Contractor Secrets Revealed 🛠

Modern Meets Historic: Inside Fenn Tower’s Transformation

July 02, 2025

Good morning, Cleveland Real Estate Investors! 

Why did the American flag go to school on the 4th of July?

Because it wanted to show its true colors! 🇺🇸 🎆

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📬 In today’s edition:

  • 🏘️ Cleveland State’s Fenn Tower receives $5 million

  • 🏗️ Bridgeworks Project – Ohio City

  • 🏛️ Cleveland State’s Fenn Tower

By Tyler Finkler - Local Realtor & Appraiser

📰 Cleveland Market Minute

Hough senior housing tests first new zoning in 96 years

Cleveland City Planning Commission today approved designs for a 55-unit affordable senior housing development in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood.

The rapid turnaround from submission to approval was made possible by the city’s first major change to its zoning code since 1929

Bridgeworks project in Ohio City to begin construction with planned 2027 completion date

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Bridgeworks redevelopment project could soon begin construction.

Bridgeworks will feature 219 apartments, a 199-space garage and 1,200 square feet of retail space.

Cleveland State’s Fenn Tower receives $5 million in historic tax credits for upgrades

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland State University’s Fenn Tower was one of a dozen local projects to receive historic tax credits from the state this week.

CSU’s $50 million project will update the dormitory building to provide a modern residential experience while preserving its historic character.

11601 Lake Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102

  • 💰 Sale Price: $650,000 (Sold 2025)

  • 📏 Size: 3 beds | 🛁 2.5 baths | 2,022 sqft

  • 🌳 Lot Size: 2,274 sq ft

  • 🛠️ Year Built: 2018

  • 🚗 Garage: 2-car attached garage

  • 📝 Investor Takeaway

This contemporary 3-bedroom, 3-story townhome in Cleveland’s desirable Edgewater neighborhood sold for $650K, or $321 per square foot—well above the city average. Built in 2018, it boasts modern finishes, an open floor plan with a kitchen island, and private laundry on the upper level.

The property features energy-efficient forced air and hot water heating, central A/C, and a sleek terrace for outdoor living. With attached garage parking and low HOA fees covering maintenance and snow removal, this home is a strong candidate for owner-occupants seeking low-maintenance luxury living or investors eyeing stable appreciation in a rising area.

🏡 Neighborhood Insight

  • 📍 Subdivision: One Seventeen

  • 🏫 School District: Cleveland Municipal - 1809

  • 💸 HOA Fee: $125/month (includes snow, trash, structure & grounds)

📈 Recent Sales Nearby:

  • 11701 Lake Ave Unit 301: $610,000 | 2 bed | 2 bath | 1,750 sqft

  • 11800 Edgewater Dr Unit 809: $330,000 | 2 bed | 2 bath | 1,190 sqft

  • 11720 Edgewater Dr Unit 401: $420,000 | 3 bed | 2 bath | 1,850 sqft

📌 Notable Features

  • 3 levels with 7 total rooms

  • Modern kitchen with island

  • Washer/dryer included (in-unit, upper level)

  • View of city skyline

  • HOA includes exterior maintenance, insurance, and reserves

  • Flat rubber roof and stone construction

  • Located minutes from Edgewater Park and Gordon Square

  • 📑 Assessed Taxes: ~$1,242 annually

💡 Insider’s Insight

🛠 Hiring a Contractor? Do It the Right Way

If you’ve ever done a renovation or investment project, you’ve likely heard the horror stories:

❌ Contractors taking deposits and disappearing

❌ Jobs dragging on for months

❌ Poor-quality work that needs to be redone

I’ve seen it myself—and I want to help you avoid becoming the next cautionary tale. Whether you’re flipping a house or doing a simple kitchen remodel, here’s how to make sure your contractor delivers quality work, communicates clearly, and finishes the job.

🔍 1. Vet Their Work Thoroughly

Before signing anything, do your homework:

  • 📸 Ask for Recent Projects: Photos are good—site visits are better. Walk through past or current jobs.

  • 🌐 Check Reviews: Google, Facebook, Houzz, Angie’s List, and local forums can reveal red flags.

  • ☎️ Request References: Call past clients and ask: “Would you hire them again?”

📃 2. Define the Scope of Work in Detail

Vague agreements lead to disaster. Your Scope of Work (SOW) should answer:

  • ✅ What’s included (e.g., demolition, disposal, materials, clean-up)?

  • 🚫 What’s not included (e.g., permits, unexpected structural repairs)?

  • 🏛 Who’s responsible for pulling permits?

  • 🛠 What’s the process if issues come up?

A detailed, line-by-line breakdown avoids miscommunication later.

✍️ 3. Use a Signed Contractor Agreement

No matter the size of the job, put everything in writing:

  • 📋 Defined scope of work

  • 💵 Payment schedule tied to milestones

  • 📆 Timeline with completion expectations

  • ❗ Penalties for missed deadlines or walking off

  • 📞 Communication clause

If they won’t sign it—walk away.

💰 4. Don’t Pay Too Much Upfront

A large upfront payment is a red flag. Use this smarter approach:

  • 🔹 1/4 to 1/3 Down Payment: Preferably after materials are delivered

  • 🔹 Remaining payments in phases:

    • After demo

    • After framing

    • After electrical/plumbing

    • After inspection

    • ✅ Final payment upon full completion

This ensures continued motivation and progress.

👀 5. Stay Involved

  • 🚧 Do regular site visits

  • 📷 Ask for photo updates

  • 🧪 Inspect work-in-progress
    Don’t assume—it’s your responsibility to verify.

💬 6. Over-Communicate

Delays and surprises are part of the job. Problems become serious when no one talks about them.

  • Set expectations early:
    ➤ You want frequent updates
    ➤ You expect transparency
    ➤ You will offer the same in return

🧠 Final Thoughts

There are great contractors out there—but trust is earned, not assumed.
Do your homework, get everything in writing, and never pay for promises. Pay for performance.

Need a sample contract, bid review, or a trusted recommendation?
👉 I’m happy to help. Just reply to this email.

🏚️🔨 Renovating or Flipping? Don’t Hire a Contractor Without Talking to Tyler First!

Why Work with Tyler?

Working with Tyler means having vetted contractors, clear scopes of work, and secure contracts that protect you every step of the way. He ensures you only pay based on progress, not upfront costs, and stays involved throughout the process, spotting issues early. With Tyler, you get full transparency, clear communication, and expert guidance to avoid costly mistakes and protect your investment from day one.

Connect with Tyler today and make your next move count.

Let Tyler help you navigate Ohio’s new real estate regulations and secure your investment with peace of mind!

🏡 House of the Week – Storybook Cape Cod Escape Near Chagrin Falls

15157 Hemlock Point Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

  • 💰 Price: $1,995,000

  • 📏 Size: 4,758 sq. ft. above grade + 1,728 sq. ft. finished lower level + 703 sq. ft. guest house

  • 🏡 Built: 1933 (renovated 2006 by Tony Paskevich)

  • 🛏 6 Beds | 🛁 3.5 Baths

  • 🚗 Garage: 3-Car Attached

  • 🌳 Lot Size: 3.82 acres

  • 🏫 School District: West Geauga Local School District

🧘 Vibes: A countryside escape with Southern France flair—fieldstone fireplaces, a dramatic vaulted gallery ceiling, and a blue La Cornue range that anchors the European-inspired kitchen. Multiple fireplaces, a curved interior balcony, turreted breakfast nook, and a speakeasy-style game room elevate the experience. Entertain poolside, host guests in the rustic guest house, or unwind by the firepit on the stone terrace.

👉 Listed by: Adam Kaufman | Howard Hanna

📞 216-831-7370 | ✉️ [email protected]

🛠 Tools & Resources We Recommend

  • PropStream → Lead generation + property comps

  • AirDNA → Short-term rental profitability data

  • BiggerPockets Cap Rate Guide → Know how to calculate investment ROI

  • Cleveland Housing Court Tracker → Spot eviction risks and distressed deals

  • Cleveland Real Estate Investor Facebook Group → Share deals and insights with local investors

📣 Weekly Wrap-Up

💼 Weekly Wrap-Up: Cleveland Real Estate in Full Swing

Zoning changes, historic rehabs, and waterfront wins—this week, Cleveland proved it's not just growing, it’s evolving. From the Hough neighborhood testing a 96-year zoning update with a new senior housing project, to Cleveland State’s $50M dorm renovation, the city is layering policy, preservation, and progress like never before.

Meanwhile, Ohio City’s Bridgeworks project finally gears up for construction, and Edgewater’s modern townhomes are commanding $650K+—a strong signal that premium buyer appetite is alive and well.

Opportunities are everywhere right now—if you know where to look.

Until next week,

Cleveland Real Estate Investors


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