B4 - THE RIVERDALE PRESS - Thursday, October 11, 2012
Simple tips for completing a DIY home project on time We are in the midst of a do-it-yourself revolution, with more Americans pulling out the tool belt and getting their hands dirty. If you’d like to hop on the DIY bandwagon and enjoy the money savings and pride that comes with completing a project yourself, it’s important to keep some tips in mind so your grand ideas don’t become grand disasters. The down economy has inspired many Americans to skip the pros and complete home improvement projects themselves - and this trend isn’t just for low- or middle-income families. Wealthy families are making an effort as well, with 70 percent of mass affluent Americans ($50,000 to $250,000 in total household investable assets) saying they took on home improvement projects in the last year, such as plumbing, painting and home cleaning, that they would normally hire someone else to do, according
to a 2012 Bank of America Merrill Edge Report. No matter what your reason, from saving money to having complete control over the project, here are some important steps to follow so the job gets completed successfully.
Choose your project wisely Depending on your level of skill and ambition, you may be able to complete a number of different projects around your home, adding value, comfort and style to your real estate investment. But choosing a project and researching it thoroughly prior to starting is important. While you may want to completely remodel your bathroom, do you have the skills necessary to do all the plumbing? Would it be better to give the room a facelift with some new hardware, linens
and a fresh coat of paint? Make sure you understand the entire scope of the project before you take it on with full force.
Get the right tools While professionals have all the tools they need on hand, DIY homeowners will likely need to purchase some equipment to complete the job. While you’re likely to have the basics — hammer, screwdriver, nails, etc. — most projects require specific types of tools to get the job done correctly. For example, if you plan to upgrade your flooring, you can get all the tools you need while you pick up your supplies from Lumber Liquidators. From installation starter kits to mechanic gloves and floor nailers, you’ll find high-quality, professional-grade tools at a low cost. Some tools are a smart investment because they help throughout the instal-
lation process, and can be used time and time again for maintenance purposes. And in some cases, tools can be cheaper to own than to rent.
Make a budget and timeline Two of the most common roadblocks that overly ambitious DIYers face are projects taking longer than expected and costing more than originally intended. When you start a project, it’s important to set a realistic budget and stick to it. Too often homeowners begin to upgrade materials and make costly mistakes that add up quickly. Having a timeline is important also so your weekend project doesn’t turn into a month-long endeavor. While you need to be flexible (there are frequently unexpected delays when doing something on your own), it’s important to
have a timeframe for project completion. When a home project is finished on time and on budget, everyone is happy.
librar y to find books and magazines that cover your topic of interest. — ARA
Educate yourself on the project steps
VOLUNTEERS WANTED The Simon Senior Center at the Riverdale Y seeks a Computer Maven to teach an intermediate computer skills workshop. We have the students, the space and the laptops… All we need is YOU! Also wanted - seasoned Mah Jongg players who would like to teach beginners and support ongoing games. Come join us, meet new friends and help us out at the same time. Both projects begin in May. Good instructional and interpersonal skills please. Interested? For details: Call 718 548 8200 x 261; VOLUNTEER@ Riverdaley.org. THANKS FOR VOLUNTEERING! The Riverdale Y is located at 5625 Arlington Ave. Learn more at www.RiverdaleY.org.
No matter what project you are considering, there is likely a multitude of free online videos available to help you learn more about the proper measures you need to take to get it done the right way. Visit YouTube.com or simply perform a Google search. When you buy your supplies, talk with the associates at the store and get advice for your particular home. Educated employees, such as the ones who work at Lumber Liquidators, can help answer your questions and concerns, and guide you toward methods that will save time and headaches. Finally, you can always visit your local
For 90 years, we have sold your properties in Riverdale and Kingsbridge. In times like these, experience has never mattered more.
ROBERT E. HILL
Robert E. Hill, Inc. — with you since 1919.
279 West 231st Street Bronx, NY 10463 718.884.2200 800.244.2787 robertehill.com FIELDSTON
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$2,300,000
WEST OF PARKWAY
$4,250,000
WEST OF PARKWAY
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Exclusive – Exquisite 1850’s carriage house. Beautiful renovations. Five bdrm, 5.5 bths, high ceilings, lots of natural light; Liv rm w/FDR, EIK w/state-of-the art appliances, cac, cent stereo/sound system, wine cellar, 2 car garage. Near Metro North. #956
Exclusive – This delightful 1865 lodge w/ 4 bedrooms, 4 bath offers a combination of gracious practical spaces and outdoor living. Living room w/ wbfp, formal dining room, EIK, guestroom, office, lg basement, 2 car garage. #1231
WEST OF PARKWAY
FIELDSTON
WEST OF PARKWAY
WEST OF PARKWAY
$4,750,000
$2,475,000
$1,899,000
$2,500,000
Exclusive – Charming, private wood frame house. 6BRS, 4 1/2 BTHS. Main bldg has LR WBF, FDR, EIK, music rm w/skylight, doors lead to a beautiful terrace, gardens. MBR w/full BTH, 3 more BRS, full BTH. Connecting cottage w/2nd EIK, 2BRS, full BTH, loft. Garage #1061
Co-Exclusive – Beautiful colonial with wide foyer, powder room, Lg LR with w/wbf. Spacious Formal Dining room with wbf, Eat-in-kitchen, Indoor/ outdoor room, 6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. Beautiful yard. Short walk to all the hill schools #1151
New Exclusive – Beautifully renovated 5 bedroom 4 bath brick ranch style home with eat-in-kitchen, patio and deck. Living room, family room and rec room plus “mother-in-law” apartment in lower level. On lovely grounds . #1254
Co-Exclusive – Exciting carriage house. Great location, walk to Metro North. Spacious LR w/ wbf, grand family room, FDR with sitting room, EIK, 5 bdrm, 3 full baths. High ceilings, seasonal view of the river. #945
WEST OF PARKWAY
SPUYTEN DUYVIL
WEST OF PARKWAY
SPUYTEN DUYVIL
$1,200,000
Brick and Stone Tudor on double lot. Lot’s of charm and beautiful detail throughout. Spacious living room with WBF, formal dining room, windowed kitchen. 6 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths. Enchanting garden. #1246
$625,000
Exclusive – Brick colonial home on a tree lined street. Living room with fireplace, Dining room, large kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 1 5 baths. Large backyard with a mighty oak tree. Close to shopping, schools and transportation. #1240
$ 1,499,000
Exclusive – Red brick colonial style house. Spacious, light well-maintained. Living room, FDR, Eat-inKitchen, Family room w/wbf, powder 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. Semi finished basement, backyard. Well located, Short walk to Metro North. #1155
$950,000
Stately brick three-bedroom colonial set on a hill, surrounded by lovely gardens. Family room, living room with wood burning fire place, formal dining room, breakfast room, 2.5 baths. Balcony off master bedroom. #1211
RIVERDALE’S FINEST CO-OPS & CONDOS
OPEN HOUSES SUNDAY OCTOBER 14 1:30 to 3:30 - Skyview on the Hudson Call 917-612-4297 When Arriving on Premises
24-hour doorman, seasonal pools, health club, tennis and basketball courts, shuttle to Metro North,, playground, dog park all included in maintenance. 5700 Arlington Avenue 19H – renovated 2 bed, 1 bath balcony, river and city views. 9X – 2 bedroom, 1 bath, eat in kitchen, walk-in closet, EIK.
$310,000 $265,000
5900 Arlington Avenue 8C – renovated 2 bed, 2 bath, open kitchen huge, balcony. 7H – renovated 2 bed, 1 bath, balcony, park views. 19D- one bedroom, balcony, great views, lots of bright light. 3S – one bedroom, reno kitchen, balcony east and west exposures. 5M – newly renovated alcove studio private balcony.
$380,000 $300,000 $155,000 $180,000 $170,000
THREE, FOUR, FIVE BEDROOMS ON THE HUDSON – One of a kind, spectacular Hudson River views Floor to ceiling windows in living and dining room. 24 foot terrace. 4/5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, in state of the art condition. Must be seen. Mt: $2,972 Price: $1,400,000 WEST OF PARKWAY – Exclusive – The Linden House – Old world charm in pretigious pre-war building. Decorator designed huge 4/5 bedroom, 3 baths, fdr, sunken living room. Beautiful architectural detail. Mt: $1,730 Price: $875,000
SPUYTEN DUYVIL – New Exclusive – The Winston Churchill Enormous four bedroom four bathroom with oversized rooms, two kitchens, two balconies, extraordinary city, river and bridge views. Doorman, pet friendly, indoor pool and fitness center, c/a/c, parking available. Mt: $2,778 Price: $675,000 WEST OF PARKWAY – New Exclusive - Briar Oaks – Close to all, wonderful space, renovated kitchen with dining area, 2 baths, balcony, pretty views. 24-hour doorman, pet friendly, fitness room on premises. Mt: $1,198 (incl. gas & elec.) Price: $520,000 WEST OF PARKWAY - Co-Exclusive – Conveniently located and near all. This super-sized low floor 3 bedroom, boasts a renovated kitchen and 2 renovated bathrooms. Large and sunny spacious living room, dining area. Mt: $1,300 Price: $449,000
TWO BEDROOMS ON THE HUDSON - New Exclusive – Highpoint – Wide open views water views from the George Washington to the Tappan Zee Bridges. Supersized terrace, book cases, must be seen. Luxury doorman building, pool, private gardens, attended garage available. Mt: $1,362 Price: $610,000 WEST OF PARKWAY – New Exclusive – Independence House – Low floor, huge with 2 baths, windowed eat-in-kitchen, dining area, split bedrooms, balcony, lots of closets, p/t doorman, parking space included. Mt: $1092 Price: $345,000 WEST OF PARKWAY – Exclusive - Manor Towers –Stylishly renovated, sunny living room with wall of windows, 2 baths,
central a/c, abundant closets, luxury building, available parking. Mt: $1,040 Price: $335,000 WEST OF PARKWAY – New Exclusive – Bright and cheerful in a well-maintained low rise building with eat-in kitchen, 2 baths, beautiful floors, near all. Mt: $834 Price: $295,000 VAN CORTLANDT VILLAGE – Exclusive – High floor with balcony, windowed kitchen, lots of light, pretty eastern views, utilities included in maintenance. Mt: $755 (incl. g&e) Price: $239,000
JUNIOR FOURS AND ONE BEDROOMS CENTRAL RIVERDALE – New Exclusive – The Park Ewen – Elegant pre-war one bedroom on the park. Sunken living room, renovated kitchen and bath. Huge space, high ceilings, near subway. Price: $239,000 Mt: $727 SPUYTEN DUYVIL – Exclusive – The Winston Churchill – Bright, large one bedroom with wall up to create second bedroom or home office. Exciting river and city views. Doorman, pet friendly, pool and fitness club included, attended garage. Mt: $902 Price: $225,000 SPUYTEN DUYVIL – Exclusive - The Presidential – One bedroom with newly renovated kitchen, large bedroom with separate dressing alcove, part time doorman, seasonal pool, pet friendly. Price: $165,000 Mt: $589
Susan Baldwin • John J. Brown • Linda Justus • Joan Kuzniar • Elissa Sable • Blanche Baker
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Stewart K. Hackett, President; Kristen M. Hackett, Vice-President