Is it Normal for Contractors to Request...?

[Danielle J.]

So I have a pretty hefty list of repairs the from the home inspection of a fourplex I want to purchase. This is my first purchase and first time ever reaching out to contractors, but I'm not sure if some of their requests are normal. One sub asked do I pay for gas for him to come bid on the repairs. The other sub had an initial electrical evaluation fee of $100/unit- $400 before even providing a bid? Am I tripping or are these typical requests?

[Richard C.]

I think the key is that you don't actually own it yet.  The contractor knows that getting the work is something of a long shot, so he doesn't want to waste his time.  You might very well get a different response one you actually own the property.