Rents going down? By how much?


We’ve been renting out a one-bedroom garden apartment in Prospect Heights for $1850 for the past year. We’re asking our tenant to sign a new lease, but she says that the market is down and wants a reduction in rent.
By how much would you say the market has decreased in the last 12 months? In other words, what’s a fair rent this year for something that went for $1850 last summer?
Thank you!

Categories: Renters
By brooklynrulz | 07/07/2009 3:02 PM | Comment

Licensed Sprinkler-Removal-Guy


As part of renovating a 4-fam brownstone into a 2-fam, we removed an old sprinkler system. Our expeditor says that we need a licensed sprinkler-removal-guy to obtain DoB sign-off on the sprinkler part of the work. Any recommendations?

By brooklynrulz | 02/19/2009 2:40 PM | Comment

When ceilings show their seams


Our contractors installed new ceilings in a brownstone not more than three months ago, and in some rooms the seams between the boards are already visible. How common a problem is this? Will the seams become even more visible over time, or is this just the result of initial settling? Are there experts out there who specialize in making nice ceilings?

By brooklynrulz | 07/15/2008 11:12 AM | Comment

Free radiators for the taking


We have some old cast-iron radiators to give away. Pick up from Prospect Heights soon.

Please email brooklynrulz@gmail.com if you’re interested.

Categories: Architectural Salvage
By brooklynrulz | 05/28/2008 11:50 AM | Comment

What’s the story with paint sprayers?


I have a whole brownstone to paint — lots of freshly spackled and primed walls, and lots of unprimed pine trim. Painter estimates are coming in around $10K, so we’re thinking about painting ourselves.

Are paint sprayers the way to go? Are they much faster than regular rollers? Is the paint applies evenly/smoothly? Also, I see there are lots of different kinds (airless sprayers, high-volume low-pressure, etc.) — which one is best for what use? I would be OK buying a relatively expensive sprayer since we’d still be saving so much money from not paying for a painter.

Thanks for the advice.

Categories: Painting
By brooklynrulz | 05/15/2008 10:46 AM | Comment

Anyone able to spare 50 SF of wood flooring?


I need to put in new wood flooring in a small area that is hidden from view. Does anyone have about 50 SF of wood flooring left over from a project? Any kind of wood would be very welcome. Thank you!
Juliette
brooklynrulz@gmail.com

Categories: Floors
By brooklynrulz | 05/02/2008 11:41 AM | Comment

Anyone had problems with Nemo subway tile?


Upon seeing the subway tile we bought from Nemo, our contractor said that this type of thin, cheap subway tile quickly suffers from water damage and discoloration around the edges. He said Daltile’s subway tiles were much better quality. Has anyone heard this before?

Categories: Tile
By brooklynrulz | 04/14/2008 12:21 PM | Comment

Doorbell chime


As part of a gut renovation of a three-story brownstone, I am installing a new doorbell system.

1/ Do I need a chime on each floor or will I be able to hear the doorbell from the third floor?

2/ I’m a little picky about the sound of the doorbell — looking for something very simple. A nice, natural “ding-dong” would be perfect. Where can I go to hear different products?

3/ Is it worth investing in an intercom system while the walls are open? Do you have one and find it useful?

Thank you for your advice.

Categories: Renovation
By brooklynrulz | 03/25/2008 5:01 PM | Comment

5′ American Standard Tub – $200


I mistakenly ordered the wrong bathtub, so looking to sell this one. It’s an American Standard 2391.202ICH – 5′ (60″) Princeton Americast Bath Tub with Integral Chrome Overflow and Right-Hand Outlet. Cost me $333, looking to sell for $200. Still in the box. Need to pick up in Prospect Heights.

This is a great bathtub — high quality, durable Americast construction. It weighs about 125 pounds. http://www.everyfaucet.com/American-Standard-2391.202ICH-ASD4822.html
Note that the image above shows a left-hand outlet, when the tub I have to sell is a right-hand. Please contact me at brooklynrulz@gmail.com. Thank you.

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By brooklynrulz | 03/12/2008 11:34 AM | Comment

The logisitics of Carrara countertops


I’ve read on this blog that, as a natural marble and therefore porous, Carrara can stain and/or dull with extended exposure to foods and liquids, even if it’s honed. Would a drying rack by the sink inflict permanent damage on the stone? If so, what are alternatives? Even with a dishwasher, there are always a few items to clean by hand — how/where would you let them dry?

Categories: Marble
By brooklynrulz | 03/11/2008 10:56 AM | Comment