Mini Renovation


I would like to replace all six doors in my co-op apartment. They have been painted over a million times and are currently a snakeskin texture. Most of them are at least an inch above the floor as well.

Any ideas who I can contact to replace the doors and install new door knobs as well. I’d love to get glass knobs but don’t know that they are in the budget at this time. I’d also like to replace the existing hinges which have been painted over numerous times as well. Why do contractors paint over hinges and electrical outlets? Some outlets have been painted over so many times I can hardly plug anything in.

I would also like to remove telephone wiring that is around nearly every door and across wall molding. I’m giving up my land line because I’m tired of paying over $45 per month for something I hardly ever use. Can I just cut the existing cabling? Some of it is a thin cable just connecting jack to jack but some is a thicker braided cable.

By jewel | 09/01/2010 9:45 AM | Comment

Heights Co-op


A friend is looking to purchase an apartment at 145 Hicks St./Mansion House. Looks like a nice building. Any opinions one way or another?

By jewel | 02/19/2010 10:01 AM | Comment

Tile Windowsills?


The windowsills in my co-op apartment are a mess. Looks they have been painted several times. The previous owner had lanolium tiles on them with little critters living underneath! I have tried to patch and repaint but it doesn’t last very long. I like to have the windows open most of the time, if only a little, and I guess the temperature change and previous damage is causing problems.

Would it be feasible to tile the windowsills? Know anyone who will take this on?

Thank you.

By jewel | 01/08/2010 2:52 PM | Comment

House Sold?


Can anyone tell me if 18 Willow Place has sold?

Categories: Real Estate
By jewel | 01/05/2010 2:17 PM | Comment

New electric in co-op


My 1930′s co-op in Brooklyn Heights uses fuses. The bathroom, living room and bedroom are all on one 15 amp fuse. The kitchen is on another fuse. There are two other fuses that don’t seem to be in use. At least I can’t figure out what they are for. I know not to use the hair dryer or iron when the A/C is on but lately I have been blowing the fuse even when not much electric is in use.

The kitchen fuse is 30 amps. Can I put a 30 amp fuse where there is a 15 amp now? I don’t want to burn down the place! If I want to have the whole apartment rewired do I need board approval?

Categories: Electricians
By jewel | 01/04/2010 2:26 PM | Comment

Bathroom Reglaze


I did a bathroom renovation about 9 years ago. Rebuilt shower, new sink/vanity, new toilet, new floor and built-in cabinet where medicine cabinet/hamper was. Reglazed pink and black tiles and tub for cost issues. I have never used the tub. Lately I’ve noticed that the glaze where the tub and tiles meet has started to lift up. Of course the warranty was up long ago. Any ideas on how this can be fixed? Will I have to re-do the entire job? Can it even be done a second time? Thank you.

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By jewel | 11/16/2009 10:00 PM | Comment