basement value


we are buying a house, 4 story + english basement, in Park Slope with another couple. They are taking the top duplex. We are taking the bottom. We also want to “purchase” the basement since it’s connected to our apt. and has a kitchenette and bath which we can use as a living space for an au pair.
It is a pretty crummy place right now but of course is of resale value, more to our apt. than theirs. (there is common space where the boiler etc… is and we must figue that in too).Any ideas on how to value this space? What % of the total value of bldg? Or is their some other way to figure it?

By | 02/28/2005 2:52 PM | Comment

etched glass for parlor doors


I have an 1860′s early victorian/italianate style north slope brownstone. I am in the process of redoing the dining room and it’s wood. I am looking to find out what the original style of glass was ( I think it was etched frosted glass) and have someone create or even mass produced is fine) the 8 panels needed for the parlor doors.

If anyone has photos of their parlor doors with original glass to share, that would be very helpful also.

Categories: Decorative
By | 02/27/2005 11:05 AM | Comment

Maintenance Companies


We are a small coop (10 units) in Park Slope looking for a maintenance company whose fees will not kill us. Does anyone know of companies that do general management (maintenance, some bookkeeping, etc) for under $700/month?

By | 02/25/2005 3:00 PM | Comment

Carpenter


We hired a carpenter/contractor to re-do our foyer last February. He did a beautiful job, but didn’t finish and quit due to pressing larger assignments he had accepted. We didn’t have a contract, and didn’t want to pursue legally anyway.

We need someone to get and install a mahogany door to the front of our co-op unit, which is in a converted Mansion in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The door must be stained on the inside to match as closely as possible the work already finished and be painted on the outside to match the other doors in the co-op building.

There are also some minor areas of trim that need to be finished as well surrounding the door and in a couple other places in the foyer. Very minor for the most part, but essential for a completed look.

We have already purchased ALL of the hardware and locks for the door. So we would want someone to install those to the door as well.

We are hoping to move within the next couple months, so time and quality of work are our first and foremost priorities.

Thank you.

Categories: General Contractors
By | 02/24/2005 8:04 PM | Comment

Gas heat to electricity?


Is it such a crazy idea after all?

For 3 family brownstone: convert from gas boiler/waterheater to electrical baseboard heat and 3 topically applied tankless waterheaters. Do not remove gas supply from the basement, just conserve. (more…)

By | 02/24/2005 4:31 PM | Comment

Attractive Intercom Systems


We need to figure out our intercom system pronto. Lee Dan seems okay and and we’ll probably go with their stainless steel model unless some helpful reader can point us in the direction of a company that makes intercom panels/boxes that are designed to complement an historic home. Any suggestions?

Categories: Decorative
By Brownstoner | 02/23/2005 1:08 PM | Comment

Shower Doors


Can anyone recommend a glass shower door fabricator? We’re looking to put in frameless glass shower doors.
Thanks

By | 02/22/2005 1:53 PM | Comment

General Contractor


My husband and I are preparing for a major renovation of our Carroll Gardens brownstone including finishing the basement. I am wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a trustworthy, detail oriented general contractor who is experienced in working on brownstones and cares about craftsmanship. Everyone we have worked with in the past has been very sloppy and inconsistent.
I would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks!

By | 02/21/2005 11:06 AM | Comment

Cost of 2 Level Addition?


Does anyone have an approximate idea how much it would cost to build a 2 story addition to the rear of a brownstown 14′ x 14′ footprint? There’s no access to the back yard except through the house, so I would imagine that would add to the cost. We’re trying to get some idea before hiring an architecht.

Categories: General Contractors
By | 02/17/2005 2:54 PM | Comment

Repointing Foundation


Interested to see if anyone has had any experience repointing their feildstone foundation walls. What did you use, or maybe more appropriately for this site, who did you use?

As in most 100+ year-old townhouses, the sand-based mortar is falling out, and needs to be re-done. Any advice would be appreciated.

Categories: Handyman
By | 02/16/2005 12:59 PM | Comment