[Giancarlo Cataldo]

Hey Marshal, City of Hamilton is a bit of a hit and miss for acquiring the permits sometimes is super quick, sometimes they take a while. Especially when you’re revising/changing accepted drawings..

As for the process I’ve worked with a few inspectors and I’ve never had any issues. As long as you follow their guidelines and follow code without trying to shortcut you’ll be fine! Just do your due diligence when hiring the right contractor/GC. To be honest the only ones that are a bit of a pain is ESA. Sometimes they ask for stuff that’s not needed. My advise do what they say instead of fighting it and delaying your project (Obviously only if it’s something reasonable and not like a complete rewire or something along those lines). If you have any additional questions feel free to PM me I’d be happy to help if I can. Cheers

[Giancarlo Cataldo]

My most expensive and hurtful lesson in real estate investing came from not screening my friend. Life hit him hard on so many fronts that he stopped caring about everything including our friendship and my property. The house and backyard became his dump site. The eviction process was long and costly. Since then, everyone goes through a rigorous screening process, even friends and family.

What best practices do you follow for tenant screening?

[Giancarlo Cataldo]

In my field of work. (Renovations) I learned through my clients that the most expensive lesson learnt is that good work ain’t cheap and cheap work ain’t good. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve given quotes, been told its out of their budget, then been called back a year later to repair everything that has gone wrong.

To all my investor friends please find someone you’re compatible with, that understands investors mentality before you go on with a project. There’s lots of us out there. But more that are just pretending.

[Giancarlo Cataldo]

Hi everyone, Happy New Year!!!

I thought I’d share a little something about myself.

My name is Giancarlo, for the last 10 years I’ve been the proud owner of GCA RENO inc. (A home renovation company)

I work with home owners and investors to create their dream homes and investment properties! I’m based out of Oakville, Ontario, Canada. I service the GTA and more!

I’m here to provide guidance and help to anyone who needs it. We specialize in all interior renovations, duplex, triplex, expansions and more! If you have any questions about materials, costs, upgrades feel free to DM me.

May this year bring you prosperity, good health, financial stability and happiness!

GCARENO

“Making you fall back in love with your home!”

[Giancarlo Cataldo]

Hi everyone, I’m a contractor in the GTA I’ve had my bussiness for over 10 years. GCA Reno inc. I’m loving the interactions I’ve had with the people here! So to all the new people Welcome and don’t be shy to reach out to people. Everyone here is awesome!

If you have any questions about renovations, materials, building codes feel free to shoot me a message.

Have an amazing day!

[Giancarlo Cataldo]

I definitely agree with you. It’s also a big bonus because I can save my clients big bucks when it comes time to renovate. It gets costly depending on where you are to split up meters.

[Giancarlo Cataldo]

I would first talk to the tenant and try to get them out on their own. If you know they’re not going to pay or move out, unfortunately I’d say cash for keys. If not you’ll be waiting at least a year before getting a hearing from the courts. At least here in Ontario

[Giancarlo Cataldo]

A few other simple tips to increase the value of your house are.

– Painting your home can update the look of your home, try light warm or light cool colors to make your home look bigger. If your kitchen and bathroom cabinets are in good shape, you’d be surprised at how a quick change in color can make a difference. Note: spray-on is always a better look.

– Another cost-effective way is to change your accessories ie. bathroom and kitchen cabinet handles. I recommend you stay away from chrome and use satin or gold to make it look more luxurious.

– If you already have hardwood flooring it’s also not a bad idea to have them re-sanded and stained. Look at the current trends to find the right color for your house.

– And last but not least, changing your old outdated countertops for a modern quartz one can significantly increase the value of your house, plus it looks great!

Hope this helps.

What tips do you recommend @Alex_Habib @Kazi.Haque @alanabbas17

[Giancarlo Cataldo]

While there are a lot of different ways to make your on budget renovation look amazing! Here’s a few tips:

• Install large format/modern baseboards and trims (minimum 4 inch baseboards) to make your rooms look much taller and never paint the baseboards the same color as your wall.

• Like i always say a little paint goes a long way (make sure walls are clean or primed with stain blocker)

• You can also give your kitchen and bathroom cabinets new life by just changing the hardware.

• Add trims and paint to your mirrors instead of replacing them.

• Plan, plan, plan and schedule accordingly. Especially if you’re taking on the project yourself and have to deal with different trades, always give yourself some wiggle room in between.

What are your thoughts @Susan @alanabbas17 @Marcpapineau @TonyDinh403

[Giancarlo Cataldo]

My favourit renovations tips are:

Hire a contractor that you can trust and get along with, a person that is willing to answer your questions even if you have to ask a few times to understand.

Always check your roof and attic for leaks or damage before you start your renovation project. There’s no point to make your house look beautiful and find out you have a leak after renovations are done! It happens more often than you think.

Get a few different quotes from different companies. Even though it’s tempting to pick the cheapest guy, they’re cheap for a reason and you will get what you paid for. “Good work ain’t cheap, Cheap work ain’t good”

And my last tip. Stay in contact with your contractor, don’t assume that they know exactly what you want. Don’t be afraid to say no! At the end of the day you’re the boss therefore you’re responsible for the outcome of the project. This is why communication is key! I give updates at maximum every 2 to 3 days so that everyone is on board.

Remember we all make mistakes, it is how you learn from them and succeed that will put you ahead of the rest! Hope this helps.

@david What are your thoughts?

[Giancarlo Cataldo]

I totally agree! I have seen Diana change and evolve because of the knowledge, and the relationships she has found and created. It has been amazing to watch her grow.

[Giancarlo Cataldo]

That’s really great advise! Not only are you repurposing things but you’re getting them for a great price!