Momentum Realty Group
Carolyn Brown, Momentum Realty GroupPhone: (510) 882-3454
Email: [email protected]

During Your Flip: Nail these Crucial Project Management Skills

by Carolyn Brown 04/25/2021

Photo by TeroVesalainen via Pixabay

Flipping a house successfully means keeping your ducks in a row during the rehab process--and that typically means communicating with several vendors to coordinate work, making sure everyone is on the same page, and dealing with delays when they (inevitably) occur. It's worth your while to build a project management strategy and skill set into your workflow, particularly if you aren't accustomed to managing multiple teams on a project. 

1. Always Know What's Happening 

When you get started on a project, you'll need a list of vendors (electricians, plumbers, landscapers, etc.) and a scope of work for each of them. In some cases, a general contractor will manage all of these for you; in others, you'll end up coordinating the different facets of the job yourself. Regardless of who's doing what, you need to know what your people are working on. Don't micromanage the people you've hired, do check in with your contractor often.

The best suggestion is requiring a report of who's on the job (general contractor, subs, other vendors) and what's getting accomplished each week. This keeps your contractor more accountable and keeps you informed of issues as they pop up. 

2. Use a Project Management System 

House flippers use a huge variety of different online tools and apps to keep them on track, and the one that works best for you will be the one you find easiest to use. Many have had great success with Podio, Basecamp, and Asana as well. Learning one of these systems (or establishing your own) and using it to keep you and your team on track will make a huge difference in keeping your project running smoothly. 

3. Set Expectations Before You Begin 

It sounds simple, but this is a big one. Before your contractors get started, talk them through your goals--in terms of timelines, budgets, and unforeseen issues that arise during the flipping process. Here are a few issues to address with your contractor before work even begins: 

  • What grade of materials and finishes do you expect to be used? 
  • What happens when it becomes clear something is going to cost more than expected? 
  • What subcontractors will your general contractor be hiring out? For what projects? 
  • Do you expect a weekly report of what's going to be accomplished that week? Will you be on-site each day for a walk-through? How will you stay on top of the project and answer any questions that come up? 

Many excellent books have been written on managing a house flip, so don't take this to be an exhaustive list by any means. But it's a solid skeleton of a jumping-off point as you plan out the most efficient ways to manage your projects. 

About the Author
Author

Carolyn Brown

Hi, I'm Carolyn Brown and I have over 20+ years of real estate experience, serving Bay Area Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Sonoma, Sacramento, and Central Valley. I have a Master's Degree in Psychology and I work part-time for West Contra Costa Unified School District. This has afforded me the opportunity to connect with families and communities.  

I have always been a giver and compassionate about serving and helping others. A real estate career was never my goal but the passion I have to help others changed that and I would love to help you! Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.  

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Also, I am an author. My book, "S.O.U.L Inspiration 4 Life Daily Word" is guaranteed to inspire you and encourage your soul. Giving up isn't an option, and if you desire to become a homeowner, then contact me and I'll show you how. Never let what you see, hinder what you believe. My wonderful book is available online at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Xulon.com. Let me know if you have any questions. Let's build a legacy together.  

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