Forum Archive

I had an interesting situation posed to me today. Someone is looking to rehab/renovate a rowhouse in Crown Heights. I inferred from the conversation that she wants to complete the all the work, by hiring a contractor to do everything, before she occupies the house. She was shocked with the price tag of that scenario.

While what she was describing is probably the ideal scenario (for me, at least), I suspect that most people of modest means (including the woman to whom I was speaking) can’t afford it. So, for my own curiosity:

1. How long did your complete renovation take, and did you phase it? If so, how?
2. Did you live in the house as the work was in progress?
3. What percentage (estimate) of the work did you do yourself?

Thanks!