Patio Debate (Part III)


To follow up on the patio discussion. What would be a reasonable price to build a bluestone patio that is 13 x 17. We received two quotes (including materials).

1. Install 4 inches of 3/4″ blue stone gravel; then a heavy duty plastic cover; then metal mesh wiring. THen pour 4 inches of concere as foundation. Quote is $8600.

2. Blustones over a 4 inch thick cement base. Quote is $4985.

Questions:

1) Is option one considered over sand or over a concrete slab?

2) Is option one better than option 2 (putting aside cost)?

3) Are these options priced fairly?

Thanks!

(Is this considered su

By Splenda | 05/05/2011 10:33 AM | Comment

Changing a Tub to a Shower?


Hi. I posted a floor plan earlier today of a studio apartment we are renovating. Currently, the bathroom has a tub in it. We would like to remove the tub and put in a shower (something along the lines of the picture above).

Does anyone see a problem with making this switch? One contractor said no problem. A different contractor said we may have draining problems.

Thoughts?

Categories: Renovation
By Splenda | 03/02/2011 1:45 PM | Comment

Ballpark Renovation Cost/Recommendation?


Hi all,

We just bought a very small studio in Manhattan as a pied a terre. The apartment is in a prewar building, and has not been renovated in at least 50 years. (I have attached a floorplan). It needs everything. (Below is what one contractor suggested).

1. Can anyone give me a ball park cost estimate?
2. Can anyone recommend a contractor for the job.

Removals
- Kitchen cabinets & flooring
- Wall sections between kitchen & living room
- Bathroom fixtures & tile
- Base molding throughout; closet doors & shelving
Ceiling & Wall Preparation
- Scrape off loose paint & plaster; cut grooves into cracks then patch
- Skim coat all wall & ceiling surfaces two applications; one application in closets
- Level bathroom walls with “brown coat” plaster and/ or cement board

Construction
- Reconfigure wall openings at kitchen
- Install new base molding throughout
- Build new radiator cover; install new closet doors & shelving

Plumbing: install new kitchen sink, faucet & bathroom fixtures; existing tub to remain

Electric
- Replace existing fuse box with breaker panel & relocate
- Replace receptacles, switches & fixtures at existing locations
- Trench walls to relocate & a.c. receptacle & fan wiring
- Install cable wire behind new base molding

Painting
- Fill nailheads using non shrink wood putty; caulk joints & seams around molding
- Apply one coat primer & two finish coats paint ceilings, walls & trim

Floors: refinish floors, one coat sealer & two coats polyurethane

Tile: install kitchen floor, bathroom floor, tub surround to ceiling & half bath walls

Kitchen: install new cabinets, counters & appliances

By Splenda | 03/02/2011 10:32 AM | Comment

(Murphy?) Bed for Small Studio?


Hi all, we are buying a small studio pied a terre and thinking about furnishing it. Anyone have any thoughts on really nice Murphy Beds? Or, maybe a nice day bed? Bottom line is we want something that looks nice, will maximize a small space and be useful. Thoughts?

Categories: Furniture
By Splenda | 02/01/2011 1:45 PM | Comment

how to protect mullions???


We recently rescued a lab/husky mix. He gets super excited when we come home, so he jumps up and at the door. (Our other dog does not do this.) We are trying to correct the new guy, but we are concerned that he will ruin the mullions on the door. Any advice on how to protect them until he learns better?

thanks!

Categories: Doors
By Splenda | 01/13/2011 10:44 AM | Comment

Cable vs. DirecTV


Anyone have comments? We would be switching from cable to DirecTV for TV, phone and internet. Any thoughts?

By Splenda | 10/26/2010 1:45 PM | Comment

Bathroom renovation suggestions?


We are about to buy a pre-war apartment whose bathroom is in original condition. Does anyone have pictures of nicely done bathrooms that retain prewar character? The bathroom is small (5×7 or so). Also, any thoughts on the advantage/disadvantage of removing the tub for a shower. (This is a pied a terre studio.)

thanks!

Categories: Renovation
By Splenda | 10/18/2010 4:42 PM | Comment

Follow-up re Toilet Tank Filling


I bought a new refill valve assembly and installed it tonight. The tank now fills (and flushes) as it should. But, now I have a new problem. There is a leak where the supply line connects to the refill valve assembly (under the toilet).

The supply line is of the metal flanged variety (ie metal pipe that widens at the end). At the flanged end, there is what appears to be a washer attached the flanged end. (I.e., the “washer” is physically attached to the flanged end.) There is nothing else between the flanged end and the bottom (threaded end) of the refill valve assembly. Should there be a gasket of some sort between the two pieces? Or, another washer not connected to the flanged end? Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Categories: Plumbing
By Splenda | 03/20/2010 9:52 PM | Comment

Toilet Tank Not Filling….


We have a toilet that is having problems. The tank stopped filling. I lifted the top of the tank off to look inside – the bobbing thing seems to work fine; flapper is fine. Even when I manually raise/lower the bobbing thing, no water fills the tank. The rest of the water in the bathroom (ie tub and sink) is fine.

I am at a loss… Anyone know what is the problem???

thanks!

Categories: Plumbing
By Splenda | 03/19/2010 2:01 PM | Comment

Re the Oil Painting…


I started a new post as I could not figure out how to respond while a picture. Anyway, I agree with you traditionalalmond. I like the painting, but cant decided if it is worth the ask ($900). Given the fact that I never heard of the artist (And could not find anything on him/her).

Anyway, does $900 seem about right for an unknown artist?

thanks!

By Splenda | 01/22/2010 11:24 AM | Comment