Where to Get the Best Price on Benjamin Moore Paint – contractor’s prices as well


Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knew where the best place to get Benjamin Moore paint was. We’re working with a contractor who has a tax ID also. Any information would help – either best retail price or best contractor’s price. Thanks!

By wistletown | | Comment

Wall Shower Head for Clawfoot Tub?


Hi,

Does anyone use a wall shower head with a clawfoot tub. I love the look but can’t phantom taking baths ALL the time or holding a shower head in hand. I would like to install a shower head off the wall. Does the water get everywhere? Does anyone have this setup and have come across problems?

By wistletown | | Comment

Subway Tiles – What Brand?


Hi,

Among other things, I am renovating a bathroom. I am going to install subway tiles on the wall. What is a good brand? I have read through the forums and found some complaints about the subway tiles from Daltiles. I thought they were good, no? Can someone recommend a great brand?

By wistletown | | Comment

Tin Ceiling in Kitchen- What Kind of Lighting?


Hi,

Does anyone have a tin ceiling out there? or has put one in recently? What type of lighting did you opt-in for?

By wistletown | | Comment

Kitchen, Bathroom Flooring


Hi,

I’ve been seeing a lot of showroom images where wood is used for the bathroom/kitchen flooring. My contractor and my mom has advised me against this – saying it will be a problem longterm. I’ve never used the homedepot/lowes wood flooring before. I’ve always had solid oak wood floors installed and then sealed/stained. Is there a right way/a certain type of material to use for “wet/moist” areas like the bathroom and kitchen?

I am also thinking about doing another kitchen in the retro black and white checkered squares, installed at a diagonal. What materials do you recommend for this?

By wistletown | | Comment

In-Wall Bookcases


Hi,

So I have decided to build my own in-wall bookcase. Over the weekend, I went to home depot to look at wood. I’ve been reading up on what the best material to use is and it looks like it’s solid oak for stability and ability to hold heavier loads through time without buckling. I have a few questions:
1) If I buy wood like shown in the photo, do I have to treat it first? Will the wood warp overtime?
2) As you can see, for the 12 inch wide red oak wood slats, it’s $7.62 per foot. Is there any place to buy the wood cheaper in Brooklyn?
3) Would it be dumb to paint it right? I love the look of white bookcases.

By wistletown | | Comment

Restoring 100+ Year Old Claw-Foot Tub


The original tub is still in the house we bought. All the hardware is damaged but the tub is still in beautiful condition. There’s some minor dings and some minor water damage in the interior. What is the best way to restore this tub. I want to do it the best way I can do I don’t have to upkeep it every few years. I heard something about sandblasting? What’s the best method and where can I get this done?

By wistletown | | Comment

In-Wall Bookcases


Has anyone had any experience building their own in-wall bookcases? I’ve search the web and found very dinky looking ones. I want one that will be able to support a library ladder.

By wistletown | | Comment

Converting from 2 to 3 Family – Sprinker Systems and Handicap Access


We are in the beginning stages of converting a pre-1900 rowhouse from a two fam to a three fam. The house is currently set up as a two family with a basement. The basement ceiling height and relation to curb allows for a legal family conversion.

At this time, we are talking to architects and having some of them drop by the house for an estimate of cost. We are hearing mixed things from different architects – the most concering are the Fire code issues (Sprinkler System and Building Access (Handicap access to garden level unit).

1. Some architects are saying that the whole house will need to be updated to 2008 building codes. Sprinkler systems would need to be installed throughout the whole house. Others say that we can install sprinkler systems according to 1968 buildings code. In this case, sprinklers would need only be installed throughout hallways.

2. Some architects told us that the entrance to the basement level would need to be updated for handicap access. Right now, it’s a couple of steps down from the curb to the entrance. Other architects say it’s not necessary.

Why am I hearing all this discrepency? Has anyone dealth with this, in regards to the sprinkler systems and entrance situation?

By wistletown | | Comment

Converting from LNO 2 Fam to 3 Fam


Hi,

Mortgage went through and I am going to close in about a month. I really wanted to get a head start with my plans and outline what needs to be done once I close.

Currently, the house is set up as a LNO 2 family. However, many of the same style/size houses are set up as 3 families, 2 families with home office on the same street.

Here are some things I am thinking about:

1. Convert LNO 2 Fam to 3 Fam? Has anyone on the forum done this before? What are some things that need to be done to meet 3 fam regulations. Sprinklers?

2. Right now the house is set up with a garden level (half size windows) and one family each on floor 1 and floor 2. An option would be convert the garden level to a one family and then join the 1st and 2nd floor for another unit. Does this need to be filed even though it’s a 2 family to a 2 family?

3. Convert LNO 2 Family to 2 Family with store front. I only see the store front spaces being occupied as doctor’s office on the block. Would I need to use it as a doctor’s office in this manner? Can I use it as an accountant office? real estate office? tea store?

Please help me figure out things before I close. Any advice or recommendations will be much appreciated.

By wistletown | | Comment