Fraser Patterson

Soundproofing Apartment Walls, Ceiling, Floor | Soundproof NYC Apartment

Bathroom Renovation NYC: Do I Need DOB Permits? | Fraser Patterson

Q. My bathroom floor tiles are cracked and old. What's the difference between replacing tiles completely versus tiling over existing tiles, in terms of aesthetics, functionality, price, length of the job, etc.? Also, while we're at it, can wall tiles be replaced? A. Great question. First off, the two options--replacing tiles or tiling over old ones--may not seem all that different, but when you get into the details, they’re two very different projects. Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about each method.

Q. I want to replace my washer-dryer with one that vents to the outside. What's involved and much should it cost? A. As much as I'm reluctant to answer a question with “it depends,” in this case, it really does depend. Adding a dryer vent is not a small job. It has a lot of specific elements which, undertaken by themselves--i.e., not a part of a larger remodeling project--can prove complex and expensive. Start by asking your property manager whether the building will let you create an external vent and, if so, the process you need to go through in order to build one. New York City codes, and most condo and co-op boards, require that you file a permit to do a job like this, meaning that you’d have to hire an architect to prepare filing drawings, which could run you $2,000 or more. (The permit will cost a minimum of $250.)