Downspot Repair


With all the fun weather we’ve been having recently, my downspout somehow became dislodged. The result is that it’s now dumping water on my neighbor’s basement hatch, which he’s *thrilled* about.

The only hard part of the fix is that the section is about 12 feet above my back deck – requiring a taller ladder than I have, and a safety harness of some kind. It’s likely a 5-minute fix.

Unfortunately, it seems like all the local roofers have been slammed with fall & post-tornado repair work.

Yes, this is something of a vent (no roof puns intended), but also a question – what does the Brownstoner diaspora do with these situations? Do you wait for the roofer, or do you take other approaches? Suggestions on a course of action appreciated.

Categories: Roofers
By swngnmonk | 10/12/2010 11:04 AM | Comment

How to Fix Up These Frames?


So last fall, I replaced all the windows in the house (Windows We Are did a great job). Massive improvement over the old windows.

But now, with these gorgeous windows, I still have the surrounding frames to deal with. A lot of the framing is either original, or at least very old. Tons of paint, old caulk, some wood that has seen much better days. Still has a bunch of original detail, and most of the pocket shutters are still around.

What are people’s experiences with fixing up the framing around the windows? How involved has the work been, did you do it yourself or bring someone else in? What kind of costs were you in for?

Thank you!

Categories: Windows
By swngnmonk | 06/28/2010 11:45 AM | Comment

Handyman or More?


So I absolutely need a handyman for a number of minor projects around the house. But my pressing one at the moment, I don’t know if this is handyman-work, or more.

The bathtub in my tenant’s apartment has started leaking again. I re-grouted the offending tile a few months ago, but I realize now that the problem is likely that the underlying sheetrock is shot – tiles are starting to come loose. It’s very likely that at least one wall of the tub will need to be re-done.

Does that still fall under the scope of a handyman in this town, or do I need more? And what’s a reasonable ballpark on a job like this?

Recommendations on who to talk to always appreciated.

Categories: Handyman
By swngnmonk | 12/09/2009 10:15 AM | Comment

Windows – Recs and Prices


So I’m looking to replace the windows in my (non-landmark) brownstone, and some ballpark estimates from those who have been through it would be a huge help.

The windows are of varying sizes, but generally 30×60, 30×70, and a couple of 30×96 (parlor floor). From what I’ve researched, it seems like my best bet would be wood-frame windows with an aluminum exterior.

What I’d love to know –

What kind of ballpark numbers am I looking at for this (e.g. window + installation + disposal)? Who did you use, and would you recommend them? Any tips in going through the bidding/negotiation/purchase/installation process?

Thank you!

Categories: Windows
By swngnmonk | 10/02/2009 4:09 PM | Comment

Starting to Consider a Reno


Apologies, this is a bit long.

My sister and I inherited a house a couple of years ago when my mother passed away. In the early stages of dealing with her estate, I had a guy come in to draw up some plans for renovating the kitchen and upstairs bathroom. In the process of that, the scope of the work increased dramatically – he believed a formerly load-bearing wall no longer was. That said, any changes made were done during renovations in the early 1980s, and nothing’s moved much since – ergo there’s no immediate fear. Part of this is also motivated by the fact that the upstairs bathroom once held a big clawfoot tub, and now is just a shower (amazingly, I met someone who used to live here).

Given all that news, and the chaos going on in my life at the time, I punted on everything. I’m now starting to re-examine the situation.

I’m facing a number of large repairs:
* Window replacement (a must)
* Stoop resurfacing (it’s a mess, but not critical)
* Aforementioned kitchen & bathroom
* Potential structural repair.

If I had my druthers and an unlimited budget, of course I’d say to just fix everything. But I can’t do that.

I feel like I need a combination architect/GC/mentor on all of this. I’m still pretty overwhelmed by it all, and I need someone I can trust on this to give me some sense of perspective on this work, especially with regards to the scope of it, how expensive it would be, and how long it would take.

I’ve taken to heart the whole “Good/Fast/Cheap – choose 2″ mantra, but I could really use some help & advice.

Thank you for any advice & recommendations, and please ask any questions that would help clarify things.

Categories: Renovation
By swngnmonk | 09/16/2009 10:37 PM | Comment

storm glass on screen door?


Very annoyed at the moment – the latch on my screen door failed, swung the door open in tonight’s storm, and dropped the storm glass, shattering it.

Latch is an easy fix, but where to find replacement glass? Home Depot will only sell replacements for their doors, which this is not.

Thank you.

Categories: Doors
By swngnmonk | 12/16/2007 8:38 PM | Comment

Door replacement – vendors?


My wife and I have been repairing a doorway that was punched out of the back of our parlor floor years ago, and done poorly. We’re really happy with the results, but we faced an unanticipated problem – the door.

The old door is unusable – whoever did it in the first place cut it off-angle to fit the lousy doorway that they created. Shame on us, we straightened the whole thing out.

So we need a new door. But the size is non-standard, and we’ll need to cut the door down to size. Home Depot & Lowes only seem to sell steel, covered-wood and polypro doors.

Can anyone suggest a place that would sell a traditional wooden door?

Thank you!

Categories: Doors
By swngnmonk | 09/25/2007 2:19 PM | Comment