Whole House Water Filter


Has anyone put in a whole house filtration system? Is this even a useful concept, and if so, are there any particularly good ones?

I guess the other option is to put a filter system just in our kitchen, but I was wondering about all the options.

Categories: Plumbing
By sunspot19 | 04/14/2011 8:43 AM | Comment

Solar Contractors?


We are starting to investigate whether to install Solar PV or thermal systems on our roof (four story brownstone in CG).

Any recommendations on who we should reach out to for consultations and to get estimates on cost and savings, etc?

Would like to primarily hear from homeowners who have actually gone through this rather than folks actually peddling their services (unless they can give me a referral to someone with a brownstone or building here in Brooklyn where they did the work).

Categories: Construction
By sunspot19 | 08/16/2010 10:45 AM | Comment

House Cleaning Rate Per Hour


Just wondering what people generally are paying per hour for a house cleaner?

I am currently paying around $33/hour and three hours so $100 which at some level feels a bit over the top.

But perhaps this is right in the range. Any insight into rates for decent cleaning? Our keeper is really good and certainly quite efficient!

Categories: Quality of Life
By sunspot19 | 07/01/2010 3:45 PM | Comment

IKEA Returns (Without Receipt)


Does anyone know if IKEA still has a policy to give store credit if you return a packaged item w/o receipt?

I stupidly lost my receipt for a bed frame I purchased and realized doesn’t work for us. Used to be you could return for credit, but the policy on the website doesn’t state that.

Anyone tested this recently to see if whether in person they will give credit at least?

Categories: Stores
By sunspot19 | 04/28/2010 7:34 AM | Comment

Tech Lighting Inner Fire Pendant


Our renovations are done (99.999%) and we have some lights left over.

That includes a Tech Lighting Inner Fire Pendant (frost interior) that we had installed for a few years.

It is a single connecting pendant, though I think you can use it with a series.

$240 when bought, looking for $100.

If interested, please email me at lights at inthespace dot com.

See link on Tech’s web site: http://techlighting.com/ProductDesc.aspx?QgRxq/BlsbrGAONV8Y5nro6ddbB8j2t4oWSN/lBUzIw=

Further info:

(1) Pendant is 7″ high by around 4.75″ in widest diameter.

(2) The cord connecting to the base permits currently for a max length to top of pendant of 32.5″.

(3) The base has a few minute (hardly noticeable when mounted) spots. Presume since it is brushed metal, you can simple brush it to remove or even just get a new base piece.

Categories: Lighting
By sunspot19 | 04/25/2010 9:50 AM | Comment

Iron Fence – Cleaning/Painting


Looking for suggestions of a non-bank breaking firm people would recommend for having our fence cleaned (including all the rusting), and repainted.

I know there are some folks who do it themselves, but I unfortunately don’t think I will have time to attempt it myself.

I’d also like to have a few of the finials that fell off to be cleaned up and welded back on as well.

Thanks for any suggestions in advance!

Categories: Exterior
By sunspot19 | 03/22/2010 12:03 AM | Comment

Fireplace Grate – Local Store?


Anybody have a good place locally where I might be able to pick up a small grate for a fireplace?

Doesn’t have to be pretty, just simple and functional. Fireplace is small, so 18″ or thereabouts is the biggest I think I can use!

Thanks so much in advance for any suggestions. Already checked out Lowes, no go.

Categories: Fireplace/Mantle
By sunspot19 | 03/13/2010 10:47 AM | Comment

Radiator Leaking Redux


I doubt this will change people’s views, but attached this time is the radiator that is leaking, both up close so you can see where the slow leak is, plus a full view of the big beautiful radiator.

I just had had it taken away and powder coated, then returned. It is just such a tragedy to lose this. I am concerned I am not sure what the first thing to do is when it comes to doing the epoxy solution (if it could even be a solution).

Total bummer.

Anyone know where, without doing trial and error, I might be able to find a replacement that I could be assured would work right, without costing me an arm and leg?

Categories: Radiators
By sunspot19 | 02/23/2010 10:49 AM | Comment

Leaking Radiator in joint


Hi. I have a steam system.

This weekend I noticed on one of my big radiators in the parlor floor a slow leak at the bottom of the radiator at one of the joints between two of the “ribs”. Sorry, not sure what to call this.

Anyway, it wasn’t there before. I noticed it because there was a “shhhh” sound as if there was an escape of air which I thought may be from one of the air valves, but on closer inspection was at the bottom.

Any thoughts? Is this repairable or have I just lost one of my beautiful steam radiators?

Categories: Radiators
By sunspot19 | 02/22/2010 7:34 AM | Comment

Soft close/open for large doors


For cabinetry you can use blum, salice, grass and any other number of other hinge combos to create a soft close of the doors.

But what do people do if you want to have a soft open/close mechanic for large doors that otherwise need traditional hinges?

Anyone ever done this? Particularly concerned with two very large steel doors I am putting in that I am concerned my kids will constantly slam shut or swing into the door stop (one day shattering the glass).

These doors require traditional hinges so I can’t just go with a more commercial type hinge with built in resistance. Hoping someone has another idea?

Categories: Construction
By sunspot19 | 10/16/2009 2:44 PM | Comment