Kitchen Reno–No Upper Cabinets


I love the look of kitchens with no upper or overhead cabinetry. Just seems lighter and less invasive to me…especially in an open plan living scenario. We are about to embark on our parlor floor kitchen reno and was curious if any other Brownstoners made this choice in their homes? How have you found it? Do you regret the decision? Also, my husband was afraid it might detract in terms of resale value, as your average buyer likely wants the traditional layout. Any thoughts are appreciated!

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By bklynrosie | 02/22/2010 4:27 PM | Comment

Kitchen vs. First Floor Bath


Our brownstone currently has a full bath on the parlor floor, right off the small kitchen. We would like to use this bathroom space to expand the kitchen but are concerned about losing the first floor bathroom. What do you think–is a first floor bathroom/powder room necessary, or should we go for the larger kitchen? Thanks!

Categories: Configuration
By bklynrosie | 05/13/2009 9:58 AM | Comment

Amazing Contractor


We just finished quite a bit of renovation work on on our new brownstone and are so thrilled with the work done by our contractor that I wanted to share with the forum. His name is Jan Cymmerman; the name of the company is QJC construction. Phone is 917.767.2654. Jan is honest, super friendly and gets things done well and on time. Tell him Valery and Chauncey sent you!

Categories: General Contractors
By bklynrosie | 07/15/2008 8:51 AM | Comment

Alternatives to Track lighting?


We have quite a large art collection and are trying to figure out the best way to light everything. Is there any other option aside from track lighting that makes sense?

By bklynrosie | 06/15/2008 5:24 PM | Comment

Can anyone recommend a good housecleaner?


We are about to move into a brownstone which has just undergone quite a bit of renovation work and are looking for a reliable post-construction house cleaner, as there is a good deal of dust, etc. Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks in advance!

Categories: Maintenance
By bklynrosie | 06/05/2008 11:09 AM | Comment

Notary in Fort Greene/Clinton Hill?


Can anyone recommend a place to get a letter notarized in Ft. Greene/Clinton Hill? My car was towed this morning and I need to have a letter notarized so that my boyfriend can pick it up for me. TIA!

By bklynrosie | 03/24/2008 1:44 PM | Comment

Four Family’s Taxed Higher?


What is the penalty tax wise for four family houses? Do they pay significantly more? Enough that it would make one consider ruling out four family’s as an option? Would love opinions…

Thanks in advance!

By bklynrosie | 01/28/2008 2:23 PM | Comment

Brownstone Property Management


Has anyone ever had experiece with this company, Brownstone Management?

http://www.amny.com/business/am-farnoosh0619,0,5732633.story?coll=am-business-utility

http://brownstonemgt.com/index.html

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Categories: Management
By bklynrosie | 01/28/2008 11:14 AM | Comment

Being a Landlord


Just visited the openhouse at 242 Washington.

http://www.corcoran.com/property/listing.aspx?Region=NYC&ListingID=1163417

The owner’s duplex is very nice, though we were not able to see the rentals. Our plan would be to rent out the rental units for a couple years before taking over and expanding the owner’s duplex to a triplex or quad. My worry is becoming a landlord and having to be resposible for three units. Does anyone here have advice or experience on being a resident landlord? Is it worth it or should we just keep looking for a house that is already configured as a two family?

Thanks in advance!

bklynrosie

Categories: Configuration
By bklynrosie | 01/27/2008 3:28 PM | Comment

Propsect Heights Brownstone


Went to the open house for this three family brownstone on Carlton btwn Prospect Place and St Marks on Sunday:

http://www.warrenlewis.com/cgi-bin/re/re_show.pl?re_command=show&ID=6207

We really liked it but I am curious if you think it is overpriced at 2.1 mil? Looking at comps, there doesn’t seem to be too much property in Prospect Heights that has sold at above the 2 mil mark.

Granted it was beautifully done but…I’m just not sure.

Any thoughts?

By bklynrosie | 01/15/2008 8:58 AM | Comment