All Forum Posts by: Marc Desrosiers

@Janelle K.

Bring someone knowledgeable with you if your unfamiliar with construction and common issues in your area.

Always check the major systems of the house. Roof, electrical, plumbing, sewage(is it connected or does it need an on site treatment). Those are the obvious ones. In my area termites tend to be an issue with distressed properties.

I always bring a strong flashlight and a poker(I use an 18” screwdriver, I’ve seen inspectors use ski poles). I always check the sill plate for termite damage since that’s usually the first spot they eat.

@Joshua Lira

Yeah I do a lot of the work myself. I have capital set aside from previous projects to pay contractors when needed.

Sometimes if I know something needs to be done like a chimney liner or replacing an older oil tank in the basement etc that won’t scare buyers away but would get picked up during buyers inspection I’ll have it done days before closing and pay the contractors at closing. So no money out of pocket.

@Forrest Williams

I didn’t even know the blue store did something similar. I’ve used them to get a percentage off a big purchase when you apply for a new card only to pay it off and cancel the card at closing. I’ve done that 2-3 times. I haven’t looked into project loans through either though.

@Joshua Lira

Personally I use my two credit cards from the orange box store to finance materials. If over $299 they don’t charge interest for 6 months on that purchase. So they basically finance it for free. Little tip, if your under the $299 you can add gift cards to bring the total up and then use the gift cards for smaller purchases. I also have cash set aside for other expenses including the monthly payments on the credit cards. The majority is on the credit cards though and gets zeroed out after closing.

@Jayming Fang

I’ve considered paying for a mobile hotspot on a month to month basis and using a wireless security system like Simplisafe or Ring while working on a house. When done with the house remove the security system and suspend the mobile hotspot until next one.

@Cody Sims

Could do an extension. Would buy you a week or two to try and secure funding.

I wouldn’t go more than that just out of courtesy for the seller. Unless it’s bank owned then whatever.

@William Allen

I’m pretty sure the regular 2x8 hangers would be fine since they don’t even go to the top of nominal lumber. It’s more about the shear strength of the nails/screws you use. Pay attention to what the hanger calls for if it calls for #10 use #10 and not #8.

Edit: Crap wasn’t thinking of the extra 1/2” on the width. Maybe use double joist hangers and sister pieces onto the joist to make it 3” wide. 

@Jake Bryant

What's your ARV? 267k?

A spread of 40k for rehab on a property that price range could turn south real quick.

@Chuck A.

Could try a water hammer arrester I think it’s called. That would be installed under sinks etc.

If the problem is in the wall check the HOA rules. In my HOA they are responsible for anything behind the wall.

@Jamie Kammers

Just like above always save extras. I always leave behind extra material for a buyer. I save pieces of flooring, shower and backsplash tile, mosaic accent tiles and what’s left in paint gallons. I even leave paint swatches with where they are in the house written on them.

Even trying to get more tile or flooring a few weeks later would be a different lot and color could not match right.