Forum: Construction
October 27, 2009
Creating a Second Bathroom?
The great majority of brownstone listings that I'm finding in Park Slope (especially the rail-road type of apartments available in 6 or 8 unit brownstones that have 2 identical L/R units per floor) have only 1 bathroom, even the ones that are rather big and can accommodate 3 bedrooms. So I guess it may be rather difficult (or impossible) to create a second bathroom or half-bath, unless you own a duplex unit and you can put it directly below an existing bath. Is that so? What about buying a 1st Floor unit, with a non-occupied basement underneath, so that you have easy access to the pipes and you're not bothering/endangering anybody with the construction. Would that make it possible? Is there any specific type of brownstone/townhouse that would make it less difficult? How much would it cost, ballpark? Thanks a lot.
October 26, 2009
Glass Insulators
could someone refer me to a place where they would be able to cut holes through the tops of these glass insulators?
October 22, 2009
Cost for Adding Extension?
We're considering adding an extension to the garden level of our townhouse. The building is 18 x 36 while the lot 18 x 100. The addition would be 18 x 24. What is the range we should expect to pay?
Thank you.
October 21, 2009
Need Advice with Nayci Const
We have started project with Nayci Contracting recently and now I'm concern with his job, I've seen some of his job, they looked ok. After reading all those comments againts him. He is promissing me a lot but I kind dont trust this guy. He has ask money up front before each job starts and I had to pay him. I need advise what should I be aware of with this Nayci Contracting. My mistake was I should've make research before hiring this guy.
Please advise
October 20, 2009
Confirming New Building Rumors
I was speaking to some neighbors who insist they have been hearing the new project at 574 Fourth Avenue, featured several times on Brownstoner per link below, is actaully slated to become housing for recovering drug addicts with a drug clinic on the first floor.
http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2009/07/development_wat_457.php
It seems like a ridiculous rumor given the community board and others would likely make news of this, but I was wondering if there is any public records or sources that could be used to confirm on deny the rumors?
Thanks!
October 18, 2009
Maximizing Square Footage
Inquiring minds want to know..
-What constraints exist in lowering the foundation floor (unsure if it could even be called a "basement" since egress seems to exist at street level)?
- I am tasked with a foreclosure project and I'm hypothesizing converting a 3 story brownstone in Clinton Hill on Grand between Gates and Putnam into a 4 unit utilizing the street-level space; space I presume is currently part of the 1st floor (parlor?) layout.
- Does this seem do-able?
- Does any one know if any of these type of structures have been converted into 4+ residences? I suspect slicing an existing floor-thru into two studios isn't out of the question.
-Other concerns I should have? Thanks.
October 16, 2009
To Build, or Not
i'm looking for space for a studio, i'm a painter, and living space. i want to buy and am starting to consider building from the ground up. has anyone done this, in brooklyn? i'm thinking of a pretty stripped down, industrial space. Any advice on the pros or cons of building is appreciated. Also can anyone recommend a builder for such a project who they've had good experience with? thanks.
Nayci the Terrible Contractor
Beware of Nayci Contracting Associates, LLC.
Ayhan and Matt Nayci are a bunch of Money sucking theives and can be very intimidating. I have made a terrible mistake by hiring them as contractors. They have not paid any of their sub-contractors for jobs performed. In the meantime, Ayhan is still paying off plantiffs from prior law suits. Please check the BBB of NY on their horrible history. In the meantime,a recent client was willing to surrendor a $ 40K loss just to rid of himself of these two idiots and hired a new contractor.
Soft close/open for large doors
For cabinetry you can use blum, salice, grass and any other number of other hinge combos to create a soft close of the doors.
But what do people do if you want to have a soft open/close mechanic for large doors that otherwise need traditional hinges?
Anyone ever done this? Particularly concerned with two very large steel doors I am putting in that I am concerned my kids will constantly slam shut or swing into the door stop (one day shattering the glass).
These doors require traditional hinges so I can't just go with a more commercial type hinge with built in resistance. Hoping someone has another idea?
October 15, 2009
Wall Build vs. Baseboard Heating?
Hi folks. I work (when I can find the work) in sound design and music composition - and I just bought a place in Crown Heights that has a rec room.
In said rec room, I'm going to need to do a lot of soundproofing - and my first step is (possibly) going to be to build some sort of wall in the room, because the stairs leading to the upper floor are spiral and therefore have no door. So, I need a way to block some of the sound from getting upstairs and into the rest of the building.
With that said, I have one small snag - the baseboard heating. In my beautiful little drawing there, the baseboard units are the blue rectangles on the left.
Anyone know if they can either be cut into, partially removed, re-sized, or what? I know little about home renovation and almost nothing about baseboard heating...
October 8, 2009
Great Plaster, Finish Contractor
I just finished a rehab of my co-op and wanted to recommend my contractor Tom. He skim coated the entire co-op, installed and built new window boxes, crown molding, tiled the bathroom and painted the entire place. The work was of very high quality and at a very fair price. His name is Tomek and his number is 347 224 8695 He is from Europe and is very well trained in plaster work. I can be emailed at beegeee1188@yahoo.com for a reference. I know a few fellow brownstoners have used him and been very happy.
October 6, 2009
Contractors
Hi.. we are reviewing bids for a exterior renovation job and are interested in recommendations for Wolf restorations, Xinos Construction corp and Phoenix Construction. Any experiences with these companies? Thanks.