Contractor Wanted (Orlando, Windermere: real estate, mortgage, house)

[diddy02]

My husband and I are looking into buying a small 1700 sq ft 1926 bungalow but would want to add another 1000 sq ft of living space. Does anyone have any recommendations of general contractors that could do the job from start to finish. We have no experience with remodelling/additions, have no ideas of the costs involved and want someone reliable and honest. Also someone who has experience working with older homes. The existing home would also have to be remodelled to include a new kitchen and outdoor area. Thanks in advance.

[fauve]

Diddy, where are you located?

[diddy02]

I have jus realised that I should have posted this in the Orlando forum. That is where I am looking for a contractor.

[annerk]

You will want to make absolutely sure that you even can add that 1000 s/f on before buying the house. Don't take the word of the Realtor for it, many will say whatever you want to hear to close the deal. Call the building department in the city or town you are considering purchasing in before signing anything.

[AONE]

Originally Posted by annerk

You will want to make absolutely sure that you even can add that 1000 s/f on before buying the house. Don't take the word of the Realtor for it, many will say whatever you want to hear to close the deal. Call the building department in the city or town you are considering purchasing in before signing anything.

I find this a poor understanding of the profession. It is not a realtors responsibility to advise on building codes. All agents I know would refer you to the folks downtown to get the definitive answer.

The reality is you might consider figuring what you would spend for the home and reno and then see if you can find a property for that sum. It would be a concern to make sure you are not overbuilding for the area so that you could ultimately get the funds out that you invested.

I'd suggest working with an agent that has a clue about investment real estate as they would see the practicality of what you are proposing. They come from the fall in love with th e deal, not the house approach. Check the comps for the neighborhood, and check the prices of the homes that are already what you want.

All the best,

[annerk]

AONE--I understand the profession quite well, thank you. Unfortunately there are some Realtors who do not.

After sending the better part of 10 years in the mortgage industry, I've seen both the consumate professional Realtor as well as the most hideous snakeoil salesmen that crawl this planet calling themselves a Realtor.

Are you really so disillusioned as to think that no Realtor would ever lie to make a deal?

And why do they need someone working with investment properties? I saw nothing in the original post that indicates this is to be an investment property.

[diddy02]

The home would be for ourselves. We are looking in Olde Windermere so properties are limited and it is the area we really want to be in. I will take your advise and call the city and find out the rules etc.