Fire Escape Gate Required?


Is there any requirement that a landlord put a fire escape gate on the window that has the fire escape?

The gate would be fire department approved, but I’m asking if the landlord is obligated to purchase and install it in the apartment.

By BKed | 02/10/2010 9:48 PM | Comment

Reglazing a Tub? Myth? Miracle?


Does reglazing for clawfoot tubs work? I’m coming across different opinions as to how effective it is and if it is a viable long term solution.

It does not make sense for me to re-enamel the tub if it’s the same cost as a new clawfoot.

By BKed | 01/01/2010 1:29 PM | Comment

Clawfoot Tub Rehab


Have a clawfoot tub I am trying to keep, wanted to have it reglazed, but seems that its a cheap that will not last. So I am committed to re-enameling the tub, but I can’t find a company to do it.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I was also wondering if there would be a ceramic artist who would be able to do the same job, but with more of an artistic twist?

I tried some links I found, but they seem to be for reglazing a tub with a spray.

Categories: Antiques
By BKed | 12/31/2009 4:22 PM | Comment

Doorway Molding Problem


I have a problem trying to figure out how to keep molding around a door way. It is a standard door way with walls on both sides, but I was considering knocking down the wall on the left and widening the doorway until it meets a perpendicular wall. This would only leave three usable walls for molding on the opposite side.

Is there any trick to doing the molding so that I can frame the doorway on both sides? See the pic attached. The red line is where the molding would normally go except for the right wall.

Categories: Renovation
By BKed | 12/23/2009 3:12 PM | Comment

Venting Gas Dryer in a Condo


I am trying to find a way to vent a dryer in a condo. There are no vents in place as far as I can tell, but there may be some behind the walls (doubtful).

Assuming that I can’t bust a hole in the exterior wall, would the only way left to do this be to go through the window?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

By BKed | 12/23/2009 12:48 PM | Comment

Licensed Plumber Necessary?


I have a friend looking to do some plumbing work in a condo unit. The work would consist of switching the location of the tub and the toilet. I told him that he would probably need a licensed plumber because the drains and pipes were being moved. He has a licensed plumber who said he could do the work without filing and it would be cheaper. My friend has stated that his building would not require him to file with the DOB to do the project.

My question is if the licensed plumber is even required at this point? I understand that it is not the proper way to go about things, but it seems like all parties are consenting to this so what consequences would there be?

I’m assuming that there would be no insurance in case things go south, but if the work is done well, would there be any problems?

Categories: Plumbing
By BKed | 12/16/2009 11:51 AM | Comment

Skim Coating Over Paint?


Any issues skim coating over the old paint? I was told that this is ok, but I always thought that the paint would degrade the new layer of plaster.

Does anyone have any expertise in this?

Categories: Construction
By BKed | 11/11/2009 11:16 AM | Comment

Floor Refinish, Cover, Replace?


I’m trying to decide if I should refinish, cover, or replace my old hardwood floors.

Refinishing is the cheapest, but won’t fix the floor being uneven in certain spots.

Replacing is the the most expensive, but will fix the all the problems, however may reveal additionally costlier issues.

Covering I always thought was a shortcut, but it was recommended to me as a budget-conscious strategy. However, I am worried (despite the contractor’s assurances) that covering will only work for a short period of time before the new floor is effected by the weaknesses of the old floor. I also do not want the creaking and “bounce” that is associated with going on top of the old floor.

The floors are not in horrible shape, but are old and are no longer level throughout.

Thoughts?

Categories: Floors
By BKed | 11/10/2009 4:58 PM | Comment

Deeding a Rental to a LLC


I am currently own a property for primary use, but want to convert it to a rental (it’s a condo). I want to hold the title to the condo in a LLC to limit my liability while it’s being rented.

My question is if 1) this will effect my current mortgage, 2) what effect will this have on my insurance policy and 3) what exactly is involved in the transfer?

I have read that it is simple as long as the LLC is owned solely by me as well.

Does anyone know about this?

Categories: Real Estate
By BKed | 11/03/2009 10:03 PM | Comment

Clawfoot Tub Worth Saving?


I got an old clawfoot tub, debating on whether I should keep it. I hope someone can answer my questions. It needs to be reglazed or refinished (is there a difference?), how much does this cost? Also, I need to get a new shower curtain rod. Are multiple curtains required? I would want to keep it if I could afford it, but are there any hidden upkeep costs I should know about?

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By BKed | 10/19/2009 10:53 AM | Comment