Hard working architect will make it happen. I worked on brownstone like this. With all DOB zonings, fire escapes, egress escapes and other requirements from Department of Buildings he made it work. I was impressed. Try to ask him for free consultation v@vincasmeilusarchitect.com. He is nice, down to Earth guy. The question here is: May it happen at the first place? w/ out looking at the plumbing, mechanical, electrical and other issues. Good luck.

Posted by: Electric_of_today at February 14, 2009 6:16 AM in response to converting a 3 bedroom into two

Cantaffordcarroll,
If last renovation in 1920. Electrical wires “IS!!!” a hazard (really old).
Whoever is going to be doing make sure you will have at least Ground Fault Protected (GFCI) receptacle and if you can afford dedicated electrical line just for the bathroom.
Minimum code required: receptacle, light, switch, fan (if no window is available). Good luck.

Posted by: Electric_of_today at February 13, 2009 3:37 PM in response to Planning for a Bathroom Reno

American Restoration Tile in Arkansas will match any tile perfectly, including crazing.

http://www.restorationtile.com/

It's not true that patching tile and matching colors and grout width is so difficult. It's just that a contractor would rather re-do your whole bathroom using modern materials and methods because it's easier for him. Also, a complete re-do of a bathroom will be more money for the contractor.

I have the name of a really old Italian guy who does inexpensive, beautiful, traditional work and will happily do repairs. But it's at work so I'll have to get it Tuesday. He's hard to reach unless you speak Italian, however.

If you put in a new tub, you may have trouble finding one the right size, depending on how it's situated in your bathroom. The usual approach is to build a soffit to make up the difference. I have seen this done badly and also very well.

Does the tub have an outside drain? That's another issue.

Posted by: mopar at February 14, 2009 10:45 AM in response to Planning for a Bathroom Reno

Sounds like you are talking about a pretty comprehensive reno. I'd expect that taking down the walls would be cheaper than trying to save the plaster, from my experience. Contractors would rather square things off before tiling. You can find all those 1920's style tiles and fixtures online, including penny tile. Also think about the tub...if the glazing has worn off it will look shabby once everything is done. Nothing wrong with a soffit.

Posted by: Bolder at February 14, 2009 1:39 PM in response to Planning for a Bathroom Reno

If yo need a contractor to help with the renovations, please call Emerging Enterprises@ 917-548-4665. They have excellent carpenters and their prices are reasonable.

Posted by: josephcarl at February 14, 2009 2:34 PM in response to Planning for a Bathroom Reno

Ok, here's the rec for the tile guy. He re-did the grout in my shower in Queens, quoted me $100 to $200, I paid him $200. It's hard to get ahold of him. His wife answers the phone, she speaks only Italian. You might have to call several times. He is very experienced and can handle old-style tile. Nick, 718-497-8857.

Posted by: mopar at February 18, 2009 2:38 PM in response to Planning for a Bathroom Reno

Hi Shjom!

If you would like, you can email me at melissa@slanyc.com and I'll be more than happy to put you in touch with an architect who you can discuss your project with and see if he can help you out. I look forward to hearing from you!

Posted by: ABSAEL at February 27, 2009 10:09 AM in response to converting a 3 bedroom into two