What the Brick is Going on (Brick-Drilling Issues)


It all started out as such a simple, lovely idea: put up a long shelf in my brownstone bedroom to free up space elsewhere in these here 510 sq. ft.

But then I was sold plastic anchors for the task; then lead anchors that seemed to be crushed a bit. Finally, six of nine holes drilled, but still problems:

Problem 1: I seem to have struck metal or hard rock about 1/2 inch into one hole. What could this possibly be, and how do I drill through it, or should I? This is a brownstone from the 1880′s, so what could be in the brick?

Problem 2: along the way, at least two of the holes seemed to get too big for the anchors. Is there any way to fill-in a hole in brick (on a wall) such that it can be re-drilled? I was sold a tube of concrete patching material, but it is too fluid for a hole in a wall. I was told to try joint compound, but that seems implausible (too weak a material).

Any help appreciated!

Categories: Renovation
By BrooklynCouch | 12/16/2010 9:45 AM | Comment

Source for Ready-Made Bedroom Wall Cabinets


I am looking for a local store or web source for what I would described as bedroom cabinets I can mount on the wall of my bedroom (with high ceilings, seems like a great way to create additional storage; maybe a 12-15″ deep?

Thanks!

Categories: Storage
By BrooklynCouch | 12/13/2010 2:15 PM | Comment

Painting Black Aluminium Window Frames White


Greetings. My question pertains to the psychology, not psychology of painting the inside side of my window frames white; they they are black. I have this vague memory of being told that painting what is black white will make my windows look smaller (or something). Does this sound familiar to anyone? My walls are light in color, so having white window frames seems like it makes more sense….anyone? Thanks.

Categories: Windows
By BrooklynCouch | 12/10/2010 9:45 AM | Comment

DIY Uncovering of covered-over fireplace/brick work


I posted a query here about my fireplace, and got responses in the vein of “call contractor x”; and ” yes it can be done.”

My question now (and actually then) is actually more along the lines of what was most likely used to coverup/hide the fireplace and brick work; and would it be mad to start do some exploratory chizzeling away at what’s there to uncover the bricks, and opening?

Categories: Fireplace/Mantle
By BrooklynCouch | 12/04/2010 1:36 PM | Comment

Where to get aesthetically pleasing angle irons for shelves?


Does anyone know of a store or web-sources for good looking iron angle irons to support some shelves? The Home Depot offerings kind of disappointed me. Thank you!

Categories: Decorative
By BrooklynCouch | 12/03/2010 9:34 AM | Comment

Under Window Wood and Floor Reno Questions


Good morning. It is November, and 43 degrees out.

I am interested in renovating, ideally on the cheap, the woodwork below the windows in my apartment; and coming to some decision about the floor. The Questions:

1. Would it be better to citrus strip, or sand the pain off these below-window elements?

2. the “Windowsill” (kind of an embelishment, at least currently) depicted is now covered with a piece of cheap moulding. What were the window sills originally made of? What would you suggest I replace them with?

3. The floor depicted in the other photo should probably be replaced; until I can afford to do so, would some sanding and application of stain have any positive effect on the look of the floor?

Photo of window wood:

http://tinyurl.com/28tre3g

Photo of floor:

http://tinyurl.com/2cne358

Categories: Woodwork
By BrooklynCouch | 11/28/2010 12:12 PM | Comment

Fireplace Recovery–Difficulty?


I live in one of the row houses on Lincoln Pl. between 7th and 8th Aves. The unit downstairs has an exposed fireplace, but all I have is a 4-5″ Ridge of cement or plaster where a fireplace, and column of brick used to be.

Just how hard would it be to uncover whatever material is covering the brick (and actual fireplace)?

For bonus points, I understand the fireplace in and chimney in question used gas(?). Just what was a gas fireplace used for; or was it coal?

All suggestions/answers appreciated….

Categories: Fireplace/Mantle
By BrooklynCouch | 11/22/2010 3:24 PM | Comment

Lincoln Pl. Tree 2B Chopped Down? ;-(


Between 7th and 8th Ave on Lincoln Pl., across the street from 209 Lincoln is a tree that had a large branch torn off in the big tornado- storm last month. While there’s an “indent” in the trunk from where the branch snapped off, the tree’s main trunk seems quite solid; it still has leaves on it.

WHY DOES THIS TREE HAVE A SIGN ON IT THAT IT WILL BE TAKEN DOWN. THIS IS VERY SAD AND DISTURBING.

Categories: Landmarks
By BrooklynCouch | 11/04/2010 9:15 PM | Comment

Office-in-Home Tax Deduction for Bath Reno?


Yes, I know you may not be an accountant, but this situation has probably come up for someone.
My primary place of business is my home, and I deduct a percentage of my home as office space (a room’s worth).
Last year, I re-did my bathroom. Can I deduct the same percentage, or any percentage of those costs as a business expense? Thanks!

Categories: Taxes
By BrooklynCouch | 10/12/2010 1:45 PM | Comment

Disturbing Noise In Airshaft….


I live on the third floor of a 4 floor row house in Park Slope. Frequently through my bath air vent is audible a high-pitched continual sound that is either mice nesting or birds nesting, either in the building or in the air vent, possibly near the roof. The sound is constant for long periods of time.

Ideas? What do I tell my coop management to do; it’s disturbing my girlfriend!

Categories: Exterminator
By BrooklynCouch | 07/27/2010 10:45 AM | Comment