Forum
May 11, 2008
TV Repair
I have a 36" Sony Wega TV and the electric cord has been damaged in a few areas, with the copper exposed.Unfortunately, Sony has discontinued the cord as a replacement part and I can't locate a generic one online.
Can anyone recommend a reliable, trustworthy repair service who might be able to repair the cord so an otherwise perfectly good TV doesn't become a fire hazard?!
Basement garbage removal - recommendations
We are about to close on a house and there is still a bunch of junk in the basement, including old water heaters, ceiling tiles, etc. Does anyone have recommendations for someone we could hire to remove this quickly?
who can fix this?
hi Brownstoners,
I need to get my main entryway pillars repaired/replaced. Has anyone out there had similar work done? I really have no idea who to call to repair them. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Installing Flower Boxes
We would like to put nice flower boxes on the ledges outside of our windows. However, we are not comfortable simply sitting them on the ledge, since they could potentially fall off in a bad storm. Does anyone have any good recommendations for how to secure the boxes to the ledge? Are there contractors or companies that will do this? Any leads or thoughts would be much appreciated.
living in a walk-up
Hi, We are looking at buying in a co-op brownstone in prospect heights. It's a four flight walk-up, but most other criteria are met by the apartment. Would you live in a walk-up with kids (baby)? And how do you think resale will be? (I did see the NYT article today, which was helpful).
May 10, 2008
Brooklyn Fence
Has anyone here used Brooklyn Fence for a wooden fence installation? I just had them come out for a quote and wondered if anyone had some feedback.
Tree Pit
I just had a New tree put into a pit in front of my house. Does anyone know where to get the metal Fence that goes around the tree pit? i looked at lowes but they did not have any.
Floating Flooring - Anyone Have It?
We are considering floating flooring for various reasons that I need not get into. I'm wondering if anyone has tried this and what you think of it. Does it feel solid? Does it creak to walk on? Is it durable? Any major negatives or positives? Thanks!
Weekend construction
I live in a condo building which includes both commercial and residential units. Recently, one of the commercial units has been performing interior construction, including on weekends, occasionally resulting in unannounced interruption of water service to the residential units. Can anyone tell me if they need a special permit to perform construction in our building on the weekends, and whether I can report them the DOB for the unannounced interruption in our residentisl water service?
Replacing Below Ground Wet Return Sections
I have sections of the wet return from my boiler that are below grade and have corroded. I am having them replaced and I have a few questions.
1) I have excavated the area in preparation for the plumber and plan on repairing the floor once the plumber is done. The existing pipe was buried in dirt and covered in a few inches of concrete. Now that I have a chance to do the job right, I am wondering what the best way of covering the new pipe will be. Should it be wrapped in some way before covering it to avoid corrosion? Should I cover it with dirt or gravel or a combination of both prior to laying the concrete over it? Any tips on doing this job right would be appreciated.
2) There is currently no way to flush the returns. Should I ask the plumber to install some sort of flush valve before it goes underground? Again, I just want to make sure that the job is done right so I don't have to revisit it.
Thanks for your help...
Bathroom exhaust fan install
I need to find someone who can install a bathroom exhaust fan and repair or replace the duct to the outside. Job needs to be completed by 25th May. Many thanks.
Prospect Lefferts Garden Feedback
Anyone have feedback on living in the Prospect Lefferts Garden area? Seems like some streets are better than others? Is there enough cafes/bars and mellow but fun social life? Also, is the B train and commute really 30 mins to midtown? Any feedback would be great... thanks!
Antiques For Sale
The large ebonized pier mirror I had posted previously is now ebay item number 330235288346
I also have a large empire/victorian Wardrobe, solid tiger maple chest, smaller empire chest (mahogany) and a painting by Herbert Sparks You can see all here: http://www.pbase.com/bachfan/forconceptgallery
You may also be interested in this painting of Frederick The Great playing the flute: http://www.pbase.com/empirebuilder/frederick_the_great
These items are all in Pittsburgh. I know two shippers who do occasional runs to Pittsburgh and may be able to bring them. They could also be combined with something else I am shipping later in May.
http://www.pbase.com/bachfan/forconceptgallery
Moving Company
Can someone recommend a mover who is careful with antiques? Moving upstate from Brooklyn. Thanks
Saturday Construction
What can I do. I call 311 for the past three weeks, and the DOB don't respond. Its the new steel building on Columbia between Summit and Woodhull. Being built by Mr House of Pizza who delivers on your Fedder dream home. The place is HUGE, it runs the entire span of three lots. and by entire I mean all the way back to the end of the property line to bump up on the Church behind it. How that got approved is beyond me. But they work every Saturday. They have no permit for this work, and there at present 3 open tickets with the DOB. Is there anything else I can do?
Tree Company's Liability for Accidental Damage
Hello - Together with my neighbors, I'm hiring a tree service to take down a 40 ft tree in my backyard which overhangs the adjacent properties. The tree company says that if there's any accidental damage to property in the process, their insurance carrier will cover it. But they refuse to write anything into the contract with me that actually says that. (They have shown me their certificate of insurance.) Does anyone know whether New York law makes them responsible for accidental damage even if the contract doesn't say that they are responsible? Or are they responsible only for damage that results from negligence? Many thanks for any advice that folks can offer!
132 2nd Place
Anyone know what's up with the brownstone accross from the F train on 2nd Pl? The address is 132 2nd Place (wrong address in previous post). It has the parlor and ground floor windows cemented, and for some time now.
need European/English broker
Would like to find a brokerto rep my building
outside of the city any contacts?
Cobble Hill/ Carrols Gardens
Hi Brownstoners--
I'm thinking about making the move from Queens (Sunnyside) to the Cobble Hill/ Carroll Gardens area and thought I'd ask this group what your sense is of the resale value of new construction co-ops/condos (old skin- new interior, and total new construction) vs. traditional brownstone co-ops in Carroll Gardens & Cobble Hill area of Brooklyn (assuming they are of equal quality in terms of the actual apartments etc.)..?
I appreciate any insight or directions to sources of information.
Thanks!
kz
What to do with Excess Soil
We have about about 2 tons of excess soil from digging a patio in our backyard. Anyone have any ideas what to do with this? We have bought and filled all the planters and window boxes we could ever use and transplanted to other areas of our yard already.
Why did our USB port explode? - Anxiety about wiring
We're setting up our office space about 1 month after a gut renovation was finished in our apt. We got a new printer, for which I installed the software and did a test page with no problem. Then my husband goes to do the same thing on his machine, but when he inserted the USB cord into the port as directed, it burst into flames and melted, and instantly the circuit for that end of the apt tripped. The computers still worked when we put the electricity back on, but we really want to know what could have caused this since no one that I've talked to has ever heard of something like this happening before.
Can anyone reading this shed some light on what would make a usb cord/port explode like that? Is there something wrong with our new wiring? Did our new heavy-duty surge protectors do what they were supposed to? Do we need new computer equipment or a new electrician?
Dog-friendly Garden
I am interested in planting a garden in my backyard. However, there are quite a few dogs in my building that use the space for playtime (with, of course, occasional bathroom breaks).
Any advice about what to do? I am specifically interested in sturdy ground cover, perhaps raised beds, non-poisonous plants, and even a little potty area (if the dogs are trainable -- highly doubtful). I know that I have to divide the area up and fence some of it off.
Also, could you recommend a good landscaper who knows something about this?
Advise Needed - Co-Op
Hello,
I am new to the co-op thing, but have been a park sloper for some time now, I am in the middle of a contract negotiation for a unit in a co-op in Park slope and don't seem to be able to trust the lawyers and agents involved 100%
the co-op is self managed, and does not keep monthly meeting notes or regular financial records, they have sent over a couple years of tax returns showing a loss for the past 2 years, and now the maintenance got jacked up just as we are ready to sign.
am I getting screwed here, what do i need to be asking for to make sure that the building is running smoothly, and how can i find out if there is something shady going on before i get to meet with the board?
help
Long Island College Hosptal
The 150 year old health anchor of brownstone Brooklyn now controlled and run from Manhattan by Continuum Health Partners is slowly being stripped of it's assets and threatened with closure.
The Medical Staff has filed a complaint with the Attorney General's office requesting a dissolution of the relationship with Continuum.
The medical staff is convinced that LICH is being controlled and exploited in classic colonial style by the Manhattan institution for
Manhattan's benefit (i.e. Beth Israel, Roosevelt and St. Lukes)
There is no local board and administrative control resides with Stanley Brezenoff the CEO of Continuum Health Partners and not with the LICH CEO.
The health care needs of brownstone brooklyn is second at best to the financial interests Continuum.
The Medical staff is truly concerned that with it's assets sold off by Continuum LICH will either morph into a shadow of itself or disappear entirely leaving Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens without it's local hospital.
Discount Tile
Any recommendations on a warehouse, etc., preferably in Brooklyn, that has a good selection of quality tile at cost conscious prices? Tiles are for bathroom, laundry room and mudroom renovations. Thanks in advance.
May 8, 2008
Bed bugs
I live in a building with three apartments. I recently found bed bugs in mine arising from a sofa purchased from Craigslist. The exterminator found remnants of dead ones in the sofa. I'd like to know who is responsible for the extermination of the bed bug infestation -- me or the landlord. According to my lease my apartment is suppose to be inhabitable and free of pests. Advise and please no snide comments.
seeking architect for bstone reno
We are looking for an architect to design a new half-story on top of our brownstone, and to open/brighten our parlor floor (adding a kitchen to that floor as well). We'd like someone with a modern aesthetic, but who will preserve some of the original details, and make it all look like it belongs. Someone with an interest in ecological systems and materials is a big plus. Any recommendations would be most welcome.
concrete floors
What do you use to finish concrete floors? Epoxy?
DOB Job Status
Im trying to make sense of the filling status with the DOB.
It says on their website.
JOB STATUS - R PERMIT-ENTIRE
STATUS DATE - 04/16/2007
What does "R PERMIT-ENTIRE" mean.
thx
Recommendations
Has anyone here used All Mechanical Plumbing or All Renovation (I just noticed that they both begin with 'All', coincidentally)?
What was your experience regarding the work, price, etc.?
Landscaper Recs
Following on Mr. B's recent garden posts. Can folks recommend landscapers to redo my townhouse backyard. The space is about 25’ X 40’. Currently half is concrete, the other half is a raised dirt bed.
I would like to get some plants and such in quickly in order to enjoy it during the summer.
Any and all recs would be helpful. I have already called DIGs and they are coming to give me an estimate, but other recs would be helpful as well.
Thanks All!
I would like to get some plants and such in quickly in order to enjoy it during the summer.
Any and all recs would be helpful. I have already called DIGs and they are coming to give me an estimate, but other recs would be helpful as well.
Thanks All!
Bellawood and Lumber Liquidators
I'm looking at the 5" x 3/4 finished pine floors. Seems like a relatively good price for pre-finished floors. Planning on doing the installation myself. Has anyone use Bellawood products before? How about dealing with Lumber Liquidators?
I'll take any flooring recommendations as well. I'd love to use a smaller company and definitely will not order from Home Depot or Lowes, because of other problems I've had ordering anything through them.
Illegal Washer Dryer
My rent controlled tenant has installed a washer dryer. This is causing sinks to back up, creates noise to the tenants below her, and could cause a massive flood if it overlowed. Anyone have any tips on how I can get her to remove it. I've already given her a letter explaining why I want it removed but she simply refuses. I'd prefer not to just consult a lawyer. thx.
Elevator Service Company
Does anyone have a recommendation for an elevator service company. We have a freight elevator and are paying $450 a month which I think high. Thanks.
landmarked approved windows
I live in an old building in a landmark district and I've been informed by the co-op board that we're about to replace dozens of windows at great expense. Things happen. But when I inquired about the windows themselves, I was told they were single-pane glass windows with a really low energy rating bcs "that's what Landmarks requires". Is this right? Seems so nuts. We can't even have double pane glass? Also the frames will be all-wood -- again, as I was told was required by the LPC. beautiful but crazy expensive.
I've tried to find the rules myself, but can anyone confirm all this for me?
recommendations for cutting and moving fence section
Because of a property line change years ago, I have two kinds of fencing along the front of my property. 3/4 is fronted by an iron gate style fence, and around 5 feet is fronted by a section of hurrican fence. This is a detached house, so the iron fence also runs along the old side propert line, keeping me from my little side yard, and creating what looks like a vacant lot betwen my house the neighbors. I'm looking for someone to cut the side fence and reuse it to continue the front iron fence along the whole property line. I think this is probably such a small job that I'll have a hard time finding someone skilled who wants to do it. Any recommendations on who to start with. Of course, if you have a similar experience, and think you know what this should cost, please let me know also. Thanks so much-
Electrical Wiring Query
I am sure this has been asked before, but I couldn't find anything during a quick search, so here goes. We just bought a one-family, four story brownstone and were told during the inspection that the electrical service--double pole, 220V, 100AMP was adequate for a modern home. We are now being told by an electrician that 200AMP is the standard for a modern home. Any thoughts on this?
Also, if we have to re-wire the entire house, any ideas on what this is going to cost? We are expecting a quote from the electrician that was referred to us, but it's going to take him a day or so to put it together and I don't want to have sticker shock.
Mason?
Can anyone recommend a good mason to replace a few lintels? It is a small job. Thanks.
Graffiti
I have brownstone stucco on my building and want to remove a 1 ft sq bit of graffiti; any ideas? also does anyone have experience with a clear coat applied on the stucco to resist future graffiti?
wallpaper hanger
hi I live in Bed Stuy and wanted to know if anyone could recommend someone who hangs wallpaper. It's one wall approx. 13ft x 7.5ft
May 7, 2008
curb cut
HI:
I realize this is a contentious issue, but we purchased a 1920's rowhouse in Bay Ridge that is one in a group of 5 rowhouses. All of the homes were built with, and still retain, curb cuts in front of the homes. Ours, however, does not as the previous owner rented the home out and paved the front yard, which also included a garden to the right of the stoop.
We would like to restore the garden and the curb cut/driveway, but are not sure where to start and whether we'd get permission.
We have been told on more than one occasion, that because the house was originally built with a driveway, that we could just go ahead and restore it. But that doesn't sound right to me - I don't want to be fined by the DOB.
What are our chances of getting a permit from the DOB to do this work?
Note: We wouldn't even be taking away a legal parking space, as when the previous owner paved the front of the house, he simply added additional curb to an already existing space thereby creating an oversized parking space. We would only be taking out that small piece of the curb that was originally the home's drive.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
curb cut
HI:
I realize this is a contentious issue, but we purchased a 1920's rowhouse in Bay Ridge that is one in a group of 5 rowhouses. All of the homes were built with, and still retain, curb cuts in front of the homes. Ours, however, does not as the previous owner rented the home out and paved the front yard, which also included a garden to the right of the stoop.
We would like to restore the garden and the curb cut/driveway, but are not sure where to start and whether we'd get permission.
We have been told on more than one occasion, that because the house was originally built with a driveway, that we could just go ahead and restore it. But that doesn't sound right to me - I don't want to be fined by the DOB.
What are our chances of getting a permit from the DOB to do this work?
Note: We wouldn't even be taking away a legal parking space, as when the previous owner paved the front of the house, he simply added additional curb to an already existing space thereby creating an oversized parking space. We would only be taking out that small piece of the curb that was originally the home's drive.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
I'd like referrals for a good/cheap floor finisher.
The hardwood floors in my one-bedroom apartment need sanding and refinishing. Can anyone refer a good but reasonably priced floor person or company? I am not able to tackle the project myself. I'm in Clinton Hill. Thanks.
kidproof the roof
Hi all -
My wife and I have a terrace off the top floor of our duplex, which is reasonably large (call it 15 x 20 ft).
Certainly big enough so that now, with the weather cooperating, we like to spend time out there.
Here's the rub - so does our two year old. She's a little monkey, and it more or less constantly freaks my wife out to have her up there because of the concern that the existing 40 inch iron railing is not enough to stop the little mutant from valuting of the roof.
Any thoughts / insights on how others have kidproofed their roofdecks or terraces much appreciated.
RE Agent in Crown Heights & Bed Sty
Can anyone recommend a good real estate agent that deals with Crown Heights and Bed Sty. We've been looking, to buy, on and off, half- heartedly on-line, and if something catches our eye, we go check it out. We'd like to concentrate our efforts and find something.
I'd like an agent in the area. Someone that knows the neighborhoods. Not just someone selling a house there. (Been to a couple of open houses and asked where the nearest train station is, and the agent didn't know.)
Any recommendations?
Paul's Salvage formerly on Bedford and Gates
Does anyone know where Paul the salvage/antiques guy relocated to? he was in an old crumbling building and adjacent parking lot on gates and Bedford until about a month ago? Thanks
Custom Front Doors
I need recommendations for people who do custom jobs on front doors. We need to have them built to match our neighbors. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Plumber Needed
I need a plumber for some minor work. Install a toilet, change fixtures for shower and tub. Probably dont need licensed guy-- smart handy man. Any suggestions in Clinton Hill/Fort Greene area. Thanks
Excellent mover/storage experience
Just wanted to let others know how pleased we were with U Santini for handling moving and storing our stuff during our renovation. They did everything we'd have wanted, in terms of taking care of our stuff, being flexible when we were repeatedly forced to postpone/change our moving-back-in date, being helpful with packing suggestions and pleasant all around. In fact it was the one completely satisfactory, smooth, and stress/regret-free aspect of our renovation experience, and for that small piece of mind we are really grateful.
Has anyone worked with architect Woody Blaufeux?
Has anyone worked with architect Woody Blaufeux, would you recommend him?
Thanks!
May 6, 2008
Garden Duplex
Many posts get close to the issue that we're facing but I wanted to start another because I'm sure there are many people facing the same issue.
We bought a condo apartment last year. A ground floor and basement/cellar duplex at the back of the typical 5 floor+ building built pre war on the foundations of a brownstone. The basement/cellar retains the original Brownstone walls.
The apartment had been remodeled to have a bedroom, living room and bathroom on the ground floor and the Kitchen/recroom + powder room down stairs. Both floors have doors to the building stairway (having been separate units in the past). Downstairs is zoned as commercial and upstairs is zoned as residential. Downstairs has a rear door opening onto a back yard, L shaped across the back and along the side 20 feet each and about 15 feet wide. This area backs onto restaurants and a gym business and has a 10 foot high canvas wall (which we plan are replace with soundproof walling to reduce AC fan noise - 4 fans)
We've retained an architect to advise us on remodeling the apartment and yard. We want two rec rooms and full bath down stairs and Kitchen and through open sitting room upstairs with a powder room.
This is the issue and my question.
We're advised that there should not be a kitchen down stairs and our remodeling would entail DOB inspection requiring us to remove it and put it upstairs (all plumbing it still upstairs although blocked off). The Architect advises us that the apartment had an illegal kitchen when we bought it and as such we may have a claim against the seller or their agent because without a legal kitchen it’s not an apartment. Also. Despite the fact that the only plans in existence (included in the offer documents) of the apartment show a full bath down stairs which has obviously been removed and replaced with a powder room we're also advised that we cannot replace the powder room with a new full bath.
Should we stop all plans and look for restitution against the seller or just face it that we've been done as any legal case we may have would in practice be too expensive and lengthy to chase.
I'd add that i think the downstairs is a cellar rather than a basement (More than 50% below the level of the front side walk) but as i said above is zoned commercial and shows as a doctor’s office in offer documents.
I've done my best to search the DOB website but can’t find any plans for the apartment. The architect and expeditor (who've now spent almost $12k of our money) say that the DOB has lost all plans for the apartment.
Any help/advice very much appreciated.
Cost of Conversion: General Estimate
I would very much appreciate rough estimates of how much it would cost to convert the top three floors of a brownstone to a single unit. We plan to use what is now the shared stairs as a private stairs (by opening up the wall). We'll need to install a kitchen on the first floor, take out kitchens on the top two floors, put up some walls and closets and do cosmetic renovations on the bathrooms. The current interior is in fine shape and the electric, heat, etc. plumbing are all in order and do not need work. Thank you.
Bike Tours??
I am surprised that there was no coverage of the Five Boro Bike Tour. As a site that is bike-friendly, there was no mention of it. I participated in it (first timer), and it was an unbelievable experience.
The Tour de Brooklyn is coming up on the 25th of May and I hope that Brownstoner will have coverage on it.
What do other people think?
Saving $$$ Shutting Off H/W Heaters
Does anyone have opinion on shutting off their H/W heaters while they are at work for most of the day or away for the weekend? How long does it take to get a 40-50 gallon tank up to temperature again? Is there a marketable savings?
Landscaping in a landmark distrcit
How can I found out if I live in a Landmarked zone?
Do I need a permit to paint the ugly speckled brick of my home even though it was built in 1974?
Do I need a permit to swap my front concrete to bluestone?
Thanks all
Waterproofing exterior brick
We have a 4 unit brownstone/brick coop that has peeling, lead-based paint in the back of the house. We're received 2 estimates for the removal. Both contractors would use Peel Away, but one swears by Toraseal (sp) to waterproof the bricks and another recommends water based silicone elastomer. Any recommendations of which would be better?
Fire Doors in Landmark Brownstones
I'm reposting to another forum.
We own a brownstone in a landmarked brooklyn neighborhood. The previous owner was processing the C of O to change it from a 1 family to a 3 family.
In that process he had to take out doors leading into our apartment and put in self closing fire doors. The doors he took out were those big beautiful 9 foot hallway doors.
I read a NY Times article a few years after regarding a renovation in Brooklyn. An architect found a provision that allowed them to keep those big beautiful doors.
Any suggestions? I've got them in the basement, in a dry place.
Cabinet maker reccomendation?
I need a custom maple cabinet made for a bathroom. I have the plans from the architect. Can someone reccomend a good cabinet maker. We're in greenpoint. I know there's a bunch nearby...
custom nyfd security gate needed
I want to install a security gate on the inside of a garden apartment casement window. I'd like it to be NYFD compliant with an organic (custom) design to match the decor of the garden. Has anyone out there done a similar project? Can anyone recommend a vendor or welder?
Mortgage?
We are likely taking a $1M mortgage. Any suggestions where to look for the best rates? What are current 30 year fixed rates these days? The house is a place we envision living in for the long term. That being said, thoughts on a 30 year fixed vs a 7 or 10 year ARM... Any advice would be greatly appreciated....
thanks
May 5, 2008
Bad Brooklyn Contractors
Please whatever you do don't use the following contractors. They are completely unreliable, dishonest and rip-off artist. They'll lie for just about anything. One contractors name is Babou Adoyne. He purports to be an upstanding person and will charge exhorbitant prices and not complete the job. He's supposed to be a good woodwork guy and was hired to work for me for 2 months to replace my doors and strip some molding. The job started in December and he never finished. His men quit on him and they said he never paid them. It was the 2nd worst contracting experience I had since I've owned my home. So, please, please if you meet him, please stand clear.
The other bad contractor is Michele Bruno. He too is dishonest, unreliable and very expensive. After a spending a significant amount of money with him two years ago -- which i sorely regret -- my house doesn't even look like he did anything to it. He was a bully and completely untrustworthy. So please, stay clear of him as well.
mold!
looks like we have nasty black mold in the basement. wondering if anyone could recommend testers/abaters.
thanks!
Xilo Porcelain Tile from Artistic Tile
We have extra Xilo tile from a bathroom renovation. This is a very modern white tile with a darker grain pattern...you can see it on Artistic Tile's website. 110 12"x6" tiles and 20 6"x6" tiles. The original price was $1,100 - we'll sell it all for $550. We are located in Prospect Heights
soundboard vs. furring (firring) stips for ceiling
Renovation in progress.
The contractor has pretty much gutted the place - ceiling has been taken down in most of the rooms (the picture is of the inside of one of the ceilings that was left intact because it had no cracks etc.)
As you can see in the picture, there was no insulation in the ceiling - for sound reasons (every footstep, and even sometimes the cat can be heard from the upstairs apt) the contractor suggests putting insulation in since the ceiling is open in most of the rooms. Should I request any special insulation for sound? Or is it all pretty much the same.
I have researched soundproofing and I don’t believe the insulation will do much. It is designed to insulate heat not sound. To quiet footsteps and voices from upstairs I was looking into “green glue” (home theater DIY stuff) but it’s not available in stores and most people have never heard of it. So i was going to go with either Celotex soundboard or furring strips. Anyone know if one is better than the other? Or do you suggest something else.
In-street sewer repair
I came home tonight and saw a puddle of what seems to be putrid water in a depression in the road about 8 feet out from the curb line in front of our house. It seems to be roughly in line with the sewer pipe exit point in our cellar. The water main entry point is right next to the sewer exit point though, so I guess the leak in the road could be water rather that sewerage but I doubt it because of the color and the fact that it's not bubbling up under pressure. No evidence of back-ups in our house, at least not yet.
Who would be responsible for this repair, us or the City? What's the procedure? Do I call 311 for the City to check it out first? If it falls onto my plate, does anyone have contractor recommendations? Any ideas of cost?
Thanks.
how about house relocation?
the best to deal with these topic are the house relocation companies...they know the topsy-turvey of the job
Replacing Stair Treads
The old wood stairs in my brownstone are in solid shape but are made of carpet grade wood. Because I would like to have nice wood treads without carpet the contractor suggested refacing (?) the treads and risers with upgraded wood instead of replacing the risers and treads. I think it works like this
http://www.woodsthebest.com/Stairs/wood-stairs-treads.htm
Does anyone have experience with this and can you share the up and downsides of refacing instead of replacing? (pun intended)
Do the stairs squeak?
Is the height difference a problem?
What kind of wood did you use.
Thanks!
Damn these plaster and lath walls!
Does anyone have any anchoring tips for these? Finding a stud is impossible.
Backyard wiring/lighting - pricing
What is a reasonable price to install outdoor lighting (4 outdoor lights and 3 outlets, at varios places in a row house backyard)? Nothing fancy. I am getting some wildly differing estimates.
Thanks
pine flooring?
I am looking for pine floorboards to patch a floor that I am refinishing. I would like to purchase some tongue and groove boards, 4 1/2" X 1", any lengths. If you have some, please call me at 917-453-4567.
brand new undermount sink
this is a brand new Blanco undermount stainless steel sink that we wound up not using in our rental renovation. retails for 200 but i'm selling it for 75.
the deets:
BlancoStar
20 15/32" x 20 15/32"
Bowl: 18 1/2" x 18 1/2" x 8"
Model: 513-616
Undermount 18 Gauge Stainless Steel
Includes mounting hardware
Silver Ease Finish
Stainless Steel Countertop Manufacturer
Hello. Looking for any experience/recommendations for someone who will manufacture a stainless steel counter top for an IKEA sink base cabinet.
Petro's Fuel Watchman
I'm looking into all possible ways to save on my heating bill and just received a note in the mail from Petro advertising their Fuel Watchman Digital Heating Controller. If you've had this installed could you take a moment to share your experience. Big money saver or glorified thermostat? I'm currently living in a 5 unit brownstone in p slope. Our major issue is insulation, so I'm not sure how much changing up the thermostat is going to help.
thanks all.
Help! I need to replace shower body
How much does it cost to replace a shower body? and can anyone recommend a reliable plumber?
Thanks a bunch!
home equity line of credit/loans
Hello,
We were thinking of doing some renovations and pay off CC debt. we wanted to get a 100K home equity LOC or a loan. With all the crap press on banks and lenders not as willing to dole out money - do you think we will face a lot of resistance?
I have good credit, just not sure what the rates are on loans these days
is anyone else doing this now or are many of you waiting the storm out?
we want a clothesline pole/ladder
anyone had one installed in their backyard? we're in a brownstone, and the neighbors all have them, but not us. I've been leaving messages with ironworks places--is this the way to go? anyone know a cheap place to recommend?
Unbearable burden of a rug
Six years ago, caught up in an auction frenzy, my wife and I purchased a rug. It's too big for our brownstone.
Anyone have a mansion they can fit it in? It's almost 21' by 12'.
Fire Doors in Landmark Brownstones
We own a brownstone in a landmarked brooklyn neighborhood. The previous owner was processing the C of O to change it from a 1 family to a 3 family.
In that process he had to take out doors leading into our apartment and put in self closing fire doors. The doors he took out were those big beautiful 9 foot hallway doors.
I read a NY Times article a few years after regarding a renovation in Brooklyn. An architect found a provision that allowed them to keep those big beautiful doors.
Any suggestions? I've got them in the basement, in a dry place.
Size matters... how small is too small
I live in the Clinton Hill co-ops. I love my 1bd rm apartment and view. However, we're thinking of having kids. Anyone have advice on how small is too small for a bedroom? I am thinking of trying to subdivide my large bedroom to create two small rooms. they'd be approx 10x7 (for the larger room me an my partner would have) and 7.5x6 (for the kid's room). In this plan we'd have separate doors for each room and each has a window so I think it's legal... are these rooms too small to work? I've tried to find websites w/pictures of spaces as small as the kid room... but couldn't. My quick search suggests that a twin bed or even bunkbed could fit in there and I grew up in NYC w/friends who lived in tiny subdivided spaces. If I don't want to lose a lovely apt and can't afford a much larger place. Does this seem workable? Anyone live in CHACO that has subdivided a bedroom? I would very much appreciate your thoughts.