Bike Storage for a 3-Fam


I’m the relatively new owner of a 3 family rowhouse. The prior owner was an absentee landlord and the tenants have gotten used to piling their bikes in the parlor floor hall. This is unsafe, impractical and exposes me to hefty fines if I get inspected by FDNY. That said, hauling bikes upstairs is annoying and they take up lots of room. Has anyone in the forum installed a bike rack inside a typical (i.e., smallish) front stoop/gate area? Any other solutions you’ve come up with?

Thanks!!

Categories: Quality of Life
By lamb | 03/11/2011 2:59 PM | Comment

One More on National Grid Residential vs. Non-Res Accounts…


Hi folks… I know this has been discussed a couple of times, but my situation has a slight twist. I recently closed on a legal 3 family that has only one gas meter (all tenant util’s are included in their rent). They tell me I must open a non-residential account because of the ‘size of the meter’. I asked what the difference in rates was between the two types of service and the representative said the price of nat gas was the same for both. If that were the case then why would there be any distinction between customers/accounts at all? I didn’t press her any further because this was clearly a less than straightforward answer. I tried looking at the different rates provided on their website, but the residential rates posted for jan 11 don’t even conform to the bill I got from the same period at my current residence (same zip code). So, finally, here are my questions:

1) Anybody else faced this situation (ie, small residential multi-fam, one meter, non-res account)?

2) For those of you who are able to compare price per therm for res vs non-res–is the difference meaningful enough to justify having the place re-metered or fighting for an exception?

Thanks for any insights!

By lamb | 02/03/2011 12:38 PM | Comment

Expedited Title Survey


hey all… can anyone recommend a land surveyor who offers expedited title surveys? the bigger shops I’ve spoken to have 2 week lead times and I’m trying to hold onto a closing date that I have scheduled for next thursday. any input/rec’s would be greatly appreciated!

(I put this in the zoning category bc I can’t find one that actually fits)

Categories: Zoning
By lamb | 01/07/2011 10:50 AM | Comment

architect for owner’s duplex reno


hey bstoners… I’m about to embark on the buildout of a garden+parlor owner’s duplex in a circa 1899 3-family. the unit has updated plumbing & electrical, subfloors and some sheetrock, but is otherwise short all finishes. I’d love rec’s for a good architect with bstone/townhouse experience. I’ve researched the archives & listings extensively, but I figure it can’t hurt to reach out to the community again. thanks for any and all input!!

Categories: Architects
By lamb | 11/15/2010 1:48 PM | Comment

3 Family Inspection


hey folks… I have an accepted offer on a 3 family and I’m looking for recommendations for a thorough general inspection. I’ve bought and sold before, but never one of these older multifamily bldgs. the price is good relative to comps, so I’m extra paranoid that there may be scary monsters lurking beneath the surface. thanks for any advice!

Categories: Inspector
By lamb | 11/05/2010 1:45 PM | Comment