Where to have doors stripped?

Thanks theklahy for writing all that up. Usually people only take the time to rant, rarely to rave.
At cookiecutterbrownstone, it is very unusual for an electrician to handle repair of plaster and paint. I always exclude it in my contracts, and if it's mandatory I sub it out. You wouldn't expect your carpenter to run power to the lights on your new cabinets would you?

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at November 20, 2009 7:30 PM in response to Great Electrician

Don't bother taking them to court. You can't win. Those monitoring contracts are held up time and time again. I always advise people about to sign a contract to cross out the 2 or 5 and write in 1 year. Have the salesman initial it. If they balk, tell them to take a hike and take your business elsewhere. The big name guys like ADT, Slomins, Brinks, etc. don't care because they don't have to. For my money I am a big fan of Gorilla Security or for more high end work AFA. Another important thing to note is that alot of these systems are proprietary so that only 1 company can service them. On op of that, alot of companies lock out the installer program which can be difficult to defeat so you can't change monitoring / service companies.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at November 11, 2009 11:50 AM in response to Brinks - Beware!

You moved above a restaurant and are now complaining about restaurant noise. Brilliant.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at September 28, 2009 12:29 PM in response to Noise Recourse?

In the trade ADT stands for Another Dumb Technician. I just finished a small project that Gorilla Security was on and they were great. I have also heard good things about American Security Systems or my usual standby of AFA.
No matter what company you use I recommend you have a Honeywell system installed. In my opinion they are the most reasonably priced, user friendly, and easy to service system available. Alot of companies (including ADT) will try and sell you on their proprietary system that no other company can service. So you are stuck with them. Also make sure the installation technician gives you the installer programming code.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at September 21, 2009 8:00 AM in response to ADT or Other System?

There is also one on 86th and 7th or I use the fenced in area next to the tennis courts in the park at Shore and 3rd avenue.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at August 29, 2009 6:39 PM in response to Any dog runs in Bay Ridge?

Assuming your handyman is even half way competent your getting a good deal. A licensed electrician would easily charge you 3 times that amount. You should give him an extra $50 if he sweeps up after himself.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at August 24, 2009 5:14 PM in response to ceiling fan installation

Yeah it would be required in a plenum, which seldom exists in a residential setting. Since he's installing in conduit he should save the extra $50 a roll.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at August 22, 2009 1:29 AM in response to Data Cables Conduit - DOB?

There is no permitting required for low voltage work. Even if it is in conduit. You do not have to ground the pipe as it is only for low voltage. However if your wiring is shielded you will want to maintain the continuity of the shield wire and bond one side to ground. Get lots of extra EMT if this is your first time as you will screw up (I used to constantly put the offset on the wrong side). Bending is art form and at best and an acquired skill at a minimum.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at August 21, 2009 12:08 PM in response to Data Cables Conduit - DOB?

Of course this is bullshit. But it's key money. This has been going on in New York real estate for 150 years. I wouldn't live in a place that charged key money, but apparently thi poster will. You made your bed and now you're going to have to lay in it. Pay the money or find a new apartment. IF you don't pay there is no end to the misery this guy will bring to your door.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at August 19, 2009 11:11 AM in response to Landlord Problem

Seriously? What does this have to do with home ownership? Life is difficult, it is frequently unfair, and clearly this is just more reason your job sucks. While I understand your anonymous bitching about your life on the internet, this forum is not the place for it - perhaps brooklynian might be a better spot. They are some of the most aggro anti-smoking cats in Brooklyn.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at August 14, 2009 10:14 AM in response to Smoking in the Workplace

The best mechanic in Bay Ridge is Universal Diagnostic on 4th and 94th next door to Dunkin Donuts. George and Jimmy are fantastic and as honest as the day is long. By you Superior on 75th between 3rd and 4th (just off 3rd) isn't bad, but they are always backed up and closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at August 11, 2009 9:43 AM in response to car mechanic in Bay Ridge?

My money is on long horned beetle infestation. Really? Sawdust in the street? That bothers you?

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at August 1, 2009 3:19 PM in response to A Tree Falls In Brooklyn

The old coal burners don't necessarily contain hazardous materials. My first step would be to find out whether or not the unit contains anything hazardous. If it does it gets pricey. If not any schmuck with a hammer and a sawzall can tear it out for scrap.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at July 21, 2009 11:51 AM in response to Removing Old Boiler?

What about a tempered glass window - like what would be installed in a stairwell or next to a door.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at July 20, 2009 10:24 PM in response to Security Bar Alternatives?

Remember you need a new burner kit for the grill - the LPG burners don't work well with natural gas.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at July 19, 2009 11:41 AM in response to Gas Line for Grill

I don't think they should pretend to be customers - poorly. If they want to offer helpful advice that's one thing, this is pushing it.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at July 17, 2009 9:04 AM in response to Digging a Basement Out

The second commenter is schilling for his own clearly bullshit company. Buy an ad you illiterate scumbag.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at July 16, 2009 6:20 PM in response to Digging a Basement Out

Faraday is a popular manufacturer. The manual pull stations are probably what we refer to as McCulloh loop. I can probably get you a manual and some other info. Photos would be very helpful if you have them.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at July 14, 2009 5:29 PM in response to FIRE ALARM SYSTEM - ADVICE

I've been working with Tim Hyland, and he has been fantastic. Contact info below:

Tim Hyland
Sales & Business Development
Fort Funding
Office 718-921-1500
Fax 718-921-3121
www.fortfunding.com

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at July 13, 2009 5:36 PM in response to Looking for FHA specialist rec's

For sprinkler work I like to use Sirina.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 25, 2009 8:32 AM in response to Water Meter Installation

Basset Catering out of Sheepshead Bay is outstanding and very reasonable.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 23, 2009 7:55 AM in response to Caterer

That's the trade off with blown in. When you get the rock down replace the blown in with fiberglass. It's a small price to pay for not dealing with the aggravation of trying to put blown in back by hand. Insulation is pretty cheap.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 22, 2009 9:59 AM in response to Drywall removal-blown insulation

sam is right. You can't take it personally, it's more like a randomly administered tax.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 16, 2009 2:15 PM in response to Sanitation Tickets: Time of Day?

dunnage
One entry found.
Pronunciation:
\ˈdə-nij\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
origin unknown
Date:
15th century

1: loose materials used to support and protect cargo in a ship's hold ; also : padding in a shipping container2: baggage

Retrieved June 9, 2009, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dunnage

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 9, 2009 11:42 AM in response to a/c rooftop dunnage

There's a guy in Bay Ridge who has his on the sidewalk in front of the house. Great for my dog to relieve himself.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 9, 2009 8:15 AM in response to setback on central a/c condenser

Whoops, Denton forgot to log out and log back in with his alter ego.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 7, 2009 10:18 PM in response to Stolen Plants

Move to the suburbs?

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 7, 2009 12:51 PM in response to Noise Until 5:30am

I'm actually looking at purchasing a shell that burned down when the Federal Pacific panel failed to trip. Get it done quick.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 3, 2009 3:25 PM in response to Upgrading Electrical Service?

Get back to me with the make and model and I'll give you the default installer code to try and whether or not it can be bypassed if it has been changed. When you do end up changing companies do not let the technician lock you out, this may require a $20 handshake.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 3, 2009 1:44 PM in response to Central Station Monitoring

I meant that if you can't wrap your head around the fact that lots of people are going to attend the services for a fallen officer (which is what happens every time uniformed personnel die) you must not be too aware of your surroundings. The type of person who would walk through The Stuy chatting on their iphone toting tons of cash and then is shocked when they get robbed. I said nothing about race. Black people can be just as stupid as white people.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 3, 2009 1:03 PM in response to No parking in BedStuy on Thurs.

Who is your current alarm company and what is the make and model of your alarm system (should be on the sticker inside the door of the control panel)? Most companies lock out the programming with an installer code so that no other company can service this system. some systems can be bypassed, and in some cases the main board may need to be replaced. Some companies like ADT occasionally use proprietary systems that other companies cannot service. While you are entitled to have your system unlocked by your current vendor it may require a court order .

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 3, 2009 12:55 PM in response to Central Station Monitoring

One other point, it is officers like this one who make it possible for someone as hapless as yourself to live in Bed Stuy. You should stop and thank every police officer you see for providing you with a modicum of safety and express your sympathy for their loss.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 3, 2009 12:50 PM in response to No parking in BedStuy on Thurs.

Let me also say fuck you very much.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 2, 2009 8:32 PM in response to No parking in BedStuy on Thurs.

Whoops, thought it was residential.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 1, 2009 5:39 PM in response to Long Reach of the LPC

You have a TENANT doing a gut reno in your building? And I thought I was a model tenant. Congratulations.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 1, 2009 12:50 PM in response to Long Reach of the LPC

Southslope is exactly right on all counts. Be sure to ask for their top guy if you have a nice door you'd like to keep that way, and stay away from magnetic locks. They look awful and there are alot of life safety codes you can easily run afoul of.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 26, 2009 10:27 AM in response to electronic door release system

Your quotes are going to be high. Pulling a new cable is a nightmare - it never goes smoothly and the rewiring of all the intercom terminals properly is time consuming. Not to mention the difficulty in gaining access to all the tenant apartments. As long as the cable is bad and you are pulling cable, I would recommend pulling extra pairs and an extra RG59 in case you decide to upgrade the system or add video.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 21, 2009 4:50 PM in response to Intercom Wiring

Ever heard the story of Charles Steinmetz?
One day in the early years of electricity GE was having trouble with the output on several turbines. Thomas Edison was too busy to go himself so he sent his assistant Steinmetz. Mr. Steinmetz examined the turbines and within 10 minutes had marked several sections of the turbine that needed to be removed with a piece of chalk. The sections were removed and things went very smoothly until they received Edison's bill for $10,000. GE was unprepared to pay such a high sum for 10 minutes work and so they sent the bill back with a request for an itemized invoice. The second bill looked something like this:

Chalk: $0.50
Knowing where to put chalk: $9,999.50

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 19, 2009 4:51 PM in response to "Expeditor" = "Pay to Play"?

Day laborers. They hang out on 18th ave and 65th st in Bklyn. Most of the guys are hard working and just trying to do on an honest days work for an honest days pay.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 16, 2009 12:32 PM in response to Moving Garden Stone

I suggest matches. Or road flares. Yeah, road flares should do the trick.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 15, 2009 6:22 PM in response to Neighbors trash dumping

I'm with Z on this one. The problem with flat panels is that sometimes people hang them like pictures. That means you're viewing angle is ideal when you're standing. I don't typically stand up to watch a movie. It sounds as though you are married to this location so I would go with an articulating mount so that you can shift the TV lower when you are ready to watch. I agree with your electrician. Do not tamper with the chimney. Instead run your cables behind the wall but in front of the chimney. The plastering and painting will be worth it. Also don't stuff your electronics in the fireplace. Put them in a closet tucked away elsewhere. Put an IR receiver on your TV and run a repeater to your electronics. IT just looks neater and cleaner. This may not be a job for your electrician, but rather a low voltage professional. Be sure they run extra cables to your TV for add-ons down the road like USB etc.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 13, 2009 2:23 PM in response to installing a flat-screen TV

Fantastic. Got a link?

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 12, 2009 6:08 PM in response to Sales Primer - Fascinating

NorthHeights hit it on the head. If you want to pretend top be a reputable art organization you need to play by the rules. This is NYC, we have permits for everything and when your city is operating at a deficit you don't try and skirt any kind of bureaucracy. I think it is a terrific piece and a clever idea, but it should be torn down and they should be fined. Next time they want to do something like this they need to get approval and have it installed by professionals. Safety is an issue here. Those sheds are erected for a reason and tampering with them without an understanding of how they work can lead to bad stuff. Potted plants on your fire escape may look nice toom but they don't belong there.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 11, 2009 1:08 AM in response to Dumbo installation controversy

If you don't like the sound of playing kids - don't live next to a playground. If you don't like planes flying over your house - don't move next to an airport.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 9, 2009 10:14 AM in response to Berkeley playground loud?

Don't forget the classic drywall screws propped against the tires so the y puncture as they drive away. Particularly effective for people who block your driveway so they aren't stuck IN your driveway.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 5, 2009 12:09 PM in response to Keyed Car Incident

My last place had an illegal curb cut and I can tell you PD wasn't checking the DOB website before writing the summons when someone blocked me in. Then once they wrote the ticket I called a tow company out by Shea Stadium to tow the car from Bay Ridge. Do not park over peoples driveways - people get territorial about parking in this city.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 5, 2009 11:00 AM in response to violation? advice please!

The bat house should also be in a place where sunlight will hit it during the day for warmth but that will be dark at night. Should be a quiet spot away from barking dogs and AC compressors. But forget the whole thing if you're not near a water source.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 5, 2009 10:56 AM in response to How to attract bats

You will certainly need a permit. You will need an additional permit if it is illuminated. The city is being really tough on billboards these days so best of luck.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 5, 2009 10:55 AM in response to Billboard on roof BQE 50's St.

I'm not seeing anything on DEP's website that says complaints will be kept anonymous. I know complaints to DOB about unsafe work sites and crime tips to PD are anonymous but maybe DEP thinks the accused should know their accuser. Makes me curious about the standards for other agencies.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 4, 2009 11:09 AM in response to Retaliation for DEP Complaint

I'm not saying anyone deserves to have their home vandalized. That's ridiculous. I'm just saying that this is a restaurant with an owner, not some faceless mega corporation. The owner trying to make a living in troubling economic times may be completely unaware of your frustration and is blindsided by a hefty fine that you initiated on top of the repair bill. If you had contacted them directly the situation might have been resolved amicably. If the owner was unreachable or uncooperative then I could see escalating the situation to a complaint. But to not try and work with your neighbor strikes me as lazy or worse cowardly.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at May 4, 2009 10:30 AM in response to Retaliation for DEP Complaint

Why not let the market work its magic?
Boycott the restaurant, put up some signs
asking others not to go there, and set up a website.
After reading all this, I'm certainly not going to
go there again.

Posted by: statestreeter at September 28, 2009 7:58 PM in response to Noise Recourse?

311 won't even answer the phone on a weekend. It's a joke.

Posted by: mopar at September 28, 2009 11:31 PM in response to Noise Recourse?

There are City regs that establish how much noise from music a bar, restaurant, theater or club can cause to be heard in a nearby restaurant at certain hours of the day. Late at night, I believe it is 45 decibels, tops. Get yourself a simple volume meter and keep a log.

BTW, although irrelevant here, that responsibility extends even to keeping the noise below legal thresholds even for apartments directly above.

Posted by: slopefarm at September 29, 2009 9:31 AM in response to Noise Recourse?

you might find this article interesting from brooklyneagle
about problem in BayRidge. Especially complaints to SLA
-state liquor authority...
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=31&id=31006

Posted by: Petebklyn at September 29, 2009 10:31 AM in response to Noise Recourse?

Insertsnappy- leave the diaphanous tough guy shit at log-in. Someone might take you up on your jest, which you could easily bypass on such a nice day.

OP- this is still Brooklyn. It was when you moved here, it shall be when you apprehend that it isn't the cookie cutter ignis fatuus you thought it to be.

The lingo sounds exhausted & unwelcoming- as it may be. We all need sleep and had we been neighbors, perhaps we'd of bumped elbows in this melee. Alas we are not, i still find you petulant, flaccid and although I would have never though to step foot in this hole, i now find myself second guessing-

Brooklyn 1, Fakes 0.

Posted by: Brooklynchimp at September 29, 2009 3:34 PM in response to Noise Recourse?

Hello-

I'm considering purchasing a place that has a curb cut as well via an estate sale that would need a gut rennovation and new permits filed for the job. When I checked the DOB website there were a few violations within the last 10 years, but they are all "resolved" or "dismissed" without any further explaination. Yanks21, i'm curious how your situation wound up? Anyone else reading this can knows if the curb cut can be preserved if I move forward here?

Thanks much!

Posted by: grimacenyc at October 7, 2009 1:15 AM in response to violation? advice please!

"ts like the people families who moved to Ludlow St in the LES in the past few years and then bitch about noise"

???? No families move to Ludlow. Families have been here for 40 years and then have every single business around them turn into a bar or nightclub. Places like Club LIBATION have no business being on Ludlow. 3 floors of thunderous bass. This bar is notorious for serving alcohol to underage patrons.

Posted by: Blaut at October 10, 2009 11:45 PM in response to Noise Recourse?

"ts like the people families who moved to Ludlow St in the LES in the past few years and then bitch about noise"

???? No families move to Ludlow. Families have been here for 40 years and then have every single business around them turn into a bar or nightclub. Places like Club LIBATION have no business being on Ludlow. 3 floors of thunderous bass. This bar is notorious for serving alcohol to underage patrons.

Posted by: Blaut at October 10, 2009 11:45 PM in response to Noise Recourse?

if you would like central station monitoring it will run you 19.00 per month paid annu.if you have any further questions please feel free to contact joel at 917 756 1700

Posted by: 5 COUNTY ALARM at October 27, 2009 1:13 PM in response to Central Station Monitoring

it is also illegal to lock out a system that you buy outrite but as posted most alarm guys do this to make you change your panel so it locks you in so you wont want to spend money to change the system and stay with them.

Posted by: 5 COUNTY ALARM at October 27, 2009 1:19 PM in response to Central Station Monitoring