Suzanne O’Connor’s Bargains LA

OMG! We’re in Escrow (part 3)

I am in an astonished state at how smoothly everything is going. Seller credited us a large amount for repairs, appraisal went through, loan funding and underwriting went through, just waiting for a walk through and signing. Must thank my oh so fabulous Realtors (Jon Trunk and Bonnie Davis at Keller Williams, Studio City 818.432.1525) and mortgage guy (Brett Doscher at Augusta Funding, 818-841-2995 Ext. 1992) for making the process smooth.

But the needed repairs are looming and will cost serious bucks!

The necessary repairs:
-Re-roofing ½ of the house with Spanish tiles is $7000-$8000 and repairing the rest is an additional $1000. We are getting additional quotes.
-With a huge barrel ceiling we gave up on the idea of painting ourselves. We got several quotes on interior painting in 4 different colors and settled on a $2500 bid which included interior closets, all cabinets, a huge window repair and the trim. 
-To refinish all the wood floors: sand, stain, and do 4-coats of polyurethane $1800-$2500… We are still getting quotes and recomendations.
-To rebuild the Chimney is hovering around $10-$11000. We are still interviewing contractors.
-Possible sewer upgrade, exterior painting and stucco repair will also have to wait until next summer or a bit later.
-Lack of Office Space! Decisions are now being made now on how to tackle our lack of office space. A cool idea has opened our eyes to another possibility. Buying a Tuff Shed.

They come in large sizes up to a 10 x 14 with windows, real doors and are fully assembled in a day with 30-year roofs. We’d have to insulate, drywall, paint, run electricity and install an air conditioner. The cost to do that would run an additional $2-$3000. And take about a week.

Our inspiration is:
Tuff Shed http://www.tuffshed.com/
and
Someone who has already done a shed conversion http://www.aboutdean.com/office/osp/index.asp

We are using Al Menendez, 626 831 2429- Licensed contractor for quite a few things including painting, office/ shed conversion issues and a possible new kitchen floor. Please don’t call him till February as we will need all his time! We were very impressed by his knowledge, attention to detail, ability and his 5 star recommendations from a variety of sources.

In total, all of these upgrades and repairs are serious money. More than I have ever spent on a shopping spree!  But we have learned that if we have the money to do a needed repair or upgrade, to get it done. Postponing usually ended up with us doing the bare minimum, which is never the best decision in a home. Get it done and done right so we can live in the home is the plan.

Now we have to close escrow and get going!