Green Energy Providers



I want to switch my energy suppliers, both electricity and gas, to an ESCO (energy services company) that provides power from renewable sources such as wind, solar and water, and is as environmentally-friendly as possible. I have made a shortlist of what seem to be the greenest ESCOs available to Brooklyn residents. Does anyone have an opinion about the relative merits of these two companies, or any other suggestions:
IDT
Accent

And if anyone has switched to an ESCO recently, how was the process? Was it as simple as the company’s say it will be or did ConEd/Keyspan screw things up (as I predict they might).
Thanks for any views on this issue.

Categories: Environmental
By | 03/31/2007 6:58 AM | Comment

window trim color


We own a home in a landmarked area. We are in the process of having our window plans approved. My question is… we would like to paint our window trim in a cream color instead of their original black. We wonder if anyone has been through paint applications with landmarks and can tell us how it went.

By | 03/30/2007 10:00 PM | Comment

Code Compliant Bathroom


We are swapping out bathroom and kitchen in our condo and hope to put in a very compact 1/2 bath. We assume we will be filing with DOB but does anyone know if our new bathroom needs to be ADA compliant?

Categories: Building Code
By | 03/30/2007 2:54 PM | Comment

Designer/Architect sought for screened porch & more


We’re feeling the need for i) more privacy and ii) relief from the mozzies, on our 19 X 11 ft parlor-floor rear deck. We’re thinking of a screened-in pergola-type structure that would be both aesthetic (traditional or ultra modern — we’re open to both) and functional. We also need a cute backyard shed for garden tool storage etc. Any referrals for great designers or architects or contractors gratefully received.

Categories: Decks
By | 03/30/2007 1:11 PM | Comment

Code considerations for sleeping loft?


Hi,

Has anyone built a sleeping loft? Not a freestanding one, a permanent feature. I have very high cielings in my kids bedrooms (they’d be 10+ y.o. when we do this), would like to give them more space. I can’t figure it out from the dob website, what are the requirements for ventilation, ladders/stairs, railings, fire protection? I know it can be done, there are lofts all over the place in studios. TIA!

Categories: Building Code
By | 03/30/2007 10:46 AM | Comment

install flagstone



how do i install flagstone

By | 03/30/2007 8:40 AM | Comment

PURCHSING A BLDG W/RENT STABALIZED/SUBSIDIZED APTS


I am interested in purchasing an 8 family off Atlantic Ave under the LIRR, but the building is in need of a complete overhaul from top to bottom. At present, the property is in a 10 year unsettled estate and is bringing in less than $1500 in income per month. I know the executor of the estate and would be willing to purchase the house, however those tenancies are in rent subsidized and stabilized apts. How can I get them out and the apts converted? These tenants are very difficult; up to last month someone died and the entire family moved into the apt. The owner is at her wits end and does not know what to do.

Categories: Real Estate
By | 03/30/2007 7:37 AM | Comment

Engineer recommendations?


Could anyone share a good recommendation for an engineer to conduct a thorough pre-purchase brownstone survey?

Categories: Engineer
By | 03/30/2007 1:43 AM | Comment

Realtor Recommendations: Never?


So I wrote this other post about how the inspector my realtor recommended must have been FREAKING BLIND, and of course the repeated refrain is

“Never Hire Anyone Recommended By A Realtor.”

And I figured I would separate this idea out for discussion because:

a) I am sure a lot of people use this forum as a resource when they are buying a house, and in general this seems to be sound advice… and

b) Do you all think there is any exception to that rule? And if so, is there logic to this? I mean, the lawyer my realtor recommended totally kicked ass (Philip Lavender at Marcus Attorneys).

He operated *completely* independently of the realtor, and definitely represented my interests and not the interests of the deal. I never would have contacted Phil without the realtor, so my own limited experience says “Never say never.”

Anyone?

Categories: Agent
By | 03/29/2007 6:32 PM | Comment

$1300 for RE lawyer?


What is the going rate for real estate lawyers these days? We are buying our first home (a condo) and don’t know what’s the norm for these type of fees. Also, if you have a RE lawyer to recommend, please let us know. Thanks!

By | 03/29/2007 3:04 PM | Comment