Jack Knight's House Flip

[Isys]

OK so this is nowhere close to being a legacy story, or anything like that. It actually is a challenge I thought of that I am trying out, but I wanted to share the experience since I still have to play the Sim to get the job done. So I did a story to go with it.


Hi, my name is Jack Knight and I will be flipping this house, currently I have no experience in house flipping so this is all new to me. I am hoping to turn over a profit to fund my next flip once this is completed.



This is the front of the house, the foundation seems sound, so I will not be demolishing it instead I will be adding extensions later this week.




The back isn't that big but there is enough room to extend the house just a little.



Let's take a look inside. Right off the bat we see it has some major flooding issues, I am going to have to call the team.



This is Lisa, she is an expert at pipes.



We manage to fix the problem and now we hope that the inspector passes it so we can get to work.


Tune next time as I add the extensions that will make up the living/work area and also the dining and kitchen areas.

[Isys]

Week 2. Last week we had to deal with some flooding issues which set us back a few days. With that under control, I was able to lay down some foundation for the extensions on both sides of the house and also the back.

This is the first extension on the shorter side of the lot, there wasn't a lot of room to really extend the walls so I gave it some shape.



Around the back I didn't extend it too far as I wanted to leave some room for a possible garden later on.



Let's go around to the other side, now here, there is a lot more room to play with so we are going to put the kitchen and dining here.



Here is an overview of what it looks like so far, I don't believe I will be putting on any more extensions, however that may change.




Next week we will be going inside the house and adding another level as well as taking out some walls but first I have to make money to fund my project.



Thanks for watching and for your support.

[ladylaw1978]

Good job, looks interesting. Can't wait to see where you're going with Jack's story.

[Joria]

Ahhh, doing my favorite thing!  A remodel with a good story.  Nice start!

[Isys]

Thanks again guys, I am having fun with this one,  it takes time since I am not using any cheats and he has to make the money to do the renovations but I have big plans for this house so keep an eye out.

[Metropolis Man]

This is quite interesting and put a lightbulb in my head for an official challenge next year. Keep up the good work, isys77.

[Isys]

This is quite interesting and put a lightbulb in my head for an official challenge next year. Keep up the good work, isys77.

Thanks I will be sure to take part in that challenge.

[Joria]

This is quite interesting and put a lightbulb in my head for an official challenge next year. Keep up the good work, isys77.

I would definitely be up for a remodeling type challenge, Metro.  isys77, what's next?  Got the cash?  Want a loan?

[Metropolis Man]

I would definitely be up for a remodeling type challenge, Metro.  isys77, what's next?  Got the cash?  Want a loan?

It's not a remodeling challenge. More of a fix-it/clean up the place kind of challenge. I don't want to hijack this thread, so I hinted at something in my Workbench thread.

[Isys]

That's funny, the point of this particular challenge that i started was to buy the cheapest bungalow on the lot either already on it or in the bin but it had to be a bungalow and fix it. You had to keep the original structure but you could add levels and or extensions to it if possible. I thought it would be fun and different from just designing one from scratch.

[Joria]

isys77 that is exactly what I love to do.  I've started doing that a LOT in Twinbrook, no pun intended.  It is such a gloomy place and all the houses look so dilapidated, that I decided to give it a face lift.  Sometimes it's just a matter of cleaning up the yard or brightening the paint rather than large renovation.  I never thought of tying it to a story the way you are doing though, and I am really enjoying what you are doing.

[Isys]

isys77 that is exactly what I love to do.  I've started doing that a LOT in Twinbrook, no pun intended.  It is such a gloomy place and all the houses look so dilapidated, that I decided to give it a face lift.  Sometimes it's just a matter of cleaning up the yard or brightening the paint rather than large renovation.  I never thought of tying it to a story the way you are doing though, and I am really enjoying what you are doing.

Thanks, it is too bad you can't sell the houses to the towns people when you are done, maybe i can find a way to do it. I am going to try to flip as many houses i can by a certain date. I totally agree with the houses in the towns, and i find there is not enough to do, nothing fun.

[Isys]

Welcome back, I must say that this week has been very difficult. Funds haven't been flowing as quickly and supplies are getting more expensive ahem HST. This week I decided to knock out some walls and get an idea where I was going to place some of the key living spaces. In order to do this I had to call in my team.



The first one to arrive is Dan the man, well he may not look like much now but he sure knows how to knock down walls.



Listen Dan, we are going to go inside and I am going to show you what's been done so far. "sure let's have a look". Ok so over here you can see I added stairs, I wasn't sure what I was going to do with the space so I opened it up to what I plan on making the living area.



I made the entrance just a little more private and I plan to make this area a solarium.



The kitchen I totally re did and moved to the area of the house that I extended.



The new counters and cabinets were not expensive and givethe kitchen a warmer feel.



I also left space for a possible dining area with new windows as well.



"Great so I took pictures of what you have done Jack so now I am just going to figure out the wall placement and how we can make the living area flow a bit better" Thanks Dan.



With the kitchen semi complete my focus next time will be on how to reduce the open space between the living area and the breakfast area without adding too many walls. Then I will call in Jen to come in for the wall treatments paint and flooring for the remainder of the house once Dan has finished with the walls.

[Joria]

Wow!  Totally cool kitchen!  And the dining area is wonderful with all those windows.  I'm thinking this little cottage is going to be very upscale now.  Talk about improving the neighborhood.

[Isys]

So Dan the man finally finished the walls on the inside of the house and I was able to call in a favor to have some furniture delivered from SimDepot so I could stage the space. Next I called in Jen to do floors and walls.



Jen took a quick look around and then began her work. While she worked on the walls and the floors I finished staging and adding the rest of the new windows. It was a long hard day but the end results were worth it.



I made the bathroom smaller with new fixtures.



New windows for the living/workarea





New front door and windows.



Overview of the layout thus far.



"Listen Jack I have to run to SimDepot to pick up some supplies and more paint I spilled the primer so, would you mind cleaning that up while I am out thanks."




While Jen is out getting more paint and supplies, I'll be cleaning up this mess and calling in Becky to talk about some landscaping. I will also be adding the upstairs which is going to take a lot of money so I have to get to work. See you next week.

[Isys]

Wow!  Totally cool kitchen!  And the dining area is wonderful with all those windows.  I'm thinking this little cottage is going to be very upscale now.  Talk about improving the neighborhood.

Lol, you know you try to start out small and then all of a sudden what was suppose to be a small job becomes a big one.

[Joria]

Lol, you know you try to start out small and then all of a sudden what was suppose to be a small job becomes a big one.

Just like real life!  Mine has been in "remodel" mode for years!  I love the new layout.  Couldn't see what you had done with the walls, color? , wallpaper?, wise.

[Isys]

Just like real life!  Mine has been in "remodel" mode for years!  I love the new layout.  Couldn't see what you had done with the walls, color? , wallpaper?, wise.

I thought I took pictures of that, but I couldn't find them but I will take pictures of each room and what it finally looks like before I post anything else.

[samoht04]

Wow, this sounds like a fun challenge! Can we have a whole house photo or do we have to wait till the end? 

[Isys]

Wow, this sounds like a fun challenge! Can we have a whole house photo or do we have to wait till the end? 

Lol, once I complete the walls for the upper level I will take a full house picture both before and after shot. There won't be any paint on it, that will be the final Photo once everything is completed including the yard.

[SimmerAtHeart96]

Wow, what you've already done on this house is amazing.
I love the work area/living room, very modern yet homey. You've got fantastic designing skills!

I can't wait for your next update.

[Anushka]

I admire your patience with building project. When I see that unfinished room moodlet I just have to finished it and almost never leave building mode before completely finishing decoration, so making a story out of it is something I would never do. But reading about it is actually interesting and you manage to add unique charm in it. Congratulation on that and looking forward to see final results of your challenge!

[samoht04]

How is Jack making money? Is he doing something like painting or a career?

[Isys]

How is Jack making money? Is he doing something like painting or a career?

He is doing the sculpting, and occasionally I have him collect stones but i save them to do the interior decor since that costs the most. The sculptures I take some to the shop to be sold so he is always bringing in cash. Not easy but his skills have grown and so now it is faster and pays off more to do the Reno.

[Isys]

Breakfast/Common room



Kitchen: I made the floors darker which is not shown in this picture.



General view of the area



Dining



Bathroom



Sitting room: I will get a better picture of this room



Sitting room



Living area: Not sure if I am loving the walls, we will see.



Work area




While Jack was home spending the day with is wife, yes his wife, Becky came to the lot and did some magic of her own. That's her in the car and the sculpture is one of Jacks creations.




Another view as Becky leaves the lot.



See you next time as Jack races to finish the upper level before his 4 week deadline.

[Schipperke]

I love the building project!  You have really transformed that little house.  Can't wait to see more.

[Isys]

I admire your patience with building project. When I see that unfinished room moodlet I just have to finished it and almost never leave building mode before completely finishing decoration, so making a story out of it is something I would never do. But reading about it is actually interesting and you manage to add unique charm in it. Congratulation on that and looking forward to see final results of your challenge!

Thanks, I am actually having a good time with this because I get time to plan out exactly what I want and iron out a few details too while he works away making money. I totally agree with the unfinished room moodlet, sometimes when I change a wall and I see it I have to finish it right away as well lol. Glad you are enjoying the story, and keep posted.

[Isys]

I love the building project!  You have really transformed that little house.  Can't wait to see more.

You know what's funny as I was looking across the street those houses just can't remain that way now that this house is here lol. I am going to have to think of something.

[Sophie4563]

What an interesting story concept. I love the flip so far. I would try it myself if it weren't for my horrible design skills. On a side note, are you Canadian? Jack's comment on HST is why I'm asking.

[Isys]

Lol yes I am. Thanks for the compliment, I never thought I was any good at designing so this is good practice for me.

[ladylaw1978]

Cool. Is this a challenge you made up? And if so, would you mind sharing the rules?

[Joria]

I'm loving it!  Have one question though, and it's rather generally thrown out to guys.  WHY does everything have to be so dark and dim?  Don't you use lights?  Do guys just naturally prefer dark walls?  Just wondering.
Everything goes well with everything else in the house so it's more a puzzlement to me since I've noticed for the most part males tend to design darkly.

[Isys]

Hi, I know you have all been waiting for the final results of my flip and believe me I am working on it. I wanted to share something that my wife had brought to my attention. I received a letter from a single mom in town and I wanted to share it with you.



Dear Jack Knight,

My name is Nina Query and I am new in town. I had recently bought a two bedroom one bathroom single level home with my daughter Vanessa. I am a single mother and I just got a job at the bistro. I am writing you because I heard that you are very good at renovating houses that have been on the market and have not sold but I was wondering if you would consider renovating my home. I know it is not something you usually do and I hope that you would take it into consideration. Please find attached a photo of my house, anything that you could suggest that would make this place feel more like a home for me and my daughter would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely

Nina Query






Well, needless to say my wife would not let me say no. So I arranged to meet with Nina personally.



After talking with Nina it was obvious that she wanted something that was a little more comfortable. This will take some thought but in the mean time here is the layout of the upper level on my current flip. The next time I see you the job will be complete and this house will be up for sale.

[Isys]

Cool. Is this a challenge you made up? And if so, would you mind sharing the rules?

Yes, it is a challenge I made up and sure I can share the rules with you.

Purpose: The goal of this challenge is to use your talents with the help of your sim to flip an already cheap existing house in your house bin (no downloads) and flip it. The house with the most recommends in total by Dec 4th wins.

Rules:
1. Houses: You must begin with a bungalow, the cheapest one you can afford. You can either take it from the bin or purchase one that is already on the lot.
2. You can use a sim you already created or create a new one but you have to start a new game.
3. Only the money earned by the sim can be used to upgrade the house. You can not use any money cheats or any cheats at all. But you can sell things you find around town such as stones bugs ect.
4. With each stage of your house upgrade pictures must be taken to show the progression but only the final product should be uploaded. A picture of the original house should be taken as well.
5. The final product should be staged. This means that there should be a kitchen bathroom and some furniture to show how the space should be used.
6. When uploading the home, your designer(s) (sims) should not be included. Complete as many homes as you can by the due date.
7. Specialty items:Are optional if you have WA, you may put at least one unique item from Sims adventures from the three countries (France,Egypt,China) that can be displayed in your home.
8. The exterior of the home must also be decorated, it doesn't have to be elaborate but it should not be barren.Landscaping is also allowed anything that the game offers in the buy and build section is game.
9. You must keep as close to the original structure of the home you are flipping, you may add extentions and levels but cannot demolish the house completely.
10. When you are done, reply to the post and send a link to your home so people know they can now view and vote.
Good luck to everyone and have fun..hope to see some good flips soon.


I hope this doesn't get me in trouble with the forum still learning all the rules.

[Isys]

I'm loving it!  Have one question though, and it's rather generally thrown out to guys.  WHY does everything have to be so dark and dim?  Don't you use lights?  Do guys just naturally prefer dark walls?  Just wondering.
Everything goes well with everything else in the house so it's more a puzzlement to me since I've noticed for the most part males tend to design darkly.

Lol, that is funny I did not notice that. I'll be sure to keep that in mind when I am choosing colours, I also like dark colours but I understand the effect of having lighter walls when you want someone to buy a house.

[NeoFelis]

For those of us unfamiliar with Canadian acronyms, what is HST?

I won't be participating in the challenge. I'm a hopeless builder.     But I'm enjoying what you're doing and will be interested to see what those who do take up the challenge come up with.

[Isys]

For those of us unfamiliar with Canadian acronyms, what is HST?

I won't be participating in the challenge. I'm a hopeless builder.     But I'm enjoying what you're doing and will be interested to see what those who do take up the challenge come up with.

You made me laugh. HST is a tax stands for harmonized sales tax it was introduced to us this year which raised the prices of everything. We are not all that thrilled about it. I am glad you are enjoying it so far and I too would be interested to see what others would do, if they want to do it for fun. I am not a great builder either not according to what I have seen some people do, but sometimes I don't want something so elaborate and just want something nice.

[NeoFelis]

There are specific lessons on the Sims 3 official forum to teach you about it, where they have you look at sites with real world floor plans so that you can try to replicate them in a Sim house, though you adapt for things like the Sims not needing closets. I had a look at it before I gave up on the way things were over there and had found this wonderful place. If I built houses for my Sims more often, I'd probably get better at it, but as long as I have nice houses to download, I don't know that I ever will. And my decorating style is fairly plain, so it's usually easier for me to do minor modifications to the walls and/or floors and even that only some of the time.

[Isys]

When I want to get inspired I actually go outside and go see other peoples homes or model homes. I don't build often but every now and then I take another crack at it. Sometimes I surf the web and look for things but I much rather be playing than building all the time. With this story I get to do both and stretch my imagination just a little. I have seen the building section of this forum and I have tried once to build a basement, well let's just say that I will have to try that one again some other time.

Keep smiling, talk to you later I have a house to finish.

[ladylaw1978]

I'm loving it!  Have one question though, and it's rather generally thrown out to guys.  WHY does everything have to be so dark and dim?  Don't you use lights?  Do guys just naturally prefer dark walls?  Just wondering.
Everything goes well with everything else in the house so it's more a puzzlement to me since I've noticed for the most part males tend to design darkly.

Lol. I'm a girl (at least that's what everybody tells me ) and I love dark colors. I don't know why, but I prefer them over pastels anyday.

[Joria]

Lol. I'm a girl (at least that's what everybody tells me ) and I looovvveee dark colors. I don't know why, but I prefer them over pastels anyday.

Oh, I'm not ALL about pastels.  Just some of the constant darkness gets gloomy looking.  All it takes is more lights to brighten a place up.  (Ok, I admit it.  I PREFER pastels. lol)

Jack's house and his new adventure with his neighbor is really great.  I love the way you're weaving this story and the entire concept.  Hmmm, I have a building contest to do, (oh, great!  and SOON!), I'm working on a remodel for a friend, but I bet I can squeeze in another little challenge.  Count me in.  I'll go make a Sim and buy a house.  Any restrictions on where you go to remodel?  Like, is Barnacle Bay or Twinbrook off limits or anything?

[NeoFelis]

When I want to get inspired I actually go outside and go see other peoples homes or model homes. I don't build often but every now and then I take another crack at it. Sometimes I surf the web and look for things but I much rather be playing than building all the time.

Whatever works for your creative process is the important thing. And yes, I'd rather be playing than building, too, the vast majority of the time. That why information such as TommyT has provided (http://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/articles/homebuilding/ is where you can find his introductory information on building as well as several examples) is so helpful. Thank you, TommyT! And then there are the lovely houses people create and share, so that those of us who are not gifted in building can have beautiful places for our Sims to live.

With this story I get to do both and stretch my imagination just a little. I have seen the building section of this forum and I have tried once to build a basement, well let's just say that I will have to try that one again some other time.

Well, I hear it is much easier to build basements now that they have a special tool for it. I wouldn't have even tried it before that tool! It's placing stairs, whether to a basement or to a second story that's the hard part for me. I'm glad you found such a fulfilling outlet in your project.

Keep smiling, talk to you later I have a house to finish.

I shall try to do that. And yes, by all means, back to the house!

[Joria]

Yes, it is a challenge I made up and sure I can share the rules with you.

Purpose: The goal of this challenge is to use your talents with the help of your sim to flip an already cheap existing house in your house bin (no downloads) and flip it. The house with the most recommends in total by Dec 4th wins.

Rules:
1. Houses: You must begin with a bungalow, the cheapest one you can afford. You can either take it from the bin or purchase one that is already on the lot.
2. You can use a sim you already created or create a new one but you have to start a new game.
3. Only the money earned by the sim can be used to upgrade the house. You can not use any money cheats or any cheats at all. But you can sell things you find around town such as stones bugs ect.
4. With each stage of your house upgrade pictures must be taken to show the progression but only the final product should be uploaded. A picture of the original house should be taken as well.
5. The final product should be staged. This means that there should be a kitchen bathroom and some furniture to show how the space should be used.
6. When uploading the home, your designer(s) (sims) should not be included. Complete as many homes as you can by the due date.
7. Specialty items:Are optional if you have WA, you may put at least one unique item from Sims adventures from the three countries (France,Egypt,China) that can be displayed in your home.
8. The exterior of the home must also be decorated, it doesn't have to be elaborate but it should not be barren.Landscaping is also allowed anything that the game offers in the buy and build section is game.
9. You must keep as close to the original structure of the home you are flipping, you may add extentions and levels but cannot demolish the house completely.
10. When you are done, reply to the post and send a link to your home so people know they can now view and vote.
Good luck to everyone and have fun..hope to see some good flips soon.


I hope this doesn't get me in trouble with the forum still learning all the rules.

No "moveobjects on"?  No elevation thingie?  I can see no other cheats but the building cheats in a building challenge can make a huge difference.  Also, for foreign objects, IF we have WA, can we use buydebug so we don't risk the travel bugs?

How do you put a house up for sale in the game?  I'm assuming it needs to move within the game in order for you to get your money out.

How do you renovate a house someone is already living in without changing who is running the game, (your character).

Money earned by Sim:  Does that include things a klepto steals and things from the junkyard you salvage?  (My Sim is a klepto)

Do we start a separate thread, the way we are doing with our legacy/dynasty stuff or will there be a challenge thread where we can post things?  If our own separate threads/stories here, how will you know if it's part of this particular challenge?

Most importantly, did you check with Metro or Pam to see if this is all ok?

[Isys]

Joria,

1. When I meant no cheats I meant money cheats and the ones that make the sim happy all the time things that have to do with the sims part in the game, it is tempting but no fun. However you choose to flip the house is fine as long as you do not demolish the original house, some form of it has to be there or you would just be building a house from scratch which has been done.

2. It would be great if you want to include travel objects feel free to do so.

3. To put the house up for sale is something I would have to try myself, I planned on moving my sim out and hopfully the profit That goes with it goes with him to fund his next flip. I have noticed that when I play the game random sims just move into empty houses! I am hoping someone does but I am uploading the house to the sims3 exchange where I will be keeping track of downloads. Since I don't have any custom objects it should be clean. Everyone that is participating will be putting it up for download.

4. You can steal, sell, make, collect whatever it takes to get the job done! I realized that there are so many ways to make money in the sims why restrict you.

5. Since I was not sure if anyone would be interested I did not make a thread here, I posted the story up because it was different and I wanted to share. So I will ask Pam or Metro what is the official requirements for something like this and then I will let you know about that.


6. No there are no restrictions on where you go infact I think after I move Jack I may go out of town we will see.

Neofelis, I did not forget you I will reply to your comment Later on today.

[Joria]

Thank you, isys.  We could just post our characters name with isys after it to show it's part of this challenge. 

Thanks to thievery and the salvage, my first house is almost done and my Sim is married to Christopher Steel.  With his fishing and her painting funds will no longer be a question.  When they are ready to move into their next project, do they chose a better empty house or stay with the low cost ones?

[Isys]

Thank you, isys.  We could just post our characters name with isys after it to show it's part of this challenge. 

Thanks to thievery and the salvage, my first house is almost done and my Sim is married to Christopher Steel.  With his fishing and her painting funds will no longer be a question.  When they are ready to move into their next project, do they chose a better empty house or stay with the low cost ones?

Sweet, Jack has completed his first house I just haven't posted it yet, I want to make sure it can be used efficiently by other sims. When I thought of this challenge I had in mind to replace all the "ugly" houses in town with better ones, that is what I will be doing with Jack. I will however consider houses that don't have another level that is not as bad but needs work and has room for improvement. If you are not sure of the house send me the address and I'll have Jack go check it out lol. You can just add flip after your characters name when you post and I'll know that that is your choice and entry from now on. It doesn't have to be on this thread you can start your own so that it is not so crowded.

Have fun and good luck, can't wait to see it!

[Isys]

Neofelis,

When I build my computer next week I will try out all those cool things you can do with the build mode. I just realized I am missing out on a lot and I don't know all the cheats for building. I have ideas for homes and sometimes I just want a virtual idea of a home and I use the sims to do it. But sometimes what I want I can't seem to accomplish in the game. I found that the sims2 game had more options for what I wanted to do and they have taken away so many things. We will see how the sims3 progresses and how far they will go.

[Isys]

Welcome back to my flip, now I know you have been waiting to see the final product so I will not keep you waiting. When I first purchased this house there was nothing but problems. I had major leaks which lead to rot and mold, the foundation however was solid so I was able to salvage some of the pre existing walls. So let's go inside and see what has been done.





We'll start here in the entrance, to my left is the siting room. Plants were added courtesy of Becky to give it a little life and positive mood when you walk in the door.





Here we have the dining room, it has enough room to accommodate a large family.




Next we have the kitchen. We made the kitchen a little larger from the original floor plan so that multiple people can interact without being on top of each other. We also added a breakfast bar for easy eating and social interactions.



Next we have the living area, it is not as big but it is enough to provide comfort for your family.



Windows were added to give more light to the room and the fireplace gives it that added home feeling.



Within the living area we have the workspace, we left it an open concept to prevent clutter.



We also kept the original bathroom and just made it smaller with easy access from the the living/work space. The colours are darker giving it a contrast to the outside of the room.



We tried to keep the lower level as open and simple as possible to give the new home owners an opportunity to make their own mark on the home. Now let's continue to upstairs

[Sophie4563]

The house is really nicely done. I played my first Sims 3 game in the shotgun house. Man, was it ugly. You've done such a good job with it.

[Isys]

When we reach the top of the stairs you will find the laundry room. We decided to put it on the upper level where all family member can have easy access to it.



Next we have the first bedroom, it's the third largest room which had a door leading to a shared bathroom to the next room which is the second largest room.



The shared bathroom is a decent size everything in here was customized.



Next we have the second largest bedroom that shares the bathroom.



We had custom drapes put in and tried to match the room without using the same theme.



Just across the hall we have another room that can either be a bedroom, guest room or study. It would be up to the family, for now we put a day bed in front of the window. As you can see it is a small room so just enough furniture to make it comfortable was added.




We now enter the master bedroom, there was a big debate in regards of size. Men voted bigger bedroom smaller bathroom, women well wanted a bigger bathroom, something about the sink and counter space. So we tried to meet half way.



This is the master bath, we gave the women the counter space and his and her sinks. We also added the the Jacuzzi tub. You will also notice we put in a half wall to close off the toilet and shower.



As you can see it is fully functional, I tested it out myself. Now ladies you don't have to see us go.



And finally we have the walk out balcony.



This house is finished and ready to be sold. I'd like to thank Jen, Becky and Dan for all their hard work and to the good people at simdepo and simhardware for providing the paint and wall fixtures. Also to all of you who tuned in and I hope you will continue to do so.







Next time on Jacks House Flip.

Jack makes a new purchase and has only 3 weeks to complete the project but within the first week he has already run into problems. Will he be able to complete the flip in time or will this be the one house he will have to abandon.

[Joria]

Wow!  Well done, Jack, Becky, Jen and Dan!  Gorgeous mansion now, not just a house.  But tell me, how does it fit into the neighborhood?  You know, the rule of thumb is you are also buying your neighborhood, not just your house, and if your house is the very best and all the others are.....well, to put it crudely, shacks, it will depreciate your house.  Has Jack been approached about upgrading the other neighbors houses and if so, how will he do that while they are still in possession of their house?

Mine is not as elegant and more crowded with stuff.  I may have to relook at what I want to actually leave in the house when I sell it.

[Isys]

Wow!  Well done, Jack, Becky, Jen and Dan!  Gorgeous mansion now, not just a house.  But tell me, how does it fit into the neighborhood?  You know, the rule of thumb is you are also buying your neighborhood, not just your house, and if your house is the very best and all the others are.....well, to put it crudely, shacks, it will depreciate your house.  Has Jack been approached about upgrading the other neighbors houses and if so, how will he do that while they are still in possession of their house?

Mine is not as elegant and more crowded with stuff.  I may have to re look at what I want to actually leave in the house when I sell it.

Jack definitely will be doing the other houses, I just haven't posted it yet, working it into the story. That is the point of a flip, to upgrade the houses that are not so great and where this house is was perfect. There was more than one house to flip plus it can molded without influence of a house that was already fantastic so I can get the neighborhood to look the way I want. And finally hoping that when people upload the houses that are a part of the flip they will replace it with the perspective lots.

It doesn't have to be as long as you upgraded the existing one, some people might now want fancy, lol infact I did not indend on it to get so fancy I will have to try to do something less dramatic next time. But still nice of course.

That part of the story with the neighbour is just a story and not a challenge. When I get to that part I will work it out.

Thanks for your support, will be looking forward to your sims flip.

[Joria]

I get really involved in the story I make, so if it's ok, I would rather not have to make a new story.  Having said that, I think it would be best if I posted my flip on the Building and Construction, Showboat Thread since this one is all about the stories.  I've uploaded the house.  Here's the link:  http://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=3264975

See ya on the Showboat Thread!

[Pam]

Sorry, guys.  I removed all the comments about taxes and government.  Not only is it off topic for this thread, but it falls under the forbidden category of Politics.  Please refrain from these types of discussions.

I'm also going to ask Metro to visit this thread regarding how to handle this private challenge on the Forum, where it should be posted, etc.

[Anushka]

Wow, you did great job remodeling that little house, it is not recognisable! I see some items I haven't seen before, mostly in bathroom and I'm tempted to find that CC but am avoiding it since that doll and everything showed up! Wonderful house you built, and can't wait to see your next project!

[Pam]

I see some items I haven't seen before, mostly in bathroom and I'm tempted to find that CC but am avoiding it since that doll and everything showed up!

I'm pretty sure all the bathroom items are from the Sims 3 store, not third party CC.

[Anushka]

Ups, thanks Pam. I kind of call all of them "custom content" since they didn't come with the game, but I understand the difference.

[Joria]

I'm also going to ask Metro to visit this thread regarding how to handle this private challenge on the Forum, where it should be posted, etc.

Thanks, Pam.

[Isys]

Sorry, guys.  I removed all the comments about taxes and government.  Not only is it off topic for this thread, but it falls under the forbidden category of Politics.  Please refrain from these types of discussions.

I'm also going to ask Metro to visit this thread regarding how to handle this private challenge on the Forum, where it should be posted, etc.

I did send Metro a message asking what to do since people wanted to take part and explained that the original purpose of this thread was to tell the story portion of the challenge but I have not heard anything from him since I wrote.

[Isys]

I get really involved in the story I make, so if it's ok, I would rather not have to make a new story.  Having said that, I think it would be best if I posted my flip on the Building and Construction, Showboat Thread since this one is all about the stories.  I've uploaded the house.  Here's the link:  http://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=3264975

See ya on the Showboat Thread!

Sorry I must have insinuated that it had to be a story, I only did mine as a story for this forum because I wanted to share the adventure. Not everyones is a story it is just posts of updates of what they have done so far. So that would be completely fine if you don't do a story it is not part of the challenge.

[Isys]

Sorry, guys.  I removed all the comments about taxes and government.  Not only is it off topic for this thread, but it falls under the forbidden category of Politics.  Please refrain from these types of discussions.

I'm also going to ask Metro to visit this thread regarding how to handle this private challenge on the Forum, where it should be posted, etc.

Sorry thought it would be rude not to reply.

[Metropolis Man]

isys77, I've looked over everything and here are my thoughts: if this is a bona fide contest that you want players to participate in, then I can move this to the Contests section. That's where it would belong. I would also ask that you include the full rule set in your first post. Editing the title to also include "Building Contest" is a good idea. However, if the main thrust of this is simply the story of Jack and you're providing rules for others to try this, then it would remain in the Stories section.

[Joria]

Isys I pm'd you with questions so I stop hijacking this interesting story. lol  I want to see what Jack does next since he was so successful his first time around.

[Isys]

isys77, I've looked over everything and here are my thoughts: if this is a bona fide contest that you want players to participate in, then I can move this to the Contests section. That's where it would belong. I would also ask that you include the full rule set in your first post. Editing the title to also include "Building Contest" is a good idea. However, if the main thrust of this is simply the story of Jack and you're providing rules for others to try this, then it would remain in the Stories section.

I got your message and as soon as I adjust a few things in the rules I will Pm them to you. Thank you for helping me on this.

[Isys]

Isys I pm'd you with questions so I stop hijacking this interesting story. lol  I want to see what Jack does next since he was so successful his first time around.

I got your message and I responded. I hope that helps pm me if you have any other questions.

[MomOfMany]

Just seen this and wanted to let you know if you don't already know that if you max out the handiness skill you get some kind of discount on items. I don't know much about it as I haven't used it but I have seen that when you max handiness it tells you what it is. I don't know if it is free or just a discount of some sort and I don't know if it is all items in build and buy modes or just one or the other of the modes.

Oh and I wanted to say I love the story what a great idea!

[Isys]

Welcome to my next flip, the last house which you can see behind me has set the standard for this growing neighborhood and I find that I now have to bring the rest of these houses up to par. I sold the shotgun style house for $82,983 and came away with enough profit to fund this project. I will continue to work to fund this project but mainly for interior decor. Let's take a look.



So obviously it needs work, the inspector has informed me that I cannot add a foundation which puts a halt to some of my plans.



There doesn't seem to be a lot of space in the back, but we can make it work.



So we can see here that everything in this house needs upgrading. After looking over the house I encountered termites! Pest control was immediately called and Dan showed up to start building and taking down walls that will be what I will be building my idea from.



Ok, so here we are with the first draft of what I hope will become a family home and maintain the style that I vision for this neighborhood. Becky will be away for a few weeks as she is not feeling well so she will be sending her assistant to help.



Tune in next time as I will be outlining the placement of the rooms and hopefully putting in new doors and windows.

[Sophie4563]

@isys Did Jack actually make a profit on the remodeled house? How would that work, when furniture, doors, etc. depreciate after you place them?

[Isys]

@isys Did Jack actually make a profit on the remodeled house? How would that work, when furniture, doors, etc. depreciate after you place them?

He really did, he moved out of that lot with about $80 thousand, who am I to argue with the game. When I checked the house I left, all the furniture was still there so it all worked out I had enough money to fund the next flip.

[Lilygirl]

I love this story Isys! Well done.

@ Sophie: What I think Isys means by 'profit' is that there is a difference between the price Jack sold the house for and the price he bought it for, not the real life meaning of profit where you get more out than you invested. Where Jack had 16,500 Simoleons to buy his first house he now has 80,000 Simoleons to buy the second.

At least that's how I understand what Isys is saying. Correct me if I'm wrong Isys.

Good luck on the next one.

[Isys]

I love this story Isys! Well done.

@ Sophie: What I think Isys means by 'profit' is that there is a difference between the price Jack sold the house for and the price he bought it for, not the real life meaning of profit where you get more out than you invested. Where Jack had 16,500 Simoleons to buy his first house he now has 80,000 Simoleons to buy the second.

At least that's how I understand what Isys is saying. Correct me if I'm wrong Isys.

Good luck on the next one.

Yes that is what I meant, a sim profit thanks for that.

[SimmerAtHeart96]

Wow,  , what you did to that first house is brilliant. It looks like a mansion, very different to the original.
Good luck Jack for this second house! I can't wait to see more updates, and the finished product!!

Elice