March 31, 2008

Co-op renovation

Anyone buy a co-op & have work done? gut reno on kitchen & bath ... I have to wait for work permits, insurance etc & then clear it with the board... how long from closing did it take you to get actual work started?

NYC small building loan program?

Does anyone know anything about the small building loan program offered by HPD for rehabilitation jobs?

Tips before buying a shell?

I'm looking at a bank-owned property that needs a full gut renovation. This is my first time buying anything. I'm up for a project, but wondering what major risks I need to look out for? Does anyone with experience here have any guidance? Can we do a gut reno for $200k or less on a 3 story, 4 unit place (2000 sq ft)?

March 29, 2008

Tub reglazing

Has anyone used the 'Miracle Method' or the company 'Custom Spraying' for bathtub reglazing? We received comparable quotes from both to reglaze a small bathtub and tiled tub surround for a rental apartment. I was wondering if anyone out there had good or bad experiences with either company. Has the finish held up over time or have you needed to make any repairs? Any info would be appreciated.

March 25, 2008

Doorbell chime

As part of a gut renovation of a three-story brownstone, I am installing a new doorbell system.

1/ Do I need a chime on each floor or will I be able to hear the doorbell from the third floor?

2/ I'm a little picky about the sound of the doorbell -- looking for something very simple. A nice, natural "ding-dong" would be perfect. Where can I go to hear different products?

3/ Is it worth investing in an intercom system while the walls are open? Do you have one and find it useful?

Thank you for your advice.

March 24, 2008

Renovation rough estimate?

Curious if anyone has a rough estimate for a kitchen and bathroom renovation. Am hoping to bid on a park slope parlor floor thru in need of some updating and want to be sure to include the renovations in my budget before submitting an offer. Also, the apartment currently has two very small bathrooms, was thiking of combining the two to create one larger bathroom - any idea if this will this help or hinder resale potential?

March 22, 2008

Laminate floors?

Hi, I'm looking for some feedback on laminate floors vs. wood. We are renovating a condo that currently has carpeting, and are considering laminate floors. One of the reasons I like the idea is because I would like continuity throughout the apt. and laminate floors will provide that because they can be installed in the (open) kitchen.
Do you feel that this is cheap/cheesy?
Thanks for your feedback.

March 14, 2008

Keep ugly sprinkler system?

Our house was once an SRO and has a sprinkler system throughout that looks about 50 years old. It's pretty ugly but my boyfriend thinks it might also be pretty useful in a fire and that since we have it, we should keep it. I have a hard time picturing a beautifully restored house with these ugly pipes all around. Also, we don't even know if it works! Does anyone have a similar tale, and if so, where did you start?

March 12, 2008

Cost for electric and plumbing upgrades

We just received the report from the structural engineer on a 3000 SF four story brick federal townhouse we are about to purchase and it came back with several necessary repairs. Among them were a complete upgrade to the electricity and the plumbing throughout the house. The engineer's estimates were ~50k each for plumbing and electric. He also estimated 50k per floor for taking down walls, refinishing the plaster, removing lead paint, etc. On top of this was an assumption of another 30% for general contractor fees. Can anyone give a sense for whether these estimates seem fair or very high? Any thoughts on pros and cons of using a GC, and costs?

Paul Davis Construction question

Has anyone used Paul Davis construction for renovations and or repairs? If so, please comment on your experience. I'm considering them for water damage renovation.

thanks

european shower...

so, we don't have enough room on the master bedroom floor for both a nice, large closet (desperately needed) and a full bath (even with a shower stall). so we're considering an european shower for our "master" bath. the bathroom would incorporate a shower curtain but would otherwise be a true european shower -- drain in the floor, showerhead on the wall.

my husband is *not* into this idea (although the addition of a shower curtain improves matters). does anyone have any good experiences with european showers or is my better half on the mark with this one?

March 11, 2008

Structured wiring panel installation

We have every room wired, but the wiring is messy - I'm looking for someone to install a Channel Vision or similar structured wiring panel with phone bridges, etc. Thanks.

Renovation Question

Hi, I recently bought an apartment in a coop building. The sponsor owns and is renovating the apt above mine. They want to move the kitchen in that apartment and have asked to access the pipes through my ceiling. They say it will take two days maximum and a few hours at minimum. I'm wondering if I should let them do this and also what compensation I should ask for. I've never been in a situation like this before so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

March 6, 2008

Think he's been reading Brownstoner?

Anyone else catch Ian Frazier's hilarious piece in the New Yorker this week? It's a send-up of a couple who've bought the state of Wyoming "as a teardown."

http://www.newyorker.com/humor/2008/03/10/080310sh_shouts_frazier

March 5, 2008

Atlantic Avenue Development

Does anyone know what is being developed on Atlantic Ave going towards E. New York?

It is further down Atlantic past bedford and Pennsylvania Avenues - I would like to see other development watches other than the downtown Park Slope area of Brooklyn.

Mr. B. Please cover
E. New York also, we have many many 1800 Victorians, Limestones, and Brick Row homes.