What's a Homeowner to Do?
Edward Lewine writes the “Domains” and “Ask the Contractor” columns for The New York Times Magazine. He is the author ofDeath and the Sun: A Matador’s Season in the Heart of Spain. He lives with his wife and children in a brownstone in Brooklyn, New York, that continually needs repairs.A second-generation contractor, Stephen Fanuka has been one of the elite builders in New York City for more than two decades. He is the star of the DIY Network seriesMillion Dollar Contractor, which premieres in October 2011. He is also a frequent guest on TV (The Nate Berkus Show,George to the Rescue, and others) and radio (Martha Stewart Living on Sirius).