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Tree Pit
I would like to install a proper tree pit and gate for the tree in front of my house. I’ll need to cut away some of the concrete/ blue stone currently there, put down some soil/mulch and install a 3 sided iron fence. Who do I call, landscaper/ mason/ ironworker? Is there someone who handles everything or do I have to piecemeal it?
03/03/2011 9:45 AM
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Contractor for Landmark Windows
I need to install landmark approved windows on my brownstone; ten in all, arched on top. The current windows are in violation of Landmark rules so Landmarks made me set aside $$ in escrow while I worked on the inside. I have received two estimates for the work (Bayridge Windows and EZ Tilt)
Here is my problem; the entire exterior frames of the windows are currently covered with a white vinyl capping. Underneath the capping the original rounded wood moldings (? ) are still there. I don’t know what kind of shape the wood is in but if possible I would like to salvage them. The vinyl seems to have protected the wood from water damage. I love the original old look and I am not 100% sold on how Marvin’s landmarked approved windows replicate the look.
I have quotes for a complete brick to brick window job OR replacement windows. Of course replacement is cheaper and I am thinking this option may save the wood that is currently there. The company that will do the replacement windows will not remove the vinyl capping or check to make sure that this is the best option. They suggested that I have a contractor fulfill that role. The company that will do the Brick to Brick will remove everything install all new Marvin windows at double the price.
Any recommendations for a contractor that can look at the windows and help me decide the best way to go? If they can also do the installation, that would be perfect.
04/29/2010 1:38 PM
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Picking a Stain
i finally got round to stipping the old paint off the banister and spindles. Now I am not sure how to approach the finish. The handrails are walnut, the spindles (salvaged) are two types cedar and walnut and the stairs (New) are red oak.
Do I have to Poly the walnut handrails? I don’t want them to look shiny just knd of glossy. And I was thinking of just sealing the read oak stairs but I may need to stain them to better match the spindles. Any suggestions???
04/09/2010 11:43 AM
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Renovation Costs Deductible?
I am getting conflicting advice on whether or not I can claim some of the $$$ we put out to renovating our 3 family brownstone. We upgraded electric , plumbing, redid the kitchens and bathes, and put in new windows and stairs. My previous tax guy told me to hold off from claiming the costs until we had income from a tenant. Now that we have a tenant, my new tax guy is saying that we should have claimed last year and that the max allowed is $25,000.
Figuring out tax code always seems darkly mystical to me. Is there a site that gives general guidelines that a lay person can understand.
02/03/2010 1:51 PM
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Stolen Plants
Came home last night and three of the plants we just planted were dug up and stolen from our front yard. I know there are things you have to put up with living in bed stuy, but come on. It’s not that the plants were expensive $7 to $16 at home depot, but to actually come into the yard and dig them out…. and refill the holes!!! DAMN
The block (MacDonough) is so pretty and for the longest time my front yard was the ugliest on the block. We are slowly trying to improve things and this is so disheartening. Just Venting.
06/07/2009 1:05 PM
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Medicine Cabinet for Sale
I purchased this Restoration Hardware Medicine Cabinet but it has too big for the space. If anyone is interested, I am selling it for $100. I don’t think this one is still available on the website, but a similar one is retailing at $229. The dimensions are 21″W x 6-3/4″D x 31-1/2″H
If you’re interested send me an email at
music4094@gmail.com
04/09/2009 6:31 PM
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What do you think
My friend is looking at a property on Winthrop between Bedford and Flatbush. The house is beautiful but it is sandwiched between some huge apratment buildings. How is this area; are the buildings rentals or co-ops/ condo?
They are relatively new to brooklyn and right now they live in Prospect Heights. My friend is a long time NY (lived in East village for 15 years), but now he is building his family and looking for something permenant.
04/03/2009 1:04 PM
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Windows
I need a recommendation on where to purchase low e windows for the back windows of my brownstone. I have an installer, but the company he deals with doesn’t carry the type of windows I need. Any suggestions?
04/02/2009 3:47 PM
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All United Windows
Has anyone ever purchased windows from All United Windows on Classon? I am replacing 6 windows in the back of the brownstone and my contractor usually purchases from them. They don’t sell the energy rated windows that would qualify for the tax rebate. I think he said thier U rating is 0.56. So before he orders them I wanted to get some feedback.
Does anyone know another dealer in Brooklyn that does sell windows with the lower than 0.3 rating?
04/01/2009 1:30 PM
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Steam Boiler Question
My plumber serviced my boiler about four months ago, but the heating has been spotty, sometimes great other times it does not go on. He just came out again and told me that I have to replace the water in our steam boiler every week in order to keep sediment from messing up the works. This seems excessive. Is this a sign that there is a bigger problem or are all steam boilers this high maintenance?
02/25/2009 12:03 PM
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no-permits
May 21, 2012 | 02:16 PM