Bronx Science from Park Slope


We are in Park Slope and our son just got accepted into Bronx Science and I would love to hear from those who plan to, are or have sent their kids there, particularly regarding the school itself and the subway ride to the school. How difficult did the kids find the ride? Anyone use the private bus mentioned on Bronx Science’s website?

Thx!

KAZ

Categories: Schools
By KAZ | 02/23/2011 9:53 PM | Comment

Local Door Manufacturer


I need to replace the door and jamb from the storage area under my stoop where I store my garbage bins. Any recommendations for local door manufacturers? I am interested in buying a pre-hung white oak louver door unit? The door measures approximately 28 inches in width, 75 inches in length and 1 1/4 thick.

Thanks!

Categories: Doors
By KAZ | 05/08/2010 11:42 PM | Comment

Premier Roofing


I am planning to call Premier Roofing for an evaluation of my roof in light of leaks from the rain we have had. I would appreciate any comments from those who have worked with this roofing company.

Thx!

Categories: Roofers
By KAZ | 04/02/2010 11:59 AM | Comment

Mstr Plumber Help! Kitchen Sink


Master Plumber could you advise on the following: I have a kitchen sink that drains incredibly slowly and when it does finally drain it makes the following sound “gulb, gulb, gulb, etc. and then quiet”. I have had two plumbers look at the situation and they both have taken a snake and cleaned out the pipes but that really did not help all that much. One of the plumbers said that since the sink is not vented air is not allowing the sink to drain properly. The other plumber said it was grease in the pipes and I should put bleach in the pipes at night and that should help – which it did not. Any help would be appreciated as when I wash dishes it is like giving them a bath as the water is draining that slowly.

Thank you!

Categories: Plumbing
By KAZ | 02/20/2010 9:05 PM | Comment

Custom Made Slip Covers


Any recomendations for a store that does custom made slip covers?

Thanks.

Categories: Furniture
By KAZ | 09/17/2009 9:07 AM | Comment

Scott Schnall: Questions


I am thinking about engaging Scott Schnall to submit plans to the DOB with regard to converting my C of O from a 1-family to a 2-family and the addition of a steel deck off the parlor floor in the back of my brownstone. (The plans will be prepared by my interior designer that I will give to Scott for him to adjust/change as necessary for filing with the DOB, obtaining plan appproval, issuing of permits and obtaining a new C of O.)

To those who have used Scott before do you sign a written agreement with him detailing what he will provide (i.e., permits, change of C of O), etc?

With regard to the C of O process does the DOB work through him to set up the appointments for the DOB to inspect the work that was done?

If the DOB finds an issue does Scott assist in trying to get it solved?

Does he accompany the DOB inspector to the inspection?

Does he only get involved if the DOB objects during the inspection to items they agreed to on the plans submitted to them and which construction was based upon?

What is Scott’s payment structure – how much upfront/at the end?

Is the best way to start the pocess with him to simply arrive in his office with my plans in hand and tell what I want to do?

Sorry for all the questions but I truly want to understand what he does amd does not do, payment mechanics and general operating style.

Many thanks!

KAZ

Categories: Expediters
By KAZ | 02/24/2009 12:05 AM | Comment

Tenant Controlled Heating


In renovating my garden floor to be a rental I am thinking about providing the tenant with his own thermostat to control the heat in his apartment. (I have a hot water system.) The tenant would be responsible for paying for his heat instead of me as the landlord (I would have a separate gas meter put in as with the separate electric meter that will be put in), but would be able to control how much heat he wants. I figure this will avoid the likely conversation when he requests additional heat because his ground floor rental is colder than the upper floors – which it is. This arrangement saves me from having to heat the whole house to keep him warmer and gives the tenant flexibility. I would lower the rent by some amount to reflect the fact that as the landlord I am not paying for heating.

Thoughts/comments from both renters and landlords would be appreciated!

Thx.

Categories: Renters
By KAZ | 02/20/2009 9:40 PM | Comment

NYC Local Law 1 (Lead Law)


NYC Local Law 1 states that the law applies to apartments if:

The building where the apartment is in was built before 1960 and

The building has 3 or more apartment units and

a child under the age of 6 lives in said apartment.

Does that mean that in a four story brownstone where the onwner of the brownstone rents out the garden level and he and his family live in the top three floors, said brownstone would not be required to follow NYC Local Law 1 for the garden rental as there are not 3 or more apartment units in the brownstone?

Thanks.

KAZ

Categories: Environmental
By KAZ | 02/10/2009 12:45 PM | Comment

Architects


Any recomendations for architects willing to work on an hourly basis to draw up some kitchen and bathroom plans? Not looking for the person to oversee the job but just to draw up the plans and I would take it from there.

Thanks.

Categories: Architects
By KAZ | 01/28/2009 2:07 PM | Comment

Joseph Weinstein Electric Corp.


Anyone have any experience working with Joseph Weinstein Electric Corp.?

Many thanks.

Categories: Electricians
By KAZ | 01/19/2009 8:58 PM | Comment