Holiday Hiatus


Please do not email any more forum questions until January 6.
Thanks.

By Brownstoner | 12/26/2005 2:09 PM | Comment

Rust Build-Up in Toilet


I started noticing some rust streaks in my toilet bowl recently, and I decided to take a look inside the tank. As expected, there was significant rust build-up inside the tank, and I tried to scrape as much off with a sponge as possible. I made some progress, but the rust streaks still appear in the bowl– almost every day I have to scrub them off. Is there any sort of treatment that I could add to the water in the tank that would help break down the rust? About a year ago I bought one of those toilet kits from a hardware store and replaced all of the little parts (because they were covered in rust) so I am not sure how to keep this from happening…

Any suggestions on cleaning the tank and/or preventing this kind of thing in the future is much appreciated!

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By Brownstoner | 12/26/2005 2:08 PM | Comment

Relocating a Staircase


Does anyone have any experience on relocating an entire staircase from the 4th floor to the 2nd floor of a brownstone? If so, how much should I expect to pay,etc.? Any advice?

This relocation is to allow privacy between our tenant’s apartment and our duplex apartment.

Categories: Structural
By Brownstoner | 12/26/2005 2:07 PM | Comment

Decreasing C of O


Has anybody ever revised their c of o downwards? I have a “legal 4″ but will be living in as a one family. thanks for insights on tax, fire escapes,insurance, etc!

Categories: C of O
By Brownstoner | 12/26/2005 2:06 PM | Comment

Gold Leaf Address Painting


I’m interested in finding someone who can paint our street number in gold leaf in the glass transom above the front door.

Categories: Painting
By Brownstoner | 12/26/2005 2:05 PM | Comment

Shutter Knobs


I recently had my parlor shutters dipped. They came out great (props to Michael and Jennifer at Big Apple Stripping), but I want to replace the knobs and I’ve had trouble finding new ones. The original knobs are “males”, meaning the screw is already attached to the knob (kind of like a giant thumbtack) so the screw part doesn’t go all the way through the shutter and doesn’t have to be fastened on the other side of the wood. It seems that today all knobs are 2-piece “females” so I’d have to drill through the shutter. I’ve looked at Home Depot, Ikea, on-line, etc. but no one knows where to get “male” knobs. Has anyone else found them?

Categories: Decorative
By Brownstoner | 12/23/2005 10:27 AM | Comment

Clinton Hill Sublet Near Pratt


SUBLET: January 15 til February 28, 2006
Large, sunny floor-through apartment available. 850-square feet, 1 bedroom, located in Clinton Hill/Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Modern Danish furnishings, great artwork, newly renovated kitchen, huge bathroom. Near DeKalb: all restaurants, shops, etc. Convenient to public transportation (A/C and G trains).

6 weeks: $1,000; 4 weeks: $750.

contact: bronwynkeenan@yahoo.com

Categories: Real Estate
By Brownstoner | 12/19/2005 1:45 PM | Comment

Engineer Needed


I am considering purchasing a brownstone in Bed Stuy. I need to get an engineers inspection. I would appreciate any recommendations for a dependable, quality engineer in BK. Thank you.

Categories: Engineer
By Brownstoner | 12/19/2005 12:58 PM | Comment

DIY Instructor Needed


In February of 2006 and running once a month for four months, the Weeksville Heritage Center will begin a “Do it yourself/Home Improvement” Workshop Series for Adults. We are currently looking for one or more instructors to teach basic home improvement skills. We anticipate that the workshops will run approximately 4 hours and will cover the following topics: brownstone restoration, wiring, basic plumbing, basic woodworking. Instructors will be paid. Please contact me as soon as possible.
Sincerley,
Robin Cloud
Director of Preservation
The Weeksville Heritage Center
P.O. Box 130-120 St. Johns Station
Brooklyn, NY 11213
718.756.5250p. 718.756.5277f.
www.weeksvillesociety.org

Categories: Renovation
By Brownstoner | 12/19/2005 12:56 PM | Comment

Heatin Bill Sounds High?


We just moved into our 4 story brownstone this Fall and received our first winter heating bill. Do we have serious insulation problems or is this just the going rate for gas? For 50 days of hot showers, gas washer/dryer usage and 3 floors of heat (top floor unused) does $1300 sound reasonable? We’ve had a reality check.

Categories: Heating
By Brownstoner | 12/19/2005 12:55 PM | Comment