Removing Floor Wax


Our dark floors on the parlor floors in our new place have these weird watery looking streaks across them that we can’t remove with regular cleaning products. Could that be wax? If so, how do we get it off? It seems like a huge project and you have to know what you doing.

I think the seller’s housecleaner who was hired to clean before closing in April waxed the parlor floor – the other floors are fine. We found a tub of wax in a closet. The floors looked great at closing but were really slippery and now there are these weird streaks. I’ve always had wood floors but never dealt with wax. Any advice appreciated.

The floors are engineered wood floors in – otherwise – great condition.

Thanks.

Categories: Floors
By myplace | 06/02/2011 6:28 AM | Comment

Air Exchanger for Cellar


What is necessary to install an air exchanger in a cellar in terms of power, location and external access?

Do they work well? Worth it?

We use our cellar for music – listening and playing and spend a few hours there at a time. We have a carbon monoxide and smoke detector but are looking for ways to improve air circulation.

Thanks.

Categories: Cellar
By myplace | 05/19/2011 10:45 AM | Comment

Off Season Gas Use – What to Expect?


What is the typical off season therms use for National Grid for a single family house – small family?

I am sure it can vary a lot but our actual usage was $61 this past month. Sound about right?

Thanks

Categories: Utilities
By myplace | 05/16/2011 8:50 AM | Comment

Sidewalk repair process updates, anyone?


I have read the threads about sidewalk repair from late last year but am looking for updates. Our insurer wants the sidewalk fixed on our single family home.
- is it better to go with the city to repair? If so, what kind of bill can we expect?
- any recs on contractors?
Thank you

Categories: Sidewalks
By myplace | 04/07/2011 9:21 AM | Comment

Rebuilding stairs from garden to parlor


In the next year, we want to replace the stairs leading from the garden to the parlor floor in our new place. We don’t know if the current, old, crooked, uneven stairs (frame house) can be overhauled or if the whole thing should be ripped out. Any advice? Recommendations? Ideas about reasonable budget and timeline? Thank you very much.

Categories: Stairs
By myplace | 04/05/2011 9:37 AM | Comment

What to Do After Closing…


We are finally closing this week. Apart from the closing itself what should we make sure to do right away? We won’t be moving in for a few weeks.

Change the locks the day of closing?
Thorough cleaning.
Transfer utilities.
Set up phone/cable service.
Floor and walls are good to go.

I think there was a post like this a few months ago but I can’t find it.

Thanks very much.

Categories: Real Estate
By myplace | 03/12/2011 4:26 PM | Comment

emergency plumber for broken pipe


We have a broken pipe. We turned the water off. We called a plumber right away but the soonest they can come is several hours. Should I cancel and call someone else or just wait?

Categories: Plumbers
By myplace | 01/25/2011 1:30 PM | Comment

protecting floor for move in


Our new place has beautiful newly installed dark wood floors. What can we do to protect them during the move in? Any tips appreciated.

Happy New Year

Categories: Floors
By myplace | 12/31/2010 11:39 AM | Comment

Annual Expenses on a House?


After months of looking at coops and condos, we have found a house we love.

Please help me figure out the ballpark annual expenses of a house (3 story wood frame).
-Gas boiler
-Water
-Insurance
-other expenses?

I know there was a post about this in the last several months but I can’t find it.

Thanks very much.

Categories: Real Estate
By myplace | 12/09/2010 11:45 AM | Comment

Talk to me about Windows


If you could install the best windows in your home for good insulation what would you choose – brand, etc? How much would it cost?

Thanks.

Categories: Windows
By myplace | 12/09/2010 11:06 AM | Comment