Bee hive removal – recommendations and price range


Hi.

We just learnt we have a bee hive in our cornice which needs to be removed before we can have the cornice fixed.

Can anyone recommend someone to do this? Any idea of what the cost might be?

Thanks in advance.

Categories: Exterminator
By pmmtenement | 09/23/2010 9:34 PM | Comment

Cracks – settling or serious?


We have been seeing a bunch of cracks in our newly renovated space. Many of them are probably due to weather or minor settling (around molding for example). But some around the stairwell are making me a more concerned.

Who would I call to have this looked into? A structural engineer? Any recommendations?

Anyone else had similar issues?

Categories: Structural
By pmmtenement | 02/06/2010 8:34 AM | Comment

DEP automatic meter reader


Has anyone had the DEP come by to install the new automatic meter readers? We got a notice that we had to schedule a time and it was “mandatory”. Before I proceed, I would love to hear anyone else’s experience and if there is anything we should watch out for.

On the DEP website it says that if your water meter is more than 12 years old (which I assume ours is) they will replace it too and the wires to the outside that provide reading access.

Given the post earlier in the month about dealing with DEP on clearly wrong estimated water bills, I am a little leary.

Categories: Utilities
By pmmtenement | 01/15/2010 10:56 AM | Comment

Funny photo from rental listing


http://realestate.nytimes.com/rentals/detail/46-1050816/PARK-SLOPE-NY-11215

I couldn’t believe the photos with this Park Slope rental listing. Are there people sleeping in that bed?

I have been smiling all morning imagining the real estate agent tip-toeing around the apartment taking pictures while the current occupants were sleeping.

Categories: Real Estate
By pmmtenement | 12/04/2008 11:42 AM | Comment

Windows – vinyl clad or aluminum exterior?


We are in the process of selecting new windows for our townhouse. Does anyone have advice on the pros and cons of vinyl clad (Andersen) vs aluminum exteriors (Pella/Marvin)?

Categories: Windows
By pmmtenement | 10/26/2008 9:45 PM | Comment

Solar Panels on a Brownstone?


We are about to embark on a renovation and I am toying with the idea of installing solar panels. Has anyone done this? What do we need to know?

Categories: Environmental
By pmmtenement | 07/28/2008 1:30 PM | Comment

Basement garbage removal – recommendations


We are about to close on a house and there is still a bunch of junk in the basement, including old water heaters, ceiling tiles, etc. Does anyone have recommendations for someone we could hire to remove this quickly?

By pmmtenement | 05/11/2008 9:37 PM | Comment

Anyone worked with Scott Schnall – plans & expediting


Hello. We are going into contract on a 3 story townhouse which will need some “refreshing”. It is not a total renovation but we need to patch plaster, replace bathroom fixutes, replace kitchen appliances, new carpets, etc. So we need permits.

Has anyone worked with Scott Schnall to write up basic plans and expedite? How was the experience?

Any other recommendations? Sense of what this might cost us?

Categories: Expediters
By pmmtenement | 03/03/2008 9:49 AM | Comment