Main water supply


We still have a lead watermain running in from the street. Our drinking water has tested negative for lead. The rest of the plumbing in the house was changed to copper some time ago. My question. Will changing the lead main over to copper increase the water pressure to our house? What is the standard size of pipe they use when replacing the line and should we pay more for a larger size? There is a big difference in our pressure depending on what time of day or night you use the shower. 1am the pressure is fine. 7:30 am pressure is very low. SIngle family house. Thanks in advance.

Categories: Plumbing
By | 07/31/2006 8:48 AM | Comment

Cellar bathroom


Since we are redoing our cellar anyway, we are considering having a much desired second toilet/shower installed in the cellar. The sewage line is about 3 feet off the cellar floor, which means that we would need one of those sewage ejection systems. We could also use an upflush toilet, but a brief internet search indicates that these are less desireable. Since we are redoing the cellar anyway, we can have the sewage ejection system built right in below ground. Does anyone care to share their experience with either of these — or even just cellar bathrooms in general?

Are the sewage ejection systems allowed under the code? Are they disturbingly noisy? Smelly? Not allowed under the code ? Prone to breaking down?

Any advice or input would be mightily appreciated. (I am keeping my fingers crossed that the feedback will be positive.)

Categories: Cellar
By | 07/30/2006 5:09 PM | Comment

Microwave-Range Hood Combo Satisfaction?


I’m considering getting a range/microwave combo, but the recent consumer reports review said “None of the over-the-range microwave ovens we tested could match most range hoods’ smoke-capturing ability. Two, the $750 Whirlpool Velos GH6208XR and the $870 Whirlpool Velos GH7208XR, cooked well, extend farther than most over front burners, and were better at venting. But they vented only slightly better than our least-effective hoods, and their high price kept them off our list of top picks. What’s more, heat from the stove below can keep an over-the-range oven’s fan running noisily to cool its internal parts.”

Any good experiences with these, and if so, which makes/models? Thanks!

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By | 07/30/2006 4:07 PM | Comment

Yard Restrictions?


I plan on discarding the jungle of a yard that I have by conceting it and than tile. My neighbors are worried that their yard and basement will get flooded because of this and hinted to me several times that there are certain restrictions one can do with their own yard. Is anyone awhere of these restrictions?

Categories: Renovation
By | 07/29/2006 10:57 PM | Comment

home networking – city codes?


Does anyone know whether city code covers home networking? I was looking at a good site (http://www.swhowto.com/index.htm) on DIY network wiring & the guy said that he waited till after the rough in inspection. I would rather not wait but don’t want to get into trouble. Thanks

Categories: Inspector
By | 07/29/2006 5:46 PM | Comment

The Shadows from Ratner’s Atlantic Yards


On my block association website www.southoxford.com I posted a recolored drawing from their Environmental Study of the shadow sweep of Bruce Ratner’s proposed Atlantic Yards Development. Other drawings from the DEIS are also featured. Many local parks, historic structures and districts will be in shadow, as well as parts of historic Fort Greene Park. If the development goes through as planned, some areas near the yards will never get any sun again.

www.southoxford.com
www.southoxford.com/pages/atlanticyards.html

Categories: Environmental
By | 07/29/2006 2:31 PM | Comment

Stairs


Anyone know a good and affordable carpenter etc… to strip my banister and spindles, and tighten up a few loose areas?

Categories: Stairs
By | 07/28/2006 7:36 PM | Comment

Changing French Door Glass


I have french doors with clear glass windows which I’d like to replace with stained or frosted glass. Does anyone know who might do something like this? would it be cheaper to just buy new french doors or replace the glass.

By | 07/28/2006 4:21 PM | Comment

Building a stoop


I am interested in building a stoop on to a 1901 brick home to gain access to the parlor floor. Any idea how much something like this would cost? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

By | 07/28/2006 3:40 PM | Comment

Radiant Heating


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By | 07/28/2006 2:48 PM | Comment