Need New Roof- Cost?


Hi,

Just had a roof leak. Roofer came out and said that our gutters are bad and we also need a new roof.
Roof is a flat roof 20ft by 30ft.
Can anyone give me an idea off what sort of costs I might be looking at?
Roofer is going to come back with a quote later and we will also be getting another estimate.

I was just hoping to get some perspective from any of you who might be in the know.
Thanks so much in advance.

Categories: Roofers
By leslie | 03/08/2011 11:45 AM | Comment

Looking for Con Ed Alternatives


Hi,
As a new home owner in Riverdale/Bronx with gas and electric we were shocked at how expensive it was to heat our home last year.
We have heard about companies that offer cheaper alternatives to using Con Ed.
Could anyone offer some suggestions of other companies to look at and tips on how to approach the process.
Thanks

Categories: Heating
By leslie | 07/20/2008 12:08 PM | Comment

Caulk/Grout cracking question?


Two months ago my husband and I had a bathroom gut renovated in a new home we purchased. In the two months since it’s completion we have noticed a great deal of cracking/splitting in the caulking/grouting along the baseboards, in between some tiles and also in the area between the outer base of the tub and floor which is cracking too. We are certain that this problem will just get worse and worse.
What can we attribute this problem too? We want to speak with the contractor about it, but need to have a perspective as to why this has happened first so he doesn’t brush us off. Fortunately, we have a final payment to make, but only want to exercise this leverage if indeed this is a mistake on his part.
Thanks for the advice in advance.
Leslie

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By leslie | 12/04/2007 12:52 AM | Comment

Is PVC okay for Homes in 5 boros?


I did a variation of this post the other day and got a wide range of yes and no answers.
Some people replied strongly “Yes” and others strongly “No”. I went to the DOB website, but found it very difficult to navigate.

I was hoping that if I posted this request again that I could ask those responding to only do so if you have first hand knowledge of the “current” code for PVC use and if it is okay in single family homes in the 5 boros for plumbing.

Also, can waste lines be 3 inches or do they have to be 4 inches?

So please only respond if you are totally up to date. That way we can get the accurate answer for myself and the Brownstoner community.

Thanks again,
Leslie

Categories: Plumbing
By leslie | 11/03/2007 11:51 AM | Comment

New York Pipes for Plumbing?


Hi,
Recently had a new bathroom built out of a small room in a house in a New York City borough.

The toilet seems to get stuffed up to often. We spoke with the plumber who said it was because the toilet is a European make and the trap is made smaller then the American types. He suggested we replace the toilet.

On a separate note we just had an unrelated flood in the basement. We called out a different plumber to help us with that. He did us a favor and looked at the toilet to give his opinion. He said that the style of the toilet wasn’t the issue, but instead that the plumber who did the job used 1/4-inch pipe instead of 1/2 inch. He said that it would never drain well. Also he said the pipe was plastic and will not hold up well. He couldn’t see inside the walls to see what else was used.
I am curious what some of you think?
Is plastic piping okay in New York?
Does the second plumber’s assessment have merit?
We just don’t know from this.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Leslie

By leslie | 10/31/2007 3:44 PM | Comment

Where in NYC to get Kitchen drawer pull handles?


Hi,
Looking for a good price on those long European style kitchen cabinet pull handles. I need long, medium and short ones. I am hoping to find a place in NYC where I can see them in person rather then ordering online. Any help would be appreciated.

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By leslie | 09/15/2007 9:37 AM | Comment

Cost to sand and poly wood floor?


Does any one know approximately what it might cost to sand and poly 800 to 1000 sqaure feet of wood floor (oak)? Floor is in very good condition, but just want to make it perfect. Not looking to stain just sand and poly. Thanks for the advice in advance.

Categories: Floors
By leslie | 09/02/2007 3:22 PM | Comment

Capital Improvement sales tax?


I am currently doing a gut renovation of a kitchen and bathroom in Brooklyn. I recently mentioned it to a friend who said that I shouldn’t have to pay sales tax because of something called Capital Improvements. This term was new to me as a first time home owner and renovator. I had a look at the New York State website and it seems that it is true to best of my understanding. My contract with my contractor lists the price for the work on the kitchen and bath and below that list the sales tax which comes to several thousand dollars. Is there any reason why I should have to pay this tax? It is nearing the completion of the job, but still owe about $8000 in contracting fees so sales tax could be deducted from that. How to best approach the subject with the contractor? Any help would be appreciated.

Categories: Taxes
By leslie | 08/29/2007 5:35 AM | Comment