All Forum Posts by: Susie C.

Anyone use online resources for cost seg? Cost is ~ $400-600 vs $1500-2000. I own a condo and SFR I want to cost seg.

Companies I've found and the cost they would charge for 1 property under 500k

• KBKG - $450 - (audit support included)
• Re Cost Seg - $1800 (audit support included)
• DIY Cost Seg - $495 (+ additional $195 for audit support)

Would love feedback to before settling on one. The estimate I got from DIY Cost Seg was the highest. KBKG was the lowest.

Looking into building a DADU. I've talked to some DADU builders that do everything from start to finish (plans, permits, excavate,  foundation, etc). I am considering doing all of this myself for learning experience, but also to help keep costs lower. I work with a contractor that would help with the framing/siding and interior finishes. 

- Architect (helps with handling permits and designs)

- Demo / Foundation  

- Framing / Building  

- Siding / Roofing 

- Interior Finishes 

My question: 

- How do you vet a architect to ensure that they are good and cost effective (aren't going to need multiple revisions because they aren't following jurisdiction policies / code requirements?) 

- Any other tips on things to look for? 

Do you know what the STR market is like there? How are the laws / policies regarding STR?

I'm looking for a lender that is not as strict as traditional lenders, such as banks. I am looking to refinance my condo property and have made payments on this every month on time, without issues. Currently on a short term lease and grossing some cash flow. Bank lenders will not refinance unless there is a traditional form of income via a W-4 or W-2 despite being able to cover the mortgage for the past 2.5 years without issues. 

@Adrian Chu Do you think it's a bad idea to just build it out without permits? 

We're living in the main unit that will be attached to the attic space and we were planning to use both spaces. In the future when we move out we were thinking of renting out the attic and the main level (separately) to make three units. 

Hi @Chad Clanton! Thanks for your feedback and so sorry for the delayed response. We actually went in escrow, closed, and started renovations and it's all been very fast.  

Your advice was extremely helpful! We were able to find a contractor that works with me and that I felt comfortable with. I ended up meeting with 7-8 contractors in a single day because I wanted to make sure I had as many options as possible. 

I have purchased a Queen Anne home that is currently set up as a duplex (with separate meters). It is zoned as a multi-family unit.  There is usable attic space that can be converted to additional space. Some questions: 

1.  If I am zoned as a multi-unit right now can I make the attic a 3rd unit that can be rented out and build out a stair case that can be accessed? For doing something like this would I need an actual engineer/architecture? I was going to draw up a plan with my contractor myself. 

2.  Do you think it would make more sense to create a third unit with full 1b1b or am I better off using it as just an extra bedroom/storage space? Cost for creating a 1b1b unit would be ~$15,000-20k excluding materials (special price on top of the current work that we're doing since we're remodeling two full units and everything has been gutted out and all plumbing and wiring is easily accessible and exposed).  From my research it seems for a 1b1b you can get $1200-1400 and I anticipate rental rates to further increase as more and more people move into the city. To me it seems logical to spend the money and get it back paid in full through rental within a year or two.

3.  Does anyone know if something like this needs to be permitted by the city? I read on King County (Seattle, Washington)'s site and it says permits are needed for almost everything from basic things such as changing windows to redoing floors, updating kitchen finishes, restroom remodels, etc. At what point do you actually get a permit or do you guys just all get permits for every little thing? 

Thanks in advance! 

Hello all! Working on my first remodel and had some questions and would appreciate advice! 

Location is in Seattle. I found some topics in the forum that answered some of these questions, but they were from all over the country so I wanted to get a gauge of what it's like specifically here since every location is different. 

1.  What is standard in terms of payment? The one I have found is asking 30% upfront. 

2.  What are some things that I need to remember to include in our service contract? They have provided one, but I definitely want to be as thorough as possible to ensure that there are no missed points?

3.  Is it generally better to order materials through a big box store (i.e. Home Depot) or should I do a local builders supply? The contractor had suggested setting up an account with a local builders supply store to get the materials. 

4. Is it acceptable for me wanting to put up a Nest camera in the space so that I can monitor work and hours? Am I just being a pain now for them to deal with? 

5.  In short, anything else I should make sure of so that I don't get screwed over? 

Thank you in advance !

Thank you! 

Owner occupied. Replied back to you via PM. Thanks! 

Looking for lender recommendations with competitive rate and can close in 35 days or so. 

Thanks in advance!