Derelict Building Causing Leaks in our Apt


Hi, I would like to ask if anyone has any suggestions for how to proceed with the following problem:

I purchased a 3 family building 2 years ago…at that time the 3-family building next door was undergoing renovations and a very ugly addition had been built onto the top, raising it above our roof line by one extra story. They clearly didn’t do a good or legal job and are likely now in the process of losing the building. The work was never completed and stopped a year and a half ago and the building is now completely covered in mold inside. The original owner transferred ownership to his son I believe in an attempt to keep possession of the building. According to propertyshark, the son is still the current owner.

However they tried to sell the building about 6 months ago for about twice what it is now worth. I spoke with the real estate agent recently and he has not heard from them in several months.

Anyway, my big problem is that we now have leaks in our 3rd floor apartment in the shared wall which my contractor believes are caused by their illegal/shoddy construction work. I have left the son several messages asking him to help me solve this issue with no response. Given that they are most likely facing bankruptcy and seizure by the bank, I assume that getting a lawyer involved would be a big fat waste of time and money and just cause more damage to our building while it all works its way through the system.

So my question is: what are our options at this point? Can the DOB do anything? I have contacted our insurance company but am waiting to file a claim until we know a bit more about how to proceed.

We are hoping that once all the snow melts, the leaks will dry up for summer. My theory is that the snow is melting and running off through their 4th floor balcony and seeping into our building, but it could also be getting in from somewhere else. Very frustrating.

Thanks for your help!

Categories: Legal
By landofenchantment | 02/10/2011 3:45 PM | Comment

Cabinet Door Maker Rec


Hi,
I am looking for someone who can make 6 cabinet doors for a built-in that already exists. This is a comparatively small job for most of the cabinetry companies that are recommended on this site…I tried Beagle and Pots and they don’t do jobs this small. I am looking for more of a one-man operation. There are 3 doors of one size and 3 of a different size–stile and rail with raised panel. I do not need installation but would need them delivered. Anyone know of a good craftsperson who could make me some nice doors?
Thanks all!

Categories: Carpentry
By landofenchantment | 12/08/2009 11:04 AM | Comment

Advice on Finding Tenant


Hi, my partner and I are about to close on a 3 family home in Brooklyn. We will be first-time landlords and just wanted to get some advice from all you seasoned experts out there on how to go about interviewing potential tenants. Any questions to definitely ask…warning signs to look out for, etc. We are pretty good at reading people, but I know that skill can be pretty meaningless when it comes to tenants. I tend to err on the side of giving people the benefit of the doubt and realize that this could get me into trouble now that I will be a landlord. Thanks for your advice….

Categories: Landlord
By landofenchantment | 10/01/2009 1:48 PM | Comment

Looking for GC to do a walk-thru


Hi, I am a first time home buyer looking to buy a small building in NYC that will work as live/work space (my partner is an artist) and also have units that we can rent out to help pay the mortgage. We are semi-experienced builders and our dream is to find something below market that we can improve with sweat equity. I have found a likely candidate but would like to hire a GC to walk-through with me and give me a pro’s opinion about how much work this place would really need and a rough cost estimate before I submit my first bid. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good Brooklyn GC (maybe someone who is used to dealing with homeowners who like to do the work themselves)?
Thanks!

Categories: General Contractors
By landofenchantment | 01/21/2009 11:46 AM | Comment