Urban Remodeling Checklist

When you watch TV or check out magazines about home improvement, it’s easy to think that everybody lives, works, and remodels in the suburbs–unless you’re watching the Urban Oasis or Home By Novogratz. Yet, for all the custom homes, backyard decks, and bathrooms I have ever read about or scoped out on TV, it would seem there are at least that many—if not more—in our nation’s rowhouses, walk-ups, and urban neighborhoods. And I’ve remodeled my fair share of them, which is why when I approach a city job, I have to go through my Urban Remodeling Checklist—things to think about when lots sizes drop to 1/8 acre and less.

• Parking: where am I going to park? Do I need permits? What side of the street, what day? Can I leave a trailer somewhere on site?
• Deliveries: Where can a lumber truck pull-up and unload? Or can one?
• Trash: ditto for a dumpster roll-off or pick-up. Is there a place for one? What’s more, will I come to the jobsite and find it full of someone else’s trash? (this is one of the reasons I’m digging using Waste Management’s The Bagster. You can literally unfold the bag and put it out as you’re filling it to short circuit this phenomenon.
• Trash Pick-Up: Will the city take construction debris? If so, how much?
• Moving Materials: Let’s just put it this way, lugging sheets of drywall up a 5 floor walk-up…I should have brought more help. Budget for that.
• Budget an extra half day or more on some sites just to bring your tools in and out.
• Water shut-offs: Believe it or not, I have seen entire buildings have to be shut off to install a new kitchen. There was no shut-off in the apartment. It’s not a common occurrence, but it happens and being ready is the key.
• Tool set-ups: For big projects in occupied homes, find the best place for a tool set-up. If it’s inside, go the extra mile to create good dust protection. An air-cleaner will save you a lot of aggravation.

There are other tips, but these are top of mind when I go downtown.