Sure, you can do it yourself if you have the right information, tools and are somewhat handy. I do dyi projects all the time and learn as I attempt them. A good source of info is Fine Homebuilding (magazine and website). Type into the search bar what you need to know. I typed in "installing doors", here's the link http://www.finehomebuilding.com/PDF/Free/021096046.pdf

Some thoughts about your project: you will need a wood frame around you door whether you make it yourself or it already comes prehung (on a frame). Prehung is better for you because it will ensure that the frame is level and plumb with the door.

Good luck!

Posted by: vai at March 1, 2010 6:21 PM in response to Hanging a Closet Door

A 7 ft ceiling height does seem real low for the garden level. You can look for clues for a dropped ceiling by going to the stair and measuring the parlor floor level to the underside of the garden floor ceiling. Anything above a foot might indicate a dropped ceiling.

Agree that the floor joists above are not going to be pretty and there might also be plumbing pipes, electrical wires and ductwork within the ceiling. A crisp white ceiling, recessed down lights with a wide spread, uplights or perimeter cove lights may help it not seem so low.

Posted by: vai at February 26, 2010 9:22 AM in response to Low ceiling

A custom millworker/woodworker does this type of work. A local guy you can try is Tamer and Tamer. http://www.tamerandtamer.com

Posted by: vai at February 26, 2010 8:52 AM in response to Swap Wood Door Panels

If you don't have windows in your kitchen (like the photo), perhaps you can compromise- upper cabinets at the top row and a second lower row of open shelves? Just think it's more functional to have some type of cabinets in the same area of where you will be cooking and prepping- although I like the look of open shelves myself.

Posted by: vai at February 23, 2010 4:06 PM in response to Kitchen Reno--No Upper Cabinets

correction- meant to say "if it were be on the parlor level"

Posted by: vai at February 21, 2010 7:35 PM in response to Renovation Reveal and Advice

Spacedesign,

I think you made a good choice by placing the kitchen and livingroom on the garden level. It gave you about 4ft x 16ft more space than if it were to be on the garden level (because of the public hall that was needed), and like you said- direct access to the rear yard. Great project, congratulations!

Posted by: vai at February 21, 2010 7:33 PM in response to Renovation Reveal and Advice

For a 20' x 8' new steel deck with metal railing and (straight) stair down to yard, Contractor charged $13,000. Additionally to furnish tile (chosen by client), he charged $675. He didn't breakdown the material and labor costs.

Recommendation: If you are about 50/50 stuck between wood and tile- go with the tile, there's no maintenance required.

Posted by: vai at February 14, 2010 3:38 AM in response to Metal Deck for a Backyard

I think a fair price for your sister's 700sf, 1 bedroom apartment in that area of Windsor Terrace/Kensington would be between $240k to $300k. Big range because it depends on building amenities, layout, upgrades other than kitchen, overall condition, monthly maintence, views, etc. Typical realtor commission is 5% - 6%. I used Prudential Elliman to sell my apartment (in Kensington) with a 5% commission- no complaints.

Posted by: vai at February 12, 2010 2:28 PM in response to Windsor Terrace Co-op

I second the Emtek brand. The Stuttgart is nice- about 80 dollars.

Posted by: vai at January 11, 2010 11:03 PM in response to Where to Get Modern Door Levers?

You can try Peter Arbeeny at All HVAC. He is very knowledgeable. They advertise on this website.

Posted by: vai at January 2, 2010 5:04 PM in response to Help! High Heating Bill

Hmmmmm, hire honest lawyer for swindling Architect...

Posted by: vai at December 4, 2009 5:48 PM in response to Proper Etiquette with Contractor

My advice would be to hire an Architect if you are doing more than replacing fixtures, finishes and windows (if not Landmarked).

If you must do it yourself- Ask for references and visit their work, include at least two more recommended contractors into the bidding process, provide them with your own breakdown (by trade) and ask them to fill in the costs this way you can compare apples to apples.

General Contractors want the entire job for two reasons- more money for them and also they can control the coordination and timing of the Subs. If a job is isolated, for example replacement of windows with no other work that is associated with that, the owner hiring Subs separately is done all the time. Although, you should feel you have enough trust in your General Contractor to provide you with good Subs at competitive prices.

Posted by: vai at December 4, 2009 4:02 PM in response to Proper Etiquette with Contractor

Check out Brooklyn Insulation for blown cellulose.

http://www.brooklyninsulation.com/

Posted by: vai at November 26, 2009 11:38 PM in response to Icynene Insulation

Sorry, I didn't mean to cause you unnecessary alarm, but I just experienced a situation where the extension was pulling away from the main house. I think I was stuck on the use of some of your wording- 10 degrees colder, breeze and draft. Hopefully it's just a lack of insulation.

Posted by: vai at November 26, 2009 10:42 PM in response to No Insulation in Walls?

You can look up sales on Property Shark (block 1179, lot 47)

http://www.propertyshark.com/mason/nyc/Reports2/showsection.html?propkey=150032

For a new kitchen and 2.5 baths, renovations will be closer to 100k.

Posted by: vai at November 26, 2009 12:30 AM in response to Turner Towers?

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn90059523/1896-12-26/ed-1/seq-8/;words=she%27ll+Tortoise+Carver+Shell+shell+occupation

http://www.goantiques.com/detail,antique-carved-tortoise,800458.html

http://www.kovels.com/priceguide/kovels_tortoiseshell/

Posted by: vai at November 24, 2009 11:55 PM in response to House History

This sounds like a small project I'd be interested in. If you contact me at casti.vai@gmail.com, we can take it from there.

Linda

Posted by: vai at November 22, 2009 2:51 AM in response to Design Help for Small Bathroom

Don't have his number, but you can find him at the Brooklyn DOB. I've seen him there several times since he left.

Posted by: vai at November 22, 2009 1:25 AM in response to Phil from Scott Schnall's office

The draft could possibly mean that the extension is pulling away from the main house. You might want to look at the extension from the exterior for signs of cracking and/or repair work to the facade.

Posted by: vai at November 22, 2009 12:40 AM in response to No Insulation in Walls?

Doing the math according to the measurements on the floorplan would make the square footage about 845. Some people will include half of the party walls because technically that is theirs. But I think that should only be reserved for the DOB in calculating square footage.

The price is slightly high because of the maintenance. But it's a very nice renovation.

Posted by: vai at July 15, 2009 11:36 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 403 Avenue C, #2B

I like Benjamin Moore "Swiss Coffee" with white trim. It's an off white, a little warmer than regular white.

Posted by: vai at October 30, 2008 11:48 PM in response to Paint colors for tenants?

You should definitely have access to the rear yard from the garden level. You could have a security gate at the exterior if you are worried about that. And a door would take up the same amount of space as a window.

Is it too much to change the layout and have one bedroom at the front of the house and one bed at the rear of the house?

Posted by: vai at October 29, 2008 11:16 AM in response to Leaving a door on the garden level?? Thoughts, please.

Hi,

I think I might be able to help you design your basement. I have a degree in Architecture.

You can reach me at casti.vai@gmail.com if you are interested.

Linda

Posted by: vai at October 28, 2008 6:47 PM in response to Create a hobby/media area

A contractor will be just as expensive. Custom millwork is expensive. You might have some luck with Ikea Wardrobes. The Pax and Komplement might work for you. They come in a variety of widths and depths.

Posted by: vai at October 28, 2008 5:28 PM in response to Built in wardrobe/closets

Car327, where did you get that I am bitter? I just want to know what possible difference does it make to know the breakdown of cost on such a project? Please answer!

When you go to Macy's do you also demand to know what portion of your purchase when to labor and materials?

Posted by: AlexSPK at February 14, 2010 6:57 PM in response to Metal Deck for a Backyard

As of right now A.G.P.E PLLC is designing for their clients
(all per DOB Codes) balconies by u described and with either finished stamped or stained concrete on top and bottom or wood treated planks.
The contractors that they've been dealing with are usually charging $ 14 to $ 16 thousand dollars plus design fee and filing fees withch should not cost u more than $4500
(They do not make reccomendations of contractors as per policy ,they have a very strict concept on supervision and no favoritisms)

They are at 1263 prospect avenue
347-787-3338

Posted by: Brukkus at February 15, 2010 7:22 AM in response to Metal Deck for a Backyard

Just a little code advice here. If you're filing it, no combustible decking or structure within three feet of property lines. Either use metal or Ipe, or hold the deck and stairs to three feet away from the lot lines.

As an architect, I would also suggest filing it. I can't tell you how many homeowners I've met who have bought a house with a deck like this and had to pay thousands of dollars in fines for work without a permit, just because they are trying to do work on the home and the previous owner built the deck the without a permit. If you ever try to do an improvement on the house that requires filing, and therefore inspection, you'll end up with the same problem.

Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP
Urban Pioneering Architecture

Posted by: JimHill at February 15, 2010 9:23 AM in response to Metal Deck for a Backyard

Vai and Orrsuz,
To piggyback on Car327's request (I'm looking to do the same thing) -- would you mind emailing me more info and the contractors you used, if you liked them, at mab149@caa.columbia.edu?
Thanks!

Posted by: mab149 at February 15, 2010 11:18 AM in response to Metal Deck for a Backyard

"I can't tell you how many homeowners I've met who have bought a house with a deck like this and had to pay thousands of dollars in fines for work without a permit, just because they are trying to do work on the home and the previous owner built the deck the without a permit. If you ever try to do an improvement on the house that requires filing, and therefore inspection, you'll end up with the same problem."

Jim Hill--truer words never spoken.

Posted by: wasder at February 16, 2010 5:59 PM in response to Metal Deck for a Backyard

correction- meant to say "if it were be on the parlor level"

Posted by: vai at February 21, 2010 7:35 PM in response to Renovation Reveal and Advice

Thanks Val. That was one of my considerations as well. I get more room for the siting area this way. and I don't have to close off the stairs. I lived once in a house (in England) where we had a deck going down to the garden. I didn't like it. :)

Posted by: spacedesign at February 21, 2010 9:00 PM in response to Renovation Reveal and Advice

i think the question was upper cabinetry or not. not upper cabinets vs open shelves so this thread seems to have veered off topic.

no uppers look sleek in my preferred brownstone layout: kitchen in rear on open parlor floor with deck off back, but you do lose space. have to deal with that, for sure.

open shelves: i wouldnt go there: a) it is not really attractive, b) potentially dirtier and c) it kills the look you gained by excising the cabs.

Posted by: antidope at February 23, 2010 5:24 PM in response to Kitchen Reno--No Upper Cabinets

This is a lovey kitchen, very pretty, perfect for people who live on take out. Where's the dishes? Where do you put the stuff? No way would that work for me. I actually use my kitchen.

Posted by: donatella at February 23, 2010 9:03 PM in response to Kitchen Reno--No Upper Cabinets

beautiful kitchen, but what if you don't have that type of width? how much counter space can you actually have without an island, unless the appliances are fully integrated? i do like space designs, but she doesn't have parlor doors to obstruct, which makes it perfect. also, seems as if she doesn't have a family which makes a huge difference.

Posted by: signofthetimes at February 24, 2010 12:10 PM in response to Kitchen Reno--No Upper Cabinets