Forum Archive: Posts by: CommodoreStephenDecatur

Grounds for Eviction?

Our tenant ( she’s on the top floor of our 2-family three story brownstone with not much separation) has a lot of drama in her romantic life. Three times that we know of, it has involved the police or EMT coming into our home to settle matters with her and her boyfriend. The boyfriend is here every night and shares her one and only key. Their arguments are fairly frequent and often involve some physical violence.
She decided she would be moving out as soon as some school or other accepted her and willingly signed a surrender lease agreement so that we could show the apartment and find someone new, but it has been three months, she hasn’t brought up moving again, but we’re sick of living with the drama and would love it if she were to go, whether we get another tenant right away or not. She usually pays her rent within a few days of the 1st. So my question is do we have the right to tell her that she must go by a certain date?

Categories: Landlord

By CommodoreStephenDecatur | 05/16/2011 3:45 PM | Comment

Regarding Luaun Underlayment

Our rolls of Marmoleum are here at last. But in the booklet I see that the manufacturer advises against an underlayment of Luaun plywood, which is exactly what I used. It says that the chemicals used in the manufacture of Luaun “has caused permanent staining” in some cases.
Our 1/4″ underlayment was put down almost five years ago and left exposed all that time, so I’m wondering if these chemicals have off-gassed or dissipated in some way. Anyway, I’m writing to ask if anybody has had some experience in this regard.

Categories: Floors

By CommodoreStephenDecatur | 02/22/2011 9:12 AM | Comment

“Lally” columns

We have a slightly sagging point at the rear corner of the basement level. I’d like to put a support to raise it an inch in the cellar. I went to two construction supply places and they both have posts in a box that you assemble called Tiger. They were very unimpressive sheet steel tubing.
Where should I be looking for a single piece cast iron tube with a threaded adjustable stem at one end? (see screengrab drawing) I thought they were the standard thing, but the sales guys at these places tell me everybody uses this cheesy steel thing.

Categories: Cellar

By CommodoreStephenDecatur | 02/10/2011 7:30 PM | Comment

kitchen cabinet and countertop w/ sink

A floor standing cabinet measuring 66″ width, 25″ depth, and 38.5″ height . It was built in 2004. The face framing and door frames are hardwood, the remainder being in birch plywood and luan. It has one fixed shelf inside and 4 working drawers and 2 false fronts. It’s finished on three sides (unfinished on one end) and has toe-kicks on the two long sides, its intended use being as a peninsula cabinet, also known as a kitchen bar. It is completely sturdy, well, built, and ready to go.

The countertop is in grey “granite” style laminate measuring 72 1/4 x 36 1/4″ x 1 5/8″ thickness. Its size allows a 10 or 11″ overhang on one long side to allow legroom for barstool seating. It has a small stainless steel sink mounted in it, and a small hole for mounting a one-hole-faucet. There is also a laminated cover to conceal the sink. Countertop is not currently fastened to the cabinet. Their combined height is 40 1/8″.

Categories: Kitchen & Bath

By CommodoreStephenDecatur | 01/09/2011 12:33 PM | Comment

Historic preservation masonry

The recess in our kitchen chimney where a brickset wood/coal burning range once stood has suffered some careless alteration at some point, and I’m seeking a mason who can restore it. It’s a cosmetic job in a small area. I want it done exactly right, with exactly matching bricks and mortar. Recommendations? Thank you.

Categories: Masonry

By CommodoreStephenDecatur | 12/15/2010 10:51 PM | Comment

Glass Door Wall Cabinet for Sale $75

66″ width, 43″ height, 12″ depth

This cabinet was custom built 6 years ago. The front frame and door frames are hardwood; shelves, sides and back are luan. It’s well made, clean, sturdy, handsome and ready to go. Located eastern Bed-Stuy.
rendak@optonline.net