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.

How many trades are needed for a full rehab?

Typically 8-12 different trades including demo, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, drywall, flooring, painting, tile, and finish carpentry. The exact number depends on your scope.

What order do the trades need to work in?

Demo first, then rough trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), then framing, inspections, drywall, flooring, finishes (kitchen, bath, paint, trim), and finally final connections. Sequencing wrong creates delays and extra costs.

Do I need to hire each trade separately?

You can, but coordinating 8-12 trades yourself is a full-time job. A GC handles coordination for you. At our company, you get one point of contact and we handle all the scheduling.

What is included in the $150 scope visit?

Full walkthrough identifying every trade needed, line-item costs for each, proper sequencing plan, timeline, and weekly draw schedule. You see the complete picture before committing.

Which trades require a license?

Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC require licensed professionals in most jurisdictions. General contracting license requirements vary by state. Never hire unlicensed tradespeople for work that requires a license.

What Trades Do You Need for a Full Rehab?

A full rehab involves 8-12 different trades, and if you sequence them wrong, you'll have a plumber sitting idle waiting on the framer while your electrician shows up on the wrong day. Coordination is half the job.

Here's every trade you need, in the order they need to show up, with what they cost.

The Sequence

Week 1: Demo Crew Strip it down. Remove cabinets, flooring, drywall if needed. Haul debris. A demo crew on a full gut runs $3,000-$8,000 depending on size and scope.

Week 1-2: Structural (if needed) Foundation work, load-bearing wall modifications, beam installation. This is the most expensive surprise category. Budget $2,000-$10,000 if the inspection suggests structural issues.

Week 2-3: Rough Plumbing Pipe relocation, new supply and drain lines, shower/tub rough-in. A rough plumbing package runs $3,000-$8,000 for a full rehab. Licensed plumber. No exceptions.

Week 2-3: Rough Electrical Panel upgrade, new circuits, outlet and fixture box placement. $3,000-$10,000 depending on how much needs to change. Licensed electrician. No exceptions.

Week 2-3: HVAC New furnace/AC if needed, ductwork modifications. A full HVAC replacement runs $5,000-$12,000. Duct mods alone are $1,500-$4,000.

Week 3: Framing Wall modifications, door relocations, any structural changes to layout. $1,500-$5,000 depending on scope.

Week 3: Inspections Rough-in inspections for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Don't close up walls until these pass. Inspection delays are preventable - schedule them the day the rough-in is complete.

Week 4: Insulation and Drywall Insulation is quick. Drywall takes 3-5 days for a full house including hang, tape, and finish. $3,000-$7,000 for a standard house.

Weeks 5-6: Flooring LVP runs $3-$5/sqft installed. Tile is $6-$10/sqft installed. Hardwood is $8-$15/sqft installed. A 1,400 sqft house with LVP runs about $5,000-$7,000.

Weeks 5-7: Kitchen and Bath Installation Cabinets, countertops, vanities, tile, fixtures. This is where multiple trades overlap. The cabinet installer, countertop fabricator, tile setter, and plumber all need to coordinate.

Week 7-8: Paint Interior paint for a full house: $2,000-$4,000. Exterior if needed: $2,000-$6,000. A good painter makes everything look finished.

Week 8: Trim and Finish Carpentry Baseboards, door casings, window trim, crown molding if specified. $1,500-$3,500.

Week 8-9: Final Connections Plumber: install faucets, toilets, disposals. Electrician: install outlets, switches, light fixtures. HVAC: final connections and testing.

The Coordination Challenge

The hard part isn't finding these trades. It's scheduling them so they don't step on each other. The plumber can't rough-in until framing is done. The drywall crew can't start until inspections pass. The flooring crew can't start until drywall is finished and paint is at least primed.

This is why a GC or project manager matters. At Seller's Little Helpers, we handle all trade coordination. You deal with one point of contact. We handle the scheduling puzzle.

What a Full Rehab Actually Costs

For a 1,400 sqft single-family in our market:

Demo: $4,000
Rough trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC): $12,000-$20,000
Framing: $2,000
Drywall: $5,000
Flooring: $6,000
Kitchen: $8,000-$12,000
Bathrooms (2): $6,000-$10,000
Paint: $3,000
Trim: $2,500
Total: $48,500-$64,500

Your specific numbers depend on condition, market, and finish level.

Book a $150 scope visit at sellerslittlehelpers.com - we'll tell you exactly which trades your property needs and what they'll cost. Call (708) 536-6700 or email info@sellerslittlehelpers.com.

What Trades Do You Need for a Full Rehab? The Fix-and-Flip Breakdown