The damn unit is still vacant. When I listed the unit, it was the only 1/1 in the vicinity. Now the market is flooded. In the past, I’ve never really felt the pain of trying to get something rented in the winter. I don’t recall if I’ve never had a winter vacancy or if I’ve just been lucky getting a tenant quickly. We decided that we’re going to install laminate plank flooring over the existing tile. I’ve noticed that the comparable listings have nice flooring. It’s probably been about 12-15 years since I updated the unit. The bathroom has been remodeled in the recent past and there are two-year-old dual paned windows, though. I originally installed tile after I ripped out the old carpet because of the durability. I allow pets mainly because I’m a dog person. I wanted something that would standup to the wear and tear. It looks like it’s going to coast about $2,500 for labor and material for a 450 sq/ft project. Seems kind of steep for the labor $1125. Our “guy” says its going to take 2-3 days which seems lengthy.

Jim contacted me. He was checking-in about revisiting the HELOC. I told him that we still have an empty unit and I would contact him after we get it rented. I was happy he contacted me.

I drove by the duplex on Friday to see the progress on the landscaping. Of course, Moises didn’t do anything. My wife likes him. I don’t get it. The place will look nice with some landscaping.

Because I have been slacking with writing posts, I don’t think I mentioned the progress in the duplex to 4-plex project. Lyla, the architect, contacted me with proposals from two structural engineering firms. Procuring the proposals was helpful and I appreciate it. She’s been engaged this entire process. Anyways, one was for $3400:

Project Description:
Project consists of providing structural analysis and design for vertical and lateral load-resisting elements to a
proposed approximately 915 sq. ft. one-story detached ADU and approximately 544 sq. ft. garage
conversation to an existing one-story single-family residence per drawings supplied to us by <architect name>.
Project Understandings:

1. Project to be designed for Residential Occupancy based on CBC 2019.
2. Proposed project to be constructed utilizing wood-frame construction.
3. Roof framing consists of an existing conventional stick frame system (Garage) and proposed wood
   roof truss (designed by others).
4. Foundation system consists of an existing and proposed concrete slab on grade with isolated pad
   footings.
   Items to be provided w/ Base Services:
   <firm name> Engineering scope of engineering services includes the following items to be prepared for submittal
   to the governing jurisdiction. If additional services are required or some should be excluded, please contact
   us as soon as possible so that we can adjust our proposal.
   ❑ One (1) signed copy of structural calculations. (PDF-format)
   ❑ One (1) signed set of structural drawings (Specifications, framing plans, foundation plan and details)
   (PDF-Format)
   ❑ Response to structural plan check correction items to obtain final structural approval
   Items outside our scope of work include:
   ❑ Structural revision due to new architectural plans modifications once engineer work has begun.
   ❑ Design of temporary shoring or other construction engineering.
   ❑ Construction site visits.
   ❑ Soil investigation or geotechnical report.
   ❑ Design of CMU fireplaces, site retaining walls and other specialty engineering.
   ❑ Plans processing and permit fees.
   ❑ Construction support and coordination meetings, RFI’s.
   ❑ As-built drawings.
   ❑ Additional reports (certification and forensic engineering) and letter.
   ❑ Foundation design for caissons/grade beams, post tension slab and mat foundation systems.
   ❑ Architectural drawings signed by a license professional.

The second proposal is a bit less specific and $600 cheaper:

Job Description:
Project consists of a garage conversion and a single-story ADU. The garage conversion
will include new openings at the exterior walls that will need a lateral solution along
that line. The proposed ADU is assumed to have a conventional slab-on-grade
foundation system. The roof is assumed to be framed with trusses, designed by others.
Scope of Work:

1. Review of the architectural drawings supplied to us on November 8th, 2022 by <architect name>.
2. Provide stamped/signed structural calculations.
3. Foundation to be designed assuming conventional shallow foundations. If soils report is provided that provides alternate foundation recommendations, additional fees will be added.
4. Provide stamped/signed structural drawings, including details.
5. Calculations and drawings are to be prepared for permit submittal by others to the governing jurisdiction.
6. Provide correction responses to all structural items required for approval of our work.

Hopefully, we will hear something from the Record of Survey surveyor this week. It’s Thanksgiving week, I shouldn’t get my hopes up