A second set of experienced eyes
Before you buy it, break it, or try to fix it —
let’s walk and talk.
A practical, one-on-one video walkthrough for apartment questions, small home projects, repair decisions, and the home stuff nobody taught you.
Simple online booking · No pressure · Come with questions
5,000+ NYC apartments 20+ years
Think of it as
the knowledgeable friend you call before you commit.
What this is for
Good decisions start with better questions.
You don’t always need a full team yet. Sometimes you just need someone experienced to help you see what you’re looking at.
Vladimir has spent more than 20 years working inside thousands of New York apartments — from appliance installations to full renovations. This call gives you a grounded first read before you invest more time, money, or energy.
- 01
You’re choosing a home
You have two or three apartments in mind and want to talk through the renovation realities, hidden headaches, and practical tradeoffs before you get too attached.
- 02
You’re settling into a home
Something is loose, cracked, leaking, crooked, stuck, confusing, or suspicious, and you want help understanding what’s normal, what matters, and what to do next.
- 03
You’re weighing a project
A shelf, appliance, wall, fixture, or room has you wondering: can I handle this, does it need permission, or is it wiser to bring in a professional?
Questions we can unpack together
“Is this worth taking on?”
Plain talk. Practical perspective. No hard sell.
- 01 Which apartment looks like the smarter renovation?
- 02 What might be easy — and what could get complicated?
- 03 Is this a realistic DIY project or a call-the-pros project?
- 04 What should I ask the broker, contractor, super, or inspector?
- 05 Where should I start, and what should happen first?
How it works
Bring the question. We’ll help you find the next step.
Because the Walk & Talk happens online, it stays accessible and focused. You get Vladimir’s time and experience without arranging an on-site visit. Use your phone so you can walk around, point the camera, tap the wall, wiggle the handle, open the cabinet, or show whatever is hard to describe.
- 01
Send the situation
Tell us what you’re considering and share any useful listing links, photos, measurements, or plans.
- 02
Meet online
Talk one-on-one with Vladimir by video. Bring the messy questions — that’s exactly what the call is for.
- 03
Leave with a next move
Get a clearer sense of the tradeoffs, the right questions to ask, and which specialists should weigh in next.
Independent by design
Nothing to sell after the call.
Vladimir does not receive commissions or referral fees, and he will not take on the renovation or installation work that may follow your consultation.
Whether the sensible answer is to move forward, walk away, hire a specialist, or do it yourself, his fee stays the same. That separation helps keep the advice focused on what makes sense for you — not on creating more work for him.
No commission Just a clearer next step
Helpful perspective, with honest boundaries.
A Walk & Talk is an early-stage conversation based on the information you share. It does not replace an in-person home inspection, contractor estimate, architect or engineer, licensed trade professional, legal counsel, or financial advice.
Some questions — especially structural, electrical, plumbing, code, or building-rule questions — need the right specialist on site. We’ll be candid when that’s the right next move.
Who you’ll talk with
Vladimir Srdoc
Founder & instructor, Back to Basics
Vladimir has seen the elegant, the improvised, and the “how did that ever pass?” across more than 5,000 NYC apartments. He brings the same patient, plainspoken approach from the Back to Basics workshop to every call.
The goal isn’t to tell you what to do. It’s to help you understand the space, spot the questions that matter, and feel less alone in the decision.
A few practical details
Questions, answered.
What should I send before the call?
Whatever helps tell the story: a listing link, photos, a floor plan, rough measurements, inspection notes, contractor proposals, or simply a short explanation of what you’re trying to decide. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything.
Can you compare more than one apartment?
Yes. If you’re choosing between a few options, send the key information for each and identify the tradeoffs you care about most. The conversation will stay practical and focused on what can reasonably be assessed remotely.
Can you tell me what a renovation will cost?
We can discuss the factors likely to affect scope and complexity, but a reliable price requires current, project-specific estimates from contractors and relevant specialists.
Do I still need a home inspector or licensed professional?
Yes, when appropriate. This consultation is a helpful early conversation, not a substitute for an inspection, formal estimate, or advice from licensed professionals who can assess the property in person.
What happens after I request a consultation?
We’ll reply by email to learn a little about your situation, confirm that the call is a good fit, and share the available times, fee, and video-call details before you book.
Still turning it over in your head?
Let’s make the decision feel a little less complicated.
Book a Walk & TalkNo polished plan required. A question is enough.
Or write to gobacktobasics101@gmail.com · (646) 543 87 54