PDX Renovations

Tag: sell for cash

  • Overwhelmed w/ household chores?

    Welcome to 2015. It’s a new year with a new clean slate so why not start it off right. Do you ever get overwhelmed w/ household chores. We’re not talking vacuuming, dusting and mopping, but the other chores, the ones you put on your list for later or think…”I’ll get to it next month.”

    This year, why not start off making a manageable list that can be done each month, or each quarter, helping you to keep up on maintenance, and not be overwhelmed financially.

    Some good tips for helping you achieve this:

    1.  Start off with a list of things you know you need to do and then do some online research for the rest. Then branch off that list into seasons and then finish off by grouping them by expense. For instance, cleaning out your gutters is something you probably do twice a year and the expense is pretty hefty, so do that once in spring and once in fall after the leaves fall.

    2.  Make a list of things like cleaning out cupboards and closets and getting ready to do a run to the Goodwill or Salvation Army…and remember to get your receipts for your tax deductions. These simple things can keep your house running smoothly, while keeping your new 2015 budget in line.

    Here’s a list of things that typically need to be done monthly:

    1. Clean the Kitchen sink disposal
    2. Clean range hood filters
    3. Inspect and possibly change out HVAC filters
    4. Inspect your fire distinguishers.

    Now, let’s look back at this list and think…really? How often do people really get around to doing any of these every month? At this point, put each of these down for one a month, starting in January, at least then you know they will get done in the next few months.

    Second are the ones that should be done quarterly:

    1. Test smoke detectors and change out batteries
    2. Test garage door auto reverse feature
    3. Check water softener, add salt if needed
    4. Run water and flush toilets in unused places, this usually means guest rooms, garages, shops, etc.

    Lastly, let’s look at seasonal chores. Already looking forward to spring? Well here are some things you can do now before spring starts to get a jump on your chore list. Pick a chore each month or even two a month and get started now.

    1. Repair or replace damaged screens
    2.  Consider having you’re A/C serviced now instead of waiting for the spring when everyone else wants to schedule appointments as well.
    3. Clean out the garage
    4. Dust the top cupboards
    5. Clean out closets/get rid of torn or stained towels and sheets.
    6. Have your chimney swept

    Perhaps home maintenance gets too expense for you or too overwhelming. Maybe you just aren’t as young as you used to be and getting on a ladder just isn’t realistic…Now, imagine that you own rentals or help out with your elderly parents house as well, and you have to do this to multiple houses. You don’t have to be overwhelmed w/ household chores. Maybe now would be a good time to think about selling for cash. You can get in touch with us online or by phone and get a cash offer within an hour of our appointment to view it.

  • Estimates: Contractors and what they really charge

    Just like anything else in life, unless you are educated and knowledgeable in specific areas, you truly don’t know everything. And subsequently, sometimes you don’t really know the true cost of things. For example getting your car’s brakes done. Do you know how much the mark-up on pads and rotors is. Or when ordering wine at a restaurant, do you know it’s a 200-300% mark up on your favorite wines and spirits. It’s the cost of doing business. Everyone does it.  Now, imagine the big picture. Big dollars…maybe you need an estimate on new drywall in your living room because a pipe burst or your roof is leaking or your electricity goes haywire. Until you get a few different estimates, you truly don’t know how much it’s going to cost you and how much different each bid can be.

    For example. Getting a concrete estimate. Sure, each company will probably tell you a set amount that is very similar to the next guy’s as far as how much the concrete itself will be but the contractor will then add in delivery fees, labor, mileage, etc. And each estimate you get can vary by hundreds of dollars. It’s always a wise idea to get 3 to 5 bids whenever doing any kind of home repair job. Don’t feel bad for having them come out and give you an estimate either. It’s their way of marketing themselves as well and keeping prices down for the public. Besides if they really want your business, they will work for it. It’s not a monopoly by any means. Getting estimates is also a good way to get comfortable with someone being in your space with your family and your belongings.

    Now, you’ve got your estimates and you are comparing costs, labor, timing, etc. You can go even further and use the internet for reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings and anything else you might need to know. When you pick the right contractor, the real work begins.

    Make sure you are prepared for the unexpected. We all joke about the famous, “two weeks” Sure, it could take two weeks, but more times than not, something will come up and it will take a bit longer. Is the contractor you hired going to bump up your bill, inflate it for the extra time they are putting in? What if something happens beyond their control? Who pays for mistakes or do-overs? Do they offer a warranty on their product and services? These are important things to think of as well.

    Of course, there’s always your network of friends and family who can give great reviews and referrals, so don’t just pick up the phone and hire the first company you talk to. You’ll save money and headaches down the road by doing it right and getting a few different estimates first!

    If you want to skip the headaches and sell with no out of pocket costs to you, fill out our sell fast form at PDX Renovations.com