Ceiling Fan Repair


My ceiling fan’s chain that operates the option of having the fan on or off no longer works. I took it apart and found I can’t do anything to get the “click” to work again, so I electrical taped some wires closed so that, for now, the fan part stays closed when I open the light. I don’t know what else to do at this point and would like it fixed before the warm weather sets in. Can anyone recommend someone reliable for such a job (knowing it is small)? An electrician would be ideal, but I don’t know who to call and I have a feeling they’d probably pass on such a small job. Perhaps I can buy another piece to replace and try it again?Please help with any recommendations! Thanks so much in advance…

Categories: Electricians
By fedefedel | 05/21/2008 5:07 PM | Comment

Fire Department Inspection


I was hoping someone has had experience with a fire department inspection for the oil burner? I received a notice for an inspection to be set up and of course am nervous whenever I hear the word “inspection” which sounds invasive and accusatory right off the bat, even though I know everything is fine. Does anyone know what they look for and/or fine? Thanks so much in advance.

Categories: Fire
By fedefedel | 05/04/2008 5:15 PM | Comment

Fix stained brownstone


I had a contractor install intercom bells in my building. In the process, he replaced my existing simple bell with the intercom box on the garden floor of the building. I’m not exactly sure how he did this, but in breaking the outer wall to gain room for the new box he had to patch it back up and ended up staining a large area of the wall around the box with whatever material he used. There is now an orange-y 3′ x 3′ area that contrasts greatly with the existing brownstone color and looks incredibly awful. The contractor seems like he really does not know what to do to fix it. Can anyone offer some advice as to what to do or who to call for such a small yet significant job? I appreciate ANY help you can offer with this…

Categories: Exterior
By fedefedel | 10/04/2007 4:31 PM | Comment

Intercom System vs. Plain Bells


Hi fellow brownstoners,

I am hoping to install an intercom system for my five family brownstone. Right now it has the very old bell system where the raggedy bells are located beneath each apartment’s individual mailbox slot, which has not been working. Would anyone know what the cost would be to upgrade to an intercom system given that my old bell wires are fried and would probably require new wiring altogether? What is involved in such an endeavor?

Thanks so much for any advice, insight and recommendations!

Categories: Electricians
By fedefedel | 09/23/2007 4:45 AM | Comment

Ceiling Fan Installation


I am going to be installing a new ceiling fan and am hoping a good person can be recommended for this. Does it have to be an electrician? Also, how much (roundabouts) will it cost? Obviously I have never done this before and appreciate any advice!

Categories: Electricians
By fedefedel | 08/20/2007 4:57 AM | Comment

Painting the Fire Escape


I wanted to paint the fire escape of my four story building. It hasn’t been painted in about ten years, so there is a bit of chipping as can be imagined. I will need it chipped and painted and am looking for reliable people to do this for me. Any recommendations? I got an estimate from a neighborhood contractor for about $4500. Seems high? Also, how long do you think this would take? Thanks kindly in advance.

By fedefedel | 08/18/2007 5:07 PM | Comment