All Forum Posts by: Linna Li

Quote from @Bill Rapp:

Here is a link to a co-operative building materials service that should be able to save you a significant sum of money: https://bimquote.com/

Should you want to discuss construction loan options to build out some developments I am also happy to discuss those further.

BIll

 Thanks for the link Bill! Have you used this before and what is your experience? I'm not sure how to use this service but it seems a bit full-featured and expensive. Are you able to share how it can help me save money?

Quote from @Evan Polaski:

@Linna Li, I generally agree with Matthew, and it depends on your personal position how much you value your time versus spending more.

I generally prefer the building supply centers versus Lowes and Home Depot, if some are available.  They tend to cater to professionals more than the typical big box suppliers, and therefore offer better service, and often times at slightly better pricing.  I.e. I use McCabe Building Supply a lot in Cincinnati.  Their team knows a lot more than HD and Lowes, they have more flexible delivery times, and often times, because they deal with pro's they can help things like: how many drywall screws, tape and mud (and maybe corner beads) do I need when ordering 75 sheets of 4x8 drywall.  Things that are not always top of mind, especially if you are sort of newer.

They are new materials though, so not going to be like buying second hand.  

For deep discounts, where you have to spend a lot of time: get on FB marketplace.  People are always redoing kitchens and selling their old cabinets and appliances. Maybe you don't want to go that far.

 Thanks for the response Evan! I have started to search for building supply centers in the Malden area. I did create a Pro account with Home Depot and plan to compare the products and pricing. 

Quote from @Matthew Paul:

@Linna Li Bulk prices on materials occur when you are spending real money , buying for 10 new builds . Rehabbing 2 units is small potatoes .  

You have to search for deals , get a box store credit card , or use your points on your regular card . 

Thanks for your response Matthew :D Yea, I realized that the amount I'm buying might not get me bulk discount so I'm trying to find liquidators or other discount sellers. Let me know if you're aware of any. Are you able to share where you source materials from?

Quote from @Alecia Loveless:

@Linna Li Home Depot Pro Account you can put together your order through the Pro Desk and then have them bid on it and it lowers the price by 5-20% depending on what you are buying. Not sure of their algorithm but we do things like bulk appliances, large orders of flooring, ceiling tiles if we have a dropped ceiling, Sheetrock, showers, tubs, sinks, etc. the more you buy the more you save usually.

 Thanks so much for your response Alecia! I will definitely be doing that next time I go to Home Depot. I'm going to be buying a lot of flooring, sheetrock, applicances, etc

Hi everyone, I purchased a 2 family in Malden and going to work on renovations. Will be buying new floors, drywall, cabinets, etc. Does anyone know where or how to get bulk pricing for as an owner-builder? I'm looking to a lot of the work myself with the help of my dad (he's build houses and renovated numerous gut projects)

Thanks for the message Luis! I'll give you a call today!

Hi Jessie,

Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely contact your husband int the next week. I'm getting a full inspection to get a better idea of what we want to focus one when renovating/rehab. There seem to be multiple electrical systems so we definitely need an electrician!

Hi Travis,

Thanks for sharing. Did the houses where you had an "Oh, crap!" feeling end up working out?

I think I'm in the middle. I'm glad we go the house but there's a lot of work ahead.

Hi Colin,

Thanks for your response! Been very focused on talking to banks in the last couple days to find the lowest interest rate I can for my mortgage. My co-buyer and I will be paying for the renovations ourselves and also doing some of the work.

My next plan of action is to draw out the floor plan and think about how we are going to renovate so that when we talk with contractors we can give them more specific details on what we want to do.

There isn't much exterior work that needs to be done, most of it is interior.

Can you share more about the permitting process? When I talk with the town of Malden, do I just need to talk with the building and permits department? will they need drawings? or written description of what work will be done?

Hi Luis, thanks for your response :D

Do you have an email and phone number I can reach you at?