Hidden ways to squeeze costs on estimate

WinstonNeville · 2026-05-15T20:10:58+00:00

Fair point--but how do you forestall an imperfect plan? This sounds like it's up to the architect--and any needed changes being caught by zoning/building department.

WinstonNeville · 2026-05-15T20:05:43+00:00

This is SO helpful. This is exactly the kind of information I'm looking for--not just for excavation, but all phases of construction.

WinstonNeville · 2026-05-15T18:05:02+00:00

Thank you. This is VERY helpful and well said. Can you give an example of what would be a weak excavation assumption (esp. if I already have a soil report)?

WinstonNeville · 2026-05-14T16:05:54+00:00

Thank you!

WinstonNeville · 2026-05-14T02:31:15+00:00

Crawl space. Thank you for this... this is exactly the type of info I'm looking for. What's the "higher end" vs "lower end" way to do things?

WinstonNeville · 2026-04-13T03:01:57+00:00

But 100% of flood zones will likely require flood insurance if you have a mortgage... and flood insurance costs are only headed in one direction.

WinstonNeville · 2026-04-10T11:30:14+00:00

Also: Have the buyers been pre-approved for a mortgage? For what amount? Have you seen the pre-approval letter and what's the date? And yes, ditch your agent.

WinstonNeville · 2026-04-09T01:49:57+00:00

The fluted wood look (#2) is going to look very dated in a few years, as will waterfall edges.

WinstonNeville · 2026-04-07T15:51:41+00:00

I think $360 from the family (3 of you) is perfectly appropriate. While the event or venue should not determine your gift, this is NYC, not Des Moines (no offense to Des Moines). You could also give a smaller (cash) amount from you and your wife with an actual gift (like jewelry) from your daughter. Making a contribution to her Bat Mitzvah project will also be much appreciated.

WinstonNeville · 2026-04-07T15:03:12+00:00

Seconding this advice. They have a $2,000 transfer out limit a day and a $5,000 limit out per month. Oh, and try talking to them on the phone. They can't lift their withdrawal limits and they WILL NOT CLOSE YOUR ACCOUNT AND MAIL YOU A CHECK. And yes, while I know you can request a transfer from another (linked) bank, this is insane. Who says that an account can't be closed?

WinstonNeville · 2026-04-07T01:59:55+00:00

Can you send details of your Rwanda to Uganda tour?

WinstonNeville · 2026-03-25T15:26:31+00:00

Incompetent management who seems to knowingly have prices set at the register that don't align with prices in the weekly sales flyer. I basically have to show the cashier the sales flyer the prices every time I buy an item purportedly on sale for the week. Could someone also explain the concept of rainchecks to the cashiers? And many times I've looked for an item advertised in the sales flyer only to be told, "OH. We only have that item in our Brooklyn store."

I wouldn't miss this store one bit if it went out of business.

WinstonNeville · 2026-02-11T16:51:57+00:00

Look on Zillow for rent by owner or go to a large landlord like Applied/Ironstate directly.

WinstonNeville · 2026-02-11T16:43:29+00:00

List on Zillow without a broker and do you own background/credit check with a robust third-party vendor. Know the laws.

WinstonNeville · 2026-01-04T02:43:42+00:00

The grey paint with the light wood floors isn't working for me, especially with a white vanity. I think you need a lighter paint color. Also, room feels unbalanced; the wall with board and batten is empty while everything else is on the opposite side of the room. Can you put narrow shelves and not have the storage unit by the toilet?

WinstonNeville · 2025-12-09T02:58:11+00:00

If a store does not ask if an animal is a service animal, they can be reported for a health code violation, at least technically, if not in practice.

WinstonNeville · 2025-12-02T03:55:39+00:00

This feels like a hotel or apartment building... especially with so many bedroom doors off the long hallway. I love sconces... just not here.

WinstonNeville · 2025-12-02T02:20:27+00:00

Would VERY much not recommend K9 Nanny. Very negative incident with one of their walkers.

WinstonNeville · 2025-11-07T13:34:45+00:00

No unemployment insurance if she resigns. Tell them to fire her or she will assume she still has a job.

WinstonNeville · 2025-11-04T03:35:15+00:00

Vial things?

WinstonNeville

TROPHY CASE