All Forum Posts by: Samantha Hopkins

Hi Everyone,

Many of my contractors and subs seem inconvenienced when I request an an invoice  from them before I can remit their payment . 

I am wondering if I can create an invoice where all they would have to do is sign ? 

1) Is that a good practice ? 

2) Is there a better way to deal with contractors that lack proper invoicing skills ? 

3) How do you handle these situations ?

Thank you so much !

Hi Everyone,

I am looking to hire a property management company to handle my rental here in Houston Texas. I had a few concerns about the contract they sent me to sign. I am concerned that these terms may be detrimental . The top 3 that bothered me were :

1) Property manager has the right to expend up to $400 for property repairs, maintenance etc., without my consent.

2) 100 % of one full month’s rent to be paid under every new lease.

3) 50 % of one full month’s rent to be paid for every renewal or extension of lease.

My property will rent for about $1400 per month. I am interested in adjusting these 3 terms . I would like to respond to the property manager with a request to change the terms and am wondering what is reasonable .

Thanks for your input,

Samantha 

Hi Guys ,

I have a Texas property that is about to have 34 piers installed to adjust the foundation . The foundation company is smaller and well reputed . They are a smaller outfit , not one of the famous multi million dollar ones . 

He hasn't asked me for a contract and he comes as a referral . I know they do good work . He will be collecting at the end of the job about 6k or so .  

What is the professional way to handle dealing with contractors who do not produce a contract or ask for any money upfront . 

I am finding that good contractors do  not ask for money upfront and there are no contracts being signed . 

I have a guy for each trade and I am my own GC for each property .

Should I make an invoice with the agreed upon scope of work , terms , etc  and have them sign it before hand ?

It might get a little tedious , but if it is the right thing to do I am very happy doing it . 

I am curious what you guys think ? Any general contractors care to share how they deal with their subs ?

Thank you so much !

Hi everyone ,

I have recently bought a rental in Houston , Texas and am making a list of what needs to be taken care of . The house was built in 1981 and I believe the wall oven and the cook top stove are original . They are of a vintage green color . They both work fine , but I am concerned that they might deter a good tenant from renting the house . The house is in a really good area , and should rent for 1600 - 1700 .

Should I bite the bullet and replace them with stainless steel or black ones ? For anyone interested its a , GE P7 J-Series wall oven .