All Forum Posts by: Mags S.

This is a timely thread for me.  I am looking at using ikea cabinets for an obsolete kitchen in a long time hold.  There are several reasons why I decided to go them (customer service *not* being one of them), but I had the same issues.  I don't know how to use their software and really don't want to invest time to learn. I took advantage of a current gift card rebate for using one of their planner services.   

- I have heard about the 'not being in stock' issue. They recently changed their cabinet lines and during the phaseout of the prior cabinet line, there was a lot of complaining going on @ home sites. I wonder if the stock issues were during that phase? Anyone know how stock was in 2015? I think the new line started in 2015. Thumbtack does have ikea cabinet/kitchen installers and they will reach out with a request. The Blum hardware used in ikea cabinets are considered first class. As already mentioned, the 25 yr warranty on them. I also like the idea of getting a new sink door in exchange for a damaged one. I'm just getting back into landlording after a 5 yr hiatus. I haven't decided how much longer I'm going to hold this SFR so I'm going for a more updated look. (That was the problem I had with the cabinets at AAA distributors in the NE. Their door styles and colors were outdated). It's in a C neighborhood so it's probably going to be more competitive getting a non-subsidized tenant.

believe it or not, but 311 can actually review the philly landlord process with you on the phone. 

For those that have a tenant repair fee (like $100 noted above), how do you keep a handle on the 'Jack of all trades' or a 'friend of a friend who is a 'plumber' that the tenant may hire and may cause more damage in the long run?. Or worse yet, not report a small problem for fear of being hit with the fee and the small problem snowballs into a big repair?  (Our previous tenants were not permitted to do any repairs, not even change a washer). 

Big congrats James.  You have been blessed in many ways.

also check out wayfair.com

As a homeowner, I would not want to carry my dirty laundry outdoors to a garage to clean them.  It seems too ghetto to me.  Sorry but it would be a show stopper for me if it was the only option.  Only exception, I might consider it, is if the garage is attached to a lower level like a basement with an entry directly into the garage.   A tall pantry tower to the ceiling would suffice for extra pantry space. I would also keep the PR even if it was small.

If you don't need the revenue for a while and want to invest it for retirement, put it in a self-directed Roth. 

interesting question.  I'm interested in hearing some responses too.

I answered in a similar thread earlier, that an interior designer can help with the property layout.  Google interior designers in your area and/or look at one of the org-type sites for interior designers or kitchen and bath designers

there should be a directory of designers and usually each designer will have a page. On their webpage they should list their experience, their design style, and what type of services they offer, etc.  if you like what you read about a designer, and ask them if they would do a one-time consult for your needs.  I preferred the independent contractor designers vs those that were employed by a company so there's choices/decisions.