All Forum Posts by: John Weidner

This applies to next single family build with an ARV around $800K

Has anyone put an electric fireplace insert in higher end home vs Gas?  

I've been looking at Dimplex brand since seeing how realistic one was at a restaurant recently.   Traditionally I've used Gas ventless.  They get very hot very quick.  

I thought I may try one of these dimplex brand in my spring build.  The 33" costs similar to a ventless and log set.  They are more relevant for year round ambience which is why I'm considering.

My hesitation is all competitive properties are using Gas direct Vent or ventless

Appreciate thoughts on this 

@Jon Q.

I like the Spanish tip. 

Just curious on scale - running in 5 markets you negotiate direct for a $1500 paint job?   I find it hard to maintain the guy's who do a good job because at some point they realize hey  I'm doing a good job at a cheap price I can get more.  It's a churn at least in Chicago

@Jon Q.

2000 sq ft for $1500....ceilings, trim, walls

Pretty aggressive pricing.   How's the quality of the job?

put an ad on Craigslist saying you'll pay $20 per hour to paint.  Bonus if job is done in 2 days.  You will find someone. 

@Salomon Lino     Great weather to frame in and your timing couldn't be any better to hit the spring market.     Did you pull the roof.    I work the NW side...

Why is it Thousands to run black pipe from a new meter to the appliances.  Can you explain this?  

I don't know Peoples policy on adding a meter but when I have needed to change a meter out for bigger service to handle more load they have always been extremely helpful.   If you need some direct contacts there you can send me a PM.  They have always been extremely responsive and very helpful. 

Golden Oak is the worst BUT I don't like then the stair handrails are painted white either.   Banisters yes but not the actual handrail.   Might be quicker to replace the newel posts and rail than try and sand it out.   Other option would be to paint the newel posts while and the handrail do a quick sand on so you can restain to match the floor. 

Cabinets yes I would paint. 

See more of the 6-8 units going new. 

I don't think you could build a new 3 unit for what an existing one goes for.  Cheaper to buy and gut rehab it.  

Ballpark

4 systems:  $25-30K with ducts could be more as that is new construction prices 

Plumber to pull 4 gas lines $2K

Electrical $2-3K

Demo to remove radiators - $1K

Repairing drywall and building soffits unknown 

I'd budget $40k but too many unknowns.   Will be cheaper if the building is being guy rehabbed already 

@Mike Woods

Is this part of a book?  I didn't see any numbers how'd you do

$7200 for granite for that size kitchen is about double retail.  I'm not a fan of the concrete counters but you sold it so buyers must.  Cabinet price - you probably could have found white shaker for your kitchen around $5000. 

Congrats on the sale