An Engineer?


I am in a late 19th century double-wide brownstone coop (yes, I live in a “double-wide”). Anyway, about 15 years ago (before my time), the building had some movement and an I-beam was placed in the basement and apparently all was good – our floors are certainly not level, but no one seems to mind much. However, recently, someone in the building stated that he thought the building had shifted again. The board wants to bring in a carpenter…which seemed odd to me. Question: who would we call? I thought an engineer would be able to tell us of there are any structural/movement issues. So, Brownstoners – is it an engineer we need to contact? Do you have any recommendations of anyone who works with these buildings?

Categories: Engineer
By dda | 04/07/2010 8:35 PM | Comment

SHUTTERS!


I am thinking of installing shutters in my new place. Let me rephrase – I would really like to get shutters. However, I’ve discovered just how expensive they are. Can anyone recommend a place that does shutters as a good rate?

By dda | 09/12/2008 9:19 PM | Comment

Cleaning Marble?


My new apartment has a cool little marble mantlepiece. Unfortunately, it was not really taken very good care, but is still in generally good condition. However, the actual mantle ledge seems to have gone from it’s normal white color to more yellowish.
Is there anything you can recommend that can clean it up (or at least make it a little less yellowed)?

Categories: Fireplace/Mantle
By dda | 07/28/2008 10:43 AM | Comment

INSPECTION


Hello! I tried running a search and didn’t quite find what I was looking for, so thought I’d post here (sorry if it’s a repeat).
I am looking to get a coop and, of course, the building inspected before purchasing. Does anyone have any recommendations or inspectors I should run away from?
Thanks!

By dda | 05/22/2008 9:27 PM | Comment

Windowless


I am getting pretty close to purchasing my first place (cheer!). The thing is that it is an old tenement kind of building where the bedroom doesn’t have any windows. It is a long apartment so the kitchen and living room get good light, but nothing in the bedroom. I was wondering (other than lots of light fixtures), if anyone else has had to deal with this. I was thinking that I could “make” a small window using those thick glass blocks, thereby letting in some natural light. The wall is not load-bearing.

Thoughts Brownstoner friends?

Categories: Windows
By dda | 02/22/2008 8:23 PM | Comment