Trees & Sidewalks


I am considering whether to replace the cement in the (uneven) sidewalk in front of my house. It seems to me that the problem is being caused by the roots of the tree and I wondered if the mason would be able to ameliorate this without damaging the tree. Doing some research, I came across a city program called Trees & Sidewalks, where they say they will fix your sidewalk themselves and do everything to preserve the tree.

Has anyone had any experience with the program? Do they actually follow through? If I sign up for the program, could that possibly lead to my getting a violation from the city?

And if I do it through the city, would I still have to get landmarks permission on my own?

Categories: Sidewalks
By 146steven | 10/23/2009 1:34 PM | Comment

Free sconces


Hi — this is a repost from about 10 months ago — I gave away some things — but some things never got taken away. I have several boxes full of old electrical fixtures — a number of sconces like the one pictured above — and I am giving them away for free. They have been sitting in a box for 18 months, and not necessarily in great condition — they all need to be rewired for modern wiring. However, if someone will come and take them all, they can have them for free.

Categories: Architectural Salvage
By 146steven | 10/08/2009 10:01 AM | Comment

fight with contractor


At the end of a long enormous project, my GC and I can’t agree how much money we owe them. In the last few months, they continued to plaster us with excessive and unfair change orders. Our architect agrees that the majority are unfair. Anyway, at this point, the difference between us is about $45,000. (We think we owe them 45, they say 90) The project is completed, we don’t need anything from them (although they haven’t fully finished the punch list, and there continue to be problems with some of the work they did, but if need be we could find others to do that — we’re sick of them). We seem to be in a stubborn place where neither of us will budge. I think if they sued us, we would win, but obviously it’s to no one’s advantage to go there. I’ll give them what I think we owe them, but no more — is there any reason I have to settle beyond that? Can they do anything to us? I suppose they could put a lien on the property, but a) couldn’t I fight that? and b) I have no plans to sell or do any major renovations in the next 10 years

Categories: General Contractors
By 146steven | 08/22/2009 10:25 AM | Comment

bay window curtains?


Has anyone else tried to have curtains in their bay windows? I’m not sure how to install the hardware. On an upper floor, I had 2 narrow curtain panels per window, with one short rod on each section of the bay. The problem is, there is a lot of fabric and it’s hard to pull it back entirely. On the main parlor floor, I’d like the ability to close the curtains completely and the ability to open them as much as possible. I think what I need is a rod supported by a bracket in the center window of the bay. Has anyone come across something like that, used it or something different, know where to get it?

Thanks

Categories: Decorative
By 146steven | 04/22/2009 5:39 AM | Comment

New chimney liner


We had a crisis at the almost-complete renovation today where the flue got clogged up the boiler backed up and smoke billowed through the house. Apparently some of the old terra cotta chimney liner had fallen off, blocking the flue. We had a chimney guy snake a camera, he said it was clear now but he showed me where the liner was falling off and said we had to put in a new stainless steel liner and it would cost approx. $5500.

Has anyone confronted this problem? Did you take care of it immediately or can it be deferred? Can you recommend a chimney company for a second price?

Categories: Chimney
By 146steven | 03/04/2009 2:52 PM | Comment

Free Pedastal sinks and brass sconces


I have three pedastal sinks, an old toilet, and a box full of lovely old brass wall sconces. I have decided not to use them, but i want to find them a home. Please leave an email in response and I’ll respond quickly. They have gotten somewhat dirty sitting through the renovation, but otherwise in good condition

Categories: Architectural Salvage
By 146steven | 11/26/2008 11:10 AM | Comment

complaining neighbor


I’m just curious as for your take on this. We are doing a big renovation on a house in the South Slope. Before beginning, I met with my neighbors, apologized in advance, explained all my plans. I have filed all plans with DOB, doing everything by the book. But because I have a hydrant in front of my house, the dumpster ends up in front of my neighbor’s house. He is furious, calling me complaining. I go by the job site regularly and I think the contractors are doing a good job of keeping it clean and closing up the dumpster, but the guy calls 311. The inspector comes by, says, keep it clean, but no citation, as we are doing okay. Should I be doing something different or is this guy just being a jerk?

Categories: Renovation
By 146steven | 07/28/2008 8:47 PM | Comment