• Home
• About Us
• Services
  • Remodeling
    • Bathroom Remodeling
    • Basement Remodeling
    • Kitchen Remodeling
    • Room Additions
    • Complete Home Renovation
  • Replacement Windows
  • Vinyl siding
  • Roofing
  • Fire Restoration
  • Dormers
  • Attic Energy Barriers
• Home Tips
• Testimonials
• CONTACT

Home

Get An In Home Consultation
 

Name *

Phone *

Email *

Description*

 We Accept The Following
Financing is Available Through Third Party
Lenders.

Tool School

You may have lots of tools for particular projects that you use infrequently, and they can be kept in a garage or workroom. But having basic tools handy in your living area makes it much more convenient to do simple home repairs.  There are a multitude of projects any New York City homeowner can tackle with a little guidance, but of course for more advanced projects such as an extensive kitchen remodel, it is always advisable to call your New York City remodeling contractor.

You might keep these basic tools in a hall closet, a kitchen drawer, or in a handy tool box or plastic box on a shelf in the entry or mudroom.

It doesn’t really matter where you keep them, as long as they’re easy to get at for quick home repairs. You’ll save lots of inconvenient trips out to the garage or down to the basement.

Your in-home basic tool kit should include these basic do-it-yourself items.

Tape Measure
You may not think you need one, but a 25-foot measuring tape will work for most jobs. Whether you measure for a tablecloth or window treatment or a whole room for new flooring, choose one large enough to easily measure your New York City home’s spaces. A second smaller tape of 6 to 12 feet can be put in a pocket or purse for shopping trips or for hanging pictures.

Screwdrivers
Two basic screwdrivers are a necessity. Choose both a good quality flat head screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver in a medium size. A set of tiny screwdrivers will come in handy when you need to tighten a pair of eyeglasses or fix audio or computer equipment.

Pliers
One pliers will not do. Get a small assortment in various sizes and shapes. You’ll use a needle-nose pliers most frequently, but have a heavy grooved pliers for removing nails or large staples. Wire cutting pliers are good for wiring and craft jobs.

Level
You get what you pay for here. It’s important to get an accurate level for accurate positioning. A good sturdy level will last a lifetime. (These are also called “torpedo levels” due to shapes of the tapered ends.) A level is a must for straightening up pictures, drilling holes in a level line, checking tabletop alignment, or mounting towel bars perfectly.

Hammer
Whether you’re hanging pictures or putting shelf supports up, a medium weight hammer will cover most New York City household jobs. Consider other sizes if you’ll be doing either delicate projects or construction.

Vice Grip
This tool resembles a pliers, but has a locking mechanism that grips and holds things tightly. Use it to grip a screw you want to remove or use two to twist sticky things apart. They provide a slip-free hold when you need it.

Assortment of Nails and Screws
You might find prepackaged sets of basic sizes at your New York City home center or get a small divided box and put together a custom assortment that will come in handy when you hang pictures or make minor repairs.

Wire Cutters
Save your scissors with this essential tool. A wire cutter makes it easy to snip wire for crafts, electrical repairs, and other household projects.

Pencils
You’ll probably need to mark a drill hole or record a measurement. Have pencils handy and write on post it notes or bits of blue painter’s tape if you don’t want to write on the wall.

Blue Painter’s Tape
Even professional painters use this tape to mask off areas they don’t want to paint. It’s available in several widths and looks like plain masking tape. But this special tape is blue and can be removed from most surfaces without damage. You can use it for other household jobs besides painting. Mark stud locations with a small square when hanging a picture or installing molding. Tape off the edges of a door frame when painting a wall, or tape down runners of heavy kraft paper to protect floors from dirt and scratches when moving.

Article Source:  http://interiordec.about.com/od/careandrepair/a/org_toolkits.htm

If you are looking for a New York remodeling contractor for any type of home improvements, please call us today at 800-444-4923 or complete our online form.

8 Questions for the Prospective Roofer

When you are ready to install a new roof on your Westchester County home you should always prepare a list of questions to ask your Westchester County exterior remodeling contractor before your scheduled appointments. There are many different styles of roofing materials, so you should take some time, and look online for the roofing type you want on your home.

What Are The Questions To Ask The Roofing Contractor?

1. What Type Of Roofing Materials Do You Sell?
2. What Type Of Insurance Do You Have?
3. Do You Have Any References?
4. How Many People Will Be On The Crew?
5. How Long Have You Been In Business?
6. How Long Will This Roof Installation Take?
7. What Is Your Workmanship Guarantee?
8. Does My Home Need Additional Ventilation?

What Are The Different Roofing Types?

There are several roofing materials from asphalt roofing, steel or metal roofing, ceramic roofing, and single ply rubber roofing. Most Westchester County homes have either asphalt or metal roofing panels as the roofing products, and on the flat roofs like dormers single ply rubber is also used. In tropical regions, ceramic or terracotta roofing materials might be used. All of these products are great for waterproofing, and are very easy to find information about online.

What Roofing Materials Are Best?

In different parts of the country, roofing materials will change because of weather conditions. In Maine people use a lot of steel roofs because of the heavy snow fall. In Florida the choice of roofing is tile because of the heat, and asphalt shingles are used all over the country. There are also special asphalt roofing shingles for high winds along the coast, and flat line wind storms like in North Dakota and surrounding areas.

What Insurance Is Required For Roofers?

As you can understand, roofing is a very dangerous job, and not all liability insurance is the same. Roofing liability insurance is usually about 200 percent more than basic carpenter liability insurance, and excludes roofing completely. I have seen many insurance binders over the years from roofer who has only purchased basic carpenter type liability insurance, and when a problem occurs, the homeowner will not be protected or covered under this type of policy. As a Westchester County homeowner, you need to have the insurance company send you a copy in the mail with your name on the binder, and make sure that the policy includes roofing.

The next insurance that your Westchester County roofing contractor should have is workman’s compensation insurance, and this is where you could lose your home if someone is killed or seriously injured. In most homeowners insurance policy’s it is clearly stated, that anyone you hire to perform work on said property must have workman’s compensation insurance. And you are responsible to make sure that they have this workman’s compensation insurance before you hire them to start the work on your home.

What Should I Need For Ventilation?

The reason a home should have ventilation is to remove the moisture from the home. Prove fact is that each person in the home permeates about 3 gallons of water a day. From showers, to cooking, and breathing water vapor is created and need to be able to leave the property. One of the largest reasons is to allow the attic to breath, and remove all the excess heat from the attic. Roofing manufactures want the attic to be the same temperature as the outside at all times. This adds life to the roofing materials but also helps you save money on your heating, and cooling cost.

How Many Estimates Should I Get?

You should get at least 3 roofing estimate from reputable Westchester County roofing contractors to ensure the size of the roof, and compare the roofing materials, and pricing. Caution, do not only make your decision on the price, and you as the home owner must assume some of the responsibility if you insist the contractor lowers his price in which he cannot possibly by the materials, and supply the necessary labor to complete the job correctly. To do the job right the roofing contractor will need to pay for the materials and insurance then hire qualified installers to effectively complete the roofing work. Plus the roofing contractor will need to pay for his tools, equipment, and his vehicles plus additional over-head to manage the job correctly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Deschaine

If you are looking for a New York remodeling contractor for any type of home improvements, please call us today at 800-444-4923 or complete our online form.

Don’t Put Your Ex-Entertainment Center Out to Pasture Just Yet

Nearly every New York City resident has an entertainment center that is not necessary with the current flat screen televisions. Many have had their living rooms remodeled and the once useful piece of furniture is now too bulky and in the way. What do you do with this large piece of furniture now? The obvious solution is to donate it, but if you can re-purpose your entertainment center, you might find the piece useful still. Your New York City remodeling contractor can also share with you a wealth of ideas for re-purposing furniture that may not fit with the current look of your living or family room.

Consider where the piece is now; if it no longer suits its current location, look around and see where it might fit with a new purpose. A hallway near the bathroom might have enough space for the unit as a linen closet, once it is painted. The large opening once used for the old style television can be fitted with shelves for folded linens, towels or even bulky blankets.

If you have a guest room in your New York City home and could use some extra storage space, your entire entertainment cabinet could serve as an extra closet or a great place to store all those photo albums you have in closets and drawers.

Some entertainment units can be broken down into separate pieces that you can find a good use for in separate rooms. Children always need space for their stuff; why not consider the unit in a bedroom. This is a great place to experiment with a pop of color.

The center area where the TV once stood could be fitted with a flat panel, hollow core door and a file cabinet or small cabinet to support the end and it becomes a great study area or a New York City home office with lots of storage space. This peninsula style desk, could provide a place for two people to use the desk simultaneously.

Painted or stained, with doors removed or left in place, panels fitted with colorful fabric or interesting glass can breathe new life into an old piece. Add some pretty wallpaper or a great graphic design in the large open space for high impact design. The unit can store decorative pieces, or a collection of vases, candlesticks or artwork.

If you have a covered area outside at your New York City home, your old unit could serve as a garden center with a potting space–a great place to store all your necessary small garden tools, seed packets, extra pots and your notebook of garden ideas.

Think with purpose in mind as you consider what to do with this useful piece. Remember that with cabinet doors and shelves, there are lots of other uses for an entertainment center, and perhaps you can save it from the New York City landfill.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_A_Hammond

Gotham Builders of New York specializes in all home remodeling and improvement needs for your New York home. If you are looking for a complete home renovation, or even just a garage door, we can help. Speak to one of our expert consultants.

Home Sweet Home – Why Not Keep It That Way?

I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up!

The functionality of floor tiles is really important in rooms such as your Staten Island kitchen and bathroom where there is likely to be spillages, water and children running around. The functionality of floor tiles is really important, but the design and style are equally important in giving the homeowner the best of both worlds. The other important factor is the ease of cleaning and maintaining floor tiles especially in high traffic and busy areas. The idea of non-slip floor tiles is that they are practical, easy to clean and  look good all at once. Consider having tiles of the non-slip variety installed when planning your kitchen remodel.

Ceramic floor tiles are an ideal solution for non-slip floors with the added bonus of having fantastic design, color and style choice. Ceramic tiles are made from clay and the concept  is an old one that has used for centuries as a floor tile solution.  Ceramic floor tiles that are the non-slip variety have textured surfaces, rough surfaces and unglazed surfaces. Ceramic floor tiles are very often sealed to protect them further from damage and they will last for years and years. There are many ways ceramic floor tiles can be installed in different design patterns to make your floor tile design unique, and they come in many designs to suit any Staten Island home, whether it be traditional, contemporary or a modern setting.

Porcelain tiles are also a very good non-slip floor tile solution; they are an incredibly hard, durable tile that is extremely strong and ideal for high traffic areas.  Non-slip porcelain floor tiles are often found in large commercial settings such as shopping centers where having a non-slip surface is paramount. Porcelain non-slip floor tiles are ideal for busy areas within the Staten Island home such as the kitchen, and they come in a wide range of styles and designs to give exclusive finishes.

Some natural stone floor tiles are also non-slip and are also available for kitchen and bathroom areas. Slate floor tiles give the Staten Island homeowner a real design feature and slate floor tiles are available in many styles and colors. Slate floor tiles will really bring a natural look into the Staten Island home and make a statement all their own.  Again slate floor tiles have been used for many years as a flooring solution and they are incredibly strong and durable and easy to clean and maintain.

Many Staten Island homeowners don’t want to change their floor tiles and are quite happy with the material, design and style of their floor tiles but they are not non-slip, which isn’t practical. Existing floor tiles can be treated with a chemical to ensure they are non-slip.  There are many floor tiles that can be treated to provide a non-slip surface and homeowners can apply this treatment independently or they can employ their Staten Island remodeling contractor to ensure the job is done professionally. Having the job done professionally will ensure the floor tiles are treated properly and will provide a good all round non-slip environment.

If you are replacing floor tiles or installing them as a new build, Staten Island homeowners should give some thought to non-slip finishes at the earliest opportunity. Discuss the various options with your Staten Island remodeling contractor, who will guide you in choosing the most appropriate non-slip tile to fit your needs.  The homeowner then has the opportunity to install non-slip tiles from the beginning.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/floor-tiles-and-non-slip-varieties-5335016.html

If you are looking for a New York remodeling contractor for any type of home improvements, please call us today at 800-444-4923 or complete our online form.

Become a Tile-0-Phile

It’s almost inevitable that you will have leftover tile after your Staten Island remodeling contractor has completed a bathroom remodeling or kitchen remodeling project. And, since you can’t just return them to the store, you’re stuck with the odd angles, shards, and full squares of tiles that remain. Before you drag them to the curb, tap into your inner-artist, and repurpose them in one of these easy, fun, and even functional art pieces.

1. If they’re small enough and colorful, use leftover tile pieces in a mosaic that can form an eye-catching centerpiece for a tile backsplash to adorn your Staten Island kitchen,  a fireplace mantel, or become its own work of stationary art. No matter what size the leftover tile pieces, you can easily break them down to mosaic-friendly pieces by placing them over a concrete slab and under a dishcloth. Then take a hammer, and smash away, right in the center. This is also a good way to let out any lingering frustrations over your original tiling project.

2. If the tile pieces are larger and smooth, lay them as an outdoor walkway or use them as steppingstones. Slate, natural stone, and even marble will look great in your Staten Island garden, and can even embellish fence borders.

3. Using superglue, leftover square tile can be repurposed as unique flowerpots. Just remember to drill a hole in the bottom for drainage!

4. Leftover tile perfectly adds spunk to an existing or ruined wooden furniture top! Choose your design – a mosaic, or whatever shape your leftover tile forms – and draw it out on your coffee tabletop, kitchen island, end table, or potting bench. Sand down the surface to remove any existing finish. Break down the tile to small chunks, if they aren’t already small, and make sure the pieces that you lay are the same thickness. Caulk your pieces one by one into the wood, starting on the outside and working inwards, following the design you laid out. Add grout and let the surface dry. Use a tile scrubber to clean and add a glaze to prevent staining. Behold, your new art masterpiece!

5. If you have children, big square tile makes a great at-home arts and crafts project. Add paper, shapes, and embellishments with mod podge. Or paint the tiles directly with original artwork or handprints. You can arrange the artwork around your Staten Island home.

6. Donate the extra tile to your child’s art teachers or local Staten Island artists; both may appreciate tile scrap donations for their own work. Some Goodwill or Salvation Army stores accept large donations of leftover tile for other deal scavengers to repurpose in their homes.

7. Leftover tile can also make great drink coasters. Just put some chair-felt pads on the bottom, sand any hard edges, and you’re ready for guests and cold beverages.

8. If you have leftover peel-and-stick vinyl tiles, these can transform into flair almost anywhere in your Staten Island home. For example, in the bathroom, peel away as many as you like, place them at a “diamond” angle, and affix a hook to the tile. Now, you can hang towels, hair rubber bands, or other décor. In the kitchen, do the same for potholders, utensils, or handy keys.

Always err on the side of caution when purchasing tile: it’s much better to end up with extra then to run out early. Plus, tile breaks in shipping and you can cut incorrectly. If you end up with leftovers (which you will), just dip into your artistic side and spice up your Staten Island home with material right at your fingertips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Youri_Naimark

If you are looking for a New York remodeling contractor for any type of home improvements, please call us today at 800-444-4923 or complete our online form.

A Lot is Hinging on Your Kitchen Cabinetry

ROI for Remodeling in 2012

People often refer to home remodeling as one of the best investments you can make. It’s a great way to update your New York home and keep up with growing trends or a growing family. The best part is, you usually get most of it back when you sell your home. The kitchen and the bathroom were always the shining example of this. But in 2010-2011 the trend for remodeling projects with the highest Return On Investment (ROI) have shifted from larger home remodels, to smaller home improvement projects. These projects include new exterior paint, window replacement and door replacement, or garage replacements.

A high ROI an New York homeowner could expect on a kitchen remodel used to be 75-85%. However, according to this year’s Cost vs. Value report that assess home remodeling projects from various regions all around the country, the ROI for a typical kitchen remodel has dropped to 57% for 2011. This is as much as a 30% decrease over the last 5 years. The drop does seem to be bottoming out, which is a sign that the housing market may be as well. But with such a significant drop, it can be easy to understand why your New York home remodeling contractor may be experiencing a decrease in kitchen remodels.

Conversely, contractors may be experiencing more work in the home improvement spectrum. Replacement projects typically outperform remodeling projects  due to their relatively low cost (a replacement project is any remodeling project completed under $18,000). One of the best replacement projects an New York homeowner can do for their home is a window and door replacement. According to the Cost vs. Value report, a window and door replacement can return over 70% of the cost, 13% higher than kitchen remodel’s ROI. New windows and doors are considered a valuable replacement project because there have been numerous advancement in window and door technology, specifically advancements in energy efficiency. This is especially appealing to homeowners because more efficient windows and doors can lower utility bills, which is a huge plus in this market. It might seem obvious that the value of saving money has wide appeal, but it wasn’t too long ago that double ovens and Hummers were in fashion.

Home remodeling and the housing market have slowed down, but there are optimistic signs that things are getting better. According the “Housing 360″ report by Hanley Wood, about 42% of homeowners feel that it’s a good time to remodel their homes. For homeowner’s with a higher income of $100,000 or more, the statistic increases to 56%. The lack of credit still makes it hard for New York homeowners to buy new homes or renovate their existing homes. But recently, people have been watching their money closely and been able to provide the money for their home remodeling projects with cash. In fact, 80% of homeowners use cash for remodeling their home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Pankow

If you are looking for a New York remodeling contractor for any type of home improvements, please call us today at 800-444-4923 or complete our online form.

New York Home Renovation: Bathroom Remodeling Considerations

If you are thinking about renovating your bathroom, redecoration and painting probably can come to your mind. These are just a few things that you can do and there are others that you may likely consider. New York Bathroom remodeling adds value to a home. Whether your goal for the renovation is saving money or environmental responsibility, properly remodeling your bathroom can make you feel satisfied.

For many people, the bathroom is their place of solitude, hygiene, relaxation and health. Several building material vendors are selling remodeling stuff made of different materials. If you are just in search for some affordable improvements, consider your bathroom space and storage. You can look to the cabinet space and think if you can add shelving. Is it hard to reach the towel? Is it so cold in the bathroom or do you lose things within the closet? These are just a few things that you can easily tweak for a little investment shopping on a weekend at a home improvement store.

If you do are not thinking about changing your bathroom’s infrastructure, some good projects to complete are the floor tile, countertops, wall tile and fixtures. A few things you may consider in making changes are trend and longevity. It is enticing to go with what is new during renovation venture but keep in mind that a trend will always be a trend. Having a bronze colored faucet is a good idea but if you do not feel like redoing this kind of New York bathroom remodeling project once every ten (10) to twenty (20) years, opt for standard choices that have trendy accents.

You may wish to go for a neutral countertop with a selection of wood that can last long while accenting it with bronze fixtures. You can also change things like knobs, faucets, mirrors and paint colors to make your bathroom looks different and have a new feel. The floor tiles and cabinets must be selected for longevity. If you have much time and budget, you may fully remodel your bathroom into a luxurious one. You may have your lavatories mimic those that can give you spa like experience with relaxation elements, steam rooms, heated floors, cascading water fixtures, jet tubs and many more.

These are just some New York bathroom remodeling ideas that you may want to consider. Whether you have little or more time, much or tight budget, you can always find ways to remodel your bathroom and have the kind that will surely add beauty to your home.

Save Money With A Westchester Attic Radiant Barrier

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5661234

2007-2009 Gotham Builders
203- 20 Rocky Hill Road
Bayside, NY 11361
Telephone: 800-444-4923
Fax: 718-279-9464
LICENSED IN WESTCHESTER #WC-10430-H99
LICENSED IN NEW YORK CITY #0916825
LICENSED IN NASSAU #H18D7530000
LICENSED IN SUFFOLK #33207-H
Terms | Sitemap | Resources | Service Area | Employment Opportunities | Referral Program
Commercial Replacement Windows | New Construction | Masonry | Gutter Guards |Handyman

Areas We Service in New York

New York | Brooklyn | Queens | Bronx | Staten Island | Westchester County | Nassau County | Suffolk County | NYC