Recessed lighting tips


We are in need of about 20 recessed lights for our renovation. We are undecided on whether to go with fluorescent, halogen, or incandescent. Some will be on dimmers.
Where is the best place to purchase? Any suggestions or tips appreciated. Thanks.

Categories: Lighting
By casabella | 09/30/2008 10:09 PM | Comment

LPC super delay in review


Has anyone else had to wait over 2 months for LPC to approve their project? The only thing that should concern them is changing the windows on the facade which we are replacing with Marvins Landmark windows. We have waited over 2 months and losing so much money without these permits. We are thinking of going down to the LPC office and talking to the examiner. Has anyone done this? We are pretty desperate.

Categories: Landmarks
By casabella | 06/05/2008 10:35 PM | Comment

Subfloors – Opinions…?


We are doing a gut renovation of a small 100+ year old brownstone. Currently we have removed all linoleum and carpeting off floors. Some of the floors are just subflooring and others have some oak flooring on top of subfloor. We are thinking about removing all wood/parquet and maintaining the subfloors but want to get opinions. Is it noisy or creaky when you walk? It is not wide plank, they are about 4 inches wide and need sanding and treatment, etc.

Categories: Floors
By casabella | 05/17/2008 4:42 PM | Comment

Green Light Expediters??


Anyone have any experience with Green Light Expediters? We are thinking of using them for a 2 family brownstone renov.

Categories: Expediters
By casabella | 03/06/2008 1:21 PM | Comment

Fire rating and means of egress


Is it necessary to provide a means of egress plan therefore providing fire rated walls and doors on stairways and common areas for a renovation with no change of units?

Categories: Building Code
By casabella | 01/16/2008 10:44 PM | Comment

CONTRACTOR FOR STRUCTURAL WORK PLUS


We are looking for contractors who will bid on our brownstone renov. We have sagging floors and obvious structural damage. Need to put in 2 kitchens, 3 baths and deck off parlor along with redoing floors and walls. We are also going to be installing central air and heat.

I have searched for hours for some good recs off this site and have found a few. Please let me know if you have a reliable, honest one that is mid-priced. thanks!

By casabella | 10/12/2007 11:37 PM | Comment

How Much to replace floors+ beams


I am considering buying a brick townhouse which has sagging floors on the top 2 floors of a 4 family. Yes they are near the bathroom + kitchen. We were told that a 9 foot portion of the load bearing wall has been removed on the parlor floor which could have added to this sagging.
Also, in the basement there were arches underneath the load bearing wall which were removed and replaced with steel beam and steel columns.

I have read through the other posts on this issue which were very informative but I am now wondering what the cost might be for the worst case scenario? Replacing the floors and beams on 2 possibly 3 floors? And could one live in the garden apt. while this was happening?
New to all this so thanks!

Categories: Structural
By casabella | 10/03/2007 10:11 PM | Comment