Tilt Turn & Hopper Windows


Has anyone used Marvin’s Tilt Turn/Hopper windows? We are considering putting these in our 2nd floor because it looks like they can be opened in many directions so ventilation might be better. My concern is that the more ways a window opens = more ways it can break. Anyone have any experience with these windows?

Categories: Windows
By brooklynstyle | 03/29/2011 11:45 AM | Comment

Estimate for Demo-ing, Drywall, Insulating Attic


I know these “how much will it costs” posts suck because there are always so many factors involved, but can anyone give me a general ballpark figure on how much it will cost to demo, insulate, and sheetrock my attic (about 700 sq ft)? It’s finished in lathe and plaster right now, but the plaster is in really bad condition (huge cracks all over) that it’s not worth repairing. Plus, it gets roasting hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter so I’d like to insulate it. I’m planning on turning it into my office, so it has to be somewhat habitable.

I’m trying to decide if I should put up with the PITA and do it myself, or if I should hire someone to do it for me. I demo’ed my kitchen myself and it sucked… I have no idea how much it would have cost to have it done professionally, but I know I’m really not looking forward to doing the attic myself.

I’m not trying to do anything fancy, and already have bids from the electrician for wiring, so just need an idea if demo and sheetrocking will cost me $1k or $10k?

THanks

Categories: Demolition
By brooklynstyle | 10/26/2010 5:32 PM | Comment

temporary front doors?


The post about boarded up windows reminded me of a dilemma I’m facing. I want to get my front door stripped/dipped — it’s got great etched glass and some ornamental carving hidden under 3,490,941 layers of paint. My question is what the heck do you do to cover the doorway while the actual door is out being stripped? I can’t just nail up plywood, since there would be no other way of getting into/out of the house, except maybe if I crawled through a window.

I’ve thought about some kind of plywood door with a padlock, but can’t figure out where to affix the locking mechanism.

Any ideas?

Categories: Doors
By brooklynstyle | 04/15/2010 5:21 PM | Comment

Tin Ceiling Tiles?


Anyone know a good place to get tin ceiling tiles? Or the modern ones made out of aluminum that look like pressed tin? Reputable on-line retailers or local shops appreciated.

Thanks!

Categories: Stores
By brooklynstyle | 01/22/2010 12:47 PM | Comment

Texeira DIY


Anyone order soapstone from M. Texeira using their DIY option? How did it work out for you? Easy to install? Were the slabs uniform? My carpenter says he’s worked with soapstone before (not from Texeira’s) where the different slabs came out slightly different heights, and it was a HUGE PITA to hone them down. The DIY option is so much cheaper than anything else I’ve found, I’m seriously considering it, but want to make sure I’m not getting in over my head. I can make straight cuts and epoxy the seams, but don’t want to get into screwing with the height if there is any variation.

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By brooklynstyle | 01/20/2010 12:24 AM | Comment

Cast Iron Tub Paint


Apologies if this has been discussed before. I’m wondering if anyone has tips on what kind of paint to use in the exterior of a cast iron tub? Does it have to be special paint, or can you just use normal paint?

Thanks!

Categories: Painting
By brooklynstyle | 10/07/2009 11:49 AM | Comment

When to start mortgage pre-qual?


Hi All,

I was wondering what your thoughts were on when I should start my mortgage pre-qualification and other paperwork.

We’re in the early stages of buying a place, and are still looking at properties… haven’t quite found anything we want to put an offer in on. I’ve been told your credit report is only good for 30-60 days (depending on who you talk to), and I’m not sure we’ll find anything in that time frame so I don’t want my credit pulled unneccessarily too many times in case we don’t find anything we like in the next month or so.

On the other hand, I’ve heard that the whole mortgage process is just taking longer now, with lenders scrutinizing credit, employment history, tax returns, etc etc very closely.

Should we get the process started sooner rather than later because everyhting is going to take longer? Or should we just wait until we think we’ve found a place we like. I feel like in this market it’s highly unlikely we’ll be getting into bidding wars, and don’t feel like I need to have a prequal letter at an open house. But at the same time, we don’t want to miss out on buying a place we like because the paperwork took too long.

experiences?

Categories: Mortgage
By brooklynstyle | 06/30/2009 4:56 PM | Comment

Construction crew taking up street parking?


A brownstone a few doors down from us is undergoing conversion to condo. The construction crews have one large dumpster/container on the street, and have also blocked off about 4 parking spots with cones, construction materials, saw horses, buckets, etc. Is it legal to take up so many parking spots?

It’s hard enough to find street parking as it is, but I’m disabled and walking an extra block because a contractor is taking up 5 spots for their work crews, trucks, etc is incredibly annoying. Even with a valid handicapped placard, it is sometimes hard to find parking on my block, and the extra walk is very difficult.

Is there anything I can do? I’ve tried moving the cones and construction detritus but some of it is really heavy. I would LOVE to leave cones and crap around in front of MY house to reserve a spot for myself but it just doesn’t seem fair.

Categories: Construction
By brooklynstyle | 07/03/2008 4:57 PM | Comment