need rec for DOB savvy plumber


I need a DOB savvy plumber to help me close out a thorny open permit.

I bought last year in middle of the meltdown and even though there was an outstanding plumbing permit, I had no trouble with my mortage – didn’t even need to put money in escrow. But now I’m refinancing and I’m being told to take care of it.

It’s one of those instances where the work was done in 1999 and the original plumber retired and the next plumber lost his license, etc. No one is sure what really needs sign off, etc.

The original architect is expediting the job (since it was never closed out) but I’d love to hire a plumber to take over the plumbing portion and basically help me navigate the DOB process just so my closures are treated fairly. Any recs? Thx.

Categories: Plumbing
By wjcohen | 04/29/2009 4:07 PM | Comment

Park Slope Rental Broker?


My brother and his family are returning to Brooklyn after 5 years overseas and want to rent in park slope…can someone recommend a good rental broker in the neighborhood? They’re coming next week to look for a place for Feb, March or April (ideally March 1.) Thanks!

Categories: Brokers
By wjcohen | 01/04/2009 10:19 PM | Comment

Seeking boiler room/front yard fix contractor types


I’m a new, ignorant homeowner who learned today that the home we bought may not pass its plumming inspection (it already had an open permit because a gas test was never done after renovations in ’99) The gas is fine -but the new problem is that the boiler room has no outlet to fresh air…the plummer today said I needed a contractor to create a flue to the old coal chute (and then, I need some iron work done on the coal chute iron door to create a little =tent to allow the vent to reach fresh air.) I’m a touch confused since I see the boilers already are piped through the chimney but the plummer said the access to fresh air an additional need.

ANYHOW…anyone out there who can handle this job for me in preparation for a DOB final inspection? thanks!

By wjcohen | 09/09/2008 3:11 PM | Comment

Advice for the closing


So we’re the fools who have bought our first house in this climate (we got evicted from two rentals in the past three years because of condo conversions) and we’re approaching our first closing. Have heard horror stories and wondering if anyone can share any good advice about how to prepare; not to pay even more money than we’re already paying, etc. thanks so much in advance.

Categories: Mortgage
By wjcohen | 08/02/2008 10:45 AM | Comment

Person who can knock down two walls?


HI,
Moving into a new house – we need two walls knocked down! (one illegally covers the electric meters; the other is an unnecessary decorative post in the kitchen. any advice on someone local to do this work?

Categories: Construction
By wjcohen | 08/02/2008 10:38 AM | Comment

How to pay back family investor for downpayment contribution in 20 years?


A family member is helping us with the downpayment for our new 2 family home. He basically paid half our downpayment. He doesn’t want any return in the short term and won’t be responsible for any bills or get any mortgage benefit. He wants it like a long term stock investment. But we’re stuck on how to get him back the money. Assuming the property appreciates, is there any way to return his original payment plus appreciation without him having to pay tax on ordinary income (versus a capital gains tax on real estate, which we would pay on our real estate (presumed) gain.) How could we return what may be a six figure payback (since the gift tax takes effect after $48K). Should his name be on the deed? Grateful for answers or any pointers in the right direction to a tax or legal advisor who has handled such a situation before (willing to pay for the service too.)

Categories: Mortgage
By wjcohen | 07/28/2008 11:50 PM | Comment