All Forum Posts by: Kevin Berry

Hi @Kevin Coleman, call a wildlife removal service.  I'm sure there are a few in your area - critter control, etc.   I had a similar experience with birds nesting inside my fresh air exchange vent to an HVAC system.   Fortunately, they were near the exterior wall and I was able to "evict" the nest myself from access of the ducts inside.   A professional service should be able to extract the birds and cap the vent end to prevent further intrusion.  Good luck!

I installed what's technically a game camera to the exterior of my out of state property for not much more than 200 bucks and is totally self sufficient.   Has its own solar panel to keep it's battery charged.  Its own SD card to record video on motion. And a cell signal SIM for live remote viewing or playback of recorded video.  SIM can be from your carrier or a prepaid version - data only for about 25/year.   

@Marc Dube Without knowing more specifics of the house, I would recommend radiant floor heating.  Worth considering as likely a cheaper alternative than a full foundation.  This would eliminate any drafts from below while being energy efficient.   

All license information is likely available on either your state/county/city website.  If not, simply call the building department and they can verify.   What bothers me with your contractor is demanding money before presenting his license and/or insurance information.  To me, this is a huge red flag -- I would run.

@Frank Greg, Easy buddy.  You had asked and Bruce was simply offering his opinion.  No need to take offense we are all in this together.  If you have experience in this type of matter its as easy as stating.  If not, consider the many little and unique details.  Its more than constructing four walls, a kitchen, and a couple of sinks.  Do you know the difference between framing, siding, roofing, flooring, and wallboard nails as an example?  What about nails vs screws?  Gaskets and hangers for plumbing?  Type of junction boxes for electrical and connectors?  Just a small list of examples.  Sorry this is not the answer you wanted.   Good luck with your project! 

@Caleb Smith there are many ways to establish a payment schedule and really no right or wrong way.  Best for you and your contractor to negotiate a method that is agreeable to each.  To begin though, the fact that your contractor has only asked for 25% upfront is a good sign that you have found yourself an honest viable contractor.

Two of my most common payment methods are:  1)  Simply take the proposed timeline and divide it up into 3 or 4 payments (the last being after work is completed).  2)  Break payments into a schedule after different stages of the project being completed.  (example:  Initial payment, afer demolition, after framing, after finish work - with varying amounts according to size of work).   

Again, really no right or wrong way to pay.  Just include all details in the contract.    

One more tip is to pay promptly.  If you have a good contractor keep him happy and open to future work.   

Good luck in this and your future projects. 

@Madeline Marquardt   Welcome!   To "second" all from above ask any and all questions - we are all here to support and learn from each other.   We all dont know what we dont know.  

Sounds as if you have a good foothold and good luck on your start.   If done right, VT will work for you.  I'm invested some in Central VT.    The Burlington area is strong.    Keep learning!

First of all congrats on your first purchase   Call a couple contractors and obtain their thoughts and estimates to compare repair costs.  Good luck with all endeavors moving forward.   

Hi Klaycon, There are a few strategies to lower your initial cost (or in other words down payment), including seller financing and the BRRRR strategy to name only a couple. Brandon Turner has a book on here about buying with low money down (amongst others). Might be worth checking out.