Tracy Kaler

It's been more than two months since Sandy flooded many NYC neighborhoods and buildings, yet some apartment dwellers continue to worry about the possibility of mold.

Is it realistic?

Q. I want to convert my bathtub into a walk-in shower in my apartment.  How hard is that, and is it a good idea?

A. If you have just one bathroom in your apartment, losing a tub is probably not good for resale value.

Most buyers will look for a full bathroom with a tub/shower combination, and as a result your apartment’s marketability could be affected. Without a bathtub, your unit also wouldn’t be as child-friendly.

If you have a second full bath however, that is the perfect scenario for installing a large walk-in shower.

If you’re living in a one-bedroom apartment somewhere in New York City, you’d probably love to have an extra nook for the in-laws, occasional out-of-town guest, or a potential baby in the not-so-distant future.

Q. I'm thinking about refinancing my mortgage to renovate my apartment. What should I know in advance?

With interest rates at record-level lows, there's no time like the present to refinance your mortgage. Depending on credit scores, the dollar amount you need and the appraised value of your apartment, you can refinance for a higher amount than your current mortgage and withdraw the funds to finance your project.