Projects/Home Improvement Thread

[woolybug25]

Also looking to replace about 10 windows throughout the house. It's an older home that is pretty much completely remodeled but has no deck and has the original windows still. I cannot change windows and from what I've read that's more difficult than building a deck, so will also be having that done professionally. Any advice for doing about 10 windows throughout? Or what a price for that project would be? Including the cost of windows? I've not researched windows much but it sounds like it's going to cost a few thousand dollars.

Smh... you are going to take a bath on this place.

 

[koonja]

Smh... you are going to take a bath on this place.

Lol, why do you say that?

 

[wizards8507]

Smh... you are going to take a bath on this place.

Lol, why do you say that?

I'm glad Koon's back. Gives Wooly someone else to "interact with."

 

[Irish Insanity]

Lol, why do you say that?

Do the windows yourself. That's like changing a light bulb.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Lol, why do you say that?

One more thing on the deck also. This is a rental, not your personal house. Why not build some steps from the door down the 24 inches and put in a ground level patio.

 

[wizards8507]

Do the windows yourself. That's like changing a light bulb.

Depends on what he means when he says this is an "older home." There's no guarantee that the frames are square or structurally sound.

 

[koonja]

Long story short, I took a consulting gig in health care in Minneapolis, so I just moved from Columbus 3 weeks ago. I knew I was moving for a while, so I had time to research the housing market for Minneapolis. Rent is really high for Uptown Minneapolis, higher than in Columbus. So I started to look into buying, and found a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in a great location. I started to put feelers out for roommates, renters, and got a lot of inquiries.

I'm actually living in the house, and having 3 roommates/renters. It's a nice set up for me, because my room is a master and on the 1st floor, and the other bathroom/3 beds are upstairs. I can show you guys the link to the place if you're interested in checking it out. My roommates are 3 girls, which I both like and dislike. I like because they'll be gentle on the house, but dislike for obvious reasons, but they're good peopple so it should be a good time. I plan to live there for 2-3 years, then slide myself out and continue it as a full rental.

This is not a forever house, but it's pretty nice still. Besides the deck and windows, lol. Windows are all original wood frames and likely need to be replaced.

 

[woolybug25]

Lol, why do you say that?

Because you don't know how to do anything. Nor do you have the desire to learn how.

That is a sure fire, 100% way to get burned in rentals. There is no "i'm just using it as a side investment" with rentals. You either understand all of the numbers associated with your ROI and are willing to utilize your skills to fit that, or you lose your @ss.

Seeing how you want to pay a contractor to do your deck and you think installing windows is too hard.... seems pretty clear which direction you're heading.

 

[wizards8507]

I'm actually living in the house, and having 3 roommates/renters.

A grown man shouldn't have roommates.

My roommates are 3 girls.

 

[woolybug25]

Depends on what he means when he says this is an "older home." There's no guarantee that the frames are square or structurally sound.

So you square them.

I bet you have a very nice tool belt.

 

[koonja]

Because you don't know how to do anything. Nor do you have the desire to learn how.

That is a sure fire, 100% way to get burned in rentals. There is no "i'm just using it as a side investment" with rentals. You either understand all of the numbers associated with your ROI and are willing to utilize your skills to fit that, or you lose your @ss.

Seeing how you want to pay a contractor to do your deck and you think installing windows is too hard.... seems pretty clear which direction you're heading.

I didn't say I have don't have the desire to learn. Just that IDK that learning it will pay dividiends later on since I very well may never build another deck in my life since this is my only property.

 

[Irish Insanity]

I don't think a contractor is a bad thing for bigger jobs if he doesn't have the skills to do it. Drywall, painting, flooring, easy access plumbing, door/window replacement, and finish work should all be done by him. We also don't know the what he paid for the house or the value in the area. I paid 9k for my first house, and 11k for the one I just sold. I see a deck 24" off the ground being a safety issue to others if not done properly. I don't see that as a 'teach yourself to be handy' moment.

 

[wizards8507]

So you square them.

You've mastered the skill of arguing with me when I agree with you. Your combination of cognitive dissonance and persistence is truly a sight to behold. My point is that, like you, it doesn't appear that Koon has the skills necessary to take this project on. Given the choice of paying-more-than-DIY-and-having-it-done-right or jacking-up-your-house-and-paying-even-more-than-if-you-just-hired-a-guy-in-the-first-place, he should pick the former.

I bet you have a very nice tool belt.

Do you get paid to be a douchenozzle, or does it just come naturally? I, like Koon, have very little skill or experience with DIY projects. My expertise extends no further than building a pinewood derby car or a nice-looking cornhole board. I am, however, well-versed in the world of personal finance and investing.

 

[koonja]

I am an experienced painter. So take that Wooly.

 

[Irish Insanity]

I didn't say I have don't have the desire to learn. Just that IDK that learning it will pay dividiends later on since I very well may never build another deck in my life since this is my only property.

You can't say that for certain when you've already said this isn't your forever home. So at some point there will be another.

 

[Irish Insanity]

My roommates are 3 girls.

I thought all the Mormons lived in Utah?

 

[Bubbles]

Here's mine....it's quite extensive.

 

[koonja]

You can't say that for certain when you've already said this isn't your forever home. So at some point there will be another.

That's true, but I don't anticipate buying a house that requires much work when I plan to live there for a long time (life?).

 

[Irish Insanity]

That's true, but I don't anticipate buying a house that requires much work when I plan to live there for a long time (life?).

If you plan on purchasing a home, and living there for any extensive period of time, it will always need improvement. Or over time it will become the worst home on the block.

 

[koonja]

If you plan on purchasing a home, and living there for any extensive period of time, it will always need improvement. Or over time it will become the worst home on the block.

Right, but a deck isn't something you replace every 5 years is all I'm saying.

 

[Irish Insanity]

The other thing is there are a lot of things you need to know if you plan on moving from this home and turning it in to a full rental. In my area they have to be inspected and approved for rental woth occupancy permits. Also registered with the city as a rental. I've know people that have lost houses due to them not following the proper steps and renting illegally.

 

[koonja]

A grown man shouldn't have roommates.

Who said I'm a grown man? Lol. I can't see the GIF.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Who said I'm a grown man? Lol. I can't see the GIF.

Is your long tike GF on board with all this?

Or was she more jealous of you having male roommates.

 

[koonja]

Is your long tike GF on board with all this?

Or was she more jealous of you having male roommates.

We decided to go our own ways. It was my doing, so no need for condolensces. We get along well and are still friends in a way.

 

[wizards8507]

We decided to go our own ways. It was my doing, so no need for condolensces.

Dagger!

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I did the same thing Koon is doing with my first house (although with dudes and not girls as roommates...don't you have a wife/gf? How'd that work out?) Anyways, I have to say 1) It was awesome making extra money each month, but...2) I did all of the small maintenance projects myself.

Things to consider: 1) Windows are very expensive and they don't increase the value of the home. You may sell it quicker. You may sell it for more. But typically, this is an item that is required over time. Similar to a new roof. 2) I agree with those saying to do steps to a patio instead of a deck. Check your costs. Go with whatever is cheaper and/or provides the better return. 3) ALWAYS be mindful of your ROI. Whether it's a rental or a "forever home," where you spend the money and how much are always big factors with real estate.

With that said, you need to at the very least learn how to fix small things around the house. YouTube is your friend. Wooly and Irish Insanity are right; it will bite you in the ass and every home you live in will require improvements. Learn now.

 

[Irish Insanity]

We decided to go our own ways. It was my doing, so no need for condolensces. We get along well and are still friends in a way.

Dagger!

Now it all comes together. Koon leaves his GF moves back to Minnesota and in with 3 girls.

 

[koonja]

Now it all comes together. Koon leaves his GF moves back to Minnesota and in with 3 girls.

I really wasn't targeting girls, but a group approached me and it turned out to be a really good fit. One of them is actually my co-worker, although she works in a building that's a few miles away so we won't have interactions at work. I prefer girls, though, and when I move out I will target female renters. I don't need hockey matches breaking out at 3am in the dining room.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I really wasn't targeting girls, but a group approached me and it turned out to be a really good fit. One of them is actually my co-worker, although she works in a building that's a few miles away so we won't have interactions at work. I prefer girls, though, and when I move out I will target female renters. I don't need hockey matches breaking out at 3am in the dining room.

Wait until the first time a girl flushes a tampon down the toilet and clogs it...

I think it's pretty narrow minded to assume all girls are clean and tidy and this rental thing will be rainbows and unicorns for you. Stuff happens in a house that requires maintenance regardless of how diligent you are with the upkeep.

 

[koonja]

Wait until the first time a girl flushes a tampon down the toilet and clogs it...

I think it's pretty narrow minded to assume all girls are clean and tidy and this rental thing will be rainbows and unicorns for you. Stuff happens in a house that requires maintenance regardless of how diligent you are with the upkeep.

Never said I expected this to be a piece of cake. Just asked about strategy for putting on a small, floor level deck and replacing windows. I'm not as dumb as some of you wish I were, lol. And as I said, females will have their downside of course, but when it comes to who's harder on a house between girls/guys, I'll take girls all day long.