FREE plants and planters/containers (x-large)


A neighbor moved and left us with a bunch of extra-large plants that we don’t need. There are at least six extra large square planter boxes (approx. 28″ square by 36″ tall, tan colored plastic–could be painted) with evergreens in them. There is a pretty nice cedar-like evergreen (about 5′ tall total from ground), couple round cedar-like plants, a spreading evergreen of some sort, and a container with a dead evergreen. None of the plants are in great shape, but with a little TLC some of them could no doubt be brought back to loveliness. We also have two quite large andromedas (that are planted in whiskey barrels; I suspect the barrels might not make a move–so if you want these plants they may need to be taken with the root-ball, rather than in the pot) that are yours for the taking. They are really amazing, bursting with thousands of the little bell flowers (right now! and always–they are evergreen and the flowers seem to stay year-round somehow, too), but were not pruned properly so they are rather droopy…

All of these are free for the taking, if you commit to taking a minimum of two of any of them. We would like to clear them out asap. You will need at least two strong people to move any of these. We have a hand-truck you can use (even borrow if you’re in the neighborhood and plan to walk the plant to your house!), but it’s not an easy job, I’m sure! (We live on St. Marks near Underhill)

Come and get ‘em!
prospectheightsguestapt@gmail.com

Categories: Garden
By tanner | 04/09/2011 4:16 PM | Comment

Bosch stainless steel dishwasher – $75


I have a ten year old Bosch SHU 6800 series dishwasher that will be uninstalled tomorrow. Until a week ago, it worked really well–relatively quiet, cleaned great, multiple functions, delay start, yada-yada-yada. The computer went a little nuts suddenly, though, and we had A-Z Best Appliance out to repair it. They said it needs a new computer, which they had in stock and would put in for $350. We were on the fence about whether to put the money in or get a new one, and we decided to go for a new one with a warranty, etc, rather than repair the old. Not sure if it was the right move.. but anyway. I think this thing is certainly worth the money to fix for someone looking to get a fancy dishwasher without breaking the bank. It cost around $1000 new. Yours for $75 if you pick it up from me in Prospect Heights asap. As is, obviously. (It looks great, though it has a very small dent near the bottom.) prospectheightsguestapt@gmail.com

Categories: Appliances
By tanner | 04/05/2011 8:34 PM | Comment

Anyone have a newer Viking dishwasher?


I’m considering a Viking dishwasher, but hoping to find some reviews first. Apparently they started making their own last year (after years of them being made by Asko with terrible reviews), and the specs make it look like a magic machine–supposedly ultra-quiet, no rinsing or scraping (b/c of a built-in disposal), great performance, energy efficient. But for a high price-tag, of course. Would appreciate reviews if anyone has them. Kind of sounds like a hardworking Kitchen Aid meets fancy Miele… Snarky comments, not required. Thx.

Categories: Appliances
By tanner | 03/27/2011 11:42 AM | Comment

Can’t someone install an exhuasting range hood for me?


I want to put in a range hood above a gas stove in one of my apartments. The range sits on an exterior wall with no windows, but it sits against the old chimney bump. Had A&A take a look and was told that to use one of the old chimneys would cost a fortune (to line properly, basically) and/or involve making holes in the wall in the apt above (where the wall is tiled). My thinking is that it should be very simple to mount the hood, have the ductwork go straight up for a couple feet, then simply make a 90 degree turn, run another foot, and then exhaust it out the wall right there. I’ve had three handymen, a contractor, and a chimney guy say they couldn’t (or wouldn’t) do it. No particular reason except that it was outside the range of what they do. (I figure no contractor wants such a tiny job, of course.) I called an HVAC guy and he said they just don’t do it. So who the heck do I call?

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By tanner | 01/26/2011 10:29 PM | Comment

Fishbowl Dwellers


Just wondering what others think about this… A new glass building just went up across the street from me. Most of the apartments are now occupied. And the fishbowl effect is making me nuts! The first day, I swear the guy in the second floor apartment was walking around in boxer briefs. For god’s sake, it’s the second floor… Standing there, in boxer briefs, unpacking and pointing the remote at the TV and wandering around like a nut. It’s not like it is ten stories up and hardly anyone would notice. It’s a pretty wide street, so anyone walking on the sidewalk across the street or just below can see EVERYTHING. And so far, not a single apartment has window coverings that do anything except… I don’t know… look cute (in someone’s opinion, I suppose). Everyone with curtains so far seems to have gotten sheer white ones and then tied them in knots so they don’t actually provide any privacy. It’s not just the underwear walking; I even can’t stand seeing all of these people sitting on their couches watching TV. Or chatting over coffee. Am I the only one, or does this drive anyone else nuts?? Just because YOU don’t mind if the world sees you going about all your domestic business doesn’t mean that the world should be subjected to it! I feel like I can’t enjoy hanging out in front of the house anymore! I am tempted to spring for bottom up/top down blinds for them all… But seriously, is it just me???

Categories: Quality of Life
By tanner | 11/15/2010 11:45 AM | Comment

Cornice Repair, Permits, Scaffolding, Costs, Material


We have a cornice that is in need of light repairs and a fresh coat of paint. Our house comes right up to the sidewalk. I don’t know what I expected, but I am in shock about the first quote I got (from a wood restoration guy recommended often here and noted as being good and affordable), but i wasn’t expecting 11k plus permits! Now I am thinking fiberglass sounds great so I never have to pay for painting and scaffolding and permits again! I have seen lots of posts about fiberglass cornices running around 3k, but how about permits and scaffolding and insulation? How does that all work? How much have you paid for your cornice work? thanks.

Categories: Facade
By tanner | 11/11/2010 11:50 AM | Comment

Help me ID this Restaurant!!


Some time a couple weeks ago I walked by a restaurant that had this gorgeous midnight blue facade. It looked like a new restaurant, something dark with high aspirations for serious food. It wasn’t open when I passed by, but that’s the vibe I got, perhaps mostly from that sexy oilslick paint.

I need to repaint my front door and cornice, and I can’t stop thinking about that midnight blue. I want to look at it again. Problem is, I have no idea where the place was… I thought I remembered it being in Carroll Gardens, maybe on Henry St. near LICH, but I passed by there today and couldn’t find it.

Any ‘stoners out there know what (where) I’m talking about??

Categories: Painting
By tanner | 11/09/2010 8:10 PM | Comment

Handmade Field Tile Source (aka Heath Knockoffs)?


I’m looking to redo a bathroom and I love Heath field tiles –love the variation and depth of color in the glazes. Don’t love the price ($29/sq ft). (Fireclay Tile makes some beauties, too, similarly handmade with gorgeous glazes.) Anyone know where I can find a similar product but at a better price point? I am open to sizes/shapes…

Categories: Tile
By tanner | 10/11/2010 7:26 PM | Comment

A Finish Carpenter Meets Handyman?


I have a fairly long list of needs for a good handyman (including some sanding and painting, a bit of plaster repair and the like), but a couple of things that I think go beyond handyman qualifications (such as making a custom door). I’m looking for someone who does really quality work. Anyone have any strong rec’s? Or do I need to find three different folks: a high-end painter, high-end handyman, and finish carpenter? Rec’s for that welcome, too. Thanks.

Categories: Carpentry
By tanner | 09/29/2010 9:48 AM | Comment

TOP Roof, Anyone?


Just wondering if anyone has a TPO membrane roof, and if so, if you could comment on your experience with it so far, including how expensive it was and who installed it. We need a new roof, and TPO sounds like the way to go (environmentally friendly, better insulation, fewer leaks, longer life), but for the relatively small roofs we have in NYC, maybe it’s not cost effective?

And didn’t it used to be rooves, not roofs??

Categories: Roofers
By tanner | 04/14/2010 12:27 PM | Comment