Brick readers were thinking about renovations (and housing policy) this week

As usual, the top five most popular stories of the week on Brick Underground ran the gamut. There was one on negotiating better deals in the current condo market, several on renovations (including the five steps to a NYC renovation), and a post about how the appointment of Ben Carson to lead HUD will affect New Yorkers. Something for everyone, as they say.

1. How to negotiate a deal in the weakening condo market

2. It'll take some money to fix up this $349,000 Upper East Side one-bedroom, but not as much as you might think

3. Reno expert hack: Combining Ikea 'bones' and custom doors for a quicker, cheaper renovation

4. Five steps to starting an NYC renovation (sponsored)

5. How cuts to HUD funding under Ben Carson could impact low-income New Yorkers