A routine window update grew into a total exterior restoration in this happy (that’s right!) home renovation tale
by Amanda McCoy • photos by alex barreto
Over this past summer, Carroll Gardens resident Thomas Livia decided to make a few small cosmetic updates to his century-old home. The building, which had been in his family for 15 years, had a sprinkling of mismatched brick on the front façade, was in need of a fresh coat of paint, and harbored aged and antiquated windows. He began his renovations with the latter items, and sent an inquiry to neighborhood window specialists, Window Fix. They sent out an expert by the name of Ernie Cappello to take preliminary measurements and get a basic idea of Livia’s needs.
But after a brief visit and inspection, Cappello discovered that Livia had more pressing issues at hand than outdated windows and divergent brickwork. The building’s lintels (the structural horizontal blocks that span vertical supports, such as those of doors or windows) were corroded and sagging, and needed to be repaired quickly…before the entire façade broke away.
The news was more than a mild inconvenience. Both Livia’s personal and professional life occupies the duplex, as his family resides on the top two floors, while his marketing research firm, RRU Research (which he operates with his sister, Maryanne), inhabits the ground-level office. But rather than merely bearing updates, Cappello offered assistance that extended beyond panes of glass. He helped his client find skilled and affordable specialists in every area of need. “Ernie not only shared his expertise, but also contacts” said Livia. “I needed an architect, and he recommended one. I needed to hire a scaffolding company, and Ernie helped me with a company he knows. I also needed new air conditioners in the wall on the front of the building. Ernie happened to be looking into the same thing for his office, and helped me find an AC company.”
The project, begun in July, encompassed structural reinforcement, new windows, updated brick, and flower boxes around each window. The born-and-raised Brooklynite now enjoys compliments from neighbors on the aesthetic of his building’s fresh look, but recognizes that it could have all gone so differently…
“I got lucky. If you’re doing anything substantial, I advise getting multiple quotes—at the very least three,” Livia advised. “I got a range, and they varied dramatically; for example, I was quoted $10,000 and $17,000 for the exact same thing. So do your research, but be careful, because I also found that cheaper price sometimes means cheaper work.”
Other contractor finding and planning tips:
• Check the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (nari.org) for recommendations in your area, but also consider asking local lenders, real estate agents, and material suppliers.
• Meet first. Ease of communication is pivotal. • Check licenses, litigation, and complaint history. • Verify insurance coverage, both your homeowners’ policy and candidate’s liability/injury insurance.
• Be sure candidates are willing to provide job and financial references, and be willing to visit their past job sites.
• Agree on payment structure first. For large projects, begin with 10% at signing, 25% payments spaced over time, then a final 15% check when every item has been completed.
Window Fix
347 38th Street / 800.337.1620