How do weekly labor draws work for rehab projects?

We quote your full project price upfront. Instead of paying 30-50% as a deposit, you pay weekly as labor progresses. Each payment is credited toward your project total. Draws start at $4k/week for smaller projects and scale with project size. Materials are separate: we provide detailed lists and you purchase directly, so you control the spend.

Is SLH a project manager or contractor?

We're the licensed general contractor. Our crews do the work: demo, framing, plumbing, electrical, finishes, everything. We're not a middleman coordinating other contractors.

Why do investors purchase materials separately?

Transparency. Traditional contractors mark up materials or bundle them so you can't see what you're paying. We provide detailed material lists with quantities and timing. You buy directly from suppliers at cost. No hidden markup, full visibility.

What payment methods do you accept for rehab projects?

The $150 scope fee can be paid by credit card. All other payments (weekly labor draws, final balances) are wire transfer, check, or cash only. No credit cards for project payments.

How do I qualify for Portfolio Partner pricing?

You qualify with either 3 or more concurrent projects OR a commitment to 5+ projects per year. This gives you 10% off weekly labor draw rates plus priority scheduling and included pre-acquisition estimates.

Do you handle permits for rehab projects?

Yes, as an add-on service. We manage the entire permit process including applications, coordinating inspections, and maintaining documentation. Permit fees are passed through at cost.

When should I do the punch list walk?

After all major work is complete but before the professional cleaning. Walk every room systematically. Create a numbered list with photos. One document, not scattered text messages.

How long does punch list work typically take?

A thorough punch list on a full rehab takes 3-5 days to complete. Don't rush it. An extra few days of punch list work prevents weeks of negotiation after a buyer's inspection.

What are the most commonly missed punch list items?

GFCI outlets not installed or not working, cabinet doors slightly misaligned, paint touch-ups needed after other trades finished, and caulk lines at tub/shower edges. Test everything.

What is included in the $150 scope visit?

Full walkthrough, scope of work, cost breakdown, timeline, and weekly draw schedule including the punch list phase. The final draw is tied to punch list completion.

Punch List for Real Estate Investors: Close Out a Rehab Right

The punch list is the difference between a house that sells in a week and a house that gets inspected to death. Buyers and their inspectors will find every crooked outlet cover, every paint drip, and every cabinet door that doesn't close flush. Find them first.

What Goes on a Punch List

Walk every room with fresh eyes and check:

Walls and Ceilings:

Smooth finish, no bubbles, cracks, or visible seams
Paint even and consistent, no drips, roller marks, or missed spots
All nail pops patched and painted
Corners and edges clean

Floors:

No gaps at transitions
No scratches or damage from construction traffic
All trim and baseboards tight to the floor
Tile grout consistent and sealed

Doors and Windows:

Every door opens, closes, and latches properly
No sticking or rubbing
All hardware installed and matching
Windows open and close smoothly, locks function

Kitchen:

Cabinet doors aligned and closing flush
Drawers slide smoothly
Countertop seams tight and level
Backsplash grout clean
Appliances installed, connected, and tested
Sink and faucet working, no leaks

Bathrooms:

No leaks under any fixture
Toilet solid, doesn't rock
Tile and grout clean and sealed
Caulk clean lines at tub/shower edges
Exhaust fan working
Hot and cold water correct at all fixtures

Electrical:

Every outlet works (test with a plug tester)
All switches operate the correct fixture
GFCI outlets in kitchen, bathroom, and exterior
Light fixtures clean and properly mounted
No exposed wiring anywhere

Exterior:

Siding/trim paint complete
Gutters attached and flowing away from foundation
Landscaping clean (at minimum: mowed, edged, mulched)
Driveway and walkways clean
No construction debris anywhere on the property

The Systematic Walk

Don't just wander. Start at the front door and move clockwise through every room. Have your phone out, take photos of every issue, and note the room and specific location. Create a numbered list.

I use a simple spreadsheet: Item number, room, issue description, photo reference. Send it to the contractor as a single document. No text messages. No verbal instructions. One document.

Holding the Final Draw

At Seller's Little Helpers, the final weekly draw is tied to punch list completion. We walk the property together. You create the punch list. We fix every item. You re-inspect. When everything passes, the final draw gets released.

This is the power of weekly draws at the finish line. The contractor's last check depends on a clean punch list. Their incentive to fix every item is immediate and financial.

Common Punch List Mistakes

Accepting "good enough." A buyer's inspector won't accept good enough. Fix it right.
Rushing to list. An extra 3-5 days for punch list work saves you weeks of negotiation after inspection.
Not testing systems. Run every faucet. Flush every toilet. Turn on every burner. Test every GFCI. Systems that don't work kill deals.
Forgetting exterior. Curb appeal sells. A spotless interior with an ugly exterior confuses buyers.

Book a $150 scope visit at sellerslittlehelpers.com - we don't release the final draw until the punch list is done right. That's how it should work. Call (708) 536-6700 or email info@sellerslittlehelpers.com.

Punch List for Real Estate Investors: How to Close Out a Rehab Right