Renovating on the Cheap

Those Windows Were Busted

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 22:38:00 +0000

Nasty Cellar Reno

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 03:05:00 +0000

I'm back from a two year long hiatus. I've been busy with my 9 to 5, night job, and the birth of my first child. Although I haven't been writing I've still been Renovating on the Cheap.

The cellar at Halsey Street was the ugliest, nastiest, mustiest cellar I've ever seen. It was cut up into four rooms. We think the previous owner probably had people living down there.

I spent two years planning how I could make this cellar usable. Prior to the demo I couldn't stand going down there. Everytime I did, I felt like puking.

The previous owners made it into some kind of a drug den or boom boom room. They added cinder block walls which divided the cellar into four rooms. This included a bathroom and a boiler room. One of the rooms was carpeted.

The cellar was dark and there were exposed wires and bx cables hanging from the ceiling. The walls were covered with sheetrock, which took away a few feet from the width.

Once we removed all the cinder block partitions, the fire proof door at the bottom of the stairs; the cellar looked much better. It still looked dingy and small.

To make the cellar look more spacious we painted the walls bright white and the sewer lines a glossy black.

We desposed of over 250 bags of rubble while doing this job.

Plan:
-Demolish the cinder block walls.
-Remove sheetrock from walls
-Remove illegal bathroom
-Paint walls, sewer and gas lines
-Sheetrock and plaster ceilings
-Remove exposed electrical wires and bring them up to code.

Tools Used:
-Hammer
-Crow bar
-Drill
-Saw Zaw

Materials:
-5 Gallon drum of primer
-5 Gallon drum of white paint
-Two gallons of black paint

Cost: $1500

Time: One week

Fabulous Refab

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:56:00 +0000

It had been bothering me for a while that the stained glass windows on this house could only be seen from the outside. The previous owners wanted to put a circular curtain rod in, and they decided to cover the windows with sheetrock, and bring the windows down. Terrible. I couldn't quite figure out whether the windows were intact on the side that was inside the house, but I had to try. Hey, you never know.

Unfortunately, by knocking down the wall, I created two new jobs for myself. One, I had to strip the wood mouldings and two, I had to rebuild the mouldings that were missing. I kept thinking, How the hell would I go about doing this? The easiest thing to do would have been to replace the original mouldings with stuff from Home Depot. But I decided to go to Dykes Lumber and refabricate the missing mouldings. Since lumber yards no longer make these mouldings, we had to replicate them as best as possible using 3 or 4 different mouldings.
The finished product? Priceless.

Sterling Street Stoop Sale: Saturday July 19th

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:51:00 +0000

The Sterling Street-100 Block Association is having a multiple home stoop sale this Saturday, July 19th from 10AM to 3PM.

The stoop sale will be on Sterling Street between Bedford and Rogers Avenues in Prospect-Lefferts Garden. Proceeds will go towards funding their first annual block party.

Visit their stoop sale and see what treasures you may find. Furniture, Clothing, books, bric-a-bracs, etc. Hope you all can make it.

Please click here or on picture to view flyer.

New Condos Come to PLG

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:13:00 +0000

Formerly an abandoned building, 411 Rogers Avenue in Prospect-Lefferts Garden has been turned into a six-unit condo building. When I spoke to Alyssa Morris, a Corcoran agent, she said that only three of the six units were available for showing.

For $375, 000 (common charge: $269), you can get Unit 2, a two bedroom, one bathroom duplex with access to your half of the manicured private garden. Unit 4, a two bedroom, is going for $350,000 (common charge: $227). Unit 6, a 2 bedroom, is going for $365,000 (common charge: $269) and includes access to the roof deck.

According to Corcoran's website, "There are six new residential homes set up as duplexes with private gardens for entertaining and outdoor leisure, as well as 2-bedroom floor-through apartments-- some with private roof decks for those ring-side firework views."

When I visited 411 Rogers Avenue last weekend, I saw two duplex apartments that share the backyard. The first level of the duplexes is in the cellar, which is small and kind of cramped. The other four apartments are relaid single units. Also, don't get your hopes up about the roof deck. The roof deck is just an asphalt roof that is not fit to walk on. From the roof you have a nice view of a huge tree in my backyard; so much for seeing fireworks. But with the right plants, and some railings for those evenings you have a couple too many beers with your friends, it could be a cool chill-out space.

Still, in today's market, these units are reasonably priced. The common charges are almost too good to be true. I’d definitely negotiate them down on the asking price of the condo, because there are a few things that will need work.

In general, I thought the rehab was a bit shoddy and they really didn't put too much money into the bathroom or kitchen materials. There was another downside too--the duplexes have one bathroom. Anyway, I'm sure that to someone looking to buy the pros will outweigh the cons. The building is in a great location--just a block and a half from the 2 and 5 trains, and two blocks from Prospect Park and the Botanical Gardens.

Related articles:
1) Condo Conversion on Rogers Ave.
2) Corcoran's listing for 411 Rogers Ave.

Repair Rather Than Replace

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:41:00 +0000

In an article called Little Ways to Save Big on a Remodel, This Old House Magazine writer Alexandra Bandon gave 10 tips to save money on a remodel. These are the 10 principles I've been guided by during my 5 years of DIY renovations. One can save thousands of dollars if these tips are followed safely. Read more-->

1. Repair Rather Than Replace
2. Roll Up Your Sleeves
3. Limit Demolition
4. Rob Peter to Pay Paul
5. Use Luxuries Selectively
6. Adjust To Your Circumstances
7. Add Detail With Paint
8. Stick With Stock
9. Be Open To Open Shelves And Doors
10. Reuse Existing Materials

PLG Bathroom: Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:20:00 +0000

Since we were already doing work in our bathroom in Prospect-Lefferts Garden, we decided to change the tiles, sink, showerhead and add a new vanity.

1.) 5 Durock 5/16 3x5 Cement Board: $10.77 each
Tiles: $100
2.) AquaSource White Windsor Pedestal Lavatory: $87.73
3.) AquaSource White Windsor Pedestal Base: $46.02
4.) Showerhead: $16.98
5.) Vanity: $99

PLG Bathroom: The Work Never Ends

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:42:00 +0000

Three years ago I put a window in this cramped Prospect-Lefferts Garden bathroom. The bathroom had an ugly grey vent, with open storage space below. The vent was replaced with a small window; I kept the storage space, but added mirrored sliding doors.

Originally, in that space, there was a window about 45" X 32" wide. The original owners must have removed it, to create storage space in a house with only 3 closets on the first floor. After a long discussion about what to do with this storage, we decided to eliminate it and put a window back in that space. A window would allow for better circulation of air and light into the bathroom. We purchased the window from Windows We Are for $160.

Adding the right size mouldings around the window frame is just as important as the window itself. On this frame we used a 4" wide moulding which gives it a classic original look.

Halsey Street Reno: Parlor Floor Hallway

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:26:00 +0000

The entrance hallway of this Bed-Stuy house was terrible. After removing the tiles, cement and wire mesh, the original wood floor was exposed. Although it was in bad condition, I decided to restore it instead of laying new Bruce flooring, which can run about $50 to $80 a carton.

The floor needed to be patched and replaced in some areas before it could be sanded. After sanding, we added two coats of semi-gloss Polyurethane.

1. Removing tiles, cement and wire mesh (done by my cousins and I): $3.50 (3 Formula 50 Vitamin Waters)

2. Sanding, restoration, polyurethane (done by Mickey): $150

Quick Links

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:23:00 +0000

Visit to the New Macon Library (Bed-Stuy Blog)
Enough With the Marauding Teenagers! (Brownstoner)
Staying in the Apartment for an Extra Month (NY Times)

Smoke Joint Owner Expands Into Bed Stuy

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:13:00 +0000

Craig Samuel owner of the Lil' Pig and Smoke Joint in Ft. Greene is preparing to open a restaurant in Bedford Stuyvesant. The Smoke Joint was voted the number one barbecue in New York by NY Magazine.

In an interview with Monique Greenwood (the Mayor of Bed Stuy) Mr. Samuel says his new venture will be called Peaches Market. The new restaurant will open in the space once occupied by Petite Basam on Macdonough Street and Lewis Avenue. It will provide an "urban farmhouse" experience. Peaches Market will serve contemporaryAmerican food with a Southern tinge.

Mr. Samuel who lives in Bedford Stuyvesant, "wants to see the neighborhood become what it could be." Click here to watch the interview and for more information -->

The Walls Come Tumbling Down

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:27:00 +0000

Should We Get Tree Guards?

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:54:00 +0000

Tree Guards or No Tree Guards That Is the Question

Yesterday at our block association meeting we were trying to decide whether we should fill out the application for tree guards being offered by the city for free.

The cons highlighted by a couple of our members, is the fact that people will use the area inside the tree guard as a trash can and it will be harder to sweep around the tree. They also stated that the city sometimes cuts too much of the curb (sometimes unevenlly). I highlighted the fact that there is an advantage to having a tree guard, it will keep people from letting there dogs $h!t around the base of the tree.

While walking around downtown Brooklyn, I snapped a few shots, and noticed how nice the tree guards look in Brooklyn Heights. I think I'm going to fill out that application.

There's more information on the Neighborhood Beautification Fund Application. The deadline is June 6, 2008... and you can only include trees located on residential blocks as of May 15, 2008.

Renovation Pitfalls

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:53:00 +0000

PACC Restores 420 Classon Avenue

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:38:00 +0000

Eventhough I'm still mad at PACC (Pratt Area Community Council) for withdrawing my application for 55 Putnam Ave, 5 years ago, I think they did a great job of restoring 420 Classon Avenue, which is on the border of Bedford Stuyvesant and Clinton Hill.

PACC took three dilapidated builidings and turned them into 12 affordable condominiums. According to Brownstoner.com, the lottery has been held and the non-profit is currently checking applicants' credit records and confirming their eligibility. Hopefully PACC doesn't stifle another young man trying to attain the American dream.

The job doesn't look cheap but the prices are pretty good: Four one-bedrooms priced between $185,000 and $211,000 are available for households earning up to $73,700; four two-bedrooms priced from $258,000 to $270,000 are available for households earning up to $92,200; four two-bedrooms priced from $374,000 to $424,000 are available for households earning up to $116,900.

New Speed Bump On Lefferts Avenue

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:55:00 +0000

Who do we have to sleep with to get our own speed bump?

There's a speed bump going up on Lefferts Avenue between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues. How the hell did they get the city to put one up for them? We at the 100 Sterling Street Block Association (who live a block away) have been pressing the DOT and the city to get us a speed bump for almost a year now. We wrote letters, signed petitions, met with local reps, called community board 9 several times and sent out follow up letters.

No More Floor Drama

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:03:00 +0000

Bed-Stuy Named ‘Hottest’ Nabe

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:16:00 +0000

Bed-Stuy, One Of The ‘Hottest’ Nabes?

According to the Brooklyn Eagle, ResidentialNYC.com has named Bed-Stuy one of the top three most popular Brooklyn neighborhoods for home seekers in New York City. Read more -->

Quick Links

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:34:00 +0000

How to Replicate Wood Moldings (Hawthorne Street)
Windsor Terrace Reno: Guest Bathroom (Brownstoner)

Sketch Pad: What’s Worth Keeping (NY Times)

Biggie Movie Filming (Clinton Hill Blog)

New Cafe to Open On Nostrand & Halsey

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:37:00 +0000

Aida's Cafe de Java Coming to Nostrand

Just what the doctor ordered! A cafe on Nostrand close to the A train and a high traffic area. I was walking home the other night and noticed the awning for Aida's Cafe de Java on the corner of Nostrand Avenue between Halsey and Macon Streets.

Since it was late I wasn't able to interview anyone, but according to the awning Aida's will provide imported gourmet coffee and teas. Contractors were working till the weee hours of the night.

Looks like it'll be opening soon. I'll definitely be there happily ordering cups of tea for myself and Mrs. Reno.

With all the foreclosures in Bed-Stuy right now is this what the area needs? Does the coming of Aida's Cafe make this section of Bed-Stuy more desirable?

Buy, Sell or Hold?

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:24:00 +0000

Should I buy, sell or hold?

Barbara Corcoran answers homeowners’ questions and talks about the latest in the housing market.

ROTC Quick Links

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:11:00 +0000

1. How to Talk About Architecture (Bed-Stuy Blog)
2. Impending Rate Cuts: Good News for Real Estate Market? (Brownstoner)
3. WBAI Town Hall Meeting in Bed-Stuy (Bed-Stuy Blog)
4. New Development Rises on Crooke Ave (ATP)
5. Destination: Maple Street School (Hawthorne Street)

Bed-Stuy's Best Pizzeria

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:52:00 +0000

Focaccino: "Quality Food for Less Money"

On an extremely cold winter day last year, Mrs. Reno and I were on our way to an open house on Greene Avenue between Bedford and Nostrand Aves, when the broker called to tell us that he was running late. It was about 6:30 p.m. and it felt about zero degrees outside. It was too cold to stand outside and wait, so we decided to kill some time by getting something to eat.

Those familiar with that stretch of Bedford Avenue know that it's pretty desolate. I suggested that we go to a bodega to get some tea and walk out the cold. While searching for a Bodega we noticed Focaccino Pizzeria & Espresso Bar. We had seen the restaurant before but figured it would close soon--upscale pizza on that block? Huh? Mrs. Reno was starved and decided to go in for a slice. We left thinking that Focaccino not only offers one of the best slices of pizza in Bedford Stuyvesant, but also a cool atmosphere, putting a twist on the typical pizza shop.

Focaccino opened its doors in February of 2007 and is owned by an israeli real estate broker named Shai Antebi. In an interview with Bed-Stuy Parlor's Monique Greenwood, Shai says his pizzeria offers the neighborhood, 'healthy and quality food for less money.' If you're a fan of thin crust pizza, Focaccino is your spot. Mrs. Reno loved the thin crust pepporoni while I loved the price: $1.50 a slice.

Click here to watch Monique Greenwood's interview with Shai Antebi.

Focaccino Pizzeria & Espresso Bar is located at: 1069 Bedford Ave Brooklyn , NY 11216 Phone: 718-622-2228

Meet the Brownstoners of Bed-Stuy

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:27:00 +0000

Bed-Stuy Parlor's Monique Greenwood interviews the original Brownstoners of Brooklyn and also tours Bedford Stuyvesant's annual house tour.

Watch the video -->

Sector B: Making Myrtle Avenue Shine

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Renovation) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:43:00 +0000

BCAT's Sector B reports on the storefront improvement program, which is restoring some beautiful old buildings (with an eye toward historic accuracy) while helping to attract brand new businesses.