Metal Deck from a Fire Escape Platform


Hi all
Is it possible/legal to extend a fire escape platform and make it into a deck off the parlor floor with steps down to the garden?
(The house is a legal 3 family and was all to code in 2006)
If possible, how long does it take to get a permit.
Thanks.

Categories: Decks
By brooklynbemused | 05/19/2011 1:47 PM | Comment

Permit for Planters on Sidewalk?


Hi
I just attended a block association meeting where the residents are interested in putting planters out along the sidewalk. Does anyone know if any kind of permission is required for this? Plus, does anyone have any experience of doing this – positive or negative.
Thanks!

Categories: Sidewalks
By brooklynbemused | 05/02/2011 9:45 AM | Comment

Changing Back Door


Hi
I have a steel door leading out to the yard and then a metal gate. The door swings inwards and is solid. I’d like to replace it with a door with a window at the top that (ideally) swings out. Is it possible to buy a door and put it into the existing frame? If so, where from? I seem to remember concrete being poured into the frame so I don’t want to replace that. It’s standard 32″ x 80″. Thanks for any help.

Categories: Doors
By brooklynbemused | 04/08/2011 10:51 AM | Comment

Ikea Broder system – buyer beware!


I realize that everyone knows about missing Ikea product pieces and how appalling their customer service is, but I just wanted to mention a particularly problematic product line to prevent others going through what I am going through!

The Broder heavy duty shelving system is durable and nice looking, BUT there were missing pieces from 10+ of the items I bought. (It’s sold in component parts and the online inventory is even more inaccurate than usual)

If you decide to buy it, look at the instructions first and identify all the parts and make sure you’re getting them. The way Ikea packages this system allows for small parts (and even larger ones) to fall out on the shelves and you don’t realize your mistake until it’s too late.

Their customer service mailed me the missing pieces, which I waited 10 days for, but they were the wrong pieces!

A simple project took about 4 weeks to complete and too many trips to Ikea.

Categories: Storage
By brooklynbemused | 02/02/2011 5:59 PM | Comment

Water Coming In. Who to Call?


Hi,

My basement just sprung a leak in that huge rain storm we just had. I’ve got a bunch of potential issues and I am not sure who I’d need to fix the various problems.

The roof run off is plumbed into the main sewer line and the cap above the big U bend (?) was popping up and down (but luckily didn’t blow). Sewage came up through the utility sink and through the pipe where the dehumidifier drain is plumbed in. Both of these go to the main sewer. So, I am wondering if I need to have the sewer cleaned.

As well as that, water was coming in through the ceiling at the back of the house into the basement. I am guessing that it was coming through the wall under the concrete stoop, or directly through the stuccoed wall, and was breaking through at the weak points which is where the gas and waste pipes go through the ceiling.

So, I guess I need to address the sewer issue and the water through the wall issues. No idea who to call for the latter.

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks all.

Categories: General Contractors
By brooklynbemused | 10/11/2010 9:34 PM | Comment

Automatic Sprinkler Timer


I need a new automatic timer for my lawn sprinkler since I am about to go away for the summer. I’ve had three of the ones sold at Home Depot and they always fail. Can anyone recommend a reliable brand? It could be an online seller as long as I can get it here before Saturday. Thanks!

Categories: Garden
By brooklynbemused | 07/29/2010 1:45 PM | Comment

Need a GREAT Exterminator Immediately


I just had a barbecue in the backyard and cleaned up pretty well, or so I thought. I’ve just watched 5 large rats have a late night snack. Can someone recommend a really good exterminator that will come out at short notice. I am totally disgusted right now!
Thanks

Categories: Exterminator
By brooklynbemused | 07/28/2010 11:14 PM | Comment

Electrician Needed for a VERY Small Job


Hi,
I need someone to replace a GFI in the back yard.
Any reccos for such a small job?
Thanks

Categories: Electricians
By brooklynbemused | 06/14/2010 6:05 PM | Comment

Lights for garden


Can someone please recommend a good system for lighting up a garden in the evening. It’s 55′X20′ and ideally I’d like both ends illuminated at night – enough to see by, not just a dim glow. Ideally, I’d like solar powered, but only if someone can recommend a type/manufacturer that works! Low cost as per usual.
Thanks.

Categories: Garden
By brooklynbemused | 06/04/2010 11:10 PM | Comment

Real Estate Litigator Needed


I am posting for a friend who needs a great real estate litigator. Any reccos? Thanks.

Categories: Lawyers
By brooklynbemused | 05/20/2010 12:23 PM | Comment