floors are cold near windows


We live in a brownstone built in 1878. Our windows are pretty new (Marvin wood) and so we do not have a breeze coming in through our windows anymore. However, our floors near the windows are really cold. Do we need to somehow insulate our floors or are the wood panels under the windows a problem?

Categories: Windows
By CHM | 01/14/2011 5:30 PM | Comment

Extent of Wall Damage?


We share a brick wall (brownstones) with our neighbor, whose top floor tenant had a leaking pipe. Over a period of time, the water leaked into our side of the wall and has now caused a brownish water stain on our top floor wall. It has also caused our 2nd floor wall to not only stain, but the plaster has become crumbly. The neighbor’s contractor came over to our house yesterday to evaluate the extent of the damage and he said our bricks/mortar are not affected and that he just needs to repaint (the top floor) and to replace the crumbling paster with dry wall. I pointed out to him, that I do not want dry wall to replace our plaster wall. Is it possible that there is no structural damage caused by their leaking pipe? do we just need to re-plaster our walls?

By CHM | 05/03/2010 12:19 PM | Comment

Resetting Bluestone Slabs


we need to reset the bluestone slabs in front of our house. who can help us with this kind of job and about how much would it cost? thanks.

Categories: Exterior
By CHM | 03/25/2010 2:03 PM | Comment

Cost for New Siding?


Hi, we’re thinking of buying a 2 story frame house that currently has asbestos shingles. We’re wondering how much it might cost to remove the asbestos shingles and put in new wood siding. the house is 20 by 45 feet and freestanding – so all 4 sides need to to redone.

Happy new year!

Categories: Exterior
By CHM | 12/31/2009 9:36 AM | Comment

Funny Shaped Doorknob


how would you describe the shape of this doorknob? I’m trying to find 2 extra and I’m having a hard time . . . it’s not oval . . .

By CHM | 11/12/2009 9:17 PM | Comment

Need Mason for Stair Repairs


Our brownstone stoop is separating a bit from the top landing and I’m concerned that water and then ice will cause more damage. I’m hoping it’s a minor job and I need to find a mason who patch up the gaps. Thanks.

By CHM | 11/01/2009 3:53 PM | Comment

Can you tile over dry wall


I would like to have tile as my kitchen backsplash. Can I just tile over the existing drywall?

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By CHM | 06/12/2009 12:43 PM | Comment

Cost For a New Deck


Just out of curiosity: about how much would a simple, permit compliant, metal deck off the parlor floor cost (architect/labor/materials)? We have an existing (but very old) wood deck right now.

Categories: Decks
By CHM | 05/19/2009 9:43 AM | Comment

Storm Windows-Landmarked bld.


I’m thinking of getting exterior storm windows for my garden level windows. The problem is there are iron bars on them. Are there any low profile exterior storm windows that I can retrofit to the existing bars/windows. I can’t afford to get brand new energy efficient windows.

Categories: Windows
By CHM | 04/27/2009 8:06 AM | Comment