Forum Archive: Posts by: WTbound

We are considering renting a space in someone’s driveway – does anyone else do this or know the going rate? Windsor Terrace, FWIW. Thanks!

I think we have a venting issue in our basement, wondering if it is dangerous or can we put it on the later priority list. Basically, it seems when we run the dishwasher in our parlor floor kitchen, the laundry room (garden extension underneath the kitchen) smells like sewer a bit. The dishwasher/laundry machine and laundry sink all seem to be on the same plumbing line which we were told by a contractor has a “farmhouse vent” – which I gather is an illegal venting system or something. We have windows in the laundry room, we usually open them during the day and it airs out fairly quickly. The stench is not overwhelming and dissipates within an hour of running the dishwasher. We plan to fix it but can’t really fit it onto the budget right now. Can the sewer gas be dangerous though? It’s not really living space, it is a semi-finished basement mostly used for laundry and storage.

Just reading the link about the Park Slope robberies and then noticed all the car thefts below…I’ve parked my car on NYC streets for 15 years and never had a problem…is there an increase in car theft or was I just being naive all this time?

We bought a house a year ago with a wooden deck. At some point somebody said they thought it was grandfathered in but today I’m reading DOB can fine you even if the deck has been there forever? We can’t redo it now, and it is in good condition. How much do I need to worry? We aren’t selling or anything and many neighbors also have decks…

This afternoon our water meter started making a kind of high-pitched whirring noise. It hasn’t stopped. The meter numbers aren’t turning, at least not noticeably fast or anything. I’ve never heard this before. Should we call DEP tomorrow? Or a plumber? Or what?

The flying and stinging kind. Today there were two on the window, trying to get out. I caught them and moved them outside (as my 2 kids sat trembling with fear in the corner). How many more do you think there are? Where are they coming from? It is an old wood frame house, but there are no holes in the kids’ room (I recently painted so have gone over the room fairly carefully). Ideas? solutions? I don’t mind living with bugs but hate the idea of one of my kids getting stung in their own room.

I just heard from a friend who wants to sell her co-op that Fannie Mae is no longer backing mortgages for units in co-ops of 4 units or less. So she can’t sell unless she gets an all cash buyer? Can this be right? She is freaking out – anyone understand this or know more?

We are thinking of putting some sod down in the newly dirt backyard (and hopefully seeding over the sod in the fall?). I called Shannon nursery and they seem to be knowledgeable and good. But the guy said the sod is not fully green yet, should be in about 2 weeks. But they will install it this weekend. Is this odd? To install brownish sod with the understanding it will grow in green as the weather warms up? I thought sod was always green when installed. Anyone?