Where to begin in adding-on to a house?


I am buying a frame house, and would like to expand the attic into living space (either by raising the roof or adding dormers). I know that I have unused FAR, and a structural engineer has said that the building is sound enough.

Where do I begin in this process — with an architect? Do I look for an architect that will do the whole thing from start to finish — ie draw the plans, get the permits and find the contractor? Or is it better to go to a contractor for the vision, and then shop around for a contractor who can also get the necessary permits?

I should mention that this is not a high-end project, I have a limited budget. But I want to do the work well, and legally.

Who in the chain is the one most qualified to get the permit — the architect, the contractor, the homeowner with an expediter?

Many thanks for your guidance.

Categories: Architects
By | 05/31/2006 9:55 PM | Comment

Need help with patio


I am looking for someone to build a patio in my backyard, perhaps with concrete pavers, something simple about 200 sq ft. Does anyone have any suggestions for a contractor that does this kind of work?

Categories: General Contractors
By | 05/31/2006 6:13 PM | Comment

Need help with patio


patio

I am looking to have a 200 sq ft patio installed in my backyard. I want something very simple, perhaps with concrete pavers. Does anyone know a contractor that can help? I’ve gotten one estimate so far and others who haven’t shown up.

Categories: General Contractors
By | 05/31/2006 5:55 PM | Comment

155 Hall St.


Does anyone know what’s planned for 155 Hall St. (off Myrtle). The sign says “The GLC Group” Developers?
Thanks for any info you may have.

By | 05/31/2006 5:13 PM | Comment

SQUIRREL BLOCKERS?


Lately squirrels(or mice?) have been visiting my Park Slope brownstone. Every night they scuttle over the top floor tin ceiling, rustling and scratching. It’s spooky, plus they can do damage. The “trapper” I called said I’d need someone with a scaffold–not him!– to get up near the roof,locate the squirrels’ entry point(s), then block them off. Problem is, they’d have to know about squirrels in order to know what to look for. My trapper didn’t know who to suggest. Can anyone out there recommend a scaffolder/roofer with squirrel expertise?

Categories: Roofers
By | 05/31/2006 4:38 PM | Comment

need a roof repaired


I’m looking to buy a place with this great steeple over an extended bay but of course it leaks. Before I sign a contract I’d like to know what it’ll cost to fix. Anybody know a really talented repairman who charges reasonable rates?

By | 05/31/2006 1:14 PM | Comment

Solutions for roof run-off — Dry well?


I am in the process of regrading and repaving my back yard closest to my house. We took up the old cement and are now down to dirt. The plan is to get the slope right and then layer gravel, sand and some kind of stone (bluestone, flagstone) on top. So, no layer of cement, and no grout between the stones.

The roof run-off comes straight down the middle of the house and then across the patio section. This had destroyed the cement there before, and it is an even worse idea for a sanded stone area.

One solution is to re-rout the roof water back into the house sewer line. But I’d rather avoid this expense if necessary.

I really cannot see any spot to drop the water in the yard. We have an extension, a shed, and a landing for deck stairs that all need to be protected.

Has anyone tried a dry well? What you do is dig a hole large enough to put a perforated trash can into, fill the can with large rocks, and then run an underground line to the can. The dry well can be covered so that you never really know it’s there. The water fills the well and then seeps into the ground through the holes in the can. Of course, if the can gets filled up in a big rain the water will need somewhere else to go (you leave a gap between the pipe to the well and the roof’s downspout to allow for spillover.) I suppose it’s also possible that the ground water will fill the well on its own (we’re very near the Gowanus). So, it’s not foolproof.

However, it still sounds neat. Anyone have any thoughts? If I use a 30 gallon can for the well, is there any way that it would fill up in a heavy rain? (My roof is 35 x 20.)

Thanks.

Categories: Exterior
By | 05/31/2006 11:48 AM | Comment

Gas Fireplace


Any suggestions for gas fireplace unit? Will re-open gas fireplace that was closed up years ago. Need to investigate options.

Categories: Fireplace/Mantle
By | 05/31/2006 10:48 AM | Comment

Purchasing a car at the auction?


We’ve decided that its time to get a car that we can haul things around in as we’re doing renovations of our 4 family. We’re looking for a used volvo wagon and are thinking of going to the auction. Anyone have good/bad experiences there, or tips?? thanks!

By | 05/31/2006 9:38 AM | Comment

Recessed lighting for kitchen


Looking to add recessed lighting in our kitchen… what do people have? Is fluorescent, halogen, incandescent, or xenon the way to go? We will also hang 2 pendant lamps, in addition to the recessed lighting.
Thanks in advance for any ideas.

Categories: Lighting
By | 05/30/2006 9:00 PM | Comment