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This page tracks the renovation of our new apartment—an Upper East Side fixer-upper.

Here's what we've done as of (10/24/2026):

  • Bought the apartment and closed on 9/1/2026
  • Moved our furniture in
  • Identified what we wanted to do for the renovation
  • Started working with a contractor (basically a handyman), then broke with him when he went dark for two weeks
  • Started working with another contractor (a fancy Manhattan designer/project manager), then broke with him after three weeks when he refused to negotiate his ridiculous price, which was 4x larger than the handyman's
  • Bought the appliances and the cabinets, figuring we could make up some time if they were waiting in the apartment
  • Arranged to meet with two other contractors on Monday

If you're getting the idea that this will be harder than we thought, you're right.

Here's some context:

  • We’re not rich. We can afford a Manhattan pied-à-terre, which we will use 1 or 2 weeks a month to take advantage of "Manhattan," because we’re retired, we have some savings, we live on Staten Island, and we don't travel much anymore
  • This apartment is largely an asset swap—a pied-à-terre for bonds—with essentially the same after-tax return and risk profile.
  • Our real cost of ownership is the monthly maintenance, which we cover with our savings from reduced travel
  • Our renovation budget comes from the net profit from selling our UWS apartment

Importantly, to keep the time, cost, and complexity of the renovation at a minimum, we decided to limit the scope of the project by not removing any walls and by putting all new appliances, cabinets, toilets, etc. in the same locations as the old, thereby reducing the plumbing and electrical work. Basically, the renovation consists of:

  • Replacing the kitchen appliances, cabinets, counters, floors, and enlarging the pass-through and door openings
  • Replacing the toilets, vanities, tiles, shower/tub doors, and plumbing fixtures in the two bathrooms
  • Building a small office
  • Adding a washer/dryer   

Here are pictures of the purchased apartment:

Here's the floor plan after the renovation

Here's a model with furniture once the renovations are finished:

Here's the work associated with the renovation:

Kitchen
 Remove the old cabinets, counters, sinks, floor tiles, and exhaust fan & cover
 Enlarge the pass-through window and the door
 Level and waterproof the floor and install new tile
 Install 3 recessed ceiling lights
 Install new appliances in the same locations as the old appliances
 Install new piping, sink, faucet, dishwasher, shutoff valve, and exhaust fan & cover
 Install new cabinets
 Measure, purchase, and install 6 pieces of new quartz countertop
 Repair damaged and paint exposed wall surfaces
Office 
 Purchase and install new temporary walls
 Remove cornice from inside the room and install it on the outside wall
 Install new and matching baseboard
 Install French doors and door hardware
 Install 3 recessed ceiling lights
 Install 2 new electrical outlets
 Repair damaged and paint exposed wall and door surfaces
Ensuite Bathroom
 Remove the old toilet, vanity, sink, plumbing fixtures, shower door, exhaust fan & cover, and wall/ceiling/floor tiles 
 Install new pipes, wiring, and 1 recessed waterproof ceiling light above shower
 Install overflow pan and waterproofing as required
 Install and repair wallboard in shower and bathroom
 Install wall tile inside shower enclosure and floor tiles on the shower and bathroom floor
 Create a soap and shampoo caddy inside the shower enclosure  
 Install new toilet, vanity, sink, plumbing fixtures, shower door, and exhaust fan & cover in same locations as old
 Install recessed medicine cabinet above sink
 Install new electrical outlet near sink
 Repair damaged and paint exposed wall surfaces
Main Bathroom
 Remove the old toilet, vanity, sink, plumbing fixtures, tub door, exhaust fan & cover, and wall/ceiling/floorr tiles 
 Install new pipes, wiring, and 1 recessed waterproof ceiling light above tub
 Install overflow pan and waterproofing as required
 Install drain and supply lines for washer/dryer
 Install and repair wallboard in tub and bathroom
 Install wall tile inside tub enclosure, halfway up on bathroom wall, and floor tiles on the bathroom floor  
 Create a soap and shampoo caddy inside the shower enclosure
 Install new toilet, vanity, sink, plumbing fixtures, tub partition, and exhaust fan & cover in same locations as old
 Install recessed medicine cabinet above sink
 Install new electrical outlet near sink
 Repair damaged and paint exposed wall surfaces
Laundry
 Remove shelves
 Install drain and supply lines to washer/dryer and sink location
 Install overflow pan and waterproofing
 Repair and re-tile floors and walls as needed
 Install new shelves appropriate to laundry
 Replace electrical breaker box
 Install wiring and outlets to washer/dryer location
 Install washer/dryer and sink

Here's the stuff we need to buy:

RoomNameSellerManufacturerReferenceQtySFDescription
Kitchencabinet, wallcabinets.comcabinets.comW9421 9x42, 1-door, opens left, left of microwave
Kitchencabinet, wallcabinets.comcabinets.comW27421 27x42, 2-door, above dishwasher
Kitchencabinet, wallcabinets.comcabinets.comW36211 36x21, 2door, above sink
Kitchencabinet, wallcabinets.comcabinets.comW30241 30x24, 2-door, above microwave
Kitchencabinet, wallcabinets.comcabinets.comW36241 36x24, 2-door, above fridge
Kitchencabinet, filler, wallcabinets.comcabinets.comFW330B1 between cabinet over sink and the wall
Kitchencabinet, filler, wallcabinets.comcabinets.comFW339B1 39x3, between fridge and top cabinet
Kitchencabinet, filler, wallcabinets.comcabinets.comFW342B1 between tall cab beside MV and wall
Kitchencabinet, end panelcabinets.comcabinets.comP1342DEPE2 1x42, see plan
Kitchencabinet, sinkcabinets.comcabinets.comBS361 36x34.5, 2-door
Kitchencabinet, basecabinets.comcabinets.comB9FH1 9x34.5, left of stove
Kitchencabinet, basecabinets.comcabinets.comB12DB31 12x34.5, 3-drawer
Kitchencabinet, basecabinets.comcabinets.comB30DB31 30x34.5, 3-drawer
Kitchencabinet, filler, basecabinets.comcabinets.comFB3345B3 see plan
Kitchencabinet, end panelcabinets.comcabinets.comP3247/8DWR DW1 3x34.5, between DW and sink
Kitchencabinet, filler, basecabinets.comcabinets.comFT396B2 see plan
Kitchencabinet, filler, basecabinets.comcabinets.comFT696B1 3.75x96, between fridge and DW
Kitchencabinet, end panelcabinets.comcabinets.comP3078961 6x96, between fridge and wall
Kitchencabinet, end panelcabinets.comcabinets.comP3/4307/896-REF1 0.75x96, cab neaqr stove and wall
Kitchencabinet, toe kickcabinets.comcabinets.comM492-TK2 see plan
Kitchencabinet, leg toocabinets.comcabinets.comALEGTOOL-LIGHT1 see plan
Kitchencabinet, drawer pullWayfairHickory H/wSKU: YMF210118 black, 4 3/16, 3.75 c-to-c, squareish
Kitchentile, floorWayfairVilla LagoonSKU: MXEM2766 40BLACK 8x8 Kenzo Square Matte Porcelain
Kitchentile, floorWayfairVilla LagoonSKU: MXEM2766 40WHITE 8x8 Kenzo Square Matte Porcelain
Kitchentile, saddleWayfairEnyibathEN252YI60WH-BE641 White Cararra, 4x60 / 2 for ALL 4 thresholds
Kitchentile grout     WHITE 1/8" wide (use stain resistant grout)
KitchensinkWayfairKrausKWU110-321 STAINLESS STEEL, 32x19x10.5, Kore-32, undermnt
KitchenfaucetWayfairKrausKPF-2820SFS1 STAINLESS STEEL, 16 5/8" tall, Oletto line, 1-handle
Kitchensoap dispenserWayfairKrausKSD-53SFS1 STAINLESS STEEL, boden soap dispenser
KitchenrefrigeratorPC RichardsThermador refrigerator1 STAINLESS STEEL, 36x72, Fr door, counter-depth
KitchenrangePC RichardsThermador PRG304WH1 STAINLESS STEEL, 30", 4-burner, Gas
KitchendishwasherPC RichardsThermador DWHD640EFP1 STAINLESS STEEL, 24"
KitchenmicrowavePC RichardsThermador MU30WSU1 STAINLESS STEEL, 30"
KitchenBackspashWayfairVenfanSKU: KNFA10231 STAINLESS STEEL, 29.5" sq
OfficeFrench doorsWayfairSartodoorsSKU: SRTD13621 WHITE, 48x80, wood, 12-pane (frame needs assembly)
Es BathtoiletWayfairDeer ValleyPart #: DV-1F05721 WHITE,Chrome actuator,18x24,round,1-pce
Es BathfaucetWayfairMoenart #: 68031 CHROME, 1-Handle 1-Hole w/Drain
Es BathshowerheadWayfairMoenPart #: 3669EP1 CHROME, Handheld Shower w hose & Slide Bar
Es Bathshower trimWayfairMoenPart #: T21911 CHROME, Tub and Shower Handle Trim Kit
Es Bathshower valveWayfairMoenPart #: 25101 Connection Pressure Balancing Valve
Es Bathshower drainWayfairDeltaPart #: DT0624121 CHROME, Tile-In Shower Drain
Es Bathshower doorWayfairDeltaPart #: SDPV09CH32721 CHROME, 32" (requires 10" wall or glass panel to close opening)
Es BathVanityWayfairEbern DesignsSKU: ECLF25711 WHITE+off white, 24x17.7, wall mtd, w/sink top
Es Bathtile, floorWayfairES StoneSKU: IOSH1188137WHITE w/ GRAY Basketweave for BOTH shower and room floors
Es Bathtile, wallWayfairAcklandSKU: SOST2945180BLUE, 4x8 Subway tile for SHOWER enclosure
Es Bathshower caddyWayfairTransolidSKU: SBUB11211 WHITE, 14x14x3.75, in-shower niche storage
Es Bathmedicine cabinetWayfairOrren EllisSKU: W1008245021 CHROME trimmed, recessed into wall
Mn BathtoiletWayfairDeer ValleyPart #: DV-1F05721 WHITE,CHROME actuator,18x24,round,1-pce
Mn BathfaucetWayfairMoenart #: 68031 CHROME, 1-Handle 1-Hole w/Drain
Mn BathshowerheadWayfairMoenPart #: 3669EP1 CHROME, Handheld Shower w hose & Slide Bar
Mn Bathshower trimWayfairMoenPart #: T21911 CHROME, Tub and Shower Handle Trim Kit
Mn Bathshower valveWayfairMoenPart #: 25101 Connection Pressure Balancing Valve
Mn Bathtub drainWayfairMoenPart #: T903311 CHROME, Push-N-Lock Metal Tub Drain Kit
Mn BathVanityWayfairEbern DesignsSKU: ECLF25711 WHITE+off white, 24x17.7, wall mtd, w/sink top
Mn Bathtile trimWayfairTenedosSKU: TNED10101 WHITE Carrara Marble beveled Threshold 5x60 for top of tub side
Mn Bathtile, floorWayfairSupreme Tilefloor125WHITE, 2.6x7.9, Borgo Subway, Pol Porcelain F&W
Mn Bathtile, wallWayfairSupreme Tilewall & tub1160WHITE 3x6 subway for BOTH bath and room (wainscoting height)
Mn Bathtile, trimWayfairES StoneSKU: IOSH102120 WHITE Cararra Marble 12x.75 Pencil Trim
Mn Bathshower caddyWayfairTransolidSKU: SBUB11211 WHITE, 14x14x3.75, niche storage
Mn Bathmedicine cabinetWayfairOrren EllisSKU: W1008245021 CHROME trimmed, recessed into wall
Mn Bathtub partitionWayfairGlass WarehousePart #: B-F-RAD-30-MB1 CHROME, Solaris 30x58 Frameless Clear Fixed Single Panel
LRframed TVPC RichardsSamsungLS03FW1 65" Framed TV
LRsoundbarPC RichardsLGS7TR1 3.1.1 channel soundbar
2nd BRtwin XL bedWayfairEhsineSKU: ESHN10811 mattress and adjustable frame
2nd BRdeskWayfairInbox ZeroSKU: W1118051631 adjustable desk 23.Zavira 6x55
2nd BRdesk chairWayfairInbox ZeroSKU: ISDO10391 b&t chair w/ adjustable arm rests
Officemurphy bedWayfairLark ManorSKU: MBXL86491 horozontal, queen (Nana has issues w/this)
LaundryWasher/dryerPC RichardGEtbd1 White
LaundrySinkWayfairtbdtbd1 White

 

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Welcome to Fingerboard-Productions.com.

I built this website to make it easy to get to OneDrive, where the Fingerboard collection of more than 60,000 photos and videos is stored. Over time, I added pages for family news, family trees, and notable deeds. Last year, as therapy for my severe case of TDS, I added a blog called "spouting off" and have been doing so ever since.

Regarding my opinions... Churchill once said, "These, Gentlemen, are the opinions on which I base my facts." I admit to sometimes representing opinions as facts, but there's very little danger in doing this with Trump. His shenanigans are so over the top that a few opinion v. fact slips hardly matter. As for the number of people who are reading these opinions, according to my hit-counter, this website gets about 60 visitors a day. Most of these are bots, but some are real people. To those visitors who want to respond or make a comment, please use email. To those who are Trump supporters, like many of our friends and neighbors, and are bothered by my comments, I respectfully suggest you find someone worthy of your admiration or, like me, just subscribe to what Ann Landers said, "At age 20, we worry about what others think of us. At age 40, we don't care what they think of us. At age 60, we discover they haven't been thinking of us at all." I would add that at age 80, we're just happy that we can have concerns about any of this.

By the way, the pictures are me at 20 and 80.

Regarding security... Given that the site is getting 60 visits a day and that some of them are internet morons and knucle draggers, I've decided to password protect the Onedrive pictures and videos. Let me know if you need access.  I've also edited other links on the site to limit access to a particular video or photo album.

Regarding cellphones... I've tried to make it easy to use the site on a cellphone, but there's no getting around the fact that there is less screen space on a cellphone. If you typically use a cellphone to access this website, you might want to add it to your homepage. Just use Safari to open www.Fingerboard-Productions.com, tap the share icon (the box with the up arrow), scroll down to the bottom, and select "add to home screen".

Jim (jim.caldarella@gmail.com)