Wood Flooring Losing its Luster Fast :-(


Friends,

I moved into a new development with Japanese Maplewood flooring. The flooring was laid down about 1 year before I moved in. After only a couple of months, the floorboards seem to have spread away from each other or cupped on the sides.
I’m completely disappointed and bewildered.
(see attached photo of a damaged section of floor)

Questions:
1) Is this normal? (the damages tend to be on more high-traffic areas).
2) Is there any way I can make it stop or fix it?
3) Why is it occurring in the first place?
4) Is there a good flooring guy you can recommend?
5) Regarding repairs, can I claim my new development Sponsor liable for any of the charges at this point?

Thanks for your help

Categories: Floors
By jjbel | 10/07/2010 1:55 PM | Comment

Dryer Outlet in New Condo?


Hello,

I am planning on buying an LG dryer (Model # DLEC855w). Per the LG website, I need a 240Volt & 15amp outlet.

1) What kind of outlet is the attached picture?

2) If not a 240V / 15amp, how much would it cost to get what I need? (note my circuit breaker is in my laundry room).

3) Do I need to tell my Condo sponsor about this // will he complain or say it is against code, etc?

Thanks

Categories: Electricians
By jjbel | 07/06/2010 1:26 PM | Comment

Buyer’s Broker Contract


Friends,

I have been in light discussion with a buyers broker about the type of place I am looking for. He has been sending me listings, I have gone to a couple of open houses with him, and he calls me all the time. The thing is I can’t stand this guy as a broker.
I never signed anything saying he is my broker, but in an email said “fine” you can be my broker.

If I find a place on my own, am I contractually obligated to put him as a broker?

Categories: Brokers
By jjbel | 04/29/2010 11:58 AM | Comment

New Development Inspector?


Friends,

We have just put an offer on a new development condo.

Everything looks shiny and new, but have been told by many to get an inspector to come by anyway.

Can anyone recommend an inspector for a New Development Condo?

Thanks.

Categories: Inspector
By jjbel | 04/19/2010 10:18 AM | Comment

More Leverage with No RE Agent?


Friends,

I am pondering whether having a BUYER’S real-estate agent is really necessary in the information age.

#1 – You can essentially find all the listings on the internet.

#2 – If the seller/seller’s agent did not have to pay the 3% commission to the buyer’s agent, would that give you more leverage in a negotiation?

Please let me know.

Thanks

Categories: Real Estate
By jjbel | 04/12/2010 4:58 PM | Comment

Move @ Montauk Club?


Anyone know what movie they are shooting at the Montauk Club in Park Slope?
I believe Scorsese shot a film there a while back.

Categories: Quality of Life
By jjbel | 03/05/2010 2:41 PM | Comment

New Windows


Friends,
My windows need to be replaced. I have discussed this with a real-estate friend who said the Co-op board could help pay or offset some of the cost.

Is this true? Any thoughts?

Thanks

Categories: Co-Op Related
By jjbel | 12/30/2009 11:29 AM | Comment

Need new windows….


Friends,

My brownstone rental is great. The one gigantic achilles heel are the windows. Before, I put up weather stripping, it got down to 54 degrees in my apartment one night (middle of winter though). Now that its warming up, its a bit better, but the windows are still very drafty, rattle whenever its windy, and offer no noise insulation. Needless to say, these windows are single pane and probably from the early 1900s.
The landlord was trying to sell this place and couldn’t and now is renting it to me.
My questions are A) is there are quick fix to stop all the weather and noise from coming in and B) how much does it cost to get some good double/triple pane windows in (and any good ideas on how to get my landlord to cover the full cost)? (( I pay $3k a month, and I’m really bothered by this ))
Thanks

Categories: Windows
By jjbel | 04/05/2009 12:43 PM | Comment

Brownstone Apt Layouts – Park Slope


People,

Have been looking into buying an Apt in Park Slope–our rental space is becoming too small for wife and I. We’re finding that all of the Brownstones are long and narrow and don’t do well as two bedrooms, but instead are 1 bedroom plus a small 2nd room (not large enough for a queen-size bed). Is this true?
Are there any alternatives?

Also are there any newer developments that are not on 4th Ave? The lot & block structure of the old buildings limit space potential (I think). Any knowledge is appreciated.

Categories: Real Estate
By jjbel | 11/03/2008 2:58 PM | Comment