view.
I'm more open to pets and understand that the dog owner's care and training of the dog is the critical factor for proper dog behavior !

I do get a lot of inquiries from dog owners.
Would you say that a mature dog 3 years old or more is
a more "trained" pet ?

Thanks, Rich C

Hi again,

I have an old 1950's home ( in OC, Ca ) with a kaput floor furnace. :(
I don't really need A/C but I thinking of using the
a wall mounted Ductless ( Mini Split ) Heating / Air Conditioner with an external unit as a replacement.

If I get one of these then I would seal the floor furnance.

Anyone, have experience with these ? before I call the HVAC guys.
Do they require a building permit ?

Has anyone replaced a floor furnace with a floor furnace unit ?

Thanks, Rich C

Hi all,

Hope this is the right forum.

Renting a small 3br 1bath house built in 1950's with floor furnace ( not working anymore )

Was hoping to get some tips on low cost upgrades.
I would like to upgrade certain items without a major rehab cost.

replace kitchen counter tile with ?

replace stove/dishwasher ( used / discount items )

bathroom - replace old bathtub options
can the bathtub be "resurfaced" since it is stained ?

Is it just a matter of going to Home Depot / Lowes ? are their other options ?

Thanks, Rich C

@Melissa W wrote
"Any dog is going to view you as an intruder if you come in when their people are not at home."

Uh oh, this is a good point that the dog must be behaved when the owner(s) are not home and not go into attack mode if someone enters the home.

Hopefully, I wouldn't rent to an owner with an "aggressive dog".

Any advice here ?

Thanks, Rich C

@Steve Babiak
Thanks for the info, I don't have any experience in tenants owning businesses and I will keep this in mind.
Most businesses are able to "conceal" true income with fancy accounting. I guess I need to look at some sample business tax returns to learn the basics.
I think there are various filings from a
simple Schedule C - Business Income
to a K2-Partnership
to a Corporate return

Thanks, Rich C

Hey all,

Feedback:
The family I rented to with the small non-barking dog has turned out to be fine so far with no complaints ( last 8 months ).

Pet Friendly House without carpet

I think that the comments of using laminate or tile flooring makes sense if you want to be pet friendly since many landlord places aren't.
When I get a tenant candidate call, the first question is do you take pets ?
I have carpet in the current unit and I'm thinking about the cost to go laminate or tile ...

Thanks, Rich C