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Rear Cornice and Gutter
There is currently no connection between our flat brownstone roof and the leader or the downspout in the rear of the house. The previous owners did some work on the roof, removed the “cricket” (angled piece of roof which directs the water into the drain for the leader), and roofed right over the drain. Now the rain pours off the rear of the house in sheets and pools onto our patio. i have spoken with a couple of roofers, who all suggest removing the wooden cornice (which is rotting) and adding a gutter. This seems sad from a detail perspective. I am told replacing the cornice would add at least $5K to the project. Any thoughts on how to make this look the nicest? We’re thinking perhaps a copper gutter.
05/20/2011 10:45 AM
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Rewiring table lamps
I have a couple of marble table lamps which need to be rewired. Any recommendations on where to go?
04/16/2011 6:16 PM
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National Grid- Non-residential account for a SF?
We finally closed on our SF brownstone! National Grid is telling me that aanything with more than 3 stories requires a non-residential account. Is this true?
01/07/2011 10:38 AM
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Dryer Vent Installation
We would like to get a price estimate on installing a dryer vent for a garden level laundry closet. The installation will likely involve some drywall and framing work to run the vent about 8 ft. from the laundry area to the rear exterior wall. Who should I request quotes from (a general contractor, plumber)?
11/27/2010 8:49 AM
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Class B Multiple Family Dwellings
Are all Class B Multi Family Dwellings SROs? Our offer on a brownstone was accepted. It’s just been renovated into a single family, but the C of O says Class B Multi-Family. The property overview in the DOB system says it’s not SRO restricted. What kind of issues might we face? The house has been empty for over 3 years so a cert of non-harassment shouldn’t be an issue. The seller seems willing to do what’s necessary to remedy, but it would help to know what I need to ask for.
08/28/2010 4:40 PM
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Lefferts Place in Clinton Hill
We’re looking at a brownstone on Lefferts Place between Grande and Classon, and I would love input on those familiar with the block on the gneral quality of life. The block seemed to be very pleasant and quiet, with neighbors chatting on the sidewalk. The children’s park off Classon seemed clean and well-maintained. I understand there is the seedy Lefferts Hotel right there and low-income housing on the corner of Lefferts and Classon, but does the street feel safe and family friendly in general?
05/24/2010 8:36 PM
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Implications of Lis Pendens for a Buyer?
I am looking into buying a 3 family limestone which has a lis pendens filed by the lender for foreclosure. The wikipedia description for lis pendens sound pretty scary. Does anyone know anymore about this before I bug my attorney?
05/14/2010 11:49 AM
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Cost to Add HW Radiator Heat
We need to replace the heating system in the four-story single family brownstone (with a 18 x 40 ft. footprint) we’re buying. It currently has an oil furnace with forced air, but we’re interested in converting to a hot water radiator system with a high-efficiency gas boiler. We’re also replacing plumbing and electrical at the same time, but not gutting the house, so the plaster walls would need to be opened and repaired. We have a center hall stair and 2 rooms per floor, so 8 cast-iron radiators total would likely do the trick. Any thoughts on a ballpark cost estimate or things to keep in mind?
04/23/2010 10:15 PM
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Financing an SRO
I’ve read here on several threads and been told my a selling agent that it can be difficult to finance an SRO. Why is that? Is it because banks don’t know how to handle it? Because there are not enough comparables available for appraisal? Because there is some risk that the C of O wouldn’t be converted? Or all of the above. I am considered purchasing an SRO that will be delivered vacant with a cert of non-harassment at closing.
03/22/2010 10:42 AM
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cara
May 21, 2012 | 02:16 PM