Thursday, December 3, 2015

Permitting...When is it Required?

I am often asked when a project should be permitted or not.  In most cases, it is always good to error on the side of planning to get a permit.  Obvious situations like a house addition, new bathroom, or new garage should always be permitted.  When projects like these are performed, you want to make sure the upgrade adds value to the house or property.  If it is not permitted, the new upgrades may not show up on the local property appraiser records and become a red flag for the property when trying to sell. Going without permit also puts the Owner in a risky position of improper work that could require repairs, corrections, and fines costing a lot more than the original project.  When it is permitted, the proper approvals and inspections are completed. It then becomes a legal and sell able change to the property, making sure the additional value is recognized.

Some key items that require a permit include, but are not limited to:

- Additions
- Structural Changes
- Roofing
- HVAC and Water Heaters
- Plumbing Re-Pipe, Tub Replacement
- Electrical Upgrades and Re-wires
- Doors and Windows

Some scope that may not require a permit include, but are not limited to:

- Cabinets
- Flooring
- Paint
- Some Landscaping
- Plumbing Fixture Repairs
- HVAC Service
- Light Fixture Replacement
- Trim work
- Drywall Repairs

Below are some links to jurisdictions in the Tampa Bay Area with more information on permit requirements:

City of Tampa
http://www.tampagov.net/construction-services/how-do-i#permit_needed

Hillsborough County
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/index.aspx?NID=1068

City of St Petersburg
http://www.stpete.org/construction_services_and_permitting/permit_and_plan_review.php

City of Clearwater
http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/planning_dev/applications/index.asp?formtype=construction

Pinellas County
http://www.pinellascounty.org/build/required.htm

Brandon Leske
Hybrid Construction LLC
Tampa Bay General Contractor - 203K Loan Contractor
Interior Remodel - Commerical and Residential
813-300-8019
bleske@hybridgc.com

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Before Hiring A Contractor.......

A lot of people do not know how to properly review or ask for contractor qualifications prior to hiring them for work on their properties.  Hiring the wrong person or company can cause problems and increase liability for the Owner, which could cause legal issues, lost money, and a lot of headaches. 

Owner's can take a few measures to help limit their exposure and give them the best chance of hiring the right contractor.  Below are some recommendations that all Owner's should inquire about prior to allowing a contractor to work on a property. 

(Based on Projects in Florida)

1.  Check the Sunbiz Website (www.sunbiz.org) to make sure the company name is listed and active.

2.  Review the Florida Department of Business Professional Regulation (www.myfloridalicense.com) to make sure the contractor's license is listed and active.

3.  Request a copy of Contractor's License.  This can easily be done via email or fax.

4.  Request a copy of the contractor's General Liability Insurance Certificate.  In addition to the certificate copy, have the contractor produce a certificate that lists your name and address as the certificate holder.  Their insurance company can easily do this as no cost.

5.  Request a copy of the contractor's Worker's Compensation policy or their Exemption Certificate. 

6.  Ask for previous client references.

Each one is simple to do and should not be any issue for the contractor.  Once this information is complete, I recommend having a written contract or proposal signed by both parties.

Doing these things will put you in the best position for hiring the right contractor and limiting problems on your project.

Brandon Leske
Hybrid Construction LLC
General Contractor - Tampa Bay Area, Florida
Commercial - Residential - Remodel - 203K Remodel
813-300-8019
bleske@hybridgc.com

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

FHA 203K Streamline vs. Full Loans

Over the past few years, we have had a lot of experience with the full range of FHA 203K Loan options.  It is a large part of our business and recently has accounted for nearly 50% of our residential projects.  The majority of our 203K work has been the 203K Streamline loan, however, there is another 203K loan that is used and it is called the Full 203K.  Typically, our projects have been 80/20 Streamline to Full 203k.  Below please find an outline of what work can typically be done under the loan and the difference between the Full and Streamline Loans.

FHA 203K Streamline
- Max Loan amount is $35,000
- Does not typically require a HUD 203K certified inspector
- Sample Scope of Work includes:  Kitchen Remodel, Bath Remodel, Painting, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Roofing, Flooring, Doors and Windows, Appliances.  Most work is allowed with the exception of Structural Changes and Additions.

FHA 203K Full Loan
- Loan Amounts Greater than $35,000
- Requires certified HUD 203K inspector
- Covers all of the work allowed under a 203K streamline, plus, Additions and Structural Changes.

The project budgets we have worked on typically range in cost from $15,000-$35,000 for the Streamline loan and $50,000-$100,000 for the Full 203K loan.  The amounts allowed by the lender usually are determined by the purchase price, renovation costs, and property appraisal, but I would recommend going over the details with your lender as each one is different. 

If you are considering a 203K Loan for a property purchase, we would be happy to provide guidance and expertise.  Please feel free to contact us me below for more information. 

Brandon Leske
Hybrid Construction LLC
203K Loan Contractor, Tampa Bay
813-300-8019
bleske@hybridgc.com
www.hybridgc.com

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

New Handyman Services

In order to expand my services and provide customers with an all-inclusive option to meet their needs, I have opened up a sister company to provide a full range of Handyman Services.  The company is named Hybrid Handyman LLC and it will function separately to Hybrid Construction.  Two of my partners, Vinny Tuccio and Nil Vongnarath, will be managing the day to day activities of the business.  Both have extensive years of experience in all phases of construction and will be able to handle any maintenance/repair/service request in a professional and reliable manner.

With this partnership, no job will be too big or small.

Service area will include Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.

New information, advertisements, and updates will be coming in the near future.

Brandon Leske
Hybrid Construction/Hybrid Handyman
813-300-8019
bleske@hybridgc.com