All Forum Posts by: Mary Shea

Hi all!  Working on a big rehab that had panelling AND suspended ceilings in the basement, which we pulled down and are now looking for Drywall bids.  We have had 4 contractors come out, but only one bid so far which was pretty high.  If you have had good luck with any drywall companies, please let me know.  Much appreciated!  

My realtor takes 1% off if I list a home she found for me with her.  Just ask him. You aren't obligated to use him for the list, so you are each doing each other a favor.

I have both on my flips.  My GC is there to oversee any structural changes and signs off on the entire project, but my PM handles the day-to-day meeting with subs, and working on the non-structural projects in between.  He also does the supply runs, enabling the subs to continue working.  I think of my PM as an extension of myself, since I still work a day job.

@Kyle HandyI have successfully negotiated with the bank, but it was for unforeseen issues, so above and beyond was was visible.  The previous owner had poured a driveway over the drain field, which was not in working condition.  The only way to repair was to remove the driveway or create a new drain field.  Estimates were around 8-12K so the bank came down 4K.  Good luck!

I also thought HD/Lowe's/Sears would be a good way to go, not only because of their backing, but because they offer 12-24 months interest free financing, allowing me to pay it off at closing (I rehap/flip).  I was shocked when HD's roofing contractors bid was almost 3X my lowest bid, and 2X the other 2 bids I received on the same roof.  I would have paid a couple thousand more to take advantage of the interest free, but not 10K.  The materials for all 4 bids was the same so he had to mark up his labor to make up for HD's cut, I am guessing.  BTW, on the same roofing project, Lowe's never even responded to the bid request.  I will still have them bid my jobs, in the hopes that they will be competitive, and for comparison though.  You can't beat the financing :)

You can't beat the box stores for quick, easy and cookie cutter, but when qualify and style take precedence, I use Wayfair.  Open up a trade account with them.  They also have sister companies, AllModern, Birch Lane, and Dwell Studio.  I also use Overstock, Dot & Bo and of course, Amazon for more basic items.  Having front door delivery is great and free, plus I can shop when HD and Lowe's are closed.  Another bonus is that you can add items to your cart, then preview them all in one place, then weed them out as you achieve the right look.  Returns are free as well, so order a couple fixtures, then pick the one that looks best, returning the other.  I have bought everything from appliance packages & Air Spa bathtubs to light switches and door knobs online, and everything in between.

I haven't targeted local yet, but need to.  I still work a day job so getting to the local shops is difficult when they close at 6.

I am contemplating the same thing for a pending flip.  Looking forward to the responses from others.

If, as @Chris Field mentioned, they put down a deposit equal to the upgrades, AND sign an agreement of intent with a clause that if they back out, they get none of their deposit back, you win if they back out. You have higher end finishes, that drive the price up, that someone else paid for.  It would be worth it to me to paint a few walls to get free upgrades.