Collapsing window wells and steps – need contractor!!


Spring has sprung and its now time to face the reality. In the rear of our house our two window wells and basement stairs are collapsing due to erosion of the surrounding soil etc.

We are looking for a contractor that could handle removing the existing concrete steps that lead up to the 1st floor. Repairing and possibly moving the steps that lead to the basement. Repairing the window wells, and re-pouring the 10′ area of concrete out from the house. Any contacts or referrals would be appreciated.

Categories: Exterior
By BrookBry | 05/10/2011 7:24 PM | Comment

Old Garden Dirt Disposal?


We are soon to be reworking our garden and want to get new soil as our soil is not so healthy anymore. Does anybody know of a place that we can dispose of soil? Thoughts would be appreciated.

Categories: Garden
By BrookBry | 04/02/2010 1:24 PM | Comment

Spark Energy or MX Energy?


We have been contacted via phone no less than 20 times in the past week from “MX Energy” and “Spark Energy” – Both touting savings if we switch to their “energy providing service”. It just reeks of scam, but I just wondered if anybody has done this and has had success actually saving money. Seems there are 47 companies in our area acting as ESCO’s…and VERY little actual information out there.

Categories: Utilities
By BrookBry | 01/29/2010 1:31 PM | Comment

Conforming Loan Limits?


Are all banks using the new conforming loan limits for Kings County? Do you know if they are using the $729,750 number or $625,500 number for single units? Or…do we have to use Frannie and Freddie to get the new limits? Thanks!

Categories: Mortgage
By BrookBry | 05/11/2009 5:55 PM | Comment

Entry Gate and Driveway Opener


We are looking for a company that can provide multiple security services. We have a pedestrian gate in front of our house that needs an “automatic” keyless opener. We have a driveway gate that we’d like to be able to open automatically. We also have to re-do a security system in the house and put in a door-bell system. Any suggestions of knowledgeable companies would be appreciated! Thanks!!

By BrookBry | 04/02/2009 4:04 PM | Comment

Roof Overhang to Other Property


We are considering buying a property that has a roof overhang into the neighbors property…what do we need to be concerned about? I do not believe there is a formal easement drawn up. However, we believe the extension in question was built in the 1940′s. Any thoughts?

Categories: Lawyers
By BrookBry | 03/25/2009 6:07 PM | Comment

2 Family Shell In Crown Heights


We are considering selling a two family gutted shell in Crown Heights North. Building has been painstakingly gutted and all original details have been saved. It is a 1910 brick and limestone building. We are wondering if anybody has thoughts about the best way to find a buyer for this type of property. We had hoped to restore this property but our capital seems a long time off…our loss! Thanks!

Categories: Real Estate
By BrookBry | 02/16/2009 11:52 PM | Comment

Metal Worker / Welder to Re-attach Basement Entry Gate


We are in need of a welder who may have masonry experience. Eventually we need to replace our front stoop but funds do not permit at this time. For now we need somebody to reattach our basement gate to the “crumbling stoop”…any ideas in Brooklyn??

Categories: General Contractors
By BrookBry | 10/22/2008 9:45 PM | Comment

“MEA” numbers on Lighitng Fixtures?


Does anybody know if lighting fixtures need to have an MEA number to be installed in NYC? If I recall – MEA doesn’t apply to lighting. Can anyone confirm?

By BrookBry | 08/19/2008 4:41 PM | Comment

Landlord Question: Heat / Hot Water Opinion


We are in the process of a gut renovation of a brownstone building. We are creating two or three apartments. We want to be responsible and efficient and are looking to install high efficiency boilers in each apartment. Therefor the tenant will be responsible for their own heat and hot water usage and bill.

Has anybody done this and felt it was really worth the investment to savings ratio? IE: We don’t pay the heat and hot water but we have slightly more up front costs and better efficiency and control for our tenants.

Or do you suggest one centrally zoned unit and we continue to pay??

Thoughts?

Categories: Landlord
By BrookBry | 07/02/2008 3:52 PM | Comment