Period Wallpaper?


I discovered this wallpaper, only in a small strip, underneath some wood panel-mimicking-a-handrail thing by the staircase. Wondering if anybody can tell what time period it is from. It kind of looks like it was preserved by the strip of wood it was beneath while the rest of the wall had it removed. The wall is sheetrock so it’s not as old as I hoped, but it still seems vintage to me? wishful thinking maybe? not sure.

Categories: Restoration
By townhouser | 07/30/2009 9:39 AM | Comment

Need Boiler Specialist Now


…someone really knowledgeable who is willing to come to uptown manhattan. I am replacing an oil-fired boiler on a steam system. Undergoing renovation as we speak, so now is the time.

Categories: Heating
By townhouser | 07/16/2009 7:45 AM | Comment

tax certiorari


I need to talk to one for a small manhattan house. Any rec’s? Or do they only work on big building cases?
Thanks in advance.

Categories: Taxes
By townhouser | 02/19/2009 3:44 PM | Comment

oil prices


I’d like to get a better understanding of heating oil (#2) prices and how they match crude oil. Been looking at oil charts to see how the barrel prices are relate to my prices, but not sure how the timing plays out, etc. Paid around $2.08 beginning of Dec, and lately $2.21. I’m on a contract so I figure I’m paying about 50 cents more than crude?
What prices are the rest of you seeing?

Categories: Heating
By townhouser | 01/10/2009 3:42 PM | Comment

contracts, contracts, everywhere contracts


as a new homeowner, I am going berzerk (spelling?)!!! I need to do this, that, get this done, in order for that to get done, etc, and EVERY SINGLE THING seems to recquire a contract! Insurance, architect, fuel delivery, security system that I dont want, etc, etc, etc.
Soon I’m going to have to pick a CONTRACTor, and I’m wondering if there’s anyone out there who has been able to do this on a work-then-invoice basis, which makes sense to me, rather than a contractual one. Is it possible to find someone trustworthy enough who knows I’m trustworthy enough, etc, to get stuff done, like how it would have been done in the past, before lawsuits, courts, credit, debt, etc became so commonplace?

Categories: Quality of Life
By townhouser | 10/22/2008 2:45 PM | Comment

recs on who to fix an OLD oil furnace?


oil-fired furnace for hot water and steam heating, has not been on since Feb or March, and was under a bit of water for some time (do not know exactly since I just moved in recently).
I’m looking for recs on professionals who know this type of heater very well.
This is the last straw before making the decision on a new boiler/furnace or switching to gas. Gas would be nice but plumber (with Coned) decided that my 1″ gas line is not enough for the house, and digging is expensive…

Categories: Heating
By townhouser | 10/01/2008 5:14 PM | Comment

gate buzzer


wondering where I could find doorbell/buzzer products. I have a gate that I keep locked right now (unfortunately), and the mailpeople and others have no way to notify me (other than calling out ‘hello!’)
Next to the gate there’s a cutout in the concrete where I think there may have been a buzzer…it’s about 2×3″, but it doesn’t have a hole through the wall for any wires.

Categories: Doors
By townhouser | 09/02/2008 4:12 PM | Comment

rec for frame and window installation?


Brick townhouse (with some brownstone) needs all windows done. windows themselves need to be replaced, but frames may need also to be reworked — the wood is crumbling in many places. Not sure if I would also need masonry work to stabilize around the frame as well.
Can anybody recommend a ‘straightshooter’ who has the knowledge and skills for this type of work? Open to suggestions and info here as well.

Categories: Windows
By townhouser | 08/21/2008 10:00 AM | Comment