Rec. for Roofer and Plumber


Hello All,

Right now I am in contract and in the process of trying to close on a Brownstone in Bedford Stuyvesant this week.

However, our inspection revealed that we need a new roof and the plumbing under the kitchen sink is leaking and has rotted away sub-floor and even show signs of water n the basement from it.

The seller has offered to pay for those repairs but they want for me to get some estimates from a general contractor. However I think we need two different people, a roofer and a plumber.

I would really appreciate some recommendations.

Thanks in advance

Categories: Renovation
By brooklynnjewel | 02/22/2010 9:46 AM | Comment

Brownstone nightmares pt.1


Hello All,

I would like to first thank all of you for help in advance.

So I will paint the picture for you, we are in the process of buying an 1899 brownstone in Bedford Stuyvesant. The house has every single bit of original detail however the house has had little updating, which can be seen as good or bad. This weekend we had our inspection that lasted 4 hours (the inspector was AMAZING and THOROUGH) and there were so many things that were brought to our attention which brings me here.

Our dreams of refinishing the hardwood floors may not be possible, we were told that we MAY have asbestos in the vinyl flooring. From what we can tell the vinyl flooring covers the entire area of the home. We have read articles about just using it as subfloor and also read articles about some brave people removing it themselves. I would like to get it tested and even hire someone to remove it but I know that can get up in the thousands of dollars that we don’t have. Suggestions ????

Based on the home, it has a high probability that it has lead based paint on the walls and around the window areas. I know a lot of you have homes build around the same time. What can we do if some walls have cracks that need to be repaired ? Can we just paint over and it call it a day ?

Please advise

Categories: Renovation
By brooklynnjewel | 02/15/2010 10:08 AM | Comment

Duplex in Stuy Heights/Bed Stuy


My fiance and I trying to close deal on our 2 family home and trying to get an idea for rent prices. It seems that 1 or 2 bedroom prices seem to be more straight forward but when it come to a duplex we are without answers.

On Decatur and Patchen, how much would a 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom, additional bonus room or office. No backyard access but beautiful skylights and loads of storage.

Please advise, any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Categories: Real Estate
By brooklynnjewel | 01/26/2010 9:47 AM | Comment

203K loans and mortgage brokers


Hello All,

I am in the contract process of a townhouse in Bed Stuy BK. I love my lawyer BUT I am a little skeptical about my mortgage broker. I am already qualified for FHA so I was asking him if I can apply for the 203k loans on top of my standard FHA loan. He is giving me the run around saying it takes up to 4 months and this and that. Basically I think he doesn’t know how to do it and neither do I. So I need help.

Do you have any references of mortgage broker who know how to do 203k rehab loan along with a standard fha loan ?

What are my steps ? I have a signed commitment but I am waiting to sign contract. Is there anything else I should be doing?

People have told me they stopped this loan and that they are nearly impossible but then I hear about people who have gotten them.

Thanks again, in advance.

By brooklynnjewel | 12/07/2009 11:21 AM | Comment

Renovation Estimates


Hello All,

Thank you in advance.
Pretty new to this blog and I am in the process of purchasing a townhouse in Bed Stuy.

So right now I am estimating renovation cost. From what I can see the lights and plumbing is in working order. It looks like a little water damage happened on the top floor bathroom but I don’t know if its old or not. (Inspector is coming next week.)

On the cheap if I wanted to just have the electrician and plumber do minor work like add new electrical outlet or have plumber update a pipe or two to accommodate a new modern sink. How much would that cost? I estimated about 2,000. Am I crazy ?

From what I can see there has been little or no work to the place which is good and bad at the same time.. But I have heard and read horrible stories of having to replace entire plaster, electric and plumbing.

I just need some help. I am pretty handy as far as hanging cabinets, flooring and walls but I am not electrician or plumber.

Please advise.

Categories: Construction
By brooklynnjewel | 12/03/2009 11:06 AM | Comment