Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:do flips require permits if they're just finishing a basement and installing new counters/floors? i doubt it.

Nope, unless there's electrical work of a certain level being done.

You need a permit to finish a basement. But reno'ing maybe no.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/publications/basements/

Anonymous wrote:do flips require permits if they're just finishing a basement and installing new counters/floors? i doubt it.

Nope, unless there's electrical work of a certain level being done.

do flips require permits if they're just finishing a basement and installing new counters/floors? i doubt it.

Absolutely make sure you have all permits.

Bring in a home inspector that you hired and you trust. They'll give you the straight info.

In my case, I bought a short sale so I knew it was as-is. I told the inspector I didnt' need a formal report, but instead (and it cost less $ anyway), we walked through teh house and he noted any items that could be issues.

It's OK to find issues -- just make sure you know what htey are, and how much it may cost to address.

Anonymous wrote:Hire your own inspector. (not realtor recommendation)

+1. When we were building our own home several years ago, I put into the contract that I wanted to have my own inspector at two points in the building process (walk-through before drywall went up and final walk-through). I hired my own inspector. Several years before when I had damage to my first house, my insurance company sent a contractor to the house to do an evaluation of the damage and do the estimate for damage. He was not the contractor who did the final work, only the triage/estimate. I was very impressed working with him and so when I needed a home inspector, I called him up. He agreed to the job and we scheduled the visits. He did a great job explaining what was done well and what not so well during the walk-throughs and he also identified several items that needed to be handled before the walls went up and several items that needed to be addressed during the final walk-through. I think he earned his money and I think I got a great deal for the money.

If you are in MD, the buy I used was David Maier formerly of Maier Restorations. Maier Restorations has changed to Cornerstone Kitchen Bath Remodeling but you can still try to find David. Otherwise, I would just call the insurance company that you use for your home insurance and let them know that you are currently looking at real estate and need a contractor who can come and do a pre-offer inspection for you to determine whether the house is sound or not. The insurance company should be happy to help you with a referral since it means if you insure the house with them, that it is less likely to need a claim against it if it is pre-inspected and found to have no issues.

We almost bought a flip and didn't. Our inspector pointed out a bunch of things the flipper failed to hide, but he also told us there was a lot he couldn't see that could be bad, as PPs noted. Good thing the flipper was incompetent--thee was so much termite damage to some of the joists that you could sick a screwdriver right through them. It was scary. Honestly, after that experience, I'd steer clear.

Hire your own inspector. (not realtor recommendation)

Anonymous wrote:Look closely at the furnace, outside air conditioning compressor and hot water heater. Often flippers concentrate on the cosmetics to seduce buyers and leave old systems. Take a photo of these items, especially if they have a sticker on them, call a reputable HVAC company and they can generally tell you the age based on the serial number. Also, pull out the furnace filter and see if it is clogged with dust from the renovation. This is a sign of a careless contractor who didn't even bother to cover vents. I know a few good flippers and not many.

Not really most people do this all the time and insert contractor filters.

Look closely at the furnace, outside air conditioning compressor and hot water heater. Often flippers concentrate on the cosmetics to seduce buyers and leave old systems. Take a photo of these items, especially if they have a sticker on them, call a reputable HVAC company and they can generally tell you the age based on the serial number. Also, pull out the furnace filter and see if it is clogged with dust from the renovation. This is a sign of a careless contractor who didn't even bother to cover vents. I know a few good flippers and not many.

Do you have anyone knowledgable to take with you?

DH has 2 good friends that have tons of building experience. One owns a contracting business--another grew up working in his dad's construction business and knows it all. He has done all the work on his investment properties.

When we were serious we took one of them in and they poked around everywhere (basically did inspections)..inside/outside while we chatted with selling agent and distracted

Most flips are crap. By definition the less you spend on the "renovation" the more profit.

That said, a few signs I notice:

- Outside - landscaping that is done to maximize curb appeal but uses the wrong plants in the wrong locations.
- I inspect drywall work up close. Missing a layer of mud and poor sanding are usually signs the drywall was rushed.
- Mechanicals - hot water heater is one of the cheaper ways to cheap out. As a homeowner I would rather spend a little more $ on something efficient.
- Builder grade bathroom exhaust fans.

I would also pull a full permit and inspection history. Fortunately, most of the local jurisdictions do a pretty good job not passing a home unless all of the work was to code, which usually hits the biggest major points (structural, electrical, plumbing, and insulation.) I reputable home inspector should be able to point out the more cosmetic and mechanical shortcomings.

This will scare you and it screwed us.

Since everything will be new and painted there is no way to determine an issue with a leaky basement or termites. We had a problem where the issue didn't show up until the winter season when ice melted.

I can't remember the name, but when we were looking there was a pair of realtors who did quickie flips, and the signs outside said something like "Another Debbie Jameson/Sandra James Renovation!!" It was a sure sign that what was inside was crap.

Some of the homes we are looking at have been recently flipped. This makes me very nervous due to a friend's really horrible experience with their flipped house. What are some signs of trouble or shoddy workmanship that we should look for if we are interested in such a house? are their inspectors we could hire or another such avenue to check more into the work that was done and into the bones of the house?
Thanks.