Harold is a tough bargainer, able to use heavy machinery, and has high-end tastes in interior design. He also is very clear about his goals. Harold lives in a small studio apartment in the West Village that he recently purchased for well under market value.
It is a classic, non-descript, 60's era Manhattan apartment for which he has grand plans. In an effort to reflect New York in all its urban glory, he has chosen to renovate the apartment with a focus on glass, metal and stone.
Together with a small Design-Build firm, he has drafted a plan for the apartment that depends upon the demo of the bathroom and kitchen as well as a couple of walls. In order to cut costs, Harold has done all the leg work securing materials and is now well under way in doing all the demolition, himself.
House Tour: Week #1
In total, Harold has spent about 25 hours demolishing the apartment, 12 hours working with the design-build firm and countless hours hunting and gathering supplies on the internet at www.stonesource.com and www.homeclick.com; and in the brick and mortar world, at Grainger. It was at the latter--a New York appliance institution--where I met Harold. We both found ourselves staring at a beautiful Kitchen Aid gas range, trying to decide if it was more or less beautiful than the Bosch.
In terms of his apartment, Harold knows what he likes and is willing to be patient to achieve it. He says he is being "Zen about it" and not succumbing to the permanent state of stress usually associated with a major renovation.
Harold has detailed intentions that include tempered glass walls, a slate bathtub, a media center/work space built into a wall closet, and much much more. As the work progresses, AT will be there to see how close Harold gets to achieving his ideal of perfection in 500 sqft of New York real estate. Super Sleuth: Jill
Is he living there through the reno?
Looks like he sleeps there but otherwise lives out of the house... He's far braver than I am. I'm glad he enjoys renovation, because otherwise, he's a great candidate for one of those home-improvement rescue shows.
I feel sorry for his poor dog having to live with all that noise, mess and commotion. It's unavoidable in the midst of renovation I'm sure, but poor doggy. Has he set any timetable for completion?