Painting and floors

I'd like to make a pitch for you to think differently. In all likelihood, you will only refinish the floors and paint the walls once. Rather than get a sloppy job that will drive you nuts for the next 5.3 years, aim to get it right.
The cost of the supplies for both jobs is probably about $1,200. Personally, I'd rather do it myself than hire a monkey who will splatter and paint over electrical plates.

if the floors have only minor scratches, they may not need to be completely refinished and sanded down. I had some floors screened, so the surface was lightly sanded and re-coated. Much less dust. Also, depending on the current finish, you could have other options. Do not consider sanding the floor yourself. It is very easy to make a costly mistake.

Hi Dfean,

I just saw your post and wanted to recommend my contractor. He is really, really good and trustworthy. He did a wonderful job with my apartment. He re-did floors, painted entirely and renovated 2 bathrooms. ALWAYS on time, on budget and really, really nice to work with.

I asked him what he thought a job like yours would cost..and (without seeing your place) he gave me an estimate of $1575 for the floors and $2375 for the painting. ($3925) This includes the cost of the paint-all Benjamin Moore. (I don't know if that is typical for contractors to include the paint costs..but given the cost of the paint..it sounds like a good price to me.)

Feel free to contact me for his information, if you haven't found anyone yet. My info is tracy5760@gmail.com.

Good luck on your new place. 14 foot ceilings-sounds great!

Be kind to your neighbors and ensure you carpet.

Tracy: stop spamming. It can't be that your contractor unless he's near and dear to you, is on-hand 24/7 to provide estimates.

Wow..you must be a contractor looking for work. And..yes..my contractor is "near and dear to me"..and will provide free estimates. Karma, nyc10023. Try it! It works to refer others..it's all positive energy!

Good luck with your business.

Tracy: Huh? How am I a contractor looking for work? It's fine to refer others, if it's truly arm's length and you had a great experience.

And I would be suspicious of ANY contractor giving quotes within $25 sight unseen and not knowing anything about the building.

tracy - just so you understand - nyc10023 probably has had more experience renovating apartments for own use in NY than almost anyone else on the SE board (nyc 3 times? 4 times?) - her questioning of your posts made a lot of sense. Such fervent declarations did come across as your being somehow "involved" with this contractor, and not arm's length. And I also agree with nyc10023 that for a contractor to give estimates without even looking at the property involved IS suspicious.

Not to mention that just based on my very casual perusal of the SE boards, I've seen your glowing endorsement of this contractor for multiple projects-- it just seems suspicious. i was actually thinking of emailing you for his name until I read the 3rd or 4th gushing review.

So funny..I was just trying to give back to this contractor who did a great job for me and several friends. He also helped a disabled friend tremendously (by charging slightly over cost)with some renovations to his apartment. (To gain better accessibility.) Yes, I am giving him fervent and gushing reviews..in any place I can. I am NOT a contractor, I am NOT married to a contractor, etc. I took 2 hours of my time yesterday..to respond to some inquiries regarding contractors. If it helps him and others at the same time-not sure why anyone is bothered.

As far as estimates, this contractor gave general estimates based on the posts I read to him. Of course he can't give exact quotes unless he sees the project.

Now...I have to get back to my real job..but best to all.

OH, kiz10014..the reason I wrote "3 or 4 gushing reviews" on this site was because I wasn't sure how the board worked. I've never used it. I didn't know if one general post would be read..or if I had to go into each thread. Not really a blog(?) person!

No problem, but you must understand people's antennae are up and always on the look out for a scam esp on these boards