Construction Industry/Expert Profile


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Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience in the area

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations

Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications

Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials

Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients

I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

What do you like about this subject?

Completion of a project gives me a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction to know that I was responsible for a project and that the project was completed to the owners and my satisfaction.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Construction is the third largest industry in the world (1st food & 2nd paper).

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    P = Politeness
UserDateKCPComments
Tarun02/05/12101010Very clear and nice answer
Ron02/05/12101010Many thanks Rodger. I'm looking forward to .....
Paula01/30/12101010Good answers -- provided just the information .....
Paula01/28/12101010 
John10/03/11101010Thank you Roger. I looked at the .....

Recent Answers from Roger Zona

2012-02-03 SCC:

Hello Tarun,    Please excuse my delay in responding.  I was on a short holiday to South Carolina and there was no wi-fi at our lodgings.      Self Compacting High Performance Concrete is a relatively

2012-01-30 Use of modular building for a garage:

Hi Ron,    Having living in Michigan nearly half of my life, I know what you mean about it being cold!      You can use the garage as-is as long as you don't exceed a curb weight of 4800 lbs - then next

2012-01-29 Use of modular building for a garage:

Hello Ron,    The building you described sounds very substantial and well built.  It was built knowing that it would be transported and subject to a lot of stress.      As for your loading capacities:

2012-01-28 Construction project information:

Hi Paula,    Yes, a backhoe would be the wrong machine.  A backhoe is used for digging trenches or excavating basements.  A small bulldozer can be used for clearing although I would suggest a tractor with

2012-01-28 Construction project information:

Hi Paula,    Congratulations.  I hope your pending novel is a best seller.    To begin a project:  The site is cleared of growth - roots, trees, etc. with a bulldozer or tractor with a back blade.  Then

 

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