We actually have a few very fine craftspeople on our roster of coaches who can help you with layout, design work and walking through the process of building it yourself. www.constructioncoaches.com

Posted by: ConstructionCoach at August 29, 2008 12:42 PM in response to Built-In Design Help

Advice above is spot on.

And as you proceed with your various reno-projects if you find you need on-site or on-call help while still doing-it-yourself, give us a call...www.constructioncoachesny.com.

Posted by: ConstructionCoach at August 20, 2008 7:20 AM in response to 2nd floor bath - flooring question

To your immediate question, this is something you can do yourself. In addition to the info above doityourself.com has some direction and advice on a project like this.

If you're still unsure how to proceed you can check out www.constructioncoachesny.com. Even "small" or "easier" projects can seem a little daunting if you've never done them before, so we offer a low-rate package to give DIYers a professional to talk or walk through a project.

Posted by: ConstructionCoach at July 14, 2008 10:58 AM in response to removing a storm window - DIY or help?

Certainly sounds odd, especially considering the recent "slowdown" seems to have led to folks hustling even more for work in these areas.

If your not able to fund someone you like (or even to respond to the outreach), and think about doing it yourself, I'd suggest thinking about the service we provide (www.constructioncoachesny.com) - we actually do have a landscaper in our roster of coaches.

Basically we get a professional to talk and walk you through the project - ideas, materials, tools needed, etc. - though you and your friends, family, etc. would actually do the work...just something to think about as an option.

Best of luck either way.

Posted by: ConstructionCoach at July 10, 2008 12:16 PM in response to Impossible to Find Landscape Contractor

If you are interested we have a few master carpenters/woodsmiths in our roster of coaches who could help you choose the stain and finish to help you match the look you're going for and walk you though finishing the project on your own.

Take a look (www.ConstructionCoachesNY.com) and give a call if you think it would be helpful.

Eitherway best of luck, sounds like a neat project.

Posted by: ConstructionCoach at July 3, 2008 4:23 PM in response to How to finish our wood?

Would agree with suggestions on getting structural engineer to get a better sense of roof support. As for permits, they are required but many homeowners move forward with out.

And not to push our wares...but if you are looking for project guidance and help you should take a look at our services (www.ConstructionCoachesNY.com). We have coaches who could help you plan this out get underway.

Posted by: ConstructionCoach at July 3, 2008 4:11 PM in response to Roof Decks: Input on Materials and Structure?

If you want to cut-down on costs you might want to take a look at our service: www.constructioncoachesny.com.

We guide DIY homeowners through all phases of a home repair/improvement project. Might be a helpful option.

Posted by: ConstructionCoach at June 27, 2008 10:28 AM in response to Door Refinisher

Sushi, not sure if you're inclined to try doing the work yourself, but our company (www.constructioncoachesny.com) sends home renovation pros into homes to work directly with home owners to get through projects like this.

Just a thought, good luck either way.

Posted by: ConstructionCoach at June 24, 2008 3:31 PM in response to Frameless glass shower door? (Or just glass)

Brookelen, for what its worth I wanted to alert you to a new service we've started for help DIYers in a similar situation - folks who want to do the work but are a bit unsure how to proceed throuh various steps.

Not sure if it would help, but figured I'd at least suggest - you can see more at www.constructioncoachesny.com.

Eitherway best of luck.

Posted by: ConstructionCoach at June 24, 2008 12:57 PM in response to DIY bathroom tile?

I don't buy the "doing the right thing is too expensive" argument.We don't live in the 80's anymore, there are good options out there. Yes there is reproduction tile out there that is more expensive than DAL Tile, but how much more expensive is it, and as a percentage of total project, how relevant is the difference. Even if we are saying it is twice as much, then over a 50 sf area that may make a difference of $500 between the two... is this a significant difference if it repairs the cheesy taste of your previous occupants...

Part of the challenge of owning is researching... and learning about the materials... And once you have a material selected that will last, to select a bona fide installer who will set it in place to last. Note the order here... first find the product, then get the installer, installers have deals with local tile retailer that want you to buy the cheese because they make more money on your ingnorance.

Start with a visit to the Old House Journal and Traditional Building (both of which have their roots in Park Slope). Check in to the Tile Heritage Foundation...

I would wonder that the sale price would have been more than $500 if there was a well done bath.

Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 11:01 PM in response to DIY bathroom tile?

Your grandfather told you droll stories about the Red Army. My grandfather built his house with his own two hands, as did two of his sons. Those houses still stand in Denver today. So cut DIYers some slack.

Doing it yourself means you can afford to buy better quality materials. Moreover, it means you have the luxury of taking your time to do the job right, which contractors can't do unless they're working hourly.

A competent DIYer doesn't stop at researching the materials. He takes the next step and researches how to actually do the job.

Check out the incredible work this DIYer has done:

http://massiehouse.blogspot.com/

Posted by: Steve at June 26, 2008 1:04 AM in response to DIY bathroom tile?

I wasn't going to comment any more on this because one poster seemed to have a very specific picture of what exactly my house looks like and that just seems too tedious to fight against.

But the larger question you both are raising is whether there is such a thing as a "correct" renovation. I would argue no. That homes and taste are somewhat relative. That you could argue that any given renovation is successful nor not successful, but that there are very few "rights" and "wrongs" per se.

I think a successful renovation speaks well to both the character and history of the house, and may or may not slavishly reproduce the "original details." It might keep some historical elements that are definitely not original details, like "cheap" tin ceilings or 1950's kitchen. It may use really expensive materials, or the materials choice might be more innovative.

I've seen very clever modern brownstone renovations that kept a clear link to the past. I've seen renovations done by artists who have a knack for making an Ikea kitchen and the tile cheaper than dal tile look completely considered and fantastic.

I have also seen unsuccessful brownstone renovations that merely slavishly reproduced, without any sense of purpose or soul. I've seen rooms so full of trim and chandeliers that furniture literally looks stupid in them. I've seen friends go nuts over the history of their 'stones, to the point that they forgot about their kids or their dogs, and made showroom parlors that never, ever get used--that are laughed at now.

Posted by: vanburenproud at June 26, 2008 9:24 AM in response to DIY bathroom tile?

Well said Steve.

Mr. Van, this is about Brookelen's house not yours.

The flaw in your argument is the omission of the notion of craftsmanship. In order for a renovation to be done well, it has to be well crafted.

I think 1101 is right, you have a chip on your shoulder about the tile job you put in...

Brookelen, this is beyond your scope, if you have to ask, don't do it, you will end up frustrated and bitter.

Call one of the historic architect/designers, bring them some cookies or take them out to lunch and ask for some sources for tile. It's worth your time.

Posted by: guest at June 26, 2008 9:31 PM in response to DIY bathroom tile?

My neighbor across the street paid $1400 to have his pair of exterior doors stripped. After the paint was off the door showed some pretty serious (but repairable) damage. However the contractor wanted another two grand for that so he tossed the doors and got new ones.

Stripping a door ain't brain surgery. Anyone can do it in a weekend with the proper tools, a work area and a good stripper.

I wrote a blog article, with pics, about striping an old door here: http://www.brooklynrowhouse.com/node/96

Posted by: Steve at June 27, 2008 10:58 AM in response to Door Refinisher

Yep, try the Zinsser dewaxed sanding sealer. If you don't like it, you can remove it with denatured alcohol.

Posted by: guest at July 3, 2008 9:10 PM in response to How to finish our wood?

I am also needing to build a roof deck -- does anyone have a reference to a structural engineer?

Posted by: guest at July 4, 2008 12:17 PM in response to Roof Decks: Input on Materials and Structure?

I am also needing to build a roof deck -- does anyone have a reference to a structural engineer?

Posted by: guest at July 4, 2008 12:17 PM in response to Roof Decks: Input on Materials and Structure?

I have just the guy for you: Edgardo (Eddie) Cintron. His mobile is 917-312-9530. He is fast, dependable, gentlemanly and reasonably priced. He and his crew built a couple of retaining walls for me, installed a fence, etc. I've recommended him to other people and I believe they've all been pleased too.

Posted by: StuyMom at July 10, 2008 12:16 PM in response to Impossible to Find Landscape Contractor

I've been telling a retired-on-disability (latex allergy) MD friend of mine for years to go back to school and get her landscaping degree. She's great with plants and yard design and everybody complains about the lack of talented landscaping contractors in Brooklyn.

Posted by: Steve at July 10, 2008 1:32 PM in response to Impossible to Find Landscape Contractor