Brownstone Lover's Profile

Author's Posts

March 11, 2008

Universal Fire Proof Doors vs. Statewide Door

Has anyone bought doors from either of these companies? If so, I would like to hear about your experiences with them. I am trying to decide between hollow steel doors vs steel doors with a wood core. Thanks.

March 10, 2008

Painter

Hi, I am looking for a good painting crew to paint the hallways of my brownstone. There is a lot of damage to the moldings and plaster so looking for someone who can do both. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

March 4, 2008

Doors for Rental Apartments

I am looking for recommendations for places to purchase doors to be hung in the entrances of 2 rental apartments. I believe according to the building code the doors need to be 90 minute fire resistant (it is a 3 family house). I do not want to put steel doors but would prefer something more attractive that is wood or looks like wood (MDF). Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I can purchase these and for how much? The door entrances are 33.75" wide by 87.5" high. Thanks!

January 29, 2008

Floors

I need to replace the wood floors in my brownstone. Can anyone provide a recommendation? Thanks!

January 16, 2008

Refinishing Doors

The wooden doors at the entrance of my garden floor brownstone is in pretty bad shape. Eddy from Greene & Grand Ave came by to take a look and said he could refurbish them. Has anyone had any experience with Eddy refurbishing wooden doors? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Refinishing Doors

The wooden doors at the entrance of my garden floor brownstone is in pretty bad shape. Eddy from Greene & Grand Ave came by to take a look and said he could refurbish them. Has anyone had any experience with Eddy refurbishing wooden doors? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

January 14, 2008

1089 Fulton Ave

Does anyone what is going up on Fulton between Classon & Franklin Ave? I think the address is 1089. Thanks

December 14, 2007

Video Intercom Recommendations

Hi, I am looking for recommendations for an intercom. I was told that getting a video phone intercom is the way to go. Does anyone have any recommendations with going with a regular intercom vs a video intercom? I received positive feedback for "AI Phone" - has anyone had any experience with this brand.

December 6, 2007

Electrician Recommendation

I am looking to re-wire a 3 family house and received a recommendation for Super Charged. Has anyone worked with them in the past? If so, what was the scope of the work and were you satisfied? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

December 3, 2007

Creating a Partition bt Parlor and Upstairs Apts

I am in the process of renovating a 4-story 3-family brownstone into 3 apartments. The previous owner used the space as a 1 family home even though it has a C of O for a 3 family. I intend to live on the garden and parlor floors and rent out each of the 3rd and 4th floors. I am trying to figure out a way to partition the upsatirs apts from my living space. Does anyone have any suggestions as to who can help me create an aesthetically pleasant division?

Author's Comments

Really?! I only received that timeframe for Universal Doors but they have hollow doors. I have to get custom size doors. They are quoting me approx $800 per door. Does that sound right?

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at March 11, 2008 4:44 PM in response to Universal Fire Proof Doors vs. Statewide Door

Thanks for your feedback owner12. How long did it take to make the metal door. They are telling me 4-6 weeks.

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at March 11, 2008 2:41 PM in response to Universal Fire Proof Doors vs. Statewide Door

Thanks!

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at January 30, 2008 1:54 PM in response to Floors

OP here - thanks for the feedback. Did you have them do some work for you or did you just by doors from Eddy.

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at January 16, 2008 11:30 AM in response to Refinishing Doors

I am interested in these doors - are they still available?

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at January 10, 2008 9:49 AM in response to Parlor doors for sale

I am also intersted let me know if hte previous poster (11:55) has not responded or is not interested.

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at December 14, 2007 4:14 PM in response to Original wood basement doors

11:18 - did you read this rumor on a blog in Brooklynian? That would be great if they moved to that spot! There are already a couple of nice grocers in Ft Greene by the Forte building.

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at December 3, 2007 11:24 AM in response to Old Bodegas = New 'Autour du Monde'

Thanks for the feedback 12:49. The apts will actually be on the 3rd and 4th floors so garden access will not be a problem.

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at November 27, 2007 3:01 PM in response to Architect for a 2 Bdrm Floorplan

Actually 3:59 - that is the same design I had in mind (2 bedrooms on opposite ends). Where did you but the livingroom Kitchen and bathroom?

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at November 26, 2007 5:15 PM in response to Architect for a 2 Bdrm Floorplan

1:40 - I thought the same thing also. But I am having problems figuring out the layout since I do not want to do a shoddy job.

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at November 26, 2007 2:16 PM in response to Architect for a 2 Bdrm Floorplan

Thanks "an architect in Brooklyn". I can be reached at renovations@live.com.

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at November 26, 2007 11:50 AM in response to Architect for a 2 Bdrm Floorplan

I thought you only needed 2 means of egress OR you have a sprinkler system in place.

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at November 13, 2007 1:36 PM in response to Fire Escape Requirement

Hi - to those who mentioned using Brownstone Agency (AIG) - were these quotes related to quotes for owner-occupied 3 family homes? I was quoted $11,091.90 for 3 years from an insurance broker.

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at November 6, 2007 5:02 PM in response to Insurance Costs

Yes I would like to speak by phone on this. Please send me your e-mail address and I will give you my phone number.

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at November 1, 2007 12:45 PM in response to Mortgage Drama on a 3 Family Brownstone

Thanks HomeSweetstuy! I just called Ben Levin and he was pretty helpful. He seems to think we can get it done. I will keep you posted. Thanks again.

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at October 31, 2007 10:24 AM in response to Mortgage Drama on a 3 Family Brownstone

Thanks 6:10. I actually would like to get more intel since I am not finding any solutions. Can I e-mail you off-line? Please let me know.

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at October 30, 2007 6:27 PM in response to Mortgage Drama on a 3 Family Brownstone

I am consulting with one now. Thanks for the feedback.

Posted by: Brownstone Lover at October 30, 2007 3:22 PM in response to Mortgage Drama on a 3 Family Brownstone

Responses to Author's Forum Comments

what makes 6:53 and expert on brownstone layouts? nothing is that simple.

Posted by: guest at December 4, 2007 11:19 PM in response to Architect for a 2 Bdrm Floorplan

Yes they are still available. Email me
at daroogle@gmail.com and we can talk more
details. Sigh -- I should have included my email with the original post.

Also I have the arch top trim as well --- but
not the matching legs.

Posted by: daroogle at January 10, 2008 7:03 PM in response to Parlor doors for sale

Eddie is golden. He has one guy who has been working with him for a long time who is very meticulous. Eddie supervises him well; I have a voyeuristic interest in all of his projects --when I go there, I always check on the latest project, checking out what Fred (his main guy) is working on. He takes the time to do things correctly -- Eddie is very honest and prices very well. If Eddie can't do something for whatever reason, he will refer you to someone who can do the job. The jobs he accepts are jobs he can do and do well. Eddie also is upfront about how busy he is -- if he doesn't have the time, he will tell you. If it makes you feel better, try getting other estimates, but I think you are in good hands with him. Good luck.

Posted by: donatella at January 16, 2008 11:35 AM in response to Refinishing Doors

We have not had Eddy refinish doors for us, but have purchased items from him for years. He is a very decent guy, but I would recommend doing your homework on stripping. You can see the stripping work that they do in front of his place.

Posted by: guest at January 16, 2008 11:39 AM in response to Refinishing Doors

I like Eddy very much, but some of the guys he has working for him can be suspect. My neighbor used one of his guys to strip, sand and paint his front doors. Eddy did not supervise this person at all and it was a really bad experience overall. The guy did a mediocre job, kept asking for more money, and appeared high or drunk on occasion.

Since I don't think Eddy really employs the guys who work outside of his shop, I think you need to be careful.

Posted by: tinarina at January 16, 2008 12:29 PM in response to Refinishing Doors

If you're dealing with Eddy, just make sure you're dealing with Eddy. He's AWESOME! But some stripping jobs you may be able to do yourself if you're so inclined. But Eddy will do just fine.

Posted by: guest at January 16, 2008 1:43 PM in response to Refinishing Doors

You might try Olek Lejbzon & Co. They restore Landmark buildings with doors in terrible shape, and make them look well maintained and in perfect condition when they are done.
See the website, www.oleklejbzon.com for lots of before and after photos of projects.

Peter Triestman
973-615-1257 M

Posted by: guest at January 19, 2008 9:53 PM in response to Refinishing Doors

Hello there! We have just finished installing our new floors, so maybe I can help you. We have made a great deal when purchasing our hardwood floors from this on-line store http://allgoodsites.com/detail/1882/flooring.html. Maybe you should check it in, they have a wide variety of laminate, engineered and other floor treatments. Also, all the accessories you might need, along with installation guidelines so you can cover the floors yourself.

Posted by: Xplain at February 7, 2008 6:31 AM in response to Floors

It depends on door, frame type and hardware.
If its a standard size and frame, you can get a knock down frame off the shelf (hardware too)
4-6 weeks is most likey for a welded frame, special size etc.
I bought from statewide and it was fine. I didn't like hardware option for mortise lock.In hindsight I should have paid for higher spec.

Posted by: chas at March 11, 2008 3:18 PM in response to Universal Fire Proof Doors vs. Statewide Door

chas is right.. my sizes were custom ( 8ft) so it took longer but not 4-6 weeks.. I believe my doors were ready in about 7-10 days.

Posted by: owner12 at March 11, 2008 3:46 PM in response to Universal Fire Proof Doors vs. Statewide Door