146steven's Profile

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Author's Posts

October 23, 2009

Trees & Sidewalks

I am considering whether to replace the cement in the (uneven) sidewalk in front of my house. It seems to me that the problem is being caused by the roots of the tree and I wondered if the mason would be able to ameliorate this without damaging the tree. Doing some research, I came across a city program called Trees & Sidewalks, where they say they will fix your sidewalk themselves and do everything to preserve the tree.

Has anyone had any experience with the program? Do they actually follow through? If I sign up for the program, could that possibly lead to my getting a violation from the city?

And if I do it through the city, would I still have to get landmarks permission on my own?

October 8, 2009

Free sconces

Hi -- this is a repost from about 10 months ago -- I gave away some things -- but some things never got taken away. I have several boxes full of old electrical fixtures -- a number of sconces like the one pictured above -- and I am giving them away for free. They have been sitting in a box for 18 months, and not necessarily in great condition -- they all need to be rewired for modern wiring. However, if someone will come and take them all, they can have them for free.

August 22, 2009

fight with contractor

At the end of a long enormous project, my GC and I can't agree how much money we owe them. In the last few months, they continued to plaster us with excessive and unfair change orders. Our architect agrees that the majority are unfair. Anyway, at this point, the difference between us is about $45,000. (We think we owe them 45, they say 90) The project is completed, we don't need anything from them (although they haven't fully finished the punch list, and there continue to be problems with some of the work they did, but if need be we could find others to do that -- we're sick of them). We seem to be in a stubborn place where neither of us will budge. I think if they sued us, we would win, but obviously it's to no one's advantage to go there. I'll give them what I think we owe them, but no more -- is there any reason I have to settle beyond that? Can they do anything to us? I suppose they could put a lien on the property, but a) couldn't I fight that? and b) I have no plans to sell or do any major renovations in the next 10 years

April 22, 2009

bay window curtains?

Has anyone else tried to have curtains in their bay windows? I'm not sure how to install the hardware. On an upper floor, I had 2 narrow curtain panels per window, with one short rod on each section of the bay. The problem is, there is a lot of fabric and it's hard to pull it back entirely. On the main parlor floor, I'd like the ability to close the curtains completely and the ability to open them as much as possible. I think what I need is a rod supported by a bracket in the center window of the bay. Has anyone come across something like that, used it or something different, know where to get it?

Thanks

March 4, 2009

New chimney liner

We had a crisis at the almost-complete renovation today where the flue got clogged up the boiler backed up and smoke billowed through the house. Apparently some of the old terra cotta chimney liner had fallen off, blocking the flue. We had a chimney guy snake a camera, he said it was clear now but he showed me where the liner was falling off and said we had to put in a new stainless steel liner and it would cost approx. $5500.

Has anyone confronted this problem? Did you take care of it immediately or can it be deferred? Can you recommend a chimney company for a second price?

November 26, 2008

Free Pedastal sinks and brass sconces

I have three pedastal sinks, an old toilet, and a box full of lovely old brass wall sconces. I have decided not to use them, but i want to find them a home. Please leave an email in response and I'll respond quickly. They have gotten somewhat dirty sitting through the renovation, but otherwise in good condition

July 28, 2008

complaining neighbor

I'm just curious as for your take on this. We are doing a big renovation on a house in the South Slope. Before beginning, I met with my neighbors, apologized in advance, explained all my plans. I have filed all plans with DOB, doing everything by the book. But because I have a hydrant in front of my house, the dumpster ends up in front of my neighbor's house. He is furious, calling me complaining. I go by the job site regularly and I think the contractors are doing a good job of keeping it clean and closing up the dumpster, but the guy calls 311. The inspector comes by, says, keep it clean, but no citation, as we are doing okay. Should I be doing something different or is this guy just being a jerk?

Author's Comments

Question: Did those of you in landmarked districts get LPC permission? Did the mason get it? Was it a hassle?

Posted by: 146steven at October 23, 2009 8:39 PM in response to Trees & Sidewalks

Thanks for the input! I don't think my situation is that dire, so probably the city won't do it for free. SJ, did you like the mason who did the work? How much did it cost?

I was also thinking, while I was at it, of replacing the cement in my areaway with bluestone or something, I guess I'd need a mason anyway to do that.

Posted by: 146steven at October 23, 2009 1:16 PM in response to Trees & Sidewalks

Sorry. parkslopegaydad@yahoo.com

I will email you

Posted by: 146steven at October 8, 2009 10:21 PM in response to Free sconces

You can contact me at parkslopegaydad@gmail.com

And by the way I apologize if anyone responded last November and I didn't get back to them. Someone said they would pick them up and I didn't contact anyone else. Then we never figured out the right time to meet and I got caught up in other issues and the boxes just went to a dusty corner.

Posted by: 146steven at October 8, 2009 11:38 AM in response to Free sconces

THanks for the advice, all. I'd like to settle also -- I just don't want to settle for more than what we deserve to pay.

By the way, this was a big job, and I've been paying the contractor all along. This represents the last 10% of the job. The change orders up to a certain point were approved, and I agree we should pay all of those. There were a lot of change orders at the end that I don't think were fair, I disputed from the beginning, and the architect largely agrees with me. That's the 45K difference. I think they got handsomely rewarded, theyre just being greedy. We had an AIA contract and an extremely detailed scope of work. Nonetheless there were some grey areas despite the detail and some of them fall into the grey area. Others just seem like sheer robbery. To none of them did I give verbal agreement.

yes, and the contract dictates binding arbitration.

Posted by: 146steven at August 24, 2009 3:17 AM in response to fight with contractor

Park Slope sounds like one brother buying out the other.

New2, what does "buyout financier" mean?

Posted by: 146steven at June 30, 2009 1:23 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

If Ratner doesn't break ground by October, he loses his financing and it would be hard to get new financing in today's climate. The arena would be dead; no Brooklyn Nets. So the opponents do not have to "win" in court, they just have to delay him for five more months.

There will be a development of some kind one day on the AY site, hopefully it is better than what FCR proposed. I disagree that the neighborhood is blighted; I lived right across from the AY site on Dean St for a few months and I thought the neighborhood was great. If Bloomberg had some vision for the city, we could see something there that would capitalize on what exists and yet also be profitable for a developer.

Posted by: 146steven at May 18, 2009 9:02 PM in response to Appellate Court Rules Against Atlantic Yards Opponents

We always used to put our cat food on a high table in the kitchen that the dog couldn't reach.

They're both gone now. Sigh.

Posted by: 146steven at April 22, 2009 3:03 PM in response to How to keep a door ajar???

I did something similar and I would say that is a minimum.

Aside from the cost of the stairs and whatever is supporting them, you have to ask if you need any additional structural steel on your roof to support the bulkhead (or deck)

Posted by: 146steven at April 22, 2009 5:42 AM in response to Stairs to Roof and Bulkhead...

Ratner has spread his money throughout Albany as well. A number of state senators are bought lock stock and barrel.

I don't see how anyone could compare it to spending money on issue advocacy. He is making illegal campaign contributions, first of all. Second of all, it is for his own personal enrichment. Now is there a grey area? Of course businessmen are more likely to support pro-business candidates. But what Ratner does is clearly influence-peddling of the highest order and these politicians are just feeding off FCR. If this isn't political corruption, what is?

Posted by: 146steven at March 28, 2009 12:54 PM in response to Ratner Money Fueling Challenge to James' Council Seat?

Ratner has spread his money throughout Albany as well. A number of state senators are bought lock stock and barrell.

Posted by: 146steven at March 28, 2009 12:53 PM in response to Ratner Money Fueling Challenge to James' Council Seat?

Thanks very much for all the Recs. I got a better price from Andre than the others and yet he also said I didn't need to replace it right away. After a year of getting the hard sell from every tradesman, I quite appreciate someone who tells me I don't need it, but I think I might do it anyway, since his price was reasonable.

I think the switch on the boiler turned off, but still a lot of carbonized soot came into the house got into the house. Now we've cleaned up the boiler, but the contractor can't get it turned on again. So now we have to figure that out...

Also one of the chimney guys thought we should add a clean-out door, which the old house never had. Do you all think that's essential? It seems useful, but maybe not necessary.

Posted by: 146steven at March 6, 2009 4:51 PM in response to New chimney liner

Very good experience with Shea Moving.

Honest, reliable and inexpensive.

Posted by: 146steven at March 6, 2009 4:44 PM in response to good movers?

We have similar problems on our back brick wall with a Thorocoat cover. We looked into repointing the whole thing, which would be super-expensive, or we could reapply another coat of Thorocoat, which seems stupid since, as other said above, its temporary and bad for the brick/moisture.

Anyway, we just gave up, thought we could live with it for a few years and then re-approach the problem.

Posted by: 146steven at March 6, 2009 4:43 PM in response to Diagnosing parapet problem?

We recently installed a wood-burning metal insert from Bellfires (www.bellfiresusa.com)

Haven't moved in yet so can't comment on whether it's good but is relatively unobtrusive and traditional-looking (for a metal insert)

Posted by: 146steven at March 3, 2009 8:54 PM in response to Modern wood fireplace inserts?

We spent months researching and debating this, and at the end, I conclude, all countertop surfaces are imperfect so choose what you love.

With the marble you have to accept it might look imperfect/patina-ed or you might have to spend extra time doing maintenance, but if you love it...

Many people urged us to get the ceaserstone, but we did not like the look of it -- too "artificial" looking. Meanwhile our friends who urged us to get it have found that after a couple of years it is not "perfect" anymore -- the ceaserstone has started chipping.

I think they're all fine, and none is perfect. Butcher block is a nightmare around a sink. That's the only bad countertop experience I've ever had personally. Marble is beautiful, though everyone will discourage you, even at the stone stores. Granite is beautiful, but after doing a lot of research, I started to feel it looked either boring or else ostentatious -- I couldn't find the middle ground. We ended up going with concrete.

Posted by: 146steven at December 29, 2008 9:00 AM in response to Marble Counter Top - Practical?

Hi. I'm interested, but I'm a bit uncertain as to what you have. I dont see a photo. if you had a photo or a link to the website, that would be great. I'm looking for sliding doors for two (identical) locations -- approximately 60inches wide each. Would they be able to cut what you have? Anyway, if you leave your email address, I'll get in touch.

Posted by: 146steven at November 15, 2008 11:26 PM in response to Sliding glass doors for sale

Denton, I've been working on this problem recently. I interviewed a typical AV installer, who was really impressive and nice, but gave me an estimate for something like $50,000. Ridiculous. So I've tracked down two more names -- I'm going to meet them next week. If you're interested, I can email you next week and tell you my impressions.

Posted by: 146steven at October 12, 2008 11:53 PM in response to Looking for network consultant

Cool. Could you post contact info for them? THanks

Posted by: 146steven at October 1, 2008 11:44 PM in response to Tree Service recommendation

You get some great lighting deals on EBAY

Posted by: 146steven at September 22, 2008 7:45 PM in response to Lighting Fixtures

We've used Shea Moving several times and they are great

Posted by: 146steven at August 28, 2008 3:14 PM in response to Follow Up Report: experience with Movers Not Shakers

any ideas where I could sell old radiators or buy them (In working order)?

Posted by: 146steven at August 12, 2008 3:04 PM in response to Cast iron radiator

Thanks for all the commentary. I appreciate all viewpoints.

I just want to say that I do think we've been communicative and responsible by any reasonable standard. I started off by explaining all our plans and apologizing profusely. Nonetheless, I understand those of you who say I should go to even more extraordinary lengths to satisfy my neighbor. I guess I was pissed off by his immediately angry manner and his calling 311 (which I would only do in an extreme case.) I would be likely to do more for him if he had taken a friendlier approach.

The contractor says it would be extremely inconvenient to relocate the dumpster (to the friendly neighbors) , because the hitch is only on one side, and therefore the only time they could ever move it would be the weekly street cleaning. He says that's hard to coordinate for the dumpster company and would cost them time and money. Ditto with truck removal.

It may be that the contractor is being stubborn here. I have tried to pressure the contractor but everything is such a delicate negotiation (time, money, etc..) and I'm not sure how necessary it is, how much I care to spend on it, because part of me feels like I've done everything reasonable, and part of me feels bad because it obviously upsets him.

On the other hand, I've lived with dumpsters in front of my house, or renovations next doors and never thought of complaining. I hear what you're saying, irm, but I would have the exact same attitude if my neighbor was renovating -- just something i have to put up with, as long as there is some consideration.

I feel like they just are angry, and nothing I can do will palliate them, but i'll keep trying.

Posted by: 146steven at July 30, 2008 2:15 PM in response to complaining neighbor

I think my neighbor would want what SenatorStreet says. But the contractor says this is impossible. First of all, they are bringing out debris daily. Then they can only park it one day a week, so they have to have it all week or not at all for the week. Since there is renovation going on throughout the house, he doesn't want to do a truck removal situation. I see dumpsters all over brooklyn, so I don't think it's outrageous, though I understand it's a drag.

Posted by: 146steven at July 29, 2008 11:00 AM in response to complaining neighbor

Thanks, Mrs. Limestone. We love your renovation blog by the way!

THe other neighbors have been perfectly nice.

Posted by: 146steven at July 29, 2008 10:03 AM in response to complaining neighbor

Thanks for the comments. We definitely have all the permits for dumpsters and everything else. I looked into removing the debris by dumpster, but it would be a lot more expensive and difficult for the contractor, or at least that's what they say. They say that they can do that after the demolition part ends -- but the demolition is taking awhile (it will be a total of 3 months by the end)

Steve, I hear where you're coming from. I wouldn't like it either. My other neighbors have been fine with it though, recognizing as you say it's just a part of life in a city. I lived near a dumpster for a year when my daughter was small. The construction noise kept waking her up. But I never thought of complaining to the city. I have tried really hard to be nice to my neighbors, I offered to pay to have his windows cleaned if they got really dusty. When he called 311, I felt internally like it wasn't worth making an effort anymore, maybe I was just being a pushover. But maybe you're right, maybe I should just grit my teeth and send them presents.

Posted by: 146steven at July 29, 2008 8:45 AM in response to complaining neighbor

Responses to Author's Forum Comments

Contact the DCA for Advise, and if your Contractor is registered/licensed, open a complaint. If not, try and report them. They can loose their vehicle, be fined HEAVILY, and not allowed to continue work for fear of jail time.

Advice on here varies greatly and your best bet is to only get advise from people that really truly know - Otherwise you may dig yourselves deeper.

I do know this; verbal agreements do stand, and a mechanic's lien may be written against your property. If they're willing to negotiate - perhaps acquire a mediator. If worse come to worse, get a lawyer with experience in this area.

Posted by: S4S Inc at August 24, 2009 11:09 AM in response to fight with contractor

arbitration is easier, cheaper, and less time-consuming than court, but also more likely to wind up with a "split the baby" result rather than a straight win or lose - i.e., you probably won't have to pay the whole amount, but you'll probably have to pay some. so when you say you don't want to settle for more than you "deserve" to pay, you have to consider the risk of an adverse outcome. grey areas, and the fact that somehow they managed to rack up $45k in change orders you disagree with (presumably, that represents more than just a couple line items, where there were actual labor and materials costs) will count against you.

Posted by: i disagree at August 24, 2009 11:21 AM in response to fight with contractor

Based on stories from friends who have decided to take a hard line against their GCs and ended up in court, you could easily burn tens of thousands in legal fees and spend the next 5 years dealing with this with no guarantee of success.
As much as it sucks, you are probably better off paying up now and settling.

You stated, however, that even your architect doesn't agree that all the changes were unnecessary, so sounds like you need to get some more input as to what the "fair" amount is for the work that's been done. There are always 2 sides to that coin.

Posted by: wyckoff at August 24, 2009 1:57 PM in response to fight with contractor

I think you should get a consultation from an attorney skilled in this area.

The contract itself will be something that that attorney and you should pour over carefully.

Take a proactive approach and seek legal consultation.

Posted by: Madeleine at August 25, 2009 11:06 PM in response to fight with contractor

tried to email you at the above email address and it was returned to me... my email address is jane@janeinteriorsnyc.com

Posted by: janeinteriorsnyc at October 8, 2009 1:37 PM in response to Free sconces

Sorry. parkslopegaydad@yahoo.com

I will email you

Posted by: 146steven at October 8, 2009 10:21 PM in response to Free sconces

I used Buscarello and Sons and liked them. They also did my neighbor across the street's sidewalk and replaced their apron concrete with bluestone. They did a pretty good job all around and my neighbor's house looks good with the bluestone and the blue/gray concrete sidewalk. Also, I was able to significantly enlarge the tree pit parallel to the house, so hopefully this problem won't reoccur in the future. As to price, I can't quite remember as it was wrapped up in some other maintenance work I had done at the time, but 2k or so comes to mind.

Posted by: SJ at October 23, 2009 1:27 PM in response to Trees & Sidewalks

I've got a tree pushing up my bluestone sidewalk. I called 311 a couple of weeks ago. I'll see what happens - if they get around to doing the inspection and the root trimming. I'll want to be on hand to make sure they don't break the slabs. The emailed me the service request # right away.

This is the lookup of my SR (personal information redacted)
SERVICE REQUEST #: X-X-XXXXXXXX
CREATED ON: 10/05/2009 4:23:21 PM
REQUEST TYPE: Root/Sewer/Sidewalk Condition
DETAIL: Trees and Sidewalks Program
INCIDENT ADDRESS:
INCIDENT BOROUGH: BROOKLYN
STATUS: The Department of Parks and Recreation has reviewed this request and will visit the location to investigate the condition.
LAST UPDATED ON: 10/06/2009 8:54:46 AM
NEXT UPDATE DUE: 13 Day(s)

Posted by: Bklnite at October 23, 2009 2:47 PM in response to Trees & Sidewalks

Also, I had some concrete done this week. Was looking to do a 100 sf area between steps and sidewalk either in 2" bluestone or (tinted) concrete. I got a couple of estimates and it would have been 2700 - 3000 for bluestone. Chose to go for the cheaper concrete option, tinted to (I hope) match the bluestone sidewalk. Only been a couple of days, so not sure how it's going to look as it ages. You do need to watch it...make sure your guy gets caution tape up and you still have to watch the kids trying to leave their mark.

I used Shahab who came recommended on the forum here by Petebklyn. About 10 bucks a square foot.

Posted by: Bklnite at October 23, 2009 2:56 PM in response to Trees & Sidewalks

VinRoy relaid some pavers for me - he can do entire sidewalks too. 646 554 4513
At a rental I manage I had a 20' sidewalk cast. One flipping dog was allowed to walk on it while it was wet & I just got a citation from the city that it's a violation because the 8 or 10 pawprints are more than half an inch deep!

Posted by: Arkady at October 23, 2009 3:47 PM in response to Trees & Sidewalks