Mayra David

Proper heating, adequate plumbing, and simply more storage: Five New Yorkers share all the things their city apartments lack, and how they'd improve them if they could.

Floor it: I’d love under-floor heating. I think it would be the best way to heat our loft and we could get rid of our ugly, creaking, dirt-collecting radiators. We have polished concrete floors that we love, but it is cooler than carpet or hardwood, of course. - Brad, Carroll Gardens

New year, new you! That’s what they say. And living well can start right at home, so we asked six New Yorkers: Would you rather do a gut renovation or up and move to a whole new place?

Hating loud neighbors, loving loud parties, and lamenting the downsides of renting. We asked five New Yorkers to share their city-living woes:

New York has some of the most covetable real estate on the planet, and owning a piece of it has its perks. But three quarters of the city's inhabitants are renters. So which is better? We asked five New Yorkers to weigh in:

You’ve vetted their references and reviews, met to discuss your vision for the renovation, and begrudgingly accepted their price quote. But how do you stay on good terms with your contractor, especially when the stress of the project shortens fuses and makes tempers flare? When relationships deteriorate, so does the work. We spoke to several design professionals to get their perspective on keeping things running smoothly:

1. Admit when you're wrong

All New Yorkers want for Christmas is ... apartment upgrades, natch. We asked five of them what they'd do at home to make the holidays merry and bright: