Tell me if my heating/cooling/electric costs are low, high or middling


I own a 4-story 3500sqft brownstone. Just worked out my gas+electric (so that covers heating, cooling, hot water). It’s 12k for the last 12 months. Is this in line with everyone else? I keep the house at 69 in the winter, 72 in the summer.

Categories: Utilities
By guest4 | 05/02/2011 9:38 PM | Comment

Center Slope Parlor Duplex


Any thoughts on this listing? How much to renovate?

http://www.corcoran.com/property/listing.aspx?Region=NYC&listingid=1850150

Categories: Renovation
By guest4 | 02/09/2011 1:38 PM | Comment

What to do with stripped poplar mantels?


I went to great trouble to have my mantels stripped only to find that they are poplar! What should I do? Repaint, stain?

Categories: Fireplace/Mantle
By guest4 | 11/20/2010 3:37 PM | Comment

Roofer recommendation


I need a roofer who will work in Manhattan to do some maintenance – apply more sealant and install flashing ASAP.

Categories: Roofers
By guest4 | 10/19/2010 2:47 PM | Comment

I’ve Asked This Question a Million Times


Our back room on the garden level is an all-purpose room. Lots of books, kids’ playroom, small bar area (Ikea Akurum). Looks a mess. What should I do with it? I’ve vaccillated between getting built-ins (with window seat) or modern-y bookshelves. If I get built-ins, what color? I have an original stripped poplar mantel.

Categories: Renovation
By guest4 | 07/27/2010 1:50 PM | Comment

Help! Zoned A/C Not Working


One of our zoned A/Cs is not working! The heat pump thingey looks like it’s going (cool to the touch). But no cold air is coming out of the vents. What should I look for before calling the A/C people?

Categories: A/C
By guest4 | 07/06/2010 10:45 AM | Comment

Salvage Material from AY


Is anyone going to salvage architectural stuff from the demo? Speaking as one who had a very hard time getting stuff to replace details…

Categories: Architectural Salvage
By guest4 | 05/05/2010 10:44 AM | Comment

Paint for Sale


2 1-gallon cans of Restoration Hardware’s “Silver Sage” in Subtle Velvet Finish. One can has been opened, I did a test patch, the other can is unopened. I purchased both cans over the weekend, color is wrong for my space. Too much hassle and time to return the one unopened can.

Both cans yours for $30. Pickup Upper West Side. Post your email, and I will email you. Thanks.

Categories: Painting
By guest4 | 03/22/2010 5:20 PM | Comment

Paint Colors


I’m in the process of repainting parts of our brownstone, after having lived with our renovation paint choices for a couple of years. The south-facing master bedroom is going from Rainforest Dew to Minced Onion. Dew was too yellow and cloying, not soothing at all. So far, I’m pleased. The hallway on the master bedroom floor is also Rainforest Dew, but gets significantly more light from the skylight. Anyone have any light off-whites that they love? The rest of the house is predominantly Creme Fraiche (very light yellow-cream).

By guest4 | 03/16/2010 11:00 AM | Comment

Salvage -brownstone door on curb


A neighbor has left his exterior garden floor door on the curb for pickup. It looks to be in good shape, glass panel over 3 panels, oak. Post your email, and I will email you location.

By guest4 | 03/05/2010 9:41 PM | Comment