The *best* place I have found is called Graceful Gardens. Look at their website. They have a flat rate for 32 perenials and annuals. It comes to about 2 bucks a plant. They ship them to you, very beautiful, well along specimens. They specialize in cottage gardens, especially Delphiniums. Last years plants came back beautifully, I ordered more this year.

Posted by: picturebloom at May 3, 2009 5:06 PM in response to Perennials

Just did that basically. You should estimate about $200 a square foot and $400 for the roof add on. The cost is the steel which has been very expensive over the last year. Find an engineer that does not require a belt with suspenders as we found out the hard way.

Posted by: picturebloom at April 30, 2009 9:38 AM in response to Gut Reno on Shell, Saving Facade

I've done a couple similar jobs. One in which the facade and stoop had been removed and needed to be completely restored. The interiors were gutted completely and re-built with classic style details but more open space. It was a number of years ago and there were so many other factors involved that it's hard to put a price on it, but if I had to guess it was closer to the $350/sf mark.

Another one included extending the rear about 12 feet. That one was considerably more modern, and was closer to the $200 - $250/sf range.

These things don't have to be crazy expensive. There are many ways to save some money and still do a great job, even while incorporating sustainable strategies like low voc finishes, rapidly renewable materials, radiant heat, possibly even solar hot water and a green roof.

If you can't tell by now, I'm a LEED accredited architect who does a lot of this kind of work in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and I'd love to talk with you about the project.

Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP
Urban Pioneering Architecture
jim(at)urban-pioneering(dot)com
www(dot)urban-pioneering(dot)com

Posted by: JimHill at April 30, 2009 10:29 AM in response to Gut Reno on Shell, Saving Facade

Looking to preserve the facade and cornice, but inside I don't plan to recreate historic detail.

Picturebloom, I'd love to hear more about your project and learn what you did. Is there a way I can get in touch with you?

Posted by: Peter at April 30, 2009 10:37 AM in response to Gut Reno on Shell, Saving Facade

I just completed two similar projects, one in the East Village and one in Brooklyn Heights. On the first project, which was a four? story brick house, we left only the four walls standing. For the project in Brooklyn Heights we restored the front facade, gutted the interior, and built a three story rear yard addition.The numbers that everyone has given you are about right ($250-$400sq ft)

If the existing floor joists are in good condition they can be saved with minor re-enforcement and leveling. This could help significantly with structural costs.

Prices of materials do fluctuate but they don't significantly change the sq ft number for construction. The major item that really effects a projects budget is the total scope of work. I know that might sound obvious but it is easily forgot.

If you are still looking for an architect I would be happy to look at the house with you and give you some feed back.

Posted by: onra at April 30, 2009 2:24 PM in response to Gut Reno on Shell, Saving Facade

All the above is good information. I just want add that if all the joists truly have collapsed you really should get someone who understands structures to take a look and see if it needs to be shored up.

Posted by: edifice rex at April 30, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Gut Reno on Shell, Saving Facade

All the joists have indeed collapsed. My concern is that as soon as someone touches the building, it will come down. What is a safe number to put in for adequate shoring?

Posted by: Peter at April 30, 2009 7:52 PM in response to Gut Reno on Shell, Saving Facade

Maybe you don't want to pay the prices at the Red Hook places, but is the hassle you'll have to go to to get other sources worth it? My favorite down there (by far) is Gowanus Nursery. They have a huge selection of shade perennials, and not the same stuff you see everywhere, which is nice. Best, they know brooklyn and what grows here.

Sometimes if I'm looking for "filler" annuals for the stoop or whatever I'll go to that place on Fort Hamilton (Shannon's) or some of the other cheaper garden places, and I always get so bored with the offerings. The annuals for the most part are the ho-hum flat after flat of impatiens, and the perennials are same old, same old, same old. How many hostas does Brooklyn need?

Posted by: saturdayrenogirl at May 3, 2009 7:49 PM in response to Perennials

there's a place called Garden World in Queens. they have lots of stuff there and prices seem fine.

Posted by: werner at May 4, 2009 2:27 AM in response to Perennials

Terminal Market has more interesting inventory than usual this year.

Posted by: Arkady at May 4, 2009 9:35 AM in response to Perennials

BK Terminal market is great but if you want to order online there are some great deals at www.whiteflowerfarm.com

The Old Ironsides Astilbe collection is a real deal (12 plants for $60). These things grow fast and can be cut up into additional plants every year. One of the best shade perennials with color.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at May 4, 2009 12:19 PM in response to Perennials

Keil Brothers in Queens--almost in Nassau County, and Hicks. I like Gowanus as well, but their inventory depletes quickly. For mail order, try Bluestone Perennials--small plants, but healthy and very reasonably priced.

Posted by: tinarina at May 4, 2009 12:54 PM in response to Perennials