Blue board & Veneer Plaster

There's a small article today in the NYPost about Bedford Academy being an A school with an over 95% graduation rate. It's actually the #2 brooklyn high school, right behind Brooklyn Tech. That's impressive.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at November 17, 2009 6:58 PM in response to Monroe Street Safety & Schools

Signed! Deserved!

Posted by: BedStuyGal at November 2, 2009 9:27 PM in response to Landmarking Efforts In Bed-Stuy

DIBS - what kind of blown-in did you do: fiberglass or rock wool or ?

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 21, 2009 3:58 PM in response to Weatherizing My Brownstone

I am stunned at the price of the Hancock house. That's daylight robbery! The buyers must have been wearing masks at the closing.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 19, 2009 5:35 PM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million

The Bedford Stuyvesant tour was simply outstanding. I was pleasantly surprised by the neighborhood further out between Ralph and Patchen - the home owners definitely have vision - and that part of the Bed Stuy felt great. The Stuyvesant house is definitely a jaw dropper. I'd be laughed out of town if you all saw my house after that tour. I'm now inspired to keep going!

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 18, 2009 1:02 PM in response to House Tour Double-Shot This Weekend

I think the BedStuy house is listed here....

http://www.3location3.com/open-realty/listing_browse.php?prop_option=For%20Sale

Posted by: BedStuyGal at January 3, 2009 4:55 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

At a base minimum, he wants us all to be able to spell taught...NOT "tought"

Posted by: BedStuyGal at November 11, 2008 5:16 PM in response to Fear of Obama drives Stock Market Down!

At first, I thought why in the world would they mix and match those tiles (but I'm generally pretty boring in terms of style)- but now it's grown on me and I think it's groovy and as the above guest stated it has character and a bit of charm! Can't wait to see a pic of the entire bathroom when it's done!

Posted by: BedStuyGal at February 24, 2008 10:20 AM in response to Top Floor Bath - Patching In Tiles

Thank you all for your responses. I went with the majority vote above and chose a Panasonic whisper fan w/ light. The noise level is a 0.6 on the panasonic vs the Broans I tested which were at best a 2.5. Although I much prefer the look of the Broan.

I couldn't find the panasonic in Brooklyn today, but was fortunate to get the last one in stock at a place on 33rd St in Manhattan.
I had to have it today so I don't hold the guys up who are doing the bathroom this weekend. Again, thanks for the help!

Posted by: BedStuyGal at February 9, 2008 2:45 PM in response to Very Quiet Bathroom exhaust fan with Light

I had a similar problem a few months ago. I used Absolute Plaster (Fitz) to repair and restore. They did a fabulous job. Good luck!

Posted by: BedStuyGal at January 22, 2008 4:47 PM in response to Plaster question (long & complicated)

I've recommended Harmon Floors on here before. They did a fabulous job laying new floors and restoring old ones for me. You can try Desmond Harmon on 917 642 2752.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at January 22, 2008 4:40 PM in response to need to get a hardwood floor installed

I had a similar problem with cracks in my ceiling. I came across a reference, Fitz??, on this website. He and his guys did a great job fixing the problem and educated me a bit. I don't have his number on hand, but if you search this site you may be able to find it.

More importantly, you may want to work with the co-op board to help determine the source of the problem (determine if it's foundational) and have that fixed first. It can't just be only you facing this.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at January 15, 2008 8:47 PM in response to Help for Cracking Plaster Walls

I recently used Harmon?? Floors to restore my old parquet floors and lay new flooring down. They did a fabulous job - I highly recommend them. You can contact Desmond at 917 642 2752. Tell him the lovely lady from Hancock recommended him.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at January 10, 2008 7:07 PM in response to Installer for Parquet Flooring

I just recently restored the old parquay floors on my 2nd floor and decided on Golden Oak. I tested a wide variety of colors and blends but finally went with that. Looks great! The floors are the original red oak flooring with maple inlays. The golden oak stain took well.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at January 4, 2008 5:38 PM in response to What color floor stain did you use?

I had great success with Movers Not Shakers. I highly recommend them.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at January 4, 2008 5:19 PM in response to Mover Recommendatioin

I recently used Desmond Electric recently and I recommend them (I think I picked up the reco from a 'Rick' on this blog). They were priced reasonably and were very professional. Took a day or so longer than expected, but I was satisfied.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at December 7, 2007 6:13 PM in response to Electrician Recommendation

Maybe you can get a co-signor?

Posted by: BedStuyGal at November 25, 2007 9:45 AM in response to Litigation...my mortgage clause expired and now I am screwed!!

Hands down, Macon & Nostrand is a much better location for transportation, shopping etc. Although I agree with the above poster that it is quite busy at that intersection.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at November 25, 2007 9:42 AM in response to North Bed Stuy v. South

Bob, that was interesting. My home has both sliding doors separating the front and back parlors as well as the arch/screen similar to the one above. When I first started by search for a historic brownstone I detested these things - but mine have grown on me - as it doesn't overwhelm the room as with others I saw, I guess due to the massive pocket doors.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at November 20, 2007 7:21 PM in response to wood filigree

blacklightblue - you respond like someone who agrees with comments you what you want to hear - and disagree or ignore comments you do not want to hear. Good luck!

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 18, 2007 11:34 PM in response to moving to NYC (or thereabouts)

try Movers not Shakers - I had a good experience - hope you will too..

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 18, 2007 11:25 PM in response to Good Moving Companies

No problem blacklightblue - only my thoughts - I wish you all the best! Cheers!

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 18, 2007 11:22 PM in response to moving to NYC (or thereabouts)

RE-reading your initial post - "(thereabouts)" - there are alot of folks commuting to NYC daily from Delaware and Pennsylvania and outermost New Jersey - you could get a great deal for your desired rent levels and school systems etc. The commuting options are also ok. There are many New Yorkers who venture out and do this, why not a Californian?

Forget brownstone living in NYC - there's a significant premium associated with it in desired areas - it's not for the light pocketed starting out now.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 18, 2007 10:01 PM in response to moving to NYC (or thereabouts)

Another point - considering getting on the co-op Board at the next election and proactively get involved and influence and effect the changes you think are needed.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 18, 2007 8:23 PM in response to Need a good attorney, my coop is not taking care of its commitments

Consider selling as your primary course of action. As a co-op owner, you own shares in the cooperative - you would be suing yourself!

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 18, 2007 8:22 PM in response to Need a good attorney, my coop is not taking care of its commitments

I live in Bed Stuy and I am black and I will tell you there is both beauty and danger here. Regardless of what race you are, if you do not have "edge" or are generally edgy and nervous, I would take the advice of 4:51, and initially not move to Bed Stuy.

More importantly, 2-3k for the space you are looking for is not enough to find a place in Bed Stuy - it is costly to live here as well. Honestly, not sure you will find a place in a "desirable area" and close to Manhattan, for that amount.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 18, 2007 8:17 PM in response to moving to NYC (or thereabouts)

Ditto for Eddie on Greene & Grand.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 13, 2007 9:21 AM in response to Original brownstone door

I assume the 10% you are referring to is the escrow deposit. At contract signing you will need to provide the escrow deposit and once you write that check you need to have the said money in your account to cover the check. Otherwise you're writing a fraudulent check.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 11, 2007 7:18 PM in response to Down Payment Gift Question

they've turned this beauty into sheetrock heaven...

This corner property would rock if it had 2 attached garages...

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 11, 2007 4:04 PM in response to House of the Day: 109 Gates Avenue

The guys at Grand & Greene are great.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 11, 2007 12:06 AM in response to Doors?

talk to the pastor and to God - they could be saving you from something terrible - or not! A peaceful resolution via communication is a recommended approach.

Posted by: BedStuyGal at October 11, 2007 12:00 AM in response to Advice for dealing with inconsiderate church neighbor

find home services

new web site just launched.

www.services4home.com

- GB

Posted by: ghost100 at September 27, 2008 10:10 AM in response to Good Moving Companies

find home services

new web site just launched.

www.services4home.com

- GB

Posted by: ghost100 at September 27, 2008 10:11 AM in response to Good Moving Companies

You bought a few years ago, top of the market. You overpaid. Don't believe me? Talk to What, he'll set you straight. "Obamabot", huh? Clever. Did you make that up yourself? Don't be pissed at me and the other folks on this board because you backed the losing horse.

Posted by: basketball_jones at November 11, 2008 9:12 PM in response to Fear of Obama drives Stock Market Down!

Wow I was real busy today! This post was claptrap...

Ironballs wants attention...

The What (No Comment)

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at November 11, 2008 9:39 PM in response to Fear of Obama drives Stock Market Down!

What,

You're the Grand Master of craving attention, so you must be right.

Funny, I wouldn't have take you for an Obamabot.

Posted by: IronBalls at November 12, 2008 10:09 AM in response to Fear of Obama drives Stock Market Down!

The fawning of the mainstream media over Obama since the beginning of the primary season is clearly indicative that he is the chosen one -- of the globalist elites, i.e. the int'l financiers and the military/industrial complex. McCain was their back-up. But now they have "left-wing" cover to advance their sociopathic agenda of worldwide debt-slavery and high-tech totalitarianism. Everyone I know worships at the altar of their black jesus, all the while either ignorant or in disgusting states of denial of who really liquidated JFK, MLK, and RFK, and who orchestrated the atrocities of 9/11

So, if Obama is determined not to be an Uncle Tom -- if he stands up for we the people and against the fascist corporatocracy, he too will be liquidated, and a white-supremacist patsy will be their cover-story, their Oswald, their Atta, their Sirhan Sirhan

Posted by: simplicimus at November 13, 2008 6:35 AM in response to Fear of Obama drives Stock Market Down!

I've been looking into this, too. There is a Weatherization Assitance Program (call Energy Conservation Services 718-492-8580) but it is for low income families. NY state guideline is that a family of 4 make no more than $25,000 per year in order to qualify. There are also, however, Federal Tax Credits given for energy efficiency costs that are good until the end of 2010 and cap out at $1500 total per household. You can go to www.energystar.gov and type in "summary of tax credits for homeowners". Under insulation, for example, you can qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the total cost, up to $1500 if you use a certified installer. Be sure to read ALL the fine print.

Posted by: parkslopemom at October 21, 2009 4:16 PM in response to Weatherizing My Brownstone

I think its some sort of synthetic (non cellulose) that Federal uses, can't remeber. They did it in the winter and you notice a difference almost immediately.

Some people believe that roof vents are not necessary after insulating but I disagree. The only application where you don't need a roof vent is where you would do spray foam directly against the underside of the roof.

Vents for heat control in large attics are a different story. The vents I speak of moderate the levels of moisture/heat which is deleterious to the integrity of the roofing material.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at October 21, 2009 4:54 PM in response to Weatherizing My Brownstone

Two follows ups:

1) our tenants live on the top floor and have a separate boiler for heating - would roof insultation help us on the bottom two floors or just the top unit?

2) we have an extention that is freezing - any good ideas for wall insulation without having to open up the walls?

Posted by: gowanusgus at October 21, 2009 6:02 PM in response to Weatherizing My Brownstone

get a Bilco insulated hatch, which I did to replace the rickety plywood hatch with gaps I had in my roof.

Recommend to the underside of your roof with Rockwool (Roxul.com), the big advantage besides being recycled is that this stuff doesn't burn...fiberglass and cellulose burn like crazy or have to be treated with a nasty chemical.

Of course it is better to install batts instead of having it blown in because blown in will always settle over time. But of course this would require a lot of the plaster/sheetrock to come down.

You can also blow in insulation behind you plaster and lath if the plaster is not applied directly to the brick on your facade.

Posted by: Emperium at October 21, 2009 9:37 PM in response to Weatherizing My Brownstone