Good ideas book or site(s)

And, to piggy back on the OP's question, does anyone know of a really, really good general contractor??

OP here. Seems you gotta moan about brokers or trumpet the collapse of the RE market to get a response around here...

watch HGTV.

The HGTV web page has a link to SMALL SPACES. I learned a lot about using walls etc.

If you just google the process you're interested in you msy find something. Doesn't Bob Vila have a website?

bobvila.com

HarperCollins has a division called Collins|Design which publishes great books. Their "Good Ideas" series has several books which are great if you are looking for inspiration/design. In particular Small Spaces, Bathrooms, Lofts and Lofts 2 are all great and germain to NYC. Harper Design International, another of their divisions publishes some great books. Tererence Conran has several...The Essential House Book and another about small spaces.

If you want to do the work yourself, Home Depot has a bunch of do-it-yourself titles. Obviously you shouldn't do plumbing and electric, as that's not legal in NYC, and for good reasons.

I would second Terrence Conran's books, I think he has one on small space living. Also, if you like a clean modern look with lots of built-ins, I would highly recommend the British Elle Decor, and LivingEtc magazines. The europeans do a wonderful design job, esp in tight London spaces. B&N/Borders usually carry those magazines.

OP here -- Thanks for the suggestions! I'll watch some HGTV when I get a chance, and I'm checking out the books on Amazon.

#9-- I've got a killer DIY book you can borrow. Think its Black & Decker. Are you hot? ; )