Property Rehab: Fixer-Upper and Construction Talk

Depending on where they are and how they're installed, removing ceramic tiles can be either a nightmare process or a relatively simple job requiring very little effort. As well, removing all the ceramic tiles from a wall or floor rather than just trying to remove one or a small number will be easier simply because you're not worrying about damaging the surrounding tiles. Here are some ideas on how to remove ceramic tiles in a number of different situations.

Ceramic wall tiles on cement board or Gyproc

Can anybody give me a ballpark price on drywall per foot? I just looked at a property that has 3 feet of drywall removed completely around the house. One complete wall the drywall is gone and the ceiling in the kitchen.

Kitchen has already been taken out.

I don't know if I'll have time to get a contractor over there before this property gets listed. I have a chance to try and get it direct from the listing agent prior to listing, but I'm under a time constraint.

I figure I should see if it's in a flood zone because I don't know why else they would remove the drywall. I couldn't inspect the roof, although that wouldn't create enough water for them to remove drywall. Mold? If there was any, it's gone now.

Not all contractors operate within the law. Here are some tip-offs to potential rip-offs.

A less than reputable contractor:
solicits door-to-door;
offers you discounts for finding other customers;
just happens to have materials left over from a previous job;
only accepts cash payments;
asks you to get the required building permits;
does not list a business number in the local telephone directory;
tells you your job will be a "demonstration;"
pressures you for an immediate decision;
offers exceptionally long guarantees;
asks you to pay for the entire job up-front;

Summer is almost here and it's probably time to take some steps to address the neglected home repairs issues that you ignored all winter.

For most repair jobs and additions, you'll probably have to work with a contractor. While there are a lot of really good contractors out there, there also are a lot of really bad ones. And if you're stuck with a bad contractor, be prepared for months of struggle, stress, and fights.

So how do you choose a contractor that you probably won't have to sue? Here are some tips.

Bargain Project No. 4: Update the Lighting

When you turn on your bathroom light, does it feel like you're in a police inquisition with those blinding lightbulbs glaring down at you? If so, it's time to update your lighting.

"Most of us have a basic light above the sink, and it is terrible for daily tasks," Williams says. "Lighting can make the biggest impact when you are remodeling. This goes a long way to increase the ambience and the value of the room."

If you want a dollar for dollar investment, task lighting (which is similar to accent lighting) is a great option. For example, you can add some canister lights that are recessed into the ceiling, or choose pendant or sconce lighting to help illuminate a mirror.

I am telling you one thing, it’s this. Ceiling Fans make such a big difference in houses (Especially Buy-Fix-Sell Properties). When you have weather extremes like the Heat of Miami, FL, or the bitter cold of Minneapolis, MN, Ceiling Fans can help you deal with both extremes. They are not even that much to invest in and makes a big difference to help a property POP. Enjoy!
By Paul Bianchina | Inman News – Thu, Feb 21, 2013
One of the basic things we all understand about heat is that it rises. As air molecules warm up, they expand and become lighter, and that causes them to head up toward the ceiling of a room, which isn't necessarily where you want them.

I found a great article that talked about something that I’ve overlooked before and been burned a teenie bit on before so I thought I’d share this insight with you. Be careful when it comes to permits. Depending on the city, it can be a bear if you “Forget” to do it when you should have.
By Leslie Barrie | Yahoo! Homes – Mon, Jan 28, 2013
Planning to tackle some home remodeling projects? Before you get out your tool belt, you may want to do some prep work.
Why? Because doing your pre-project homework will help you avoid any slip-ups down the line, says Aaron Gordon, a licensed contractor in San Francisco, Calif., and owner of Aaron Gordon Construction, Inc.

This is a great way that you can save money when doing kitchens in buy-fix-sell properties as well as properties that you are wanting to hold on to for cashflow. Saving money when you can makes such a big deal to the overall profit on any deal that you may do.
By Pete Goode | This Old House – Wed, Jan 9, 2013

I travel a lot all over the country and one thing I see for sure is that when it’s bitter cold,,,,,, Pipes Freeze!!! I really think this is important this time of year as “Old Man Winter” is fighting hard to make us remember him for the rest of the year. I hope this article provides you with insight like it did to me.
By Murray Anderson | DIY – Wed, Jan 16, 2013

Came acrosss a great home to assign and still trying to calculate the total repair costs. Onlt thing it needs is windows and its a single family home. Most window companies i called said i have to own the property before i can get an estimate.
Question- whats the average price range to replace all windows in a SFH?

Thanks in advance DG'ers