Closets..


I found a few recommendations in the archives but thought it might be worth a post.. we have 4 closets to finish, including drywall, painting, shelving.

I don’t have much of a budget to work with but don’t want the cheapest job either.

Could you recommend a skilled handyman or carpenter?

Thanks,
11210

Categories: Renovation
By Brooklyn11218 | 08/22/2010 8:48 AM | Comment

Chipper Rental?


Does anyone have any resources for renting a chipper for turning tree limbs/branches into mulch/chips?

We tried home depot, they don’t rent these in Brooklyn. A1 Equipment doesn’t have them either.

Thoughts very appreciated.

Categories: Garden
By Brooklyn11218 | 09/14/2009 9:35 AM | Comment

Refi, rates, locks, etc


Is there a penalty for locking in a rate and then not using that lender for a refi loan?

Info appreciated.

Categories: Mortgage
By Brooklyn11218 | 03/20/2009 12:15 PM | Comment

Porch resources…


Hi All,
We are in South Midwood in a 1910 victorian that was a wreck (inside and out) when we moved in. The inside is mostly sorted out and we are now turning our attention to the exterior.

We have a once beautiful windowed wrap-porch that needs a bunch of TLC. We are going back and forth about wether or open it up or enclose it somehow. It would be great to open it up but the catch is our directly across the street view is a crummy co-op building (so not exactly a scenic).

Has anyone dealt with this? Do you have photos of solutions to share?

One option seems to be intense landscaping to hide the street view, but that would make us stand out on our block, bigtime and be very incongrous with the rest of the street.

I’ve had trouble finding photo ideas online so if you could point me in a direction that would be super.

Thanks,
Brooklyn11218

Categories: Renovation
By Brooklyn11218 | 03/19/2009 9:03 AM | Comment

Bathrooms and coconuts..


We are in the process of building a second floor bathroom and I came across this material as a tile alternative.

Its called Membira by a brand named EKOBA (I think).

Has anyone used it? Could you comment on cost and durability? It would be serving as a “splash guard” on two walls enclosing our tub.

I am curious both about how much it costs to be environmentally righteous and how it holds up compared to tile.

Thanks,
BKLYN

Categories: Tile
By Brooklyn11218 | 12/26/2008 9:54 AM | Comment

Like a lead……… pipe?


Hello Gurus of Housing,

Our house has the original lead water main (between sidewalk and basement) and we would like to get this replaced as soon as possible.

I understand this process requires a plumber with a special license. Has anyone had this done, do you have a DEP authorized plumber that you would recommend?

We tried Gateway, but they do not service my area. We are located in 11210.

Thanks a ton,
Brooklyn 11210

Categories: Plumbing
By Brooklyn11218 | 10/21/2008 3:46 PM | Comment

appliance question


Howdy,

Is there a standard space between the top of a range and the hood (where a backsplash would typically go)?

Thanks,
Lauri

By Brooklyn11218 | 10/20/2008 7:06 PM | Comment

Heating Q…


We have had two contractors who sub for National Grid come out and assess our oil heat situation.

Both of them have been, pardon the expression, slimy.. to the extent that my husband didn’t feel comfortable moving forward with either of them.

If you have done an oil to gas (forced air) heating conversion and where happy with your vendor do you mind sharing company names and how much the job cost?

So far we are hearing around 6K.

Advice, thoughts and recommendations appreciated.

Brooklyn11210

Categories: Heating
By Brooklyn11218 | 09/30/2008 12:06 PM | Comment

Lighting Fixtures


Hello BS’rs,

We have recently completed a major electrical overhaul in our circa 1910 single family. I’m now charged with finding affordable fixtures.

Is there an interim step between Lowes and Restoration Hardware for stuff like this?

I appreciate your recommendations and if anyone has a ballpark average price on what a nice but not too nice fixture should cost that would be great too.

Thanks,
Lauri

By Brooklyn11218 | 09/22/2008 2:01 PM | Comment

A penny for your… kitchen floor??


We are doing a major renovation and running out of money in a big way.

Basically all we can afford in our new kitchen are appliances.

But I am charged with looking for flooring ideas as my husband seems to think that the flooring material type will dictate what we do in a temporary floor.

Could you give me some insight on the flooring you have with stainless appliances? What do you like about your choice?

I wanted re-claimed terra cotta tile, but a design friend of ours remarked that tile in a bigger kitchen screams butcher shop.

Thoughts and photos welcome.

Brooklyn soon to be 11210

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By Brooklyn11218 | 09/11/2008 9:10 PM | Comment