Colonel's Profile
Author's Posts
May 21, 2009
Oil versus Water Based Finish
Hi, I have seen earlier posts on this but am wondering if anyone has had recent experience with a water based floor finish for hardwood. We are just finishing a renovation on a garden and parlor floor and have oak on one floor and pine on the parlor - but that need sanding and finishing. I don't have much free time anymore to do the work or much research and just got quotes from the two wood guys across from Lowes. Both recommended traditional oil poly. We have a two month old and are a bit concerned, even though we can stay out of the apartment for at least a few days or even a week from when the finishing will be done (though we will be two floors up in our rental unit). So I think we can avoid the cure fumes but now there is a lot of literature on the more long lasting "off gassing" and it's enough to give me ...gas. The wood guys say that even the best water based finishes need to be redone in about two years which of course is not what the products' manufacturers claim. Another supposed benefit of the water finish is that it doesn't amber over time but I actually like that look and don't see that as a plus. So - any thouhgts on whether long term off gassing is really a threat and/or recent experience with a water finish?
Thank you!
May 12, 2009
2 Parlor Floor Pella Windows
Due to an ordering mistake, we have two extra windows that were intended for the front of our brownstone. They are Pella "Architect Series" custom length windows, black exterior. Frame is 35 by 88. Rough opening is 2'11-3/4 by 7'4-3/4. These are great windows and would cost about 2300 new. I will sell them for 500. They are unopened in their packaging, with screens. Email avery.kotler@napster.com if you are interested.
Here is a paste of the full spec: "Architect Series, Clad, Model 3, Black (PR0089), Half Vent/match, Half Vent, 5/8" InsulShld IG Glazing, Half Screen, Champ Lock Only, Fins (single unit per design), Std Primed Interior."
January 2, 2009
Ceiling Fan Questions
For our parlor floor living room renovation, a typical rectangular config, we just installed two ceiling points of light. I want ceiling fans but my wife makes the point that chandeliers give a much richer look and the lights on the fans tend to not be the brightest (since we don't also have high hats). Question 1 - do most people always match the two fixtures in a room? The room itself will be separated functionally, with a sitting area on the front side and a tv/couch area on the other. So I think having a nice light fixture in the front, with a fan/fixture in the back might work. 2 - do people here think the fans really do save energy and help cool? 3 - for our garden floor, where ceilings are just about 8ft only, do you think a low slung fan can work in each bedroom or is that ceiling height too low? Thanks and happy new year.
December 27, 2008
Marble Counter Top - Practical?
I would love to use white carrara marble for our kitchen counter but have heard so many people warn about stains, scratches, and whatnot, that I am second guessing. Of course, most of these peeps have another stone or material for their own countertops... Anyone have experiences, good or bad, to share?
Thanks.
November 2, 2008
Pregnant and Renovating
Hi, I am sure we will be judged by some but we recently moved into a brownstone that we are living and renovating, with my wife now 4 months pregnant. That being said, we are mainly renovating the lower duplex, while we live on the top floor apartment while the work is done. The building is four stories and there is another tenant apartment between us and the parlor. Our contract has put a big dust screen and it seems that dust is clearly making its way up the stairs but has not really creeped into our top floor apartment in a big way. That being said, out of caution, we moved to my parents house for the first two weeks, which will be the demolition. We're planning to use "green" paints and have asked the contractor to let us know if he plans to do staining or anything else that will generate huge fumes. So to be clear, we are not doing the renovations and we're living two stories above it. Also, we're not going to scrape much plaster or lead paint. Mainly we will skim coat over that and repaint. So I hope that minimizes some of the lead exposure. We asked our doctor and she said that lead is very tough to pass to a fetus and the precautions we are taking sound fine. Our contractor and architect also both said we would be fine. Of course, they are interested parties but I do like and trust both of them. Now, I am sure I will get a lot of varying opinions here and the invariable critiques. Still, I would really appreciate people's thoughts on this situation and the best way to mitigate any risks. Thanks.
August 18, 2008
Solar Heat and Electric - Follow UP
I would love to hear from the poster who posted in May - progress, learning, suggestions for others looking to go this route? Input from anyone on this topic would be appreciated. I am renovating a Carroll Gardens brownstone and would like to learn more. Thanks.
This is the post:
____________
May 13, 2008
Solar Water and Electric
I'm probably going to install a 5 KW solar system and a hot water (3 panels - 80 Gallon) system on my brownstone in Boerum Hill. Is there anyone who has either or both systems who I could speak to about their experience with solar?
July 11, 2008
Cost of Central Air?
Hey, I just put in the long and convoluted posting (sorry) about the resale value of central air but also meant to ask what people think how much this should cost? The last contractor I spoke with told me 25K, for two floors and a large compressor. Sound right?
How Important for Resale is Central AC?
We are renovating the garden/parlor duplex of a 4 story brownstone that we just bought, on a fairly tight budget (for this sort of project). Our family will need to live on the lower floors and rent the top two. So we want to fit 3 bedrooms and two baths onto the garden floor. We have two sets of plans that we are shopping, one of which includes a garden floor extension that makes it much more comfortable to fit the 3rd bedroom in. HOWEVER, with the added cost to do that, we could not afford to add in central air. Looking toward resale, I want to understand how important people think it is to have the central air included in the mechanical update?? I don't think it is that important to me, from a day to day living aspect. However, if we are selling this one day to a luxury buyer and telling them that the mechanicals are done, will the value of that mechanical upgrade be much lower if they feel like they have to add in AC and rip out the ceilings to ductwork...etc? Thanks.
Author's Comments
I saw a a really large coon sitting in a large tree (I didn't even know they climbed trees)in my neighbor's yard on Degraw between Smith and Hoyt last week. On a more fun note, the Brooklyn Parrots seem to be taking up residency here. I had no idea i'd have such an animal kingdom in my backyard.
Posted by: Colonel at August 24, 2009 9:59 PM in response to Raccoon in Carroll Gardens
Check out FIND on 9th Street just across from Lowes.
Posted by: Colonel at July 14, 2009 2:33 PM in response to Furniture Stores in Brooklyn?
Johann Grobler was good for us - reasonable, thorough, helpful. He's also an architect and shared that perspective too. www.grobler-inspect.com
Posted by: Colonel at June 24, 2009 2:08 PM in response to Engineers Recommendations
I'm in the bullish camp relative to brownstones and a big factor is the Manhattan Luxury Downgrade. For a couple living in Tribeca or the UWS that has a kid and is about to have their second or third, they can literally save money by selling their lux 3 or 4bd apt and pick up a whole, fully renovated house, for LESS, even now. So in addition to first time buyers and upgraders, due to the economy, I think you actually get downgraders buying these houses too. The bottom line is that there are not a lot of them and they are nice. With the transformation of lower manhattan to a luxury neighborhood for super wealthy parents, it is no surprise that lower brooklyn, which is right nearby, is attractive to them. All that said, of course they are not immune and asks and sales would of course be much higher had the crisis not happened. Still, the drop is not as severe as the rest of the market and the appreciation will be steeper, once (if) the market starts to recover.
Posted by: Colonel at June 17, 2009 12:09 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales
Second Lechacal, I enjoy the Third and Bond posts and get far less value from the sarcastic pricks who get their kicks sitting in front of their computers all day and one upping strangers.
Posted by: Colonel at June 11, 2009 10:06 PM in response to Inside Third & Bond: Week 87
I couldn't figure out the point of the CG article? No real story, just a couple living in a duplex.
Posted by: Colonel at June 8, 2009 9:58 AM in response to Monday Links
I second Apryl Hand.
Posted by: Colonel at June 4, 2009 8:16 AM in response to Brooklyn Real Estate Lawyer
FYI, I think we are doing oil based but we are putting the finishing off for a week now, so some of the general work can done. If we do water, my contractor recommends "Street Shoe" with 3 or 4 coats. My wood guy says that Bonners is better (and more expensive). Anyone know about these two brands?
Posted by: Colonel at May 22, 2009 1:59 PM in response to Oil versus Water Based Finish
Thanks to all who answered!
Posted by: Colonel at May 22, 2009 8:55 AM in response to Oil versus Water Based Finish
PS - sorry for the typos, I haven't slept much in the past few days due to the aforementioned two month old and reno, along with work getting nuts. Gotta love Murphy's law. Anyway, any thoughts at all on this are appreciated.
Posted by: Colonel at May 21, 2009 11:06 PM in response to Oil versus Water Based Finish
Got it and yeah, I like the long windows too -- but that's all I got! Try Paul if you want a decent Pella quote.
PS - I meant second "poster" not "poser" - big difference :-) Sorry
So anyone - windows - anyone? Bueller??
Posted by: Colonel at May 13, 2009 3:21 PM in response to 2 Parlor Floor Pella Windows
Hey, thanks for the donation idea, I hadn't thought of it and if noone wants them, I will call.
88 is on the low side for a parlor but like the second poser said, there are many that are actually quite a bit lower. Also, if someone has 95 inch opening and wants to save some bucks, they could buy these and shim.
For installation, my GC is handling. However, I bought my windows and doors directly from Paul at the Pella Window Outlet on Long Island 1 631 567 1927. My dad had worked with him on a prior job and loved the work and pricing. His pricing and service has been great for me too.
If anyone wants the windows, shoot me a note! Thanks.
Posted by: Colonel at May 12, 2009 3:14 PM in response to 2 Parlor Floor Pella Windows
Call Jason Dorn at Big Apple Chimney, I had four different chimney companies come in before we picked him and it wasn't a tough call at all. The work was fast and great and pretty reasonable (and no, I don't work for him, just had him do our boiler flue and restore a fireplace for about half the price that our contractor wanted to charge). 718 648 3998
Posted by: Colonel at April 23, 2009 2:47 PM in response to Rec for Fireplace/Chimney Work?
This sounds like a great product, I am looking into it for our renovation. I love your blog btw, really interesting posts! Thanks.
Posted by: Colonel at April 23, 2009 2:43 PM in response to Inside Third & Bond: Week 81
Remy, would you mind sharing thee pricing or ballpark pricing for the bluestone patio they did for you? Thanks.
Posted by: Colonel at April 18, 2009 4:24 PM in response to soil & sand
Bob Tamer at Hampton Appliance in Garden City was a great find, suggested by a friend, for sharing real knowledge on appliances and his prices were comparable to any big box store. That said, my architect had drawn in a true cabinet depth fridge and a 36 inch range and i hadn't paid much attention to that (things you learn), not knowing that it put me in the upper stratus of products, which I wasn't otherwise planning to buy. So I found a two year old Sub Zero fridge on Craigslist and paid 2500 for it. I bought a Delonghi range from Bob that he had as a floor model. Even not a floor a model, it was a cool looking higher end range that isn't nearly as pricey as the Viking or Wolf. Not in the same caliber but also pretty well reviewed. For Dishwashers, a few friends have Boschs and hate them. The Kitchen Aid got good reviews and was on sale at a few places, we got that and love it. I'm happy with all the products and other than Bob and Craigslist, my only advice is to make sure the sizes you pick don't limit your choices.
Posted by: Colonel at March 14, 2009 5:49 PM in response to Kitchen Appliances Rec's?
RJ, I have a one bedroom plus den recently renovated apartment on Degraw between Smith and Hoyt for 2K. It is 2 flights up and very sunny/bright. May 1 is our target date to rent but I should mention that there's a chance it'll move to May 15. We're doing construction downstairs and living in the apartment while we finish. It was supposed to be done April 1 but cest la vie... If you are interested, I am at colonelak@hotmail.com. Thanks. Avery
Posted by: Colonel at March 13, 2009 8:26 PM in response to Apt Help
Hey Tanner, I have a question for you about a prior post. If you don't mind, can you email me at colonelak@hotmail.com when you have some time (no rush at all). We may be working with the same people and I would love to swap notes. Sorry, I have nothing for you regarding the fireplace thouhg :-) Thanks! A
Posted by: Colonel at March 5, 2009 2:50 PM in response to Modern wood fireplace inserts?
We are doing a renovation in Carroll Gardens with Johann Grobler of Grobler Architects and are very happy with him. You can google his name to get all his info, he's in Brooklyn Heights and his pricing is reasonable.
Posted by: Colonel at February 20, 2009 12:54 PM in response to Looking for an Architect
We bought a 3 family in Carroll Gardens with one unit rent controlled. The tenant agreed with the prior seller to 100K and offered (and continues to offer) the same deal for us. We haven't pursued it yet because I don't have the cash right now and frankly, like the lady. That is a hard data point for you though.
Posted by: Colonel at February 12, 2009 8:44 PM in response to Rent Controlled Tenants
We are in the midst of doing a renovation that is more expensive than yours and agreed to a flat fee for the project, plus an hourly rate for any site visits that he has to make. The fee and total visits so far are way less than 30K and the work includes everything the prior poster mentioned except heavy project management. If you are planning to have the architect at the job supervising very often, I could see the % making sense. We only have him come in every few weeks or so, unless there's an emergency. Johann Grobler is the architect and we are happy.
Posted by: Colonel at January 26, 2009 5:51 PM in response to Reasonable architect rates
We tried mightily to negotiate down to a reasonable level the cost of repairing our plaster crown but sadly ended up having to strip it out and are going to replace with new wood. We had repair budget in the project but the project itself caused more damage to the moulding and that then made the repair cost untenable. So i'm not sure if that is helpful but I guess my advice is that the project itself may impact your decision.
Posted by: Colonel at January 22, 2009 7:44 PM in response to Restoration vs. Renovation?
I saw the big open doors downstairs and immediately worried about mosquitoes too. It is a shame because we were so excited to use our deck but found the bugs to be overwhelming this summer in our CG backyard. That said, I think this is a really cool and smart renovation for anyone who likes the modern feel. Our own feel is a bit more old shabby chic but if I were going mod and had the budget, i'd be using this as one of the models.
Posted by: Colonel at January 22, 2009 7:37 PM in response to Ultra Modern Reno on South Portland Avenue
We liked Johann Grobler. He's also an architect, which we found useful and in full disclosure, we ended up using as our architect as well, for a partial brownstone renovation on Degraw Street. Good luck! http://www.grobler-inspect.com/Building_Inspection_Home_Inspection_Staff_NY.html
Posted by: Colonel at January 19, 2009 5:37 PM in response to Brownstone inspector
Thanks Rick.
Posted by: Colonel at December 28, 2008 11:32 AM in response to Marble Counter Top - Practical?
We're building a similar extension right now and are using cinder blocks. Originally, because we negotiated the price down so much, the contractor required stud/board as part of the markdown. The city approver then required that at least one of the walls, the one that runs directly along the neighbor's fence line (the other one does not as the extension is not full width), be cinderblock. With that, our engineer said that we'd be making a mistake to have two walls heavy (the new block wall and the existing house wall) and two from board/studs, since they would settle differently. I was happy with this because I really wanted cinder anyway and being forced to do it helped me negotiate a better price. Anyway, it is worth having your architect double check with whomever is approving your plans for the city. There is a noticeable decrease in the space with the bricks but since the walls are all up now it just feels good viscerally when you walk into it ans see the cinder blocks.
Posted by: Colonel at December 19, 2008 11:51 AM in response to Question regarding building material
We just got a $500+ gas bill from National Grid on our 3 family brownstone which is a bit smaller than yours, square footage wise and also connected. So yours sounds like it is within reason compared to ours. Of course...we also freaked and are scared of what we'll see in the colder months. We're doing renovations right now, which doesn't help.
Posted by: Colonel at December 18, 2008 3:38 PM in response to Yikes..Could this Heating Bill be Right?
Our chimney guy seems to have a good source for them because we needed a bunch for our fireplace work. Jason at Big Apple Chimney. I don't know what he'd charge, if anything but he's cool and has been doing great work for us this week in our own CG fixer upper.
Posted by: Colonel at December 16, 2008 11:58 AM in response to looking for salvage bricks
Colonel wrote a review about Provence en Boite on December 1, 2008 11:00 AM
I live near this place and think it is getting a bum rap here, particularly the service. The food is delicious, particularly their onion soup, lamb lunch sandwich, burgers and quiches. The owner is a charming french lady and the waitstaff are genuinely friendly. They have also never had an issue on the two times that I brought my laptop and treated it like a coffee shop that I could sit and work at all day. If I had anything to complain about it is that the dinner menu is a tad pricey. The brunch and lunch menus are totally reasonable and a great value.
What i think is really funny is the prescient irony of The Weener's borrowed signature line... Because, someday, this war will actually end and in fact, we're closer to that day with each market dropping week. With smart government policies, I do not see us going into a Depression. I just don't. There will be a few more very bad quarters and recession, like the many that preceded it, will end. Banks will lend and there will be day and there will be night. The economy will start growing and r/e will get humming. Flowers will bloom. Then what will The Whiner do? That is somewhat scary but my guess is crawl into an ever more isolated mental crawl space, dreaming about the next bad cycle ten years away. At best he spends his life ranting like a weird sidewalk prophet but at worst - I fear for a Brooklyn Unibomber.
Posted by: Colonel at November 20, 2008 1:56 PM in response to Oh No...
Super helpful -- thank you!
Posted by: Colonel at November 19, 2008 1:35 PM in response to It's heating season for real. Is your boiler ready?
This is the Original Poster and I just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and insights. We decided to move away during the first few weeks of demolition, just coming back during the weekends and after I wipe down the steps up to our apartment. The upstairs apartment itself has stayed remarkably dust free and I also bought a Hepa air filter that i'll keep running in there. It wasn't too much and can't hurt. I think that we will also have the lead test done during one of my wife's upcoming OB visits. I am pretty sure that almost all of the paint in the parlor is leaded and will work off that assumption. On the flip side, much of it is going to just be painted over and not scraped.
Anyway, thanks again to all.
Posted by: Colonel at November 3, 2008 7:57 PM in response to Pregnant and Renovating
It cost me about 9K to do a floor, with a new box and wires running down to the basement. However, part of the expense was that the prior owner had installed all the electrical outlets basically touching the floor, which is not up to code and he also didn't have light switches. So we had to cut about 30+ holes into the plaster to put in new outlets and switches, and then patch that up.
Posted by: Colonel at October 31, 2008 10:26 AM in response to Cost of electrical upgrade
Johan Grobler did a nice and reasonable inspection job for us and since he is also an architect that works closely with contractors, I found that he was helpful in giving us insights to general cost, timing and other factors that a potential renovation would entail. This is his site http://www.grobler-inspect.com/
Posted by: Colonel at October 31, 2008 10:21 AM in response to Inspector for brownstone?
I'm not sure how to do it, I got the PDF from my architect. I'm at avery.kotler@napster.com. If you email there i'd be happy to send you ours anyway.
Posted by: Colonel at October 29, 2008 5:58 PM in response to Leaving a door on the garden level?? Thoughts, please.
Belated congratulations Wasder! I am in the midst of renovating ours while we live on our top floor rental and my wife is pregnant too, so I really can relate. I love your entryway (saved the photo to keep for when/if we ever get to renovate the entrance hall and doors). Happy brownstoning!
Posted by: Colonel at October 29, 2008 3:29 PM in response to Where is Wasder?
We are also now doing a renovation and creating a garden/parlor duplex. For what it is worth, we went with the door on the garden floor. I'd be curious to see your plans, if you feel like swapping, I can send you a pdf. Ours does have a small extension but I can send you the alternate plans that did not include the extension. Good luck!
Posted by: Colonel at October 29, 2008 3:22 PM in response to Leaving a door on the garden level?? Thoughts, please.
Nicole McCarthy was great for us.
Nicole Crete-McCarthy
Mortgage Consultant
Trachtman & Bach, Inc.
646-228-7820
Posted by: Colonel at October 28, 2008 2:31 PM in response to Any commercial loan brokers?
Congrats. Per some of the other posters, you are not alone! My wife and I just closed and moved into a brownstone in Carroll Gardens. We're going to live in the parlor/garden duplex and rent the top two floors (one is rent controlled) but for now and the next 6 months or so will be living on the top floor while we renovate. The place needs a total gutting. So we've been watching the economy and what not with some anxiety - but not enough to give us regret. I already love coming home to the place, old smelly decor, bugs and all. I can't wait to come home to it when it is renovated. The neighborhood and the neighbors we've already met are great and as other people have said, with a longer term view (just 5 years I think), there is not too much to worry about. Cheers.
Posted by: Colonel at September 25, 2008 2:41 PM in response to Congratulations to me?
Can someone enlighten me about what is wrong with recessed lighting?
Posted by: Colonel at September 18, 2008 2:08 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 4th Place
I think that contractors are hungry now and for 350K (including architect and fixtures) you could fix up the Cobble Hill house pretty nicely - new pipes, electric, paint, appliances...etc. The 350 is approx what my renovation of a similar property is going to cost, all in. So I am not making this number up from thin air. My property cost less to start with and I couldn't have bought this one...but even with the Lehman news, there are plenty in NYC who can. So I think it'll be a nice move for whoever does and is ultimately sitting on a full brownstone in a great CH block for uder 2MM.
Posted by: Colonel at September 15, 2008 11:36 AM in response to Open House Picks
Just to add, if email is easier, I am at avery.kotler@napster.com Thanks.
Posted by: Colonel at September 10, 2008 3:38 PM in response to Late Victorian/Craftsman Mantels
I am just starting a renovation in Carroll Gardens and definitely am interested. Please feel free to call me 917-855-0589. Thanks. Avery
Posted by: Colonel at September 10, 2008 2:37 PM in response to Late Victorian/Craftsman Mantels
Nicole McCarthy at Trachtman and Bach was extremely nice and helpful for us and she got us a great rate. We just closed on a brownstone in Carroll Gardens using her. (212) 448-0100
Posted by: Colonel at September 2, 2008 5:51 PM in response to mortgage brokers
Definitely looking forward to your posts Smokychimp.
Posted by: Colonel at August 19, 2008 11:26 AM in response to Solar Heat and Electric - Follow UP
I am a bit more bullish. Wall street will start to recover next spring and NY housing will pick up after that. As everyone knows, there is not a lot of brownstone/townhouse inventory and I think these are and will hold up particularly well.
Posted by: Colonel at August 15, 2008 1:13 PM in response to Park Slope housing prices - 12 months from now.
Ditto -- bravo! I am renovating a brownstone and am also looking into this. Regardless of whether we go for the certification, just learning about the process has helped us to learn ways that we can improve our efficiency. Good luck!
Posted by: Colonel at August 15, 2008 1:08 PM in response to Bird Blog: Week 14
Johann Grobler is doing great work for us. He is in Brooklyn Heights and very reasonable (though I will say, your current pricing sounds very good). http://www.groblerarchitects.com/
Posted by: Colonel at August 12, 2008 10:09 AM in response to Need an Architech
I echo the sentiments about the block. We bought elsewhere in the area but would have loved that block. I would love to see some thoughts from anyone on the board that can get to the open house this weekend. I didn't see who the broker was on the NYT listing, isn't that a bit weird? I would say it is for sale by owner but "Hurry up this impressive property wont last." is very broker-cheeseish. Anyway, I would not be surprised if it goes for close to ask. I assume it is being delivered vacant or that would change the game a bit.
Posted by: Colonel at August 8, 2008 10:29 AM in response to House of the Day: 440 Henry Street
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Sorry, I just realized I posted this on the Open Thread by mistake:
Nova Zembla on Atlantic & Henry has nice furniture, and I believe they're having a Summer Sale now, on top of their year-long Recession Sale.
Also, Housing Works on Montague in Brooklyn Heights often has really nice used furniture. It's catch as catch can, but it's amazing the caliber of furniture people donate.
Posted by: CarrollGardened at July 14, 2009 4:30 PM in response to Furniture Stores in Brooklyn?
I second Horseman's and Housing Works (actually the one on the Upper East Side is very good). Or Pennsylvania.
If money is no object, there's 1stdibs.com
Posted by: mopar at July 14, 2009 4:36 PM in response to Furniture Stores in Brooklyn?
I'd also recommend you swing by a used furniture place on 5th Avenue around 14th or 15th streets. It's all traditional pieces but they're refurbished and in fairly good condition. I've seen some great things there and I'm guessing they'll negotiate, since I rarely see people there. Timeless Treasures, I think it is.
You could also try Olde Goode Things, on 24th street in Chelsea. They have a website you can check out in advance.
Also, if you're willing to spend, try Rico on Atlantic. It's all fairly modern, but last I checked they can order you anything from the Mitchell Gold line. Also, in the 'willing to spend' category, there's a Grange warehouse sale in Secaucus once or twice a year; they sell high-end, beautiful (traditional French) pieces. If you call the main store on 200 Lexington, they can probably get you on a list or tell you the date of the next sale.
Posted by: South Sloper at July 14, 2009 7:50 PM in response to Furniture Stores in Brooklyn?
Try Sterling Place on Atlantic, near Hoyt.
Unique pieces, sturdy, well-made. Sometimes antique pieces. The style is farmhouse or rustic, as opposed to modern. All at pretty reasonable prices. We have gotten a few things from there, and have been really happy with them. Everytime we near downtown Brooklyn, my wife wants to make a stop.
Posted by: theandrewlee at July 14, 2009 8:09 PM in response to Furniture Stores in Brooklyn?
Don't laugh but i just got a perfect dining table, chairs and sideboard from Overstock.com. I had been looking for months for the price, style and size I needed and wanted to see a huge selection so went online. Couldnt believe I spent thousands based on just a photo, but it worked out well - i love it and the delivery was easy.
Posted by: dokas at July 14, 2009 10:36 PM in response to Furniture Stores in Brooklyn?
i second sterling place -- it's my favorite shop on atlantic. they also have a location on 7th ave in south slope if i remember correctly, but i haven't been there.
housing works on montague has also been amazing for us... we found the most gorgeous old pine farm table for $200 and have seen so many treasures there.
haystack on clinton around joralemon is a beautiful little shop. they have the sweetest small loveseat in the window that i wish i could find a place for -- i've been staring at it for months. they have some upholstered pieces, side tables, etc. not a big store but worth a look if you're in the area.
for decorative accessories (not furniture, i know, but related) try abitare on henry between atlantic and state. nice little shop.
Posted by: duckumu at July 15, 2009 10:32 AM in response to Furniture Stores in Brooklyn?
Rico on Atlantic is good for modern. They carry Maria Yee and some other interesting lines including DeLaEspada's lower priced line. Moon River Chattel in W'burg always has fun stuff -- their style is recycled/antique/industrial. Future Perfect has great decorative items but not much real furniture (at least not at real-world prices). Fabrica on Vanderbilt has a good but small selection of mid-century modern. Of the chains, I like CB2 best. And there are infact deals to be had on 1stDibs -- easy to search by price and location. Horseman on Atlantic is a little scarey -- don't bring bed bugs home is all I'll say!
Posted by: grand army at July 15, 2009 6:33 PM in response to Furniture Stores in Brooklyn?
I third Find on 9th street. Amazing stuff.
Posted by: boofer at July 15, 2009 10:38 PM in response to Furniture Stores in Brooklyn?
I sold my marble fireplace (kicking myself now) to Olde Good Things. They gave me $5,000 in trade credit, and then posted it for sale on their website the next week for $35,000!!!! Ouch.
Posted by: ewoodward at July 21, 2009 5:50 AM in response to Where can I sell old marble fireplace mantles
I think FInd is great as well. Worth noting is that they were 20% off everything last month and yesterday it was 30% off. So while the original prices didn't keep them on our short list, now we're reconsidering some things.
Posted by: jland at August 19, 2009 10:17 AM in response to Furniture Stores in Brooklyn?
We worked with our architect while we went through the purchase so that we could start soon after closing. We closed at the end of August but the filing process took 5 weeks longer than expected. That was mainly because we added a small extension on the garden floor. So we started mid October and were done June 1. It probably could have been done May 1 if we were more on top of it. So I would say the other posters here are right - about 10 months. That said, we had a good experience with our contractor, Clinton Hill Design Build. I have heard some pretty hard war stories from other neighbors. Good luck.
Posted by: Colonel at November 9, 2009 8:22 PM in response to 2 Floor Gut Reno - How Long?