Radiators and heating costs


I have a huge radiator in the stairwell of my 3 family. I basically can’t turn it off, so when the heat goes on for the building it always starts up. This is good in the sense that it heats the common hallway for the second and third floors, but I have to ask… Is it necessary for me to heat the common hallway? People get their mail on the first floor which isn’t helped by the radiator. Is there some benefit to the overall heating level of the building? Do you think it’s worth the cost to cap off this radiator to save in heating costs? I wonder how much one big radiator contributes to the overall heating costs, which of course are very high. Thoughts? Thanks.

Categories: Radiators
By hoffster | 12/23/2010 1:04 PM | Comment

Mysterious Wet Spot


I’m trying to figure out why, and decide if I should be worried, about a mysterious big wet spot on the sidewalk in front of my house. It’s been there for about 4 days. It’s about 10 feet long and 3 feet wide. No puddle, just wet concrete. None of the other houses on the block, at least within sight, have this. There is also some cracking going on around the wet spot. There is no flooding or wetness in my basement or in the basement stairs, which are only about 2 feet away. Any theories?

Categories: Sidewalks
By hoffster | 12/20/2010 11:45 AM | Comment

Looking for Architect with Curb Cut experience


Looking for someone who has filed curb cuts. This is on a non-land marked street in Bed Stuy. Need a reasonable price. I believe all the criteria are met for a curb cut although I don’t know if the street is still zoned to allow one. Thanks!

Categories: Architects
By hoffster | 07/04/2010 10:42 AM | Comment

Does $3500 Sound Right?


For homeowner’s insurance with a $2500 deductible for an owner occupied masonry 3 family away from flood zone? (Central Bed Stuy.) Hopefully closing next week. thanks!

Categories: Insurance
By hoffster | 03/16/2010 5:23 PM | Comment

De-”Winterizing” New Home


I’m in contract, near closing for a new construction 3 family with 3 separate boilers and electric meters. Right now it is “winterized”–no water, no gas, no electric, and I ‘m not sure about the sewage line being hooked up. I want to get everything running for every apartment. Has anyone had experience getting all this stuff up and running, what are your experiences with this? It’s a little overwhelming….

Categories: Heating
By hoffster | 02/27/2010 6:53 PM | Comment

Cost to Install New Thermostat


I have a steam heated 3 family. The heat works fine when it’s on but the thermostat doesn’t seem at all sensitive. Either I put it up over 70 and it comes on, or I have to drop it below 60 to turn off–regardless of what the temp is outside. I may want a programable one. What does this cost to install? Thanks.

By hoffster | 11/21/2009 9:34 AM | Comment

PMI/ FHA Insurance


My question is a little longer-term in regards to PMI. Has anyone had experience getting appraised “out” of PMI? Obviously, RE values have to go up (or your principal payments bring you to 20% equity) Just curious what experience people have had getting out of PMI or FHA insurance. Thanks.

Categories: Mortgage
By hoffster | 11/12/2009 11:15 AM | Comment

Refi Closing Costs – Shoe Drops!


Okay, went through my 3 month refi process, and finally got the good faith estimate on closing costs. Of course it was too good to be true from my original discussions with mortage banker, and suddenly there is an $6000 origination fee and .5 point loan discount fee that weren’t previously discussed. My total estimated closing costs are 19,678–about 10K more than I was expecting. (I don’t have to go through with it.) This is a “CEMA” loan. Before I call back and ream the mortgage banker, does anyone have any reference points on this? Has anyone done a NY refi recently and can tell me what kind of closing costs they incurred. (Original mortgage 608K) New One at 633K. Any advice? Thanks!

Categories: Mortgage
By hoffster | 07/28/2009 11:45 AM | Comment

Feral Cats—Help!


I’m looking for someone to help me catch a feral cat family that lives in my backyard. It’s two adults and 5 kittens. I’m am VERY allergic and suffer from asthma, not to mention I don’t have the time really to do it. I am willing to pay someone who has the motivation and / or experience. I will cover any expenses as well. If you have a referral or interest in doing this, please leave contact info. They are all tabby cats.

Categories: Environmental
By hoffster | 07/06/2009 9:41 AM | Comment

Homeowner’s Insurance – Slope


I’m paying $3860 a year in Homeowner’s insurance, which seems like a lot. Got dumped from State Farm, currently with Sentinel. Does anyone have homeowner’s on a wood-frame 3 Family west of 5th Avenue? I need a recommendation. Thanks!

By hoffster | 02/18/2009 12:23 PM | Comment