We're also interested and can be reached at (917) 642-1107 or (718) 783-3189. We're removing the concrete in our backyard and realized we needed to add some bluestone to match the existing ones. Let us know if they are still available.

Posted by: minasimon at October 26, 2009 5:10 PM in response to bluestone

We're also interested and can be reached at (917) 642-1107 or (718) 783-3189. We're removing the concrete in our backyard and realized we needed to add some bluestone to match the existing ones. Let us know if they are still available.

Posted by: minasimon at October 26, 2009 5:10 PM in response to bluestone

All of it looks great. Can I ask what make is the toilet and the heated towel rack? Where from?

Posted by: minasimon at August 17, 2009 5:20 PM in response to Renovation on the cheap

We're interested in both. Are they detached already or do we need to bring tools? Please let us know when we can pick up. Email is minasimon at yahoo.com. Thanks.

Posted by: minasimon at August 17, 2009 12:14 PM in response to Toilet Free for the Taking

We have the same condition happening (see Mason Wanted Post) and wondering whether this happened during the street repaving projects around FG-CH. Please let us know what and who you wind up using since we're also looking to rectify this problem. Thanks.

Posted by: minasimon at September 3, 2008 2:15 PM in response to The earth under our sidewalk is disappearing...

We used Alex Figliolia and it was nightmarish. Multiple crews, non-existent coordination, endless phone calls and poor customer service. They charged us $16k from the house to the middle of the street. Never again. Kingsway was another bidder and the one we should have gone with.

Posted by: minasimon at March 26, 2008 5:04 PM in response to Sewer Line

i guess that you do not have the nyc dob fining you a minimum of $5000 for work without a permit..this job would have cost you at least 25000 in fines in nyc

Posted by: eman1234 at August 17, 2009 9:09 PM in response to Renovation on the cheap

Great job chicken. We are particularly pleased with that bathroom..clean and beautiful minus all the fussy stuff.

Posted by: pierre de taille at August 17, 2009 9:36 PM in response to Renovation on the cheap

Chicken, I'm in love with that tub and towel rack. Next time I'm across the pond, I'll swing by for a soak. No worries though, I'll bring my own Egyptian cotton towels to heat up on the rack :) Congrats on a great reno.

Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at August 17, 2009 9:37 PM in response to Renovation on the cheap

Thanks again for all your kind comments. I do like the way that it turned out even though the primary reason for posting was to show that you 'should' be able to get an acceptable reno for not much money.

minasimon, the bathroom fittings came from Wickes (http://www.wickesbathrooms.co.uk/) - nothing fancy, just a nice look (it's a bit like Home Depot but one step closer to the trade). I can't remember the model of the toilet but you can see them all here. http://www.wickesbathrooms.co.uk/pottery/toilets

Bolder, you are right - it was an omission. Kitchen units come in standard sizes over here. To have the hood completely fill the gap, I would have to either get a custom one made ($$$ - no way!) or build out from the centre, leaving gaps next to the wall that would need to be filled in (and causing misalignment with the units below). This was the best compromise for the money.

BklynSoFar - yes, that is the handiwork of The Egg! It's there to hide the scratches and dings from a 12 year old fridge (still going strong). There's no point in me splashing out on a new one since any buyer is likely to throw my one out and install their own.

eman, doesn't that point to something wrong with the system in NYC when fines could be equivalent to the cost of the job itself? And are fines normal? What is the problem/difficulty of getting a permit?

Don't worry Snappy, I'll be doing something along the same lines when I buy in Brooklyn!

Posted by: the chicken at August 18, 2009 1:25 AM in response to Renovation on the cheap

I've seen entire houses renovated with no permits/no fines.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 18, 2009 9:03 AM in response to Renovation on the cheap

Great job, chicken. Didn't realize initially it was in Britain, I imagine labor costs are less there.

While I have not done any structural work, I have done a reasonable amount of cosmetic work like replacing trim/doors, building out a closet, and installing an IKEA kitchen. Most of the work was done by carpenters/handmen under my close supervision, and my costs typially come in about 1/2 of what I see here.

Of course, it's not high end either. (Though I've been getting plenty of compliments as I show the house to poetential tenants-in-common partners lately)

I'd hate to live near that idiot who commented about reporting his neighbors for work (another post); I don't think anyone near me would do so (of course, as the older people are replaced by hedge-fund managers, this could change.) Or if we get landmarked.

Posted by: cmu at August 18, 2009 9:05 AM in response to Renovation on the cheap

wow, i absolutely love it! you did an excellent job. i also used butcher block for counter tops in my kitchen, as i was on a tight budget. i like how you were able to almost create an undermount sink by lining the countertop up with the edge of the sink. it looks great and it's creative. i also like that you carved drains into the countertop on the side where you will probably place a dish rack - smart ideas that ad a nice design element. I used a standard stainless steel sink with my counter top and i think it looks dated because it's not undermount. also, i didn't not seal my countertops, except for with mineral oil and they are getting a little tired looking -- plus where i keep my dish rack, they are slightly splitting. anyway, i really like it! nice work!

Posted by: bodhi_brooklyn at August 18, 2009 11:25 AM in response to Renovation on the cheap

i agree chicken that people wildly overpay for renovations here...

Posted by: gkw at August 18, 2009 2:13 PM in response to Renovation on the cheap

chicken, question about the sink in the kitchen. did you seal the space in between the top of the sink and the wooden countertop? thanks.

Posted by: bodhi_brooklyn at August 18, 2009 4:00 PM in response to Renovation on the cheap

As a Brit with family and friends all over London, I'm also amazed at how much cheaper renovation work is there. Especially surprising when houses in comparable neighborhoods cost more, the minimum wage is about 10 pounds an hr, and building codes are fiercely enforced -- especially in listed (ie. landmark) areas. Perhaps its competition. Whether you are selling or leasing property in London, consumers expect high quality interiors. I've had friends say that brokers have told them their flat was "unlettable" without new wood floors! So lots of renovation goes on all the time and there are many more builders (as GCs are referred to there) available. Here, if you can find someone with even basic experience, you're practically begging to take your project on.

Posted by: grand army at August 18, 2009 4:33 PM in response to Renovation on the cheap