Comparing and prediciting costs for construction is difficult because there are so many variables. But here is a snapshot of some recent projects: Pool-Guest House / 2500 sf , 50 x 15 pool, patios / Katonah NY $525,000 Residential 2 story 900sf addition Rye, NY $275,000 Medical offices / 2300 sf / Scarsdale, NY: $325,000 [...]
How to Negotiate with Contractors
Monday, July 25th, 2011
Before you get to the point of signing a contract to build your project, usually there is a period in which you negotiate with the builder. Among the common issues for discussion are: -Cost Be fair and ask for breakdowns / itemization of cost if something is unclear or seemstoo high. Ask for explanations in [...]
Is this Your First Project?
Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
You probably have the symptoms (nod to Woody Allen) and have been sitting on the fence for a while- The house is too small- your kids’ stuff is simply overflowing into the halls…maybe you don’t know where to begin or Your partners office just seems too close to yours and his voice seems louder thank [...]
Green Building, Green Living
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
Bedford NY, proposed wind-towers Much like a doctor, before prescribing a course of action, the first task is to gather information and evaluate how much energy you are using and how it is being used. (free energy NY audits provided www.gogreenstar.com)….Great energy related links are listed below with a brief description, as well as some simple [...]
Do you need an architect?
Monday, April 25th, 2011
The first question I usually hear is “ Do I need an architect? The answer is a definite maybe- The analogy is similar to a doctor, sometimes a visit to the drugstore and rest will do the trick, but when you break your arm you don’t want that approach. When you are building something new, or modifying [...]
“You gotta talk to my guy”….Selecting and Hiring a Contractor
Monday, April 25th, 2011
Hiring a contractor can be one of the most intimidating experiences for a home/business owner. Most people don’t know a reliable contractor, have some reluctance about major remodeling, and hear horror stories from friends or relatives. But it doesn’t have to be that way, by following a few, simple steps: Have A Plan- The first [...]
How long will it take?….Construction/Design Schedules
Monday, April 25th, 2011
Customers want to know what to expect for typical design/construction schedules…. so this is the unfiltered version for small-medium projects. Remember- always get some type of written schedule before signing any construction contract. So here goes: measure/due diligence /design / drawings = 1 month-4 months approvals = 1 month – 3 months depends on complexity [...]
Is Feng Shui for you?
Sunday, April 24th, 2011
What is Feng Shui? Literally translated Feng Shui is Chinese for “Wind and Water” The practice of Feng Shui, employs many common sense principals and some more esoteric factors that are based on Astrology and eastern-based philosophies. The premise of Feng Shui helps organize the placement of things based on the principals that wind and [...]
What do you mean “I needed a Permit?” Legalizations
Sunday, April 24th, 2011
“What do you mean my basement is not legal?” is a common refrain when the homeowner is contacted by a bank, building department or title search agent. They seldom take you to a jail cell in cuffs, but it’s a situation that is difficult , and it usually comes at a sensitive time, like when you are [...]
How to deal with Permits and Municipal Approvals
Sunday, April 24th, 2011
This phase of a construction project is often the most misunderstood, and frustrating for the Owner who wants to quote Nike, and “Just do it”. When one wants to remodel, build an addition or build new, it will require approvals from the local municipality. This process includes submission of applications, fees, drawings and related documentation to [...]