To skim coat or not?


I am having two light fixtures installed in my living room and one in my bedroom. The skim coating is putting me significantly over my renovation budget. My contractor said that I could skip the skim coating and it would look “ok, but not perfect” in the spaces where the wall was broken into. I’m having trouble deciding whether to spend the money to skim coat because I don’t know what the difference would look like. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

By cortnyc | 01/09/2008 11:39 PM | Comment

BH Kitchen and Bath- any experiences


Just wanted to know if anyone on the board has used BH Kitchen and Bath (Queens) for a renovation project. I would love to get any feedback.

By cortnyc | 01/02/2008 12:16 AM | Comment

Cabinets: Laminate versus Wood (stained or glazed)


I am redoing my kitchen and I really want to get white cabinets. For those of you that have had laminate or wood cabinets (glazed), how do the cabinets hold up? Do they chip or scuff more easily than wood (unglazed) cabinets.

By cortnyc | 12/26/2007 11:15 PM | Comment

Renovation- I have no idea where to begin!


I am starting to renovate a one bedroom apartment. I am redoing the kitchen and bath, as well as knocking down some non-weight bearing walls, adding some overhead lighting, paining, and refinishing the floors. I have a pretty idea of the material and design that I want in the kitchen and the bathroom. I am moving into the apartment in January and need board approval for the renovation. I’m a little freaked out about the cost and the timing. Based on past experience, what should I expect to pay for labor and building materials (the bathroom is 5 by 8 and I’m not replacing the tub or sink and the kitchen is 8 by ten) Also, some people have recommended that I use a designer (I guess instead of a general contractor)? Has anyone here done that? Is it worth it? Thanks for any advice you can impart!

By cortnyc | 12/18/2007 2:06 AM | Comment

Illegal Electrical Outlet


If a coop that you are purchasing has an illegal electric outlet (in violation of contract), what is an appropriate amount to request as a credit to compensate the buyer at closing.

By cortnyc | 12/13/2007 11:04 AM | Comment

Acting as your own buyer’s broker


I am currently apartment hunting in Windsor Terrace. Assuming that I have a real estate license in NY (currently processing the application and I should be able to obtain the license because I am admitted to practice law in NY), can I act as my own buyer’s broker and retain the same commission that a third-party broker would receive. Has anyone had experience with this?

Categories: Real Estate
By cortnyc | 10/15/2007 12:47 PM | Comment