Looking for Tax Attorney for IRS Audit


Greetings – anybody have recommendations for a Tax Attorney? We are being audited by the IRS with a focus on the Real Estate part of the return. Thanks.

Categories: Legal
By bigmaq | 12/16/2010 6:03 PM | Comment

Replacing Precast Steps with Granite – Load Capacity?


My steps made of precast concrete are crumbling and need to be replaced. I’m thinking of using granite steps and risers instead of replacing it with the same precast concrete. Although the granite will be 2 1/4″ thick, the span is 4′ wide, so I’m concerned it’s is too wide to safely carry heavy loads (e.g., moving men with heavy furniture).

The contractor I talked to said that for granite steps, they add a steel bracket along the edges of the steps to effectively shorten the span but he did say they were prone to rusting anyway. However, I was thinking of taking this further and buying galvanized lintels and having the contractor install it at the rear of the step, where the riser is. What do y’all think?

Categories: Construction
By bigmaq | 05/20/2010 9:48 PM | Comment

What Style Is This House?


What style is this house (the Bay Ridge one) built 1925. Greek Revival?

http://bk.ly/li9

By the way, found this brochure from the NYC Landmark Preservation Commission titled “Rowhouse Style” dated August 2005 that describes the various styles.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/pubs/rowhouse.pdf

Categories: Architects
By bigmaq | 04/22/2010 1:51 PM | Comment

Remove Wall – Put Back in 10 yrs


We want to remove an existing non-load bearing wall between a BR and a parlor/office room. Each room has a window and its own entrance door. We lose a BR but gain space to make a formal dining room. I think we need a permit to remove the wall. Our dilemma is that in 10 years or so, we want to reinstall the wall so that we get that BR back (maybe a foot away from its original position so we gain space on the BR). Will that be a problem with the DOB to put back the wall, like CofO? I mean, it was there originally with the house (built 1925). We’re just “temporarily” removing it for a family member and then returning it to what it was, so maybe the DOB doesn’t need to know. What do you all think?

Categories: DOB
By bigmaq | 04/17/2010 6:47 PM | Comment

FIOS in Bay Ridge?


Anybody know when??? This is taking just too long.
Thx.

P.S. We need to create an OT Category and a COMPUTER Category in these Forums.

Categories: Utilities
By bigmaq | 04/08/2010 9:44 AM | Comment

Love Iron Rails – Need Advice


I’d like to replace the existing front and side fence (it’s semi-detached house) with a period-correct iron railing for a brownstone built in 1925. I’d like to maintain the waist-high height (is that about 3′-4′), but maybe have bigger posts. Where can I find any info about how these old iron railing/fencing looked like? Maybe someone should create a “Beautiful Architectural Fences of Brooklyn” book.

Categories: Iron
By bigmaq | 03/02/2010 1:30 PM | Comment

What is a Cockloft?


My engineering inspector said that I have a “cockloft” that has no subfloor and is uninsulated. I looked it up and it’s supposed to be the space between the roof and the ceiling. Next time I get a chance I will look at it again since I’m not sure exactly how high this cockloft can be. It seems to be accessable, however, as the inspector said that there is a hatch opening for it in the ceiling of a hall closet.

Categories: Construction
By bigmaq | 03/01/2010 3:13 PM | Comment

Outdoor Brick Oven


I would like to build an outdoor brick oven in my backyard, very similar to the one in the pic. I already asked the local firehouse and the captain said it was ok. However, not sure if there are any appropriate Building Codes for this. There are some construction codes that are appropriate that I see on the web, e.g., no wood if enclosing the oven. I was wondering, however, if there are any NYC-specific codes regulating this. The closest code I found referred to it as a standard outdoor barbeque. Anybody have experience with this or could point me in the right direction? Thx.

Categories: Building Code
By bigmaq | 02/20/2010 10:06 AM | Comment

Accuracy of Listing Web Sites


Why do the various RE Listing web sites, i.e., Pshark, zillow, streeteasy, always have old listings. These listings have been sold already but still show as Active. Granted some closings take a while, but it’s annoying to call up and find out the property is sold.

ok, rant over. Thx.

Categories: Real Estate
By bigmaq | 02/18/2010 11:48 AM | Comment

Obligation After Offer Withdrawn


I hired an attorney after our offer was accepted. However, after the engineering report came in I decided I would like to withdraw the offer. What is my obligation to my Attorney at this point? What is the usual practice? Thx.

Categories: Lawyers
By bigmaq | 02/15/2010 10:38 AM | Comment