Looking For A Tampa Florida GC

TurnkeyFunding

I'm a full-time real estate investor. I'm looking to partner with a Florida GC based in or around Tampa to handle management of my residential renovation projects. I have been acting as the GC on my projects but it takes me away from being able to really market my business and take it to the next level.

Ideally I need someone that is familiar with estimating amount of materials for a project, able to schedule each trade and keep the project on schedule and under budget. I will actually establish a draw schedule with the contractor and also do a profit sharing arrangement meaning that if a project stays on budget and on schedule, than a bonus percentage of the project will be paid.

Feel free to email me at ttaylor@turnkeyfunding.com to discuss in greater detail.

Tony Taylor,
TaylorMade Renovations

Glasshousebltr

Sounds like a good opportunity for a stumbling Tampa local. However let me add, it's my experience that renovations tend to squeeze a lot more often than ground up. Now here's the kick, who's wallet's on the chopping block then?....... and I know how you investment guys think.

Oh yea......and welcome to the forum.

Bob

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Bob

TurnkeyFunding

I appreciate the reply. A good GC just like a good investor will be able to look at a project and normally be within 10% of the budget number meaning that even with extras on a $50k project, there should not be more than $5,000 in additional items that come up. For instance if there is additional termite damaged not originally known. But being realistic, renovation is more challenging but more rewarding in my opinion as you get to work with different architecture and add a new spin to it.

Unfortunately a lot of contractors in general do not know basic estimating and this gets them in trouble. I've run across more than my share of drywall contractors that cannot even count how many sheets of drywall are needed for a house.

But rehabbing is a science just like building new house in my opinion.

Demo, Framing, Mechanical, Windows, Drywall, Painting, Flooring, Mechanical Finals, Finishing/Punchout.

Double-A

I think you've been reading too much or not enough. Termite damage in Florida that only costs 5K max to repair? Did someone tell the termites that and get them to agree in writing? We've gone into homes in Little Rock with 50K in structural damage from termites before. That 10% number you bandy about might be good for price escalations or even labor delays, but termite damage is a whole different ball of wax.

If I were your GC and I just worked 3 months on a 50K project and get paid squat 'cause you think it should have come in at $55K max and there was bug damage, you and I are gonna have a LOT to talk about.

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"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006

DaveH

In Turnkey's defense...

A good real estate investor not just some hack will get proper inspections done prior to buying or setting a budget. A house with massive damage will show. Once the evidence is turned up an in-depth investigation will occur and the associated cost will be figured in as closley as possible. I have been in involved in some very large re-hab projects..Some that have been on national TV and magazines over the years, and there is always an "if" factor, but the smart investor will know a lot of info before even turning the doorknob. The one's who get bit are the ones who go into a project with the "rose colored glasses" on and do not do the homework. It is very important to find a qualified construction specialist (As it sounds Turnkey is trying to do) to help in the investigation, and add the needed input to minimize the "if" factor.

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A buck a foot is not an estimate! It's a crap shoot!

Glasshousebltr

Ok..... I can buy the whole let's math ducks in row program..... and I can admire fella's like Grump and Turnkey who give considerable thought to each move no matter the size..... however......Turnkey here thinks he's going to pin the tail on the donkey without arms.

I'm a pretty damn good estimator....... I make mistakes, but they're gone before it hits paper, everytime.....and remods can run into one hell of a boatload of crap, so I'm saying...... 10% if your very very lucky.

Bob

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Bob

lxdollarsxl

I agree with glassblower completely. Having done quite a few remods over the past 4 years. I have been lucky and more have come in under budget, but i have had one or two with problems (not with termites) that cost a whole lot more than 10% being over. Like one with electrical wiring that looked fine and worked, but god must have been watching over me, after removing one stud wall i found the wiring literally short lengths taped together hidden under the drywall. A very real danger of fire all the time. This led to all drywall which was not allowed for being stripped and all wiring being replaced.

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Damned if im gonna do it more than once.

Double-A

Dave I see and respect your point, but my point is this. Rehab is just that, rehab. You can't tell the termites your overrun budget is only 5%, so go easy on the structure, and you can't tell the previous homeowner not to twist wire together, wrap them in tape and then drywall over them. Get all the inspections you want, but until you start doing the invasive ones, you'll never know for sure.

Yous plays da game, yous takes you chances.

The bottom line is, it takes what it takes. No more, no less. As a homeowner or investor you can hold your breath 'til you turn blue, refuse to pay, and pout in a corner, but the problem will only go away if you throw money at it.

Turnkey, Check out SCORE for some retired GCs in your area. You might get some bites there (experienced ones at that).

__________________
"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006

TurnkeyFunding

Thanks for everyone's comments. I certainly agree that many rehab projects can get way out of budget very easily from damage unexpected.

Couple recommendations. And I learned this the hard way. Do a complete inspection, if there is a crawlspace, get on the overalls and look at it up close and personal. Get up in the attic. I have seen far too many GCs not get down and dirty, give me a number and I know they don't know what lies behind the walls because they didn't do a complete inspection.

Every project regardless of the size may have things that inflate the budget such as hurricanes, unforeseen insect damage, water damage but signs of this normally can be seen before you take on the project.

Thanks for all the advice and I forgot about SCORE. I'm going to check that site out right away.

Double-A

Hope you get filthy rich. Good Luck.

__________________
"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006