Ask a question Good Advice
Check out good advice and pass on your own words of wisdom.

baapril asks:
Can anyone recommend a reliable and thorough cleaning person for a one-bedroom Manhattan apartment? (Gramercy Park)


citymom says:

Hey if you look up Find a contractor, under cleaning you'll get a couple options. A friend is using Virgina. cheers

Read More Answers (1) | Give your answer

citymom asks:
I was looking to get some plants and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. I have a north exposure that is fairly bright but no direct sun. Something hardy... I've killed many a plant before. thanks!


brian H says:

go for a chic snake plant...also known as mother-in-law's tongue. low light, water every other week, etc. just place it and ignore it...like your in-laws!!

Read More Answers (6) | Give your answer

liza asks:
I need wall bookshelves and i'm torn between the ones that go on a track (like elfa) and the ones you hang individually. any opinions on this?


craig says:

I cannot comment on the ELFA system for book shelves but we've done two closets with ELFA systems and are very happy with both of them. Very easy to install and very attractive. Craig

Read More Answers (4) | Give your answer

trixielulu asks:
I am about to buy a co-op apartment in Queens. Should I get a 3rd party inspection done before I purchase?


Pete says:

We purchased in the city about 2 years ago and didn't. I don't think think you have to cause the your building is liable for itself you just own the shares. Think it's different for a Condo.

Read More Answers (1) | Give your answer

Jen asks:
Was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction. I'm going to paint over a bright red wall. What's the best way to do this without it bleeding through?


joand says:

The key to covering up a really bright color is to use a Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer. Good luck!

Read More Answers (2) | Give your answer

mat asks:
This is the best tip and had to pass it on. I just painted my old windows (the ones with 9 pains of glass). And used 3M's corner tape. SO EASY. Will never tape corners up the old way again.


Read More Answers (0) | Give your answer


Mary asks:
We're about to start a painting project and wanted to know if anyone had any advice on stripping a metal frame door (as far as we can see it's about 20 layers deep) down to the metal.


Anne says:

Me and my husband did this a little over a year ago. I'm going to be upfront with you. Stripping paint sucks. But the results can be amazing. This is what we did... We went to Janovic Paints and they filled us in on what our options were. From the most toxic to the Greener products. Since we were doing it ourselves we went down the less toxic route. And used a product called Peel Away. Look it up, it was great. Be warned it will take 2 possible 3 applications for you to get down the the metal. And the smell wont kill you. You'll have to go back with a sandpaper disk (attached to your drill) to get the metal shiny. And if you want to keep the metal shiny make sure you polyurethane it before it oxidizes (turns rust color) Good luck!

Read More Answers (3) | Give your answer

jwleenyc asks:
I'm about to rent out my apartment and want to make some small upgrades but not pay a fortune. I need someone who can tile a kitchen, replace old cupboards with new ones (off the shelf, not custom) and rewire some extremely old electrical outlets...any recommendations?


Maria says:

Try Carlos Tavares. He's excellent. I've recently used him to rewire all of my electrical outlets, regrouted my shower and a bunch of other tasks. He's going to help renovate my kitchen too. I reviewed him on this site if you want more details.

Read More Answers (1) | Give your answer

Kellie asks:
Hi. I live in Dallas, TX and I'm having a moisture problem under my ranch home (one level). I want to purchase a crawl space dehumidifier - any recommendations? Thanks. Kellie


joand says:

Hi Kellie, We had the same problem with the humidity in our basement (roughly 40x60). My husband and I did a bit of research and ended up picking out a Delonghi dehumidifier. They have a reputable name that we felt comfortable with. And the one thing we loved is it has this option that automatically removes the water from the holding tank. It has a hose that can pump the water upward to a drain or even through a window. We think it's great. Here is the link www.crateandhome.com/web/sitefiles/product-7474/DE400P.html Hope this helped. Good luck! -J

Read More Answers (2) | Give your answer

aloha asks:
What's the best way to clean a white leather chair?


noTORious says:

Design WIthin Reach (DWR) told me some great ideas recently. 1. Leather Wipes by Weiman. They are like baby wipes, but for leather... not your butt. You can get them at Staples and they are cheap. 2. Never use saddle soap or oil based cleaners. 3. You can also use a damp cloth with regular dish soap and lukewarm water. Make sure you clean the whole surface not just spot clean. 4. If it's an oil based stain, call a pro.

Read More Answers (1) | Give your answer

noTORious asks:
How do I clean my shiny new hardwood floors?


yackee says:

Try a mixture of vinegar and water and clean it on your hands and knees

Read More Answers (2) | Give your answer

Picture this... Forget minimalism, more is more.


Let visual guru Jeff Lee show you how to turn your living room into your own personal gallery.

Read More
See Other Articles