Elevator in Brownstone


Has anyone installed an elevator in their brownstone? I’ve seen a few threads here on people inquiring about it, but no one reporting back on how it went – any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.

How hard is it? How expensive? What companies are good?

We have a six-story brownstone and have always considered the stairs “good exercise” but realize we could probably add a lot of value to the house if we decide to put an elevator in – we’re trying to find out if it’s worth it but we’re having a hard time finding anyone to ask about their experiences.

Categories: Elevators
By ra2rn | 04/27/2011 9:45 AM | Comment

Help! Need a fast renovation


I have done major renovations on property before, and they’ve turned out great – only problem is that everything has taken so much longer than promised/expected. Part of this is just…renovation. I get that. Part of it, though, was that I was specifically working with folks who were known for good work at a good price but not necessarily speed.

However…now I find myself in need of a renovation where speed is a huge priority. I definitely still need good work (what good is the reno if it’s fast but falls apart in a year?) but what I also really need is an architect and contractor who specialize in getting work done quickly. Lots of crews to do the actual work simultaneously, a willingness to move quickly in the planning stages, etc.

Can anyone help with recommendations? Would be much, much appreciated!

Thanks!

Categories: Renovation
By ra2rn | 12/05/2010 8:36 PM | Comment

How Do I Find an Empty Lot?


So I’d like to look into buying an empty lot to build on, preferably in Williamsburg. I keep reading news articles about failed projects that never began building there, and there now being a decent amount of empty lots in the area…and yet when I go on something like the NY Times real estate website and search under “land,” only one parcel comes up.

Any advice on where else I can look for some actual listings? I even tried calling a broker, but he said he only does built properties. Before I start calling every broker in town, does anyone know an internet resource I can turn to?

Very much appreciated.

Categories: Real Estate
By ra2rn | 09/03/2010 9:45 AM | Comment

Can you Add a Garage Where There Isn’t One?


I recently looked at purchasing a townhouse in Cobble Hill that had been built in the last five years on an empty lot. The owners built a garage into their townhouse and obviously got approval from the city to cut into the curb for access.

Now I am considering another townhouse that will require a gut renovation. As long as I am tearing down nearly every wall in the place – can I add in a garage? Does anyone know what Brooklyn’s rules are for this sort of thing?

Thanks!

By ra2rn | 08/28/2010 11:58 AM | Comment