how many zones for central A/C?


We are doing gut reno so can install central A/C for four story brownstone w/garden apt. How many zones should we have? right now plan calls for 1 per floor but that seems like too many. top floor is home offices/guest bedroom, 2nd floor bedrooms, parlor main living space.
eager for any advice, as always!

Categories: A/C
By nycseattle | 03/05/2009 7:55 AM | Comment

True vs Simulated Divided Light?


We are replacing our windows to get energy and sound improvement with double pane. We live in 19th c brick house on landmark block and have permit for work.
Our bid is for simulated divided light windows. Architect is saying that simulated is good now and can make mullions thinner with double pane glass but i am worried they will not look right, especially in parlor. Any experience with simulated divided light double pane for parlor windows? we are doing marvin wood so already very expensive not sure we can spring for the true divided.

Categories: Windows
By nycseattle | 03/01/2009 12:05 PM | Comment

Landmarks approval for windows


We want to replace the windows in our Federal stye house in landmarked district with double pane for energy savings. Really want to keep divided windows but historic photos show one over ones. Any way to convince landmarks that multi paned windows acceptable? we are of course planning to do wood, Marvin or Pella.

Categories: Windows
By nycseattle | 10/25/2008 12:16 AM | Comment

insurance while doing renovation


We are doing a gut renovation of brownstone and not living in house. will probably be more than a year before we do. We have Chubb now but very expensive. Does anyone have recommendations for insurance carriers, agencies or rates to keep house insured during renovation?
Thanks, as always!!

Categories: Insurance
By nycseattle | 10/14/2008 2:30 PM | Comment