COMPLETION
2014

AREA
650 SF Renovation

COST 
30K

OWNER/BUILDER
Self

PROGRAM
Apartment Renovation


 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This is a complete renovation to a one bedroom unit in a 1930’s cooperative apartment building in the heart of Brooklyn. The unit had seen little more than multiple layers of paint and vinyl floor tile since it was built over 80 years ago. Conversion to an ownership structure was in the early 1990’s. I purchased this apartment with the intent of renovating while living in it. In concept it seemed straight forward, but most construction activities I found out would have to be limited to daytime hours during weekdays… while I was at work.

I spent a few years thinking about how to be in two places at once. Then the opportunity came up in 2014 when I left my day job at ZGF. I would be able to perform the work myself and learn a little bit about plumbing, electrical and general carpentry in the process. I ended up doing just about everything with the exception of some plumbing rough-in, a cast iron tub and countertop install. Even after having worked with tradespeople most of my career, this project provided new insights and certainly new respect for the craftspeople in the construction industry.