I'm with ConEd Solutions too. Transition was pretty painless.

Posted by: Chudilo at April 2, 2007 9:46 AM in response to Green Energy Providers

One more question: Everyone's saying that there are problems with a draft coming from the brick walls, as a result of removing the plaster. We've been in the apartmetn after the plaster has been removed with the temperatures being VERY cold and we did not notice any drafts. Also the wall is pretty thick, sO I do not think there should be any problems.

Posted by: Chudilo at March 27, 2007 8:58 AM in response to Exposing brick - why is it black?

Hi all.

Yes the moldings look pretty good on the pics that you saw.
We obviously took the pictures in the best light, in order to hide all the scary crap hanging off the detail. Not to scare people that will see the pics.

If you saw them up close, especially in artificial light, this would wouldn't be an argument. They were in terrible shape, had lead paint, and were broken and split in multiple places where it really counts.

So yes it is a shame, we have evaluated all the options , but could not have kept the moldings.
Some of our neighbors, that wanted to keep the moldings, ended up ripping them off anyway and duplicating everything from scratch.

We are however going the extra mile and hiring Verrazano Flooring to RESTORE the vintage inlaid floors, even though there is irreparable water damage under the radiators and a hump right in middle of the living room due to sagging joists. It is costing us a hek of a lot more then putting new hardwood flooring (not laminate).

The floors are covered right now, in order to preserve/protect them. You can't see them in the demolition pictures.

It's easy to scream "bloody murder" about all the detail. But this isn't a huge brownstone house. This is a 680sq ft. apartment. We're trying to create the feeling of space not cozying it up to make it feel smaller.

Thank you for the info about the Tar on the bricks. If anyone has any additional info on removing that stuff, do tell.

Posted by: Chudilo at March 26, 2007 9:02 PM in response to Exposing brick - why is it black?

What are your complaints about KraftMaid .. would you care to elaborate?

Ough yes and Hamilton Home depot is horrible.

Lowes practically across the street is so much nicer. The kitchen rep I dealt with is extremely nice and helpful.

Posted by: Chudilo at March 7, 2007 3:02 PM in response to Home Depot /Kraftmaid Horror Story

One more question: Everyone's saying that there are problems with a draft coming from the brick walls, as a result of removing the plaster. We've been in the apartmetn after the plaster has been removed with the temperatures being VERY cold and we did not notice any drafts. Also the wall is pretty thick, sO I do not think there should be any problems.

Posted by: Chudilo at March 27, 2007 8:58 AM in response to Exposing brick - why is it black?

The easiest way to remove the tar is to sand it off with an electric sander. It comes off much faster that way. I'm a landlord and have done it many times on rentals and never had any complaints of drafts.

If the cement between the bricks is crumbling, I suggest you have your interior brick walls 100% repointed before you have the place painted. It stinks to always have cement dust falling on the floor. Of course, you should also use a clear, satin stone sealer, but a total repointing is even more important and makes life much better one you move in. If you're really lucky the cement is in great condition and pointing isn't necessary.

I had to point my own apartment post renovation and it was a nightmare even though I stayed in another apartment while the work was being done.

Posted by: at March 28, 2007 8:43 AM in response to Exposing brick - why is it black?

I just posted above. I looked at the photos and you should definitely have the brick 100% repointed. You'll be SOOOOOOOOO much happier after you move in -- please listen to me -- suck up the cost and do it right or you'll be sweeping up cement dust constantly! It also looks a million times nicer.

It'll probably cost about $2500, but it'll be worth it. Find a Bandleshi outfit -- much cheaper than others, but just as good.

Posted by: at March 28, 2007 8:49 AM in response to Exposing brick - why is it black?

Thanks for the post. I just wish I found it sooner. I have my own horror story with Home Depot Cabinets.

http://homedepotcabinets.blogspot.com

Posted by: guest at July 22, 2008 9:04 AM in response to Home Depot /Kraftmaid Horror Story