All Forum Posts by: Tom Reynolds

Andrew,

You may want to consider 1/4 inch sheetrock. It's lighter weight, cheaper and when finished it will provide a smooth firm surface, when applied over a solid base. You want to remove any lumps or bubbles and patch any voids before you begin.    

Chris,

Like most things, a septic system will work as well as it's treated. It has a capacity and is designed for a maximum use. Typically the number of bedrooms or drainage fixture units (DFU), "water flow".

The following was found in a google search:

When septic systems are properly designed, constructed, and maintained, they effectively reduce or eliminate most human health or environmental threats posed by pollutants in household wastewater. However, they require regular maintenance or they can fail. Septic systems need to be monitored to ensure that they work properly throughout their service lives. A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save money! Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having your septic system inspected regularly is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire system. Your system will need pumping depending on how many people live in the house and the size of the system. An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property value and could pose a legal liability. You should have a typical septic system inspected at least every 3 years by a professional and your tank pumped as recommended by the inspector, generally every 3 to 5 years.

Four major factors influence the frequency of pumping: the number of people in your household, the amount of wastewater generated (based on the number of people in the household and the amount of water used), the volume of solids in the wastewater (for example, using a garbage disposal increases the amount of solids), and septic tank size.

Watch your drains:  What goes down the drain can have a major impact on how well your septic system works.
Waste disposal:  What shouldn’t you flush down your toilet? Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, and other kitchen and bathroom items that can clog and potentially damage septic system components if they become trapped. Flushing household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint can stress or destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system or might contaminate surface waters and groundwater. If your septic tank pumper is concerned about quickly accumulating scum layers, reduce the flow of floatable materials like fats, oils, and grease into your tank or be prepared to pay for more frequent inspections and pumping.
Washing machines:  By selecting the proper load size, you’ll reduce water waste. Washing small loads of laundry on the large-load cycle wastes precious water and energy. If you can’t select load size, run only full loads of laundry.
Doing all the household laundry in one day might seem like a time-saver, but it could be harmful to your septic system. Doing load after load does not allow your septic tank time to adequately treat wastes. You could be flooding your drainfield without allowing sufficient recovery time. Try to spread water usage throughout the week. A new Energy Star clothes washer uses 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than a standard model.

David,

Read The ABC's of Real Estate Investing by Ken McElroy. He describes a method of searching out target areas, with how's, why's and a follow through. The information in this book would apply most anywhere. I just finished reading it for the second time and found plenty of helpful information I'd forgotten after reading it before.

Also follow this site. Read the forums, listen to the podcasts and ask questions.

Look forward to your future success    

Omari,

Your questions have crossed my mind many times while working toward my first investment purchase. I'm nearly finished rereading a book written by Ken McElroy "The ABC's of Real Estate Investing" for the second time. In this book he specifically discusses evaluating your market, sub-markets, where to look and what to look for.

Hi Andrew,
I must agree with Kathleen Leary "watering lawns should be illegal" and the time & money spent cutting & maintaining a lawn can be spent in much better ways. Here in Florida keeping a lawn is a thankless effort. There are many alternatives, Google has answers (xeriscape, astro turf, alternatives to lawn grasses for low maintenance). A little thought, effort and upfront expense will pay for itself in the future. Drink your water don't throw it away.

Your local appraiser's web site will show purchase prices in the property history.

Have you checked on insurance?

You may also want to check with your local zoning and find out if it is a permitted use

If it were me I would get resolution with the local building department. I don't believe a judgement will overrule building code requirements. If a building permit was issued, there was a reason and if that permit was never finalized, there are outstanding issues. Someone in the building department should be able to provide clarification. Ask to speak with the Building Official or Chief Building Inspector, have the address and permit number for referrence. The permitting staff may be able to provide information on the documented inspection(s) and what remains to be signed off.
What you're describing is a loose end that may come back to haunt a new owner because these things go with the property. Learning about it up front (before taking ownership) gives you an opportunity to use it as leverage and possibly get it resolved before it becomes your problem.

Hi Dan,

Do you have an inspection period or have you had an inspection period? Having an inspection performed by a professional should answer your question(s) regarding the (HVAC), much less expensive than trial and error. Contact a number of local contractors, who do renovation work for quotes. Each person you speak with will provide you with additional information and provide you with a more clear picture of what you are looking at for repairs and cost. Then you can decide what work you may want to farm out and what you want to tackle on your own, after the property is in your name. Remember building permit(s) are required for all work subject to building code requirements and only deal with state licensed and insured building contractors.