All Forum Posts by: Pete Perez

Michael - thanks for getting back to me. I've had my head down, so I haven't been online in months. I ended up taking down the drywall to look at the framing of that divider wall and it was obvious to me that the wall was not load bearing. There was a 1/4" - 3/8" gap between the top plates and the studs. My engineering experience is in HVAC, but I know air in that gap isn't supporting any load lol. 

@John Flem

Hi John! I'm realizing now what all of those items actually cost and I've come to the same conclusion. I've started doing the demo myself.

@Don Gouge 

@Evan Polaski

I took Don's advice and did it myself. It was one of those things that seemed more daunting that it really was. All it took was a phone call to my trash provider for a dumpster + 6 hours of my time. 

@Brian Hughes

Hi Brian! I'm having a contractor come out to verify I can demo the wall. When I climbed into the attic it looked to me like the trusses are supported on the exterior walls, but I'm no expert. So I'm hoping the contractor can come put ans verify it for me.

I did call some structural engineers in Seattle and they laughed at me when I asked if they could verify it for me. They only do commercial work and I couldn't find any structurals online that do residential work.

Any chance you know any?

@Bob Okenwa

I've gotten two quotes and am waiting on 3 more.

@John Barrett

I am considering doing what I can with respect to the demo. There are certain things I'm not sure how to handle (like the sink) but I suppose that's what youtube is for.

There is also a wall furnace I need to have removed as part of the wall partition. It might be worth it to me to pay someone to remove that.

@Nathan Kenison

No I don't have a contractor to do the remodel yet. I just have a materials quote from Hone Depot. The original quote is just from a demo/trash haul away contractor

I have a duplex in Renton Highlands that I've been house hacking since 2017. I have had zero vacancy - because my tenants for a number of reasons. 1) my rents are below market 2) they are not legal citizens and don't want to deal with moving and finding a new place to live. 

As far as average rents it depends on the features the home offers. If your home offers ammenities like (W/D + dishwasher + storage or a garage) you're likely to get rents that are higher than apartments. 

Kitchen Plan PDF

Hello,

I have a property in Renton WA and I am starting a kitchen remodel. I am looking to hire a contractor for the kitchen demo. The attached link has a downloadable PDF that shows the demo plan. Its a complete gut job down to the studs. Demoing - cabinets, drywall, and a dividing wall.

So far I have received a quote for $2500. I am still shopping for other quotes, but does this sound like a decent price?

The contractor that quoted me said he could get it done in a day. Even if its a team of 4 guys working 8 hours...thats almost $80/hr. Seems high, but am I out of touch?

Thanks!

Kitchen Plan PDF

Hello,

I have a property in Renton WA and I am starting a kitchen remodel. I am looking to hire a contractor for the kitchen demo. The attached link has a downloadable PDF that shows the demo plan. Its a complete gut job down to the studs. Demoing - cabinets, drywall, and a dividing wall.

So far I have received a quote for $2500. I am still shopping for other quotes, but does this sound like a decent price?

The contractor that quoted me said he could get it done in a day. Even if its a team of 4 guys working 8 hours...thats almost $80/hr. Seems high, but am I out of touch?

Thanks!