denton's Profile
- denton
- 1980
- 2007
- Brooklyn
- Park Slope
- House
- Fluid Sealing, Fluid Transfer , Power Transmission
- Male
- 54
- http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/
Author's Posts
November 18, 2009
Skylite heat loss
Hey all:
How do you prevent heat loss thru this skylite, which is over the stairwell. I've heard about the 'build a plexiglas board' underneath. THat would be very difficult, for any number of reasons, in this case. What about wrapping something around the opening? It would be something, anyway.
October 27, 2009
Gas Leak
I had an energy audit done yesterday and as part of that they have to check boiler, gas lines, stove, etc for CO, incomplete combustion, and gas leaks. They found two small gas leaks, one at the main shutoff valve, and one at a joint. Both of these are before the meter.
If you put your nose right up to the main valve, you can smell it a bit, the other you can't smell at all. There is no smell at all in the enclosed room where these leaks are so they are tiny. For all I know they've been leaking for twenty years.
I know I should call NG and get them taken care of but I'm worried about my service being shut off for some amount of time. Anyone have experience with a similar situation?
October 15, 2009
Sewage Smell in Basement
I'm getting a sewage smell in the basement, near the clean-out/main street drain, and it's beginning to get on my nerves. I made an enclosed 'meter room' that also has the sewer stuff when I semi-finished the basement. So it's possible the smell always existed but diffused itself away. I don't think so tho.
Recently I had a company come and do a camera inspection of the sewage lines, since we have a tree in front. There were some roots, which were cleaned out, but nothing major. Company said everything was in good shape.
I wonder if there is not enuf flow? It strikes me that there are only the two of us, we put in dual-flush toilets, and did everything else to save water. Never had this problem when there were 6 contractors in the house.
September 30, 2009
Brooklyn Kitchens & Baths
Greetings all:
Anyone who has read my reno blog knows the horrendous time I had getting Brooklyn Kitchens (formerly known as Garfield Kitchens) to deliver what I needed in the way of vanities, fixtures, kitchen cabinets, etc., all of which were paid in advance.
Apparently things have gotten even worse, if that's possible. I have just been contacted by an attorney who is preparing to sue Brian Ackerman on behalf of her client for non-delivery.
She's interested in hearing from other Brownstoners who have similar stories to tell. Her name is Audrey Roth and her email is aroth@convergentgc.com.
September 6, 2009
Ditmas Park Zoning
Hey all:
I have a woman friend with a couple of grown daughters and grandchildren, a sister, and a couple of others, and she wants to gather them all under one roof and live happily ever after.
Therefore she is thinking of buying one of those big Ditmas Park houses. But I suspect she thinks she can put in several apartments with individual kitchens and baths. I suspect not.
She's currently living in a nabe where the DOB never comes by and people do what they want. I don't think Ditmas Park is like that.
Are those big DP houses one family, two family, multiple dwellings? Whats the zoning and what is typical for a c of o in those big houses?
July 16, 2009
South Slope / GH Dog Run
Dear Greenwood Heights/South Slope residents:
Some of your neighbors are working to establish an official dog run in the area alongside the Prospect Expressway between 6th and 7th Avenues. A couple of areas there have been used as dog runs for years, but recently enforcement agents have been ticketing dog owners who use these areas. That’s a $100 fine.
We are working with CB7 and Parks Department representatives to make this happen. An official dog run these days needs to have both water and fencing. We have identified two areas that have fencing but no water, and two areas with water but no fencing. With enough support from the community and CB7, Parks will send an engineer to study the areas and will hopefully pick a specific place to create the dog run.
The details and maps are located here:
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/dog_run
We are asking our neighbors to sign an on-line petition to show that the dog run has the support of the community. The petition can be found at:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ghdg
You don’t have to have a dog to believe that a dog run is a good thing for the neighborhood. In fact we even accept signatures from cat owners! A legitimate dog run reduces the number of people who unleash their dogs elsewhere as they now have a legal place to exercise their dogs.
While we appreciate everyone’s support, we need people who sign the petition to be from the South Slope/Greenwood Heights nabe.
Thanks!
June 13, 2009
Visit from Consumer Affairs
Hey all:
I called in a restoration and construction company (Basonas Construction) to do some minor masonry work. We had cut thru the side of the house to install venting for the new boiler, and to install a sump pump, and the holes were not neatly done, so I wanted them bricked up and sealed appropriately, and also there was a piece of bulging stucco I wanted fixed.
I've worked with Basonas before on some major seven figure projects, and I like them. And the owner likes me, so when I need something like this done, I call him.
When I bought the house early on, he did a parapet wall, sealed up one exterior door, and opened up and installed another, and for that I had paid him $7500.
This was a small job, a few manhours, a few bricks, a little stucco and cement, so the owner told me he'd just do me a favor. That doesn't mean I won't throw him a couple of exceptional bottles of wine, or some cash, or whatever, but normally he does large projects, not homeowner projects like this.
So here's the scene. I'm sitting on my stoop. My wife is gardening in the tree pit. Basonas' very well marked truck is in the driveway, and the worker is visible in the driveway doing work (Semi-detached house, the driveway goes all the way along the side of the house). .
A guy comes strolling down the block, says he's a homeowner up the block, and asks me do I mind if he goes to the worker and gets a card, since he needs some work done. I replied that he was welcome to do so, but I wouldn't count on the worker having a card, and that maybe he should just take the info off the truck.
Then I mentioned that Basonas was good, but not that cheap, he usually doesn't do these kinds of projects, he's doing me a favor, yada yada. Trying to help out a neighbor.
Then I go inside. A few minutes later my wife yells at me to come down, and there's the alleged homeowner along with another large Hispanic gentleman, and they pull out badges and say they’re from the NYC Dept of Consumer Affairs. (Later I found out that they came into the back and started harassing the Hispanic worker, when my wife heard what was going on, she ordered them off the property and told the worker to keep working, all in Spanish, then she called me).
The big guy, who is barely civil, is telling me that Basonas appears not to have a homeowner contractor’s license. I explained that he doesn’t normally do small homeowner jobs and that in the past when I worked with him he had everything he needed in the way of insurance and workers comp etc. I was told he needed a license to work on 3 family and under houses. I reiterated that he was doing me a favor for free and that this was a friend of mine. I also was able to get Basonas’ owner on the phone and put him on with the inspectors. The original guy says that all they’re trying to do is protect the consumer, and if I’m not paying for the work, and I’m satisfied with the work, he’s OK with that.
The big guy says they have photos of the truck and that if they catch him around again doing so-called ‘favors’ for homeowners he’ll be up the creek. But in the end the work wasn’t stopped, no summons was issued, and nothing more happened.
I’m wondering if I should complain about the inspector who used false pretenses to gain access to my property. I’m also wondering if someone called them on me, like my good neighbors. I tend to think not, as a call like that would simply go to the DOB, and I have recent permits. Would a neighbor be sophisticated enuf to write down a contractor name, look up to see if they had a license, and call the right dept at 311? I’m thinking they were just driving around. Watch out!
June 8, 2009
water bill
Hey all:
I posted this in the morning and it didn't show up, maybe it got cleaned out with the spam so if you actually answered it, sorry...
Anyway we've had this house now for a year and a half and still no water bill.
How long does it take for the first one? I'd hate to get a four figure bill at some point.
May 27, 2009
Looking for manufacturing space
Hey all:
I'm looking for a small mfg space, maybe 3000sft m/l. Prefer Sunset Park but am flexible. Anyone know a broker that handles this kind of thing?
May 10, 2009
Stair Rails
Other than the final plumbing inspection, which is still bedeviling us, the stair rails that we had installed here are the last piece of this renovation.
In between, we’ve laid on a few more coats of varnish to the stairs to the basement, as well as to the second floor.
Our GC could not find anyone to do these kinds of rails (he’s a bit old-school) so we ran into Rich and his dad at Luna Welding ( www.lunawelding.com ). Rich is more than a contractor, he’s also an artist working in metals, and his dad is a carpenter. Rich came over and we all discussed the myriad options in posts, rails, and materials (there is a ton of choices) so as always we decided to keep it as simple as possible. Polished steel hardware (sprayed with a sealant to prevent rust), stainless steel cable, and an oak handrail to match the stairs. The price was $6600.
Rich showed up with his crew in a few days and put in the posts, then came back a few days later and finished the job. He even took care of varnishing the railing for us. We’re happy with the results.
Finished product above and here:
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/image/112358898
A couple of more first floor shots:
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/image/112358913
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/image/112358899
And a couple of shots from the second floor:
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/image/112358901
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/image/112358902
And some shots my wife took during the process:
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/image/112358897
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/image/112358903
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/image/112358905
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/image/112358912
During this process we were able to get all our artwork up on the walls, so it’s really feeling like home. The AC guy came by to charge the unit for the first floor, just in time for those 90 degree days, and, we’ve got our library unpacked and put away. Since I haven’t had the luxury of having it all in one place for a number of years, we took advantage of CraigsList to grab a few Billy bookcases locally. Here are some shots of the completed basement library.
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/image/112358907
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/image/112358908
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/image/112358909
http://www.pbase.com/dentontay/image/112358910
(We can’t close the pipe chaise until the final plumbing inspection)
In a couple of weeks I’ll do a final post, detailing the screw-ups we made and things we should have done differently, and that will be it! Time to go back to reading.
Author's Comments
What Bob said, you are allowed to take photos of private property as long as you are on public property ad there is no statute forbidding. Make me wonder about this guy being a DOS employee tho.
Posted by: denton at November 23, 2009 1:26 PM in response to Sunset Park Pier
hey dibs, do you know where I can get (free and regularly, current and historical) info on put and call option volume percentage leaders and top price gainers/losers?
Posted by: denton at November 23, 2009 1:16 PM in response to Open Thread
sf, nothing new in that article. You can always do a small hedge by investing in gold etf's if you're worried.
dibs, I have noticed my TIPS have been creeping up ever so slowly, after doing dick for a coupla years.
Posted by: denton at November 23, 2009 1:14 PM in response to Open Thread
Don't they make pills to prevent this from happening?
Posted by: dirty_hipster at November 23, 2009 9:59 AM
hehe... I was thinking sorta the same thing. I mean, don't most people in upper income brackets have a plan for having kids? Or not?
Posted by: denton at November 23, 2009 1:09 PM in response to Moving From Dyker Hts to a Williamsburg Condo
slopefarm's first answer is spot on. Nevertheless, you bought a piece of something or other that's presumably a half million bucks, a million, or maybe more. You're worried about a few hundred? I'd be more worried if the roof will leak tomorrow. Look ahead, not back.
Posted by: denton at November 23, 2009 1:06 PM in response to Our Closing Experience
".I was told by good friend of mine that he had dental work there very very cheap and far far more advanced technologically than anything he has heard/seen in New York."
All of the Colombian side of the family plans their dental needs around trips to Colombia.
Posted by: denton at November 23, 2009 11:26 AM in response to Open Thread
"this is so against me being a socialist but they have destroyed so much"
Capitalist: Former socialist with a rent-controlled tenant.
Conservative: Former liberal who got mugged.
Posted by: denton at November 20, 2009 6:36 PM in response to severe dammage by tenants
snappy, agreed, but like a lot of the houses down there, it's pretty tiny. I wonder what it is on a psft basis.
Posted by: denton at November 20, 2009 1:36 PM in response to Open House Picks
I didn't see the thread yesterday, just went back to check it out. I don't get the problem, benson.
This is a house in an historic district that was restored as close as is possible using contemporary materials. Yes, maybe we shouldn't laugh at the guy who ruined the building last time because it was the thing to do, but hey, it's a reno blog.
I disagree with your contention that the wealth of the country is in the suburbs. Before there were suburbs, there were cities. The wealth of suburbs flows from cities. Jane Jacobs' 'Cities and the Wealth of Nations' discusses this in detail.
The suburbs may be the biggest market for EIFS building materials, lol, but that's neither here nor there.
Posted by: denton at November 20, 2009 1:12 PM in response to Open Thread
"It's like getting upset with Sports Illustrated because they keep talking about sports. Sheesh."
I like the bathing suit issue.
Posted by: denton at November 20, 2009 12:51 PM in response to Open Thread
agree w ed and jcarch, you can handle changes via editing or addendum.
Posted by: denton at November 20, 2009 11:17 AM in response to AIA contracts
"A man's library is a sort of harem. "
As much as I love my library, I'd trade it for a harem of PLUSA's in a minute.
Posted by: denton at November 20, 2009 10:39 AM in response to Open Thread
How about turkey? That usually does it:
Things You Can Only Say On Thanksgiving day..............
1. Talk about a huge breast!
2. Tying the legs together keeps the inside moist.
3. It's Cool Whip time!
4. If I don't undo my pants, I'll burst!
5. That's one terrific spread!
6. I'm in the mood for a little dark meat.
7. Are you ready for seconds yet?
8. Its a little dry, do you still want to eat it?
9. Just wait your turn, you'll get some!
10. Don't play with your meat.
11. Just spread the legs open n stuff it in.
12. Do you think you'll be able to handle all these people at once?
13. I didn't expect everyone to come all at once!
14. You still have a little bit on your chin.
15. How long will it take after you stick it in?
16. You'll know it's ready when it pops up.
17. Wow, I didn't think I could handle all of that!
18. That's the biggest one I've ever seen.
Posted by: denton at November 19, 2009 3:13 PM in response to Open Thread
Thanks all. the problem with the plexiglass is that on the inside, it is up against a wall, the other sides have light fixtures and other obstructions. And it would need a scaffold to get up there.
Anyway I'll try some combo of bubble wrap, tape, etc. It will be a lot better than nothing.
Meanwhile I'll get my GC here to see if he can see something I am missing, or he may have another idea.
Thanks again!
Posted by: denton at November 19, 2009 3:09 PM in response to Skylite heat loss
I heard JPM is having a hard time subbing the BS space at 1 Metro, and it's a lot of space. Heard they're gonna mothball it if the don't rent it soon. first time since the 70s iirc. Of course they still have to pay the rent.
Posted by: denton at November 19, 2009 11:54 AM in response to Commercial Klutch: November Edition
Thanks dibs, yeah, don't want to lost the light, but the top cap is open like you say. It's great in the summer as it allows heat to escape, but not so great in the winter.
Posted by: denton at November 19, 2009 8:30 AM in response to Skylite heat loss
It's not illegal. You have to install an approved gate that can be opened from the inside. At the same time, the LL has no obligation to install a gate based on your fears. I would ask the LL (not the super) if you could install your own gate. Maybe he'd be willing to share the cost at least.
Re moving, see yesterday's thread :-)
Posted by: denton at November 19, 2009 5:23 AM in response to Bars on Fire Escape Windows
Oh my, I don't have any advice, but I have a lot of sympathy :-)
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 6:37 PM in response to Wood floor disaster
"Denton- Did I read it wrong? I thought it was your fish-laden backpack, not Mrs. D's. Maybe I was so teary from laughing at the theology discussion my eyes blurred."
I own the fish. Mrs. D owns the cat.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 6:34 PM in response to Open Thread
sowhat, you are dreaming. I actually do have a driveway. It's a bit narrow, so I never use it. I park in front of my house, just like my neighbors do. I can go to Lowes or whatever, come back and my spot is there, waiting for me.
But I don't see street parking as an entitlement. Funny how the liberal anti-development types all own cars and expect free parking in front of their houses. And complain when newer arrivals expect the same.
Then again, although I am not perfect, in that I own a car, I try and drive it as little as possible. My car's three years old, I have 15k miles on it. And I have a house upstate.
"I hope your house gets undermined by one of the slim balls"
Thanks Bo, appreciate the sentiment. I, on the other hand, don't wish the same on you.
Seems like everyone in this nabe grew up here. I grew up in Manhattan and have lived in BH, PS, and now here. Parking is a bargain here, as is traffic. Y'all should get out more often.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 6:26 PM in response to Development Watch: 169 16th Street
Thank goodness weed is a natural organic product.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 6:05 PM in response to Wednesday Blogwrap
basil does great in pots, kens. Oregano not bad either.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 4:17 PM in response to Open Thread
"Denton - Sounds as if your cat is smarter than his owner."
I'll pass that along to Mrs. D :-)
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 4:15 PM in response to Open Thread
lechecal, that's cool about the grandfather. I guess it wasn't Charleton Heston?
"Etson--In places where guns are hard to get, like all of Europe, people don't die from guns."
This doesn't work, in Switzerland guns are not hard to get, every family owns a fully automatic assault rifle under the law.
Gun crime is rising in the UK in direct correlation to the confiscation of guns from citizens. But of course the UK is not Europe.
"If guns weren't so easily attainable, kids would resort to old fashioned violence, like fistfights and knives. Not pretty, but generally not lethal.?"
Gotta look at culture, and I don't mean just ghetto culture. Given our history, we have a culture of violence, after all we're in two wars right now. I once saw an interesting study comparing murder in Seattle vs. Vancouver which are two culturally and geographically similar cities. There were more people murdered in Seattle with weapons other than guns (per capita) than there were murdered in Vancouver with all weapons.
We in the US have some work to do, and just a knee-jerk 'ban all the guns' won't solve it. Especially since it will never happen.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 4:10 PM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill
"and if so what to add so doesn't break apart?"
A bit of carpenter's glue in there never hurt anyone. Make sure you use the brown not the white :-)
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:57 PM in response to Open Thread
denton, I've got CL that has kept me in the black today.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 18, 2009 3:49 PM
Nice chart on that today!
I've got a bunch of PG, so no luck for me on that.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:55 PM in response to Open Thread
Kens, I went to Fonda late one night when Mrs. D was out at a corporate dinner (why should see have all the fun). They were jam packed but I took a seat at the bar. I ordered a seafood in soft taco kind of dish. Unfortunately it was served a bit cold. Nevertheless it was good enuf, especially being both new and packed, that I plan to go again.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:49 PM in response to Open Thread
snaps, I have to keep the butter dish in the microwave, the garbage locked up using a variety of implements, and our nice Arts and Crafts pottery collection in a locked display case. Even after that. I think he's cost us at least a grand in broken items of one kind or another.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:46 PM in response to Open Thread
dibs, I usually think Jim Cramer is an ass, but apparently yesterday he talked up all the potash producers. Today TNH is up so high my whole portfolio is in the black even with the dow down...
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:42 PM in response to Open Thread
Hey kens, haven't been back, trying to get to that French place as well, also enjoying Lot2, and have eaten once at the new Mex place on 7th, Fonda (by myself, haven't been with Mrs. D yet).
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:39 PM in response to Open Thread
Do you know what my psycho effin' cat did Monday?
I stopped by the fish store on the way home and picked up a nice piece of Chilean sea bass for dinner. It was all wrapped up tight and in my backpack. When I got home I forgot to take it out of the backpack.
An hour later I went downstairs, and the cat had UNZIPPED the backpack, gotten the fish out of the triple bag, ate half of it, and left the rest for me in the middle of the floor.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:37 PM in response to Open Thread
""It's funny that Park Slope got a hipster sex shop before freewheeling Williamsburg,"
That's a really dumb comment especially since the Pink Pussycat was on 5th Ave long before Babeland...
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:30 PM in response to Coming to Bergen: Mid-Century Furniture Dealer
etson, I told you about that drinking.
Actually you're right. There are maybe a dozen really nice modernist houses in the nabe. But all single family, I can't think of too many nice larger projects except the group down at the end of 7th and maybe one on 18th near PPW.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:26 PM in response to Development Watch: 169 16th Street
snappy, maybe I would get a piece of BB on the table, and then a piece of marble to go on top for dough. You could stash the marble away when you don;t need it. We got a piece of marble from Foro's in the Gowanus. Then we got stone counters and it sits, looking sad, in the laundry room. Maybe if you talk nice to Mrs. D (but not too nice, lol)
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:17 PM in response to Open Thread
Kens, a lot easier with a hammer drill. I have one.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:14 PM in response to Open Thread
"Who the F*&ck is GaySheridaSpellen and what is her problem????"
She looks kinda hot in her facebook profile...
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:11 PM in response to Open Thread
"Rob, stop calling Snappy's momma. "
Hey, I never called Snappy's momma anything!
*Rob*
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:09 PM in response to Open Thread
Snappy, get some maple butcherblock, you can use it for anything. But really, you should be using marble, not wood if you're going to be rolling out dough.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 3:08 PM in response to Open Thread
Architectural nightmare? Maybe.
Traffic nightmare? Give me a break.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 2:48 PM in response to Development Watch: 169 16th Street
"Thanks for the reminder that I need to buy a salad spinner."
Step right into tarjay and get the Martha Stewart version...
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 2:46 PM in response to Atlantic Terminal Station: So Close!
"Many posters here will have to look up "curate."
The newest over-used and offensive word, especially to real curators.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 2:41 PM in response to Coming to Bergen: Mid-Century Furniture Dealer
"Greenwood Heights has a weird gravitational pull it seems for the late 20s/early 30s set. I nearly moved there and for a few hours I was second guessing myself."
jester, it's where all the billyburg wannabees sans trust funds are moving.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 2:36 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
Nice for a young couple. Goes for ask.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 2:31 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 85 8th Avenue, #3R
Sounds more like the super ain't getting paid off by the handyman.
I'd forget about both of them frankly and get someone who hangs out on this site and dispenses valuable information free of charge.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 2:20 PM in response to Faucet-Installing Mom Update
A guy named Vinnie does hip hop gear? Who woulda thunk it?
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 2:18 PM in response to Streetlevel: Vinnie's Styles Opening New Store on Flatbush
It's hard to move as a family (not a student) without incurring expenses. Having said that, I'm more and ENY kinda guy. Planning is all.
"As a student, we always used to just not pay the last month's rent and leave them the security deposit. Since we always left the places in decent condition we never had anyone chase us up."
And of course that's the way New Yorkers do it. That's one way to reduce the nut.Every time I suggest it all the landlords jump all over me. But just look at all the folx screwed by LLs in this thread alone.
Posted by: denton at November 18, 2009 12:18 PM in response to Open Thread
If you stop paying your rent you might hear from him :-)
Posted by: denton at November 17, 2009 8:12 PM in response to Contacting Landlord
Ah, now I know where to go for my indoor pot garden!
Posted by: denton at November 17, 2009 7:56 PM in response to StreetLevel: Gardening Supply Store Opening on Hicks
What's with the cinderblock hating? Can we wait and see what facade is put over before commenting?
Posted by: denton at November 17, 2009 3:00 PM in response to Development Watch: Grandma's House No More
"I don't know where you get it free, denton."
Silverdaddies?
Thanks dibs, I'll look into the suggestion.
Posted by: denton at November 23, 2009 1:31 PM in response to Open Thread