HVAC: Ductless vs. Space Pak?
We moved into a recently renovated brownstone that does not have central air. We’d like to invest in a system and are trying to decide on the best one, both for cost, energy efficiency and performance/asthetics.
We got a quote from All Mechanical for the Mitsubishi Ductless system and Space Pak that came out even for each system. Does anyone have any guidance on whether one is better than the other?
The Mitsubishi units seem more energy efficient because it is zoned, but the downside is you have to change the filters every two weeks or so during peak usage. I don’t like being able to see the units, but they have models that can now be concealed behind vents.
The Space Pak is appealing because it is invisible, and All Mechanical swears that when installed right, they don’t make a swooshing sound. We’ll still have to have some visible ductwork in our house though, which I’m not super thrilled about.
Finally, I need to source one or two other quotes. Any references for good HVAC professionals?
Thanks!
Roof maintenance
Has anyone ever worked with Stewart Roofing? They are doing my neighbor’s roof, and they approached us with an offer to seal and coat our flat roof with a 5 year guarantee for $850 if we do it today (since they are here already). Does anyone have any experience with them? And also is that a good price for this type of maintenance roof job? Frankly, I’m not even sure if we need it right now, but I suppose it would give us peace of mind that we won’t need to worry about our roof for the next 5 years. Any advice/feedback today would be much appreciated! Also would welcome tips about what we should make sure they do as part of this job, and any preference on materials, should we go ahead.
Front Door Replacement
I’m about to purchase a townhouse and intend to replace the front door soon after we move in. I’d like the door to match others in the same row. I’ll be asking my neighbors for advice, but wanted to see if the forum also had suggestions of companies that could build a door like the one in the attached photo? Many thanks in advance!
Conversion of SRO to one-family
Hi – can someone offer advice about converting an SRO (considered commercial) to a one-family (residential) in terms of the bureaucratic procedure? My lawyer tells me that an architect & expetitor must advise me on this, but if the house currently has a certificate of non-harassment then, I should be able to change the designation, remove it from rent stabilization and the certificate of occupancy would be amended.
Do I need an architect involved in this process, even if I don’t plan to currently make any renovations to the building?
Does this conversion have positive tax implications (commercial to one-family)?
Any other advice/recommendations?
Graffitti removal?
Does anyone have recommendations for graffitti removal – specifically, spray paint from stone and brick (without painting over)?
Radiant floors
Has anyone installed radiant floors for heating an entire home? Do they actually save $ on your energy bill and work well? Can you install and still preserve your existing wood floors? Any recommendations?
NYC small building loan program?
Does anyone know anything about the small building loan program offered by HPD for rehabilitation jobs?
Tips before buying a shell?
I’m looking at a bank-owned property that needs a full gut renovation. This is my first time buying anything. I’m up for a project, but wondering what major risks I need to look out for? Does anyone with experience here have any guidance? Can we do a gut reno for $200k or less on a 3 story, 4 unit place (2000 sq ft)?
May 21, 2012 | 02:16 PM