thanks for the post - what did the fireplace entail and cost?

we are constantly debating getting our fireplaces working, some actual numbers might help the decision...

Posted by: LafCH at October 19, 2009 3:17 PM in response to Recs from Renovation

wow - insanely good price - only draw back is the BQE, which is admittedly a biggie.

Posted by: LafCH at October 2, 2009 1:23 PM in response to Open House Picks

this was a circumstance of bad timing, bad luck, and a little stubborness. the owner happened to get a great temporary job abroad last summer - he had just purchased a country house and he knew he could get a good price for this gorgeous home and was in no hurry to do so (especially in that a similar place around the corner on busy lafayette with an ok reno had just sold for $1,995,000), but he happened to put it on the market just as the market & economy collapsed - then his position abroad became permanent, so suddenly there was pressure to sell now rather than wait - but because he refused to take some of the lower offers that came in at first he ended up much lower than he could have. 1 family set up and old kitchen/baths notwithstanding, someone got a great home on a great block for a great price.

Posted by: LafCH at September 24, 2009 1:51 PM in response to 69 St. James Sells For A Lot Less Than Originally Asked

i def second rbwyatt for shower doors...our glass frameless shower doors are gorgeous!

Posted by: CGmodern at October 19, 2009 3:59 PM in response to Recs from Renovation

^--- How much did he charge for the glass frameless shower doors installation? Ballpark figure would be nice.

Posted by: CookieCutterBrownstone at October 19, 2009 4:39 PM in response to Recs from Renovation

I'm starting to meet with g.c. for a small bathroom & kitchen reno, but $$ is tight and my husband and I have discussed acting as our own general contractors. Can I email you to ask more specific questions? We'd really like the advice of someone who's been through the process.

Posted by: 12345 at October 19, 2009 5:00 PM in response to Recs from Renovation

To 12345: I was a GC for 28 years, and it will probably be more cost effective if you hire a general contractor because there are so many trades involved. Are you working with an architect? That would be helpful because the most important part of getting the best price is getting every single detail of the job decided before you start pricing. Are you working with an architect? PLAN PLAN PLAN!
A good GC will get a better price than you would because each trade: 1.probably relies on him (or her in this case) for a good percentage of their yearly income 2. know that the job will be properly coordinated 3. the GC has spent years putting together a remuda of the best mechanics and suppliers because they have to bid most of their jobs 4. will know which trades he can do in-house 5. Will already have the knowledge about all problems before they are problems.

Posted by: PAL at October 19, 2009 6:00 PM in response to Recs from Renovation

Thanks, Pickles, for this post. It is generous of you to take the time to give this information to us. This is why I love Brownstoner.

Posted by: donatella at October 19, 2009 9:37 PM in response to Recs from Renovation

Hey guys, it's my pleasure. Fireplace project was $5k and the shower door was $1800.

Posted by: pickles at October 20, 2009 4:07 PM in response to Recs from Renovation