All Forum Posts by: Oscar Martins

I always replace old aluminum single-pane with double-pane vinyl windows. Depending on the area, you can get away with used vinyl windows as long as they are in fair shape, search craigslist. I used to replace all the windows on my rehabs with new vinyl w/ grids. Found out that it didn't really do much for resale value in my market. Buyers are looking for dirt cheap deals these days.

I have experimented with all kinds of sealers/paints for concrete foundation walls. Ditch the Dry-Lock, a good acrylic paint works just as well for the foundation wall. If you have water or moisture penetrating then no sealer or paint will work long term. Paint is more for cosmetic reasons.

I make sure the layout of my properties have a nice "flow" to them, They don't always have to be open concept. In your photo, half of the 1st floor room starts out with carpet and then transitions into laminate? Make it all one surface if you can, it will make the room look longer and give it flow, my eyes automatically hit the spot where the carpet ends and laminate begins. I would also invest some money in a new hand rail and balusters. Thats the first thing buyers are going to see when they open the front door and its pretty cheap to replace.

I currently share an apartment with my brother, I change my address (license & mailing) everytime I move into my flip. I have decided to pay an electrician to finish the electrical work. I told the building dept to void my electrical application, no longer doing any major alterations, just the items on the C/O list of repairs. I' ll sell it and be done with it, plenty of deals in the neighboring towns. If I knew I had to hire an electrcian my offer price on the property would have been slightly lower. Live and learn. Thanks for the support guys!

I received a phone call from head of the building dept this morning. He left a voicemail calling me a liar and telling me that I will need a licensed electrician to complete the work., Apparently, his assistant told him that I flip homes in the town. I reassured him I was moving in but will get a licensed electrician so there arent any more problems and that I didnt appreciate being called a liar. I will be sure to let his assistant know how I feel about her. Im tired of walking on eggshells for these people. Im moving onto another town because they arent receiving one more penny from me.

There is a gas line that goes out to the bbq grill that they want inspected by a licensed plumber, I told them I would disconnect the line from the grill myself and cap it, they approved. I asked if I could remove the old alarm system, their response was you need a licensed electrician lol, Im able to cap a gas line but cannot remove an alarm system with low voltage wiring, gotta love the building dept!

Im not worried about the electrical work. My concern is with the building dept and the oath you sign on every permit application stating that it must be owner occupied. I usually move into one of my completed flips. The oath doesnt state how long I have to live in the house. Its a gray area, i just dont want the town taking me to court. Thanks for all your responses.

Went to the building dept in my town today, I have some electrical work that needs to be completed in order to get a clean certificate of occupancy, anyway they said that i needed a licensed electrician to do all of the repairs. This is my eighth flip in the same town, has never been a problem, have always done the work myself and pulled the proper permits. They had me sign an oath stating that I am the owner and will be occupying the property and am responsible for the work. I am planning on getting the C/O in my name as soon as the list of repairs has been completed. Im going to move into this flip until I sell it. Do you think there will be problems when its time to sell (probably six months to get it under contract and sold)?

Hey,
What are some construction projects I can take on while I wait to close on a property? The property I am closing on needs new front porch rails which I have already started putting together in my workshop. Once I purchase the property I'll drill some holes and set them in place with cement. Anyway What are some other projects that we can get a head start on without actually setting foot in the house. Thanks.