All Forum Posts by: Malcolm Boston

i will not buy a property without a video sewer inspection. if they refuse to allow it then drop your offer by $14k because thats what it will cost you to rerun the drain pipes in PVC if they are corroded or otherwise damaged. More if you have a frost line to deal with. A sewer line inspection (pull a toilet or go through the cleanout) will provide useful infornation on the condition of the DWV system and where the cleanout is if it exists. Useful information to know before you rent it out. Worth the money to me. i lost two years of rental profit due to corroded cast iron DWV pipe.

hard to beat gas heat. perhaps a forced hot water heating system with central furnace plus individual minisplits? if youre into serious DIY you can run a small split HVAC with gas heat i. each unit with ductwork. Manuals J,S,T,D will show you hlw to design.

impact rated windows and NG/LP whole house standby generators with ATS are the new swimming pools. Nothing says "shut up and take my money" like not having to put up hurricane shutters and having UPS power (read: air conditioning).

any DSLR produced in the past 8 years will be sufficient and can be had used for cheap. put your money in the glass. also consider investing in some kind of rig that will stabilize the image as you move. or at least a tripod.

submetersolutions.com my understanding is that you cant resell utilities with the intention of making a profit. but with submetering you can charge each tenant for their utility usage. i favor individual water heaters wherever possible, especially if you have gas service available. i have installed the rheem xr90 in one of my units and between the tax credit and utility credit, i made $50. Plus your tenants will appreciate the energy star rating.

lots of great advice. i would add the following: if you are going to update the wiring and plumbing to a significant degree you should consided adding submetering for each unit.

Flat roofs will require regular resealing.  Best to reroof with tapered foam.

Aluminum wire is ok if properly pigtailed to copper.  Unfortunately if you want to sell the house you will need to document the rework with the proper crimps permits and inspections.  Electricians will charge $100 per receptacle minimum.  Also, you need to be aware that 1960s era electrical boxes may not meet modern box fill requirements.  

Corroded cast iron DWV pipes require replacement with PVC.  This requires jackhammering a slab on grade, laying new drain pipe, pouring new concrete.  Might as well replace your water supply pipe while the slab is open too.

Not a dealbreaker but you should get a thorough inspection to include DWV video out to the sewer and your bid should reflect these costs.  

flat portions of the roof, aluminum wiring, Federal Pacific Electrical Service panels (if they are part of the NJ class action), corroded cast iron DWV pipes, pink or lime green bathroom tile, aluminum single pane windows.

personal policy: no flames under tenant control in my units. gas water heater dryer and central heat ok. gas range or oven not if I have a choice. if you are concerned about traditional electric try an induction range. they are worth every penny.

Kohler makes a bathtub three piece alcove unit with matching glass slider door. No caulk and installed direct to the studs. With plumbing valves, I installed my own bathtub for $1500.