All Forum Posts by: Gregory Zanolini

In my 27 years as a GC I have learned my lesson.  We only give free estimates to the current property owner.  We charge a nominal fee to potential buyers or agents.  I will credit the buyer our fee if we end up with the project.  

I have no idea what contractor could supply you a project quote in 15 minutes.  By the time I meet with a client, go back to my office, estimate the job and send you a written proposal I have far north of 15 minutes spent.  Even a simple bathroom rehab I will have at least two hours invested.  Maybe too many investors are using guys shooting from the hip with the 15 minute verbal estimate.  

My firm installs about 200 window units/year.  Once a year I get a call back for a cracked window.  My supplier calls it a stress crack and replace the entire sash for me at no cost.  It is usually a single crack across one pane of glass.  It could be the inner or outer pane.  If it is multiple cracks then it is from some sort of impact and not covered.  It typically happens within the first year and is the result of imperfections in the glass.  It is common in tempered glass also.  I'm not saying that's what happened to yours but it is possible.

Unless your tenant confesses to the damage I would eat it.

There is some great software available if you are interested.  It's inexpensive and easy to use but you do need some construction knowledge.  I purchase a copy every year.  It comes with free quarterly cost updates and is adjusted by areas.  I have been using it since 1998.  I am not affiliated with them but I would be happy to send you a link if interested.

I just recently quoted to build a 2100 SQFT  4/2.5 on a full basement.  My figures came in at $128./SQFT.  I included some pretty hefty allowances for kitchen, baths and flooring.  It did not include some of the site work necessary.  This project requires private well and septic at an additional 28K.   I'm sure these figures vary a great deal throughout the country.  The software I use is zip code specific.  

 I hear you Mark.  It sickens me to see this sort of thing going on.

My fax machine broke a year ago.  I thought I needed to get another one.  As it turns out scanning and email has been sufficient for all of my needs.  I'm in the process of converting to paperless office.  I'm tired of buying these things anyway.  

1. That's amazing.  40% Equity in a property and she would rather throw it away along with her future just to stick it to the ex.  It's unbelievable how some people think.  Good luck, I hope she comes to her scenes and it works out. 

I just want to work on one at a time.  Buy one distressed home, rehab, rent and look for another one.  My other job takes up most of my time.  I enjoy the whole processes so with limited time i don't bite off more than I can chew.   

My investing is apart time business for me.  My general contracting firm uses up most of my time.  My wife has nothing to do with the GC thing but I really enjoy working with her on the real estate thing.  Now that our kids are off at collage I look forward to our rehabs and other RE activities together.   I'm not going to tell you that it's for everyone but I wouldn't want to do it without my better half.  

As a contractor for the past 26 years I have never charged (until recently) any fees for project quotes. I was getting pretty tiered of writing proposals for tire kicker investors or any RE purchaser for that matter. If a property requires 25K worth of repairs or renovations, it's pretty common for me to spend 4 hours or more meeting with and estimating the project. All for free.

My phone used to ring off the hook with agents looking for free estimates. Our company policy now is to only supply free estimates to the current property owner. If you do not own the property there will be charges applied that will be credited back if we end up with the contract.