Property Rehab: Fixer-Upper and Construction Talk

Where the best places to go to get the bang for my buck when it comes to supplies.

Where the best places to go to get the bang for my buck when it comes to supplies.

Hi Dean Community,

Have a question about re-hab? Ask the builder.

I advocate real estate for all. I like Deans system too, because it really helps people.

If any in our community can use some renovation and building issues advice, I'll help the best I can.

Send a note and chances are your problem/lack of knowledge on a subject relevant to construction on your property can be resolved.

Then perfection will come through practice and the next job will be a little easier.

I hate if I reposted something that was already posted, I did a little research before I posted and couldn't really find an answer to my question so here goes:

Houses with wooden foundations, which is probably 95% of Western PA homes, if floor is a little uneven can I just lay down some plywood and level it out? How would I do that? If so how would I make sure it's leveled? If I can't use plywood, what would I have to do? Maybe extra carpet padding?? It's definitly noticable without carpet down. And, of course, a quick roundabout cost.

it,s my first property that i bought to flip, mostly cosmetic work any ideas, suggestions, or mistakes i should avoid as Dean said "amateur mistakes" that could end up costing me more then i need to spend.

I am looking to purchase a rehab but I have encountered several with strong pet urine odors. Can this be successfully and permanently removed? Any suggestions on how? Thanks!

Has anybody ever encounter this problem:

"Electric system does not allow
backfeeding into the power lines which is a
major safety hazard".

What can I expect and how much does it usually cost to have a Master Electrician correct the above stated problem? Most importantly would it prevent the utility company from estimating (turning) power back on to house when I switch over my electrical service? Inspector I hired wouldn't (couldn't) give me a repair quote!

Do any of you know what jack posts are? An REO truth in housing inspection says the columns and beams are too close to the earth and jack posts are recommended. It sounds expensive and maybe saying RUN AWAY but I just wanted to know what they are.

Cathy

This today from Associated Press: the new issue with the caustic Chinese Drywall problem in Florida is that insurance companies are now dropping homeowner policies if they have Chinese Drywall, plus homeowners have no recourse -- really no one to sue about the dryway and likely no way to get money to fix the problem. Some sellers may not disclose to a seller too that there is the Chinese Drywall. The situation is not good, particiular in Florida. Here's the story:
Insurers dropping Chinese drywall policies
By BRIAN SKOLOFF, Associated Press Writer Brian Skoloff, Associated Press Writer

Can anyone tell me what type of property is this?

mixed use building.
1. There should be business in the ground floor.
2. There should be 2-3 floors upstairs which should be residential.

I really need to know...

Thanks