Any Recommendation On Good Rehab Videos
Can any recommend a good video series for learning the basic handyman work so one can get good at estimating repairs and rehabs?
I also would like to watch the videos to fix stuff around my personal house, but I figured this is a good way to learn what is involved when I hire people to do things for me for my investment properties so I don't get ripped off.
How about videoing the property and then take it to a Home depot or such sometimes they wiull help with the estimates. Also, call out some contractors for estimates, follow them around, make them explain each step to you, write it down.
For videos - try www.hometime.com as their show is pretty good. This book is not bad either Interior Home Improvement Costs: A Practical Pricing Guide for Homeowners and Contractors by Howard Chandler
Many years ago when I picked up the trade I gathered as many reference books, magazines etc. I could find.
As a beginner I suggest going to the library or used bookstore to obtain the Time - Life series of home improvement books or similar items. Only a couple dollars a book. Also try Ebay. They are heavily illustrated and easy to understand. There are about 15 or so in the series. You can see these books new at Lowe's or Home Depot. ($20 each book)
Subscribe to Popular Mechanics, This Old House and Fine Homebuilding magazines.
With a little basic knowledge, then obtain some addl books from Craftsman Book Co. in Calif. www.craftsman-book.com. They have a mix of construction estimating and illustrated and easy to understand books on many aspects of residential construction, remodeling and repair. I have found them to be worth their weight in gold when I was learning.
Don't get to deep into their estimating books unless you intend to become a serious const. estimator and look to them as a bookshelf reference.
On weekends and after hours go onto residential const. and rehab projects in you area. Just look around at the work, elec, plumb, hvac, kitchen, bath. See how things are put together.
Hope this helps.