Timeline For Projects
Can anyone give me any advice on the best way to plan out fixing up my house? I am not doing it to resell but I am looking to get it done in 8-10 weeks. Just some ideas or formulas for how you have layed out the timelines and order of projects to get done would be great. Thanks!
Start with the windows. If you are doing any window replacement, it can take 4-8 weeks to get the windows in. So get them ordered first.
Next comes any plumbing and electrical upgrades. Plumbers and electricians have a way of tearing into walls and ceilings with little regard to what it is going to take to repair the damage. So there is no point in doing any drywall until they are through. Install stone or tile between plumbing rough in and fixture installation- it is easier if the fixtures are not yet in place.
Any serious reconstruction- gables, moving walls, add ons, etc., should happen before the plumbing and electric if it is going to affect them or need plumbing or electricity. Then insulate where you can.
Once the damage is done, you can move on to drywall. Then refinish any wood floors- no point in doing it until the heavy work is done. Install trim, paint, and last comes any carpets (which I avoid).
Exterior work can happen any time after reconstruction, to fill time betwen projects.
That is my order, anyway!
Chris
Before I start any interior work, I make sure the roof is sound. No use doing anything on the inside if you have a leaky roof. Then I check out mechanicals, ie; plumbing, heating, electrical. Then walls, kitchen, baths,painting and usually flooring is last. I work on the exterior as I go pending on weather conditions of course!
That is my work plan.
Good luck
You could get an inspection so you know what needs to be done and that there are no surprises later.
If you do not already have a "crew" in place, it could take awhile just to get people to show up and then even longer to get people to finish.
What is your estimated repair costs and what needs to be done?
I have found that it is cheaper to pay the actual costs assuming that your equipment is not ancient and in good order.
YOu can usually negotiate price on service calls (before the call).
Your cost will vary around the country as wages and cost of living is different everywhere..
[addsig]
So, you believe that these service contracts are not a good use of funds? Kind of like insuraance throwing good money after bad.
Any other thoughts on this?
JS.
I have preventive maintenance contracts on HVAC units that I have replaced and also bought the extended warranty. Under the terms of the warranty, I must have a preventive maintence service or the warranty is void.
For units that are not under warranty, I just pay as I go.
Your money will be well spent to employ a soil scientist to perk the lot prior to purchase. Any noted situations and your questions will be better explained by the soil scientist
Good luck
First check with Smithfield county and see if they even allow alternative septic systems. My county has just enacted a halt any new installations of pump out systems.
Jim
Thank you so much for your response to my question.
Actually, this site IS that collaborative! The problem is the organization. The information is fairly randomly scattered, with the only order imposed to some degree by the forum headings. Using the search feature is somewhat helpful, but taking the time to read years of posts is the best real estate investing course I have seen! A lot of wisdom from people far more experienced than I am is scattered through this site.
Chris