All Forum Posts by: Lynsey Dreis

Is the lead on the floor peeling, chipping or cracking off?  I would think that if it is, a lead specialty contractor should seal this and give you guidance.  Like @Manolo D. is stating if the lead is not properly sealed and it comes off in 6 months to 1 year that could be a problem, especially if the lead is flaky.  Lead can be poisoning through inhalation through dust in the air particles as well, not just through ingestion.  

@Chukwudi Motanya I am currently doing the same type of research with places I am interested in investing in.  Just to reiterate what @Hadar Orkibi Was saying I have found most helpful information on the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development webpages for the municipality you are located in.  If you are willing to put in the time to read a particular city's Comprehensive plan I have found that provides the best all around information to getting familiar with an area's future economic development goals and projects.  

@Val J., do you have to pull a permit when you are installing windows where you are located?  I would first make sure that you know that or not.  If you do have to pull a permit the windows you are installing must meet the state required building code.  

Unless you are getting your windows from Home Depot or Lowes (or something equivalent) there is usually a window manufacturer who then has a list of distributors in your area.  These distributors provide pricing quotes to the general contractors to give to you the customer.  I would see if the contractor can provide you with the quote from the distributor so you can understand the breakdown of the costs.  It is fair to give your contractor the cost for the material up front however, do not pay him the labor costs until he is finished.  

@Yanet Lewis what stage are you at with the contractors?  Are you searching online? Have you done site walkthroughs?  or have you already created contract agreements with these contractors?  Also, what is the scope of your renovation?  do you have plans for your renovation or is it much smaller scale?  

I only ask all these questions because you can get much more efficient bids and contractors scope of work if you give them details of your project.  

@Rigo V. Once you are under contract with your GC, you can ask them for a "selection's list" upfront listing what standard materials are included in their allowances.  Most likely when your GC gives you a quote they are pricing out "contractor grade" (standard nothing fancy) selections and will not always fit your criteria of what you want to ultimately choose in the end.  It is not unreasonable to ask for suggestions of standard materials & material suppliers that are included in their budget.  

Just to be safe on your end as well you can insert a clause into the initial contract agreement stating that anything that goes past the agreed schedule scope of work (time wise) can be an additional amount per day.  For example, If your GC tells you he will have the job completed in 1 month, every day he goes beyond that deadline (besides for "unforeseen" circumstances beyond the contractor's control such as weather and permitting) can be an additional $250 credit off your original agreed amount.  This will make sure he knows you are serious and have done your due diligence.  

Hopefully these suggestions help, let me know if you have any other questions.  

Arturo Borges the company I work for just completed the new construction of 6 townhouses in Indian Rocks beach FL. Are you looking to build all these townhouses simultaneously? If so, when looking and bidding out to subcontractors it would be smart to combine all the units rehab costs into one price from each sub and not separately because you can save a lot of money by offering 6 projects in bulk to them. Are the units going to be identically laid out? Do you have any more specific questions regarding this?

Arturo Borges if you have a hard time getting in touch with the particular municipality and the correct contact, I sometimes go to the building department very first thing and wait to talk to the plans examiner or permit technician (especially if it has been in process for a few weeks)

Andy S. Where are you looking to invest? I am also a new investor with a similar situation in the Tampa, FL area.

I know there is a job section of BP but just thought I would throw it out there to see if anyone (Real estate Investor, Agent, or PM) was looking to hire anyone in the Pinellas County area.  I have a contact who is looking for a job.  He has 5+ years of property management, real estate experience, he has his FL real estate license and has his Project Management Professional Certification. PM me if you know of anything in the area!  

Thank you!  :)