All Forum Posts by: Tamara V.

Hello @Yasmeen Hunter and welcome to BP! I, too, am new to the site. I lived in Atlanta for 13 years and am looking to do fix and flip now that we live in Maryland. Good luck to you on your journey!

Thank you @Hugh Ayles! Those are great questions. 

In terms of payment, I know enough not to pay upfront but what type of step payments or project milestones are good benchmarks? Also, what about penalizing contractors if certain benchmarks are not made? I've heard of this practice but not sure how common it is.

I'm looking at Angie's List as well as Home Advisor for contractors and possibly Houzz. On Houzz and Home Advisor you can see pictures of their work.

Thank you, everyone, for your input. I have found this to be the hardest part about getting established. What are the most important questions I should ask contractors beyond insurance coverage?

Thank you, everyone, for your input. I have found this to be the hardest part about getting established. What are the most important questions I should ask contractors beyond insurance coverage?

Thank you in advance!

Tamara

I have found a home I'd like to make an offer on but I have yet to determine how much it will cost to repair/update. Is there a forum here, vendor list here, or method of finding reliable contractors in the DMV area? Do I need to start cold calling off of signs I see? What does someone like me even say?

Hello BP Community,

I'm wondering: how do I find a contractor who will walk properties with me and give me rough estimates on potential projects. Is this s big ask of a GC?

Actually, I'd enjoy referrals for reliable contractors in the DC metro area - foundation, electric, plumbing, paint, landscape.

I have a great realtor who is experienced but I need hard numbers. Also, does it make sense to utilize a GC on one or two initial projects when you are just "getting started" in the rehab/sell business?

Thanks in advance.

Tamara

Great question! I'd like to know as well. I have received a couple of names from real estate agents who work almost exclusively with developers. 

And that has in fact been my experience. I came really close on a great property in Capitol Hill but it was gone in less than 24 hours. SE is where I see some potentially nice opportunities but hey, I'm open. 

 You may be right. I think being new to this I'm concerned that the the hard money lender is some sort of hadowy figure with henchmen. I just need to get acclimated to it all.