All Forum Posts by: Roberto Andrade

@James Cheatham  I agree with @Nicole A. , it is better to prevent than the chance of a lawsuit. In addition to Nicole's recommendations, you should have a clear "Pet Policy" in your rent application qualifying standards, including the type of animal and the Pet deposit(s). For example, we state that, due to insurance policies, we do not accept the following dog species: Pit bull, Rottweiler, German shepherd, Husky, Doberman, Chow, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Akita and any Wolf type.

Currently we are debating to include a "No Cats" policy.

Good luck!

@Colleen F.  agree! I would add to remark to the contractor to avoid the "M" word at all cost, use "mildew" instead (most probably they know this).

@Sherry Chen  I am sorry for your situation and hope you get out of it soon. Keep pushing to exit the Lease. Couple of ideas:

1. Start looking for a short term rental, is cheaper than a hotel.

2. Ask your attorney if you can pass some of the heat to the original floor contractor (probably not, but worth asking).

Good luck!

@Jonna Weber 

Sounds like a "water hammer" issue in your plumbing. Probably you need to replenish all the plumbing system "air chambers" with air. Your plumber should be able to fix that without open any wall holes.

Here is a quick fix you could try:

1. Shut off your home’s main water supply valve

2. Open the highest faucet inside your house

3. Open the lowest faucet on the property and let it drain all water from the pipes

4. As the water drains from the pipes, air automatically replaces it.

5. The moment the water is completely drained from the piping, turn off the lowest faucet and reopen the main valve.

6. Air pushes out of the horizontal and open vertical water lines, sputtering as it exits the faucets inside. However, air remains in the air chambers, eliminating water hammer.

Here is more info. on the subject:

homerepair.about.com/od/plumbingrepair/ss/pipe_noises

Good luck!

@Brandon Turner done!

@Stephanie Zito 

In addition to the above mentions, I would check for any discount sale at your local Home Depot, last month I saw a nice bamboo hard floor for $1.69/sf. Another option could be ProSource.

Good luck!

The Source of Income Ordinance was passed by Austin City Council members this Thursday, December 11.

Ordinance to be implemented January 12, 2015

Austin Monitor

Austin Apt. Association

@Jonna Weber  I like a "simple" approach as well.

@Marvin Long  We started this year with a simple "Thank You" card for Thanksgiving. In addition, I would consider a VISA Gift Card after a renewal, depending on the case (on time payments, good housekeeping, etc.).

@James Sinclair  @Lynn Currie  @Jean Norton 

The classic question within this subject is "How to find a good Contractor", one idea to tackle this issue (locally) is to generate a "Best of Austin" contractor list (per trade?) from our network and good experiences.

See you tomorrow!

@JT Spangler thanks! Looking forward to see your results.

@Account Closed thanks for the feedback. There is no glue between the product and the floor, actually it is "floating", hence I am not expecting major issues due to drastic temperature changes. I do like laminate wood as well, however this product is half the cost (material and labor).

After reading several BP posts and other articles, we decided to try out Vinyl Flooring throughout our recent Buy&Hold make-ready.

Subject:      3/2/2 SFR, single story, 1400 SF, 2003 Blt.Yr.

Location:    Kyle, TX (25 miles south of Austin)

Flooring:     Allure Teak Resilient Vinyl Plank (24 sq. ft. / case)

Lead-time:  2 man/days to cover ca. 1,000 SF

The purpose of this exercise is to see how the vinyl material holds the "Test of Time”, and compare it to previous experiences with other products, like carpet or tile. I will take pictures after the first tenant turn-over to keep a record of the condition of the floor.

Please feel free to add and track your "Vinyl" projects here as well.

Stay tuned!

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Here are some “Before and After” pictures:

Living Room

Bed Room

Bath Room