All Forum Posts by: Matthew Denney

Jon... if you've not found your man yet,  but me up privately and I'll put you in touch with one of the leaders of the local done users groups.  Know he does some work for law enforcement and frequently shows up in done related media,  so if he can't do what you need done,  I'd bet he knows someone who can. 

Disclaimer: Speaking here from the perspective of an interior designer, not a REI.

Sketch-Up is an option. For "playing around" sorts of stuff, it's free.  If you need to be able to put together drawing packages, you'll need the "Pro" version which is about $595 the last time I checked.  It's easy to use from an interface standpoint, but has a bit of a learning curve, as you're drawing in 3D at any given time.

In my business, I'm currently using Chief Architect, having made the switch from AutoCAD about tree months ago, and I LOVE it.  I can draw in 2D, and it's pretty much working in the background in 3D. It automatically generates various detailed wall types, doors, windows, cabinets, stairs, plumbing, electrical and HVAC symbols, and even, to a somewhat lesser extent, furnishings.  A couple of mouse clicks, and I go from plan view to elevation or even 3D perspective view. It's making my life REALLY easy.

While the Pro versions under the Chief Architect brand are somewhat pricy, the "consumer" versions under the "Home Designer" brand preserve a great deal of the functionality, with a much more modest price point.  Mostly, the non-architectural user is going to lose the ability to do photo-realistic rendering and a few other bells and whistles. Also, the interface is a bit cleaner.

One added benefit here.  I've not yet tried this, but I recently discovered the phone/tablet app versions will accept input from a bluetooth enabled laser measuring device, greatly speeding up the process of creating as-built drawings. In my mind, though, just having a compatible app version is a huge help.

I'll second the Ikea suggestion if you've got one nearby.

As an interior designer, I've spec'd everything from Home Depot "Usually In-Stock" cabinets to extreme high end cabinets to built from scratch custom cabinets in everything from 400 unit apartment complexes to multi-million dollar homes.

Ikea is my go-to for middle of the road cabinets for several reasons, not the least of which is their 25 year warranty.

Almost always in stock, well built, affordable, and come in a variety of styles/finishes. The hardware on them is manufactured by Blum, which makes much of the hardware for high end cabinet companies. While it's not likely their top of the line, it IS well made and gives the cabinetry a high-end feel.

For higher end jobs, a combination of Ikea boxes and hardware combined with custom doors & panels made by a company like SemiHandmade, and you've got a great looking kitchen on a budget price.

Thanks for the welcome, guys.

Paul appreciate the suggestions ... both books are on my "acquire" list already. I've got a stack of about 4 still on the tablet waiting to be read.. mix of real estate and construction. Also plans to attend a few of the REI meetups in Dallas... that will be a challenge b/c I'm a bit on the reserved side.

Thinking the first flip project will likely be a partnership with a buddy from Dayton that flips four or five houses a year.  He's had his eye on Dallas for a while, so it'll give him a chance to check things out, a chance to get out of OH in winter (who can blame him!), and me a chance to watch over his shoulder and soak knowledge in.

Hey, all.

Still in the "stand back and learn" phase here, but I've thought about dabbling in real estate for several years. A few things in my life have changed recently to make my entry into this new world a bit easier and now, I'm ready to start getting serious!

Looking at a mix of buy/hold/rent for cash flow and few flips a year for the satisfaction of it. I've long loved the construction side of my job as an interior designer and I've spent most of my career creating spaces to either make people feel immediately at home (hotels and restaurants) or where they WANT to be home (multifamily & builder models).  Time to put some of that expertise to work for myself.

Very much enjoying my "wallflower" time hanging on BP and reading and learning.  Noticed a post earlier for a BP Dallas meetup... will certainly keep my eye open for the next one, and look forward o meeting some of you in person!

Matt D.

Darn!  Just saw this and missed it!  Hope it went well and hope to join you for the next!