Does anyone know how replacing rotten wooden siding with vinyl would effect the value of a 1914 victorian? Vinyl would be so much easier to maintain but would it hurt the value or improve it?
Thanks for the info. I have to admit the Nailite siding looks good and I will definitely consider it. As for the Historic District, the funny thing is that this house is right in between three different historic districts but not in any of them so I should (in theory) be able to do anything I want to it. But it is a condemned building so I will still have to present my plans for rehab to the city for approval...
I would still like to find (if there is such a thing) good looking vinyl lap siding since the house currently has wooden lap.
I personally hate siding. Always makes me think that the investor is hiding something. My gut tells me that siding appeals to low maintenance people, not to people who want to live in an historic house.
The additional cost is worth it.........and besides, it is usally in the gables.
Anyway, when we are talking Victorian, we are not talking
about an inexpensive saltbox..........Victorians are expected to
have the extra doll house features. My wife and I are constantly adding extra trim to our house............and colors............well, I think we are up to 23 or more colors on the inside.
I would suggest you keep a folder with brochures, color pallets, etc..............makes it easier to match things.
Statistically, less than 1% of homes sell as a result of an open house. Obviously this can vary from area to area, but that is a national average statistic. I hate to admit it, but agents hold open houses as a means of getting buyers, not to sell the home that is being held open.
Last I checked, Illinois does not have a license requirement for contracting.................with the expection of roofing.
While contractors get some discounts, these are often less
then 5%. What most contractors do, is mark up the material in order to make a profit off of it. Is the unethical............well I guess it depends upon the markup. Contractors should be compensated for their time, which includes figuring out material lists, ordering and scheduling as well as any deliveries that they provide.
My suggestion would be to be start an LLC in which your business can purchase products at a discount.
I get really good contractor discounts on some materials, sometimes 20-30% depending on what they are. Other common items like nails, drywall, the essentials you are in the same boat as anybody walking into Home Depot. So your discounts will vary depending on what it is.
I have never had to show anybody a contractors license to establish a contractor relationship and a contractors discount. I look like a contractor, I can talk like a contractor, the most I have been asked for is a business card.
I agree with Mike jaquish on almost everything he said.
<br />
<br />For tile and carpet and some special items like custom cabinets or other things, I would shop a discount outlet that I know. One tile place demands that I have a business name.
<br />
<br />For most things I go to Home Depot just because it saves time.
<br />
<br />If you are only buying 1 toilet 1 sink, 1 bathtub, you have to balance the small amount of money you might save vs. the time you spend driving to a plumbing store for that stuff, a lumber yard for the wood, a window store for the windows, Home depot trips you are going to take anyway for small stuff.
<br />
<br />I dont think anyone is beating them by a huge amount (if at all) on drywall, wood, Even the windows I priced out 25 for a job and still, I ended up buying at Home Depot. All the accessories to do the work. they will beat most any hardware store on that stuff.
<br />
<br />keep this in mind. you can spend the day at Home Depot, pick out everything you need by SKU. and they will get someone to put it all together for you and you can pick it up. If you want delivery it is $55. no matter how much stuff you are buying they will drop it at your house for $55. Dont pay the contractor markup. Dont break your ass and waste your time. Have them deliver it.
<br />
<br />I had over $6000 in materials delivered including 2400sf of tile that I bought on closeout. 3 toilets, 2 sinks 2 vanities etc. Do you know what that stuff weighs!?!?!?!? all delivered for $55.
for high quality items, you have to go to the outlet. And for that you just have to get them to believe that you buy volume and you are asking them to give you the best possible price.
They never met you before, even if you know the contractors handshake you might have trouble getting a discount.
<br />good luck
[ Edited by Neill7 on Date 08/28/2005 ][ Edited by Neill7 on Date 08/28/2005 ]
I am just getting started out as well and have been looking at some HUD condos to fix up. Was it just because the others were sitting on the market that you back off or where there other reasons? Good luck!
I am just getting started out as well and have been looking at some HUD condos to fix up. Was it just because the others were sitting on the market that you back off or where there other reasons? Good luck!
Thanks for the info. I have to admit the Nailite siding looks good and I will definitely consider it. As for the Historic District, the funny thing is that this house is right in between three different historic districts but not in any of them so I should (in theory) be able to do anything I want to it. But it is a condemned building so I will still have to present my plans for rehab to the city for approval...
I would still like to find (if there is such a thing) good looking vinyl lap siding since the house currently has wooden lap.
I personally hate siding. Always makes me think that the investor is hiding something. My gut tells me that siding appeals to low maintenance people, not to people who want to live in an historic house.
Brenda
That siding is gorgous. Looks great for our new project!!
Anyone know how it compares in price to lap?
Quote:
On 2005-08-23 11:11, getgoing wrote:
Anyone know how it compares in price to lap?
Double to 250% for materials.
[addsig]
The additional cost is worth it.........and besides, it is usally in the gables.
Anyway, when we are talking Victorian, we are not talking
about an inexpensive saltbox..........Victorians are expected to
have the extra doll house features. My wife and I are constantly adding extra trim to our house............and colors............well, I think we are up to 23 or more colors on the inside.
I would suggest you keep a folder with brochures, color pallets, etc..............makes it easier to match things.
NC_Yank
Statistically, less than 1% of homes sell as a result of an open house. Obviously this can vary from area to area, but that is a national average statistic. I hate to admit it, but agents hold open houses as a means of getting buyers, not to sell the home that is being held open.
Last I checked, Illinois does not have a license requirement for contracting.................with the expection of roofing.
While contractors get some discounts, these are often less
then 5%. What most contractors do, is mark up the material in order to make a profit off of it. Is the unethical............well I guess it depends upon the markup. Contractors should be compensated for their time, which includes figuring out material lists, ordering and scheduling as well as any deliveries that they provide.
My suggestion would be to be start an LLC in which your business can purchase products at a discount.
NC_Yank
I get really good contractor discounts on some materials, sometimes 20-30% depending on what they are. Other common items like nails, drywall, the essentials you are in the same boat as anybody walking into Home Depot. So your discounts will vary depending on what it is.
I have never had to show anybody a contractors license to establish a contractor relationship and a contractors discount. I look like a contractor, I can talk like a contractor, the most I have been asked for is a business card.
I agree with Mike jaquish on almost everything he said.
<br />
<br />For tile and carpet and some special items like custom cabinets or other things, I would shop a discount outlet that I know. One tile place demands that I have a business name.
<br />
<br />For most things I go to Home Depot just because it saves time.
<br />
<br />If you are only buying 1 toilet 1 sink, 1 bathtub, you have to balance the small amount of money you might save vs. the time you spend driving to a plumbing store for that stuff, a lumber yard for the wood, a window store for the windows, Home depot trips you are going to take anyway for small stuff.
<br />
<br />I dont think anyone is beating them by a huge amount (if at all) on drywall, wood, Even the windows I priced out 25 for a job and still, I ended up buying at Home Depot. All the accessories to do the work. they will beat most any hardware store on that stuff.
<br />
<br />keep this in mind. you can spend the day at Home Depot, pick out everything you need by SKU. and they will get someone to put it all together for you and you can pick it up. If you want delivery it is $55. no matter how much stuff you are buying they will drop it at your house for $55. Dont pay the contractor markup. Dont break your ass and waste your time. Have them deliver it.
<br />
<br />I had over $6000 in materials delivered including 2400sf of tile that I bought on closeout. 3 toilets, 2 sinks 2 vanities etc. Do you know what that stuff weighs!?!?!?!? all delivered for $55.
for high quality items, you have to go to the outlet. And for that you just have to get them to believe that you buy volume and you are asking them to give you the best possible price.
They never met you before, even if you know the contractors handshake you might have trouble getting a discount.
<br />good luck
[ Edited by Neill7 on Date 08/28/2005 ][ Edited by Neill7 on Date 08/28/2005 ]
What is it exactly?
What is it exactly?
I might be interested. I have a project that requires it. OPlease send me the details **Please See My Profile**
I am just getting started out as well and have been looking at some HUD condos to fix up. Was it just because the others were sitting on the market that you back off or where there other reasons? Good luck!
I am just getting started out as well and have been looking at some HUD condos to fix up. Was it just because the others were sitting on the market that you back off or where there other reasons? Good luck!