It's kind of a longwinded comparison...

I had someone do the work for me and we found the Peelaway to work best, but we stopped using it for several reasons...

1. while they claim its "non-toxic" the fumes that result from the paste with 100-year old paint are completely noxious and made me feel sick every time I entered the house for several weeks afterwards (this ended after I sprayed it with the vinegar solution to deactivate)
2. The amount of waterproofing necessary took so much time that and never really was sufficient (I started on the 2nd floor of my house and it eventually dripped down to the parlour which totally freaked me out bc I hadn't neutrallized it yet and fear that the chemical will be smoldering for ever and ever...)
3. Cost-- while the silent paint remover is a large 1-time expense ($500 + tools $300), I'd already paid $1000 for peelaway for just one floor, and I had 3 more to go-- so I figured I'd do it with the silent paint remover and sell/rent it out when I was done...

The silent paint remover is truly great, but it also has it's flaws. It is very time intensive and it often takes 2-3 times the same patch to get all the paint off-- other people have had much better experiences with it, but in my house, the contractor really hated using it. He kept on pushing me to use a heat gun but I resisted because of fears of fires in the walls, etc. I pushed him to do it and now he's OK with it...

That said, we have completed the 3 remaining floors and It certainly does have it's benefits, including not really having a smell (besides cooking linseed oil, which we applied beforehand) -- and i'm tempted to start on the doors/stair linoleum/ shutters etc. because it's there and it works and it's truly rewarding to peel off all those layers of paint and expose the beautiful wood that is my house... In terms of lead danger, the silent paint remover definitely creates dust, which is supposedly the most dangerous part of lead paint removal...

I would definitely recommend the silent paint remover over peelaway, but I feel that they both have their uses-- I'm using peelaway on the exterior of my window frames (because I don't want to risk lead chips flying into my garden and my neighbors-- ) but now only using the silent paint remover on the inside.

Hope this helps. In terms of finishing off the wood (sorry for another out of place reference) -- I trekked to the Green Depot building store in greenpoint and bought a quart of matte "glaze" so I'm interested to see how it turns out... I called the waterlox people today and they told me flat out that their product would completely change to color of the wood... which is what I was trying to avoid... I'll update when it comes out.

THANKS FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS!

Posted by: Downing2fam at July 1, 2009 8:59 PM in response to What to Apply after Stripping?

I know a house listed for 600k a block away... it definitely needs a lot of work, but the price is most likely negotiable...
this is prime clinton hill, a whole house, pretty incredible
you can email me for the info nadineiscooler (at) yahoo dot com
plus the coop school is two blocks away...

Posted by: Downing2fam at June 24, 2009 1:04 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

There is another BHS listing on the 7th floor that just came on the market too... http://www.brownharrisstevens.com/detail.aspx?id=1021851
Personally, I'd rather live on the 7th floor, rather than face the common building courtyard.

Posted by: Downing2fam at June 18, 2009 1:27 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 970 Kent Avenue, #107

Another 1-BR (apt. 708) just got listed in this building at $525k for 1001 sq. feet. I wonder if the high floor and reduced price will find a buyer...

http://www.brownharrisstevens.com/detail.aspx?id=1021851

Posted by: Downing2fam at June 11, 2009 1:47 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 970 Kent Avenue,

I had an architectural student do a whole brownstone's survey including outside (front/back) for $1000 cash. He did it in 3 days and it was great... My architect was attempting to bill me over $3000 for this... Let me know if you would like the contact info.

Posted by: Downing2fam at June 3, 2009 8:59 PM in response to How to get floorplanes?

I just called you and now your number doesn't work...! Try my email, now correct, nab204(at)live.com or office 212-925-9220

Posted by: Downing2fam at June 3, 2009 6:05 PM in response to Cast iron double sink

Can you please email me your contact details and availability, I can pick up ASAP! Thanks! nab2049(at)live.com

Posted by: Downing2fam at June 3, 2009 9:17 AM in response to Cast iron double sink

I'm talking about the ugly 70s gates (we have the original ones on the ground level) and I agree that outside, and especially inside gates are ugly-- but since both neighbors on either side have incredibly fortress-like gates and security, I was looking for a source for Landmark approved (old-looking) gates so we won't be the least secured house on the block... I like the little arc like ones ... Anyone know where to get them? or anyone selling their own...?

Posted by: Downing2fam at June 1, 2009 8:44 AM in response to need help getting window gates

by the way, the lead inspector said that there is a lead risk if a child was soaking in warm water for more than 10 minutes and if the child was ingesting some water...

Posted by: Downing2fam at January 29, 2009 3:24 PM in response to Lead in the Bathtub

Thanks Townhouselady! I can't believe I need defending on this... And thank you fenfen for the recommendation. Also, thanks for the leads on un-leading the original one. I didn't know this was possible. These leads are exactly why I asked this forum, I didn't know that CMU was going to take out all their aggression on me...

Yes I had my brownstone tested for lead and I found out what has been repaired in the last 30 years and what hasn't. It saved me from stripping all the radiators, several doors, etc. I decided it was worth 400 dollars to know this before I bought it. And as far as the asbestos goes, yes, I'm also going to have it removed professionally. And is my 2 year old licking the bathtub, no probably not, but he does really enjoy baths and often takes the water in his mouth and spits it at his toys while he sits in the bath, and yes, sometimes I even let him stay in there as long as he wants -- a whole hour sometimes.

CMU, you really are offensive. The whole reason I am buying a brownstone is because I like the old details, etc. but what is the point of not knowing exactly what I'm getting into before I buy?

They tested my 2 year old last year and his lead was not exceeding the max level but high nonetheless, and I'm trying to figure out how to keep him heathy. I let him eat dirt, kiss our dog, etc. but you are truly pathetic for reacting to my posting the way you did. You obviously have other problems most likely more severe than if I am testing my house for lead or replacing an old tub.

good luck to you!

Posted by: Downing2fam at January 29, 2009 3:22 PM in response to Lead in the Bathtub

Hi All,
I said it "seemed" like it would be a great deal from the listing but once I saw the inside I knew -- I also had a contractor and know that it will definitely cost more than 500 k to make it nice-- more like 750k.

This block is super nice, and for a 20 foot wide house, with new mechanicals, and original details, etc. I understand that the market last summer warranted prices around 2.3 million. But its terrible time to buy a shell for this price-- no mortgages, etc. I'd rather buy a house that is done like the 2 family on washington for 1.4m (18 feet wide) instead of deal with renovations, contractors, carrying the house during the work period (1 year) etc.
As far as the broker goes, he listed it on NYTimes, then when my Agent called he said he wouldn't show it to her, because he wasn't co-brokering, then when she said she would send me alone he said he had 30 offers already but hadn\t shown it to anyone...
Yeah right.
I went to see it on the "first day" -- there were 3-4 people but please, I'm sick of brokers acting like it's 2006. I'm surprised it's under contract and I can't imagine it getting more than 600k.

Posted by: Downing2fam at January 28, 2009 5:14 PM in response to House of the Day: 13 South Elliott Place

I saw this about a month ago the first day they showed it. The house seems like a great deal and there was a lot of beautiful woodwork and renovations done at some point-- unfortunately, whomever decided to do the renovations didn't check the roof because there are massive holes in it-- and it looks like it rained in POURED in for more than a year After they did the interior work. This might have happened while it was in some foreclosure/DOJ limbo but There is mold EVERYWHERE and the floors and precious woodwork are completely ruined on the top two floors. Basically, 99% of the house will need to be ripped out because i doubt the foundation is still solid after such water damage and mold (if it even was in the first place). The broker is a real piece of work, too...

Posted by: Downing2fam at January 28, 2009 2:37 PM in response to House of the Day: 13 South Elliott Place

Jersey City sounds great and the weekday commuting times are comparable to Brooklyn.

Can any Jersey City residents (past or present) speak to what it is like when you need to get home late at night?

If it is late and you are drunk in the West Village, taking a cab to Downtown Brooklyn is between $15 and $25. What would cab fare be to Jersey City?

Posted by: CrankyYoungMan at June 24, 2009 3:45 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

Since everyone keeps bringing up Jackson Heights, I have to mention: It does not have townhouses, which is what the OP asked about. However, you can get a spacious and gracious two- or three-bedroom pre-war apt with a shared garden, elevator, and fireplace for $450,000 to $550,000.

Personally, I would prefer a townhouse in Bed Stuy myself, and that's what we're looking for. You will also find two-families in your price range in Ridgewood, but I find the M train unbearable. Two-families in Bushwick are even cheaper, but hard to come by.

I also saw recently saw a brownstone listed online for under $600,000 in Crown Heights near the 4 or 5 trains. It was described as a fixer upper but with all the original details. It may be close enough to Prospect Heights that you have the convenience of the park, the Caribbean takeout places such as The Islands, and that one Mexican place that was reviewed on here recently.

Posted by: mopar at June 24, 2009 3:51 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

I bought for that price range in Bay Ridge. I got a cute 3 bedroom home with a yard and garage. I worried that the transition form Carroll Gardens would be tough, but I love my quiet street, the great restaurants, and the park and water being nearby. Now summer is here and I have a garden. I looked in Windsor--nothing in my price range. Sunset--things in my price range were dumps. And Greenwood, just didn't have much inventory in my price range at the time.

Posted by: Cantaffordcarroll at June 24, 2009 3:55 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

thanks for clarifying that Mopar - I was thinking where are they hiding all these supposed townhouses in jackson heights.

Posted by: dittoburg at June 24, 2009 3:57 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

Oops, wait, I forgot: Jackson Heights has a smattering of standalone and semi-attached houses built in the 1930s. Not many. Probably fewer than 20. I'm not sure what they go for these days.

Posted by: mopar at June 24, 2009 4:13 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

Adam,
Whats rent like in Jersey City?

I been looking for places in Brooklyn, I love it here. Never considered Jersey City, but I did a quick search and it looks nice!

Posted by: guikazoid at June 24, 2009 4:30 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

Mopar -- I saw a listing for a Jackson heights townhouse a year or so ago that was asking either low 800's or high 700's. I think it was maybe on 85th Street. It looked nice from the pictures. I doubt you will find many townhoues between Roosevelt Ave and Northern Blvd for under 700K, even post-Lehman.

As for Forest Hills, there are some small standalone houses (16' wide or so) for under 700K the farther away from the LIRR you get -- maybe 15 minutes walking.

Posted by: Boerumresident at June 24, 2009 5:12 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

Glendale or Middle Village, in Queens. Transport is kinda tough, as its a bus-subway connection to midtown, but the M goes downtown.

Safe, and Trader Joe's!

Posted by: bugleg at June 24, 2009 6:51 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

I agree with the other Bay Ridge posts. We've been renting here for a while, and now with two young children decided to buy in the neighborhood. We're in contract on a 3BR house west of 3rd Ave with outdoor space and a garage and paid just under $600k. Needs a little work, but very livable. I work in midtown and the commute is not that bad, restaurants are great and lots of parks for the kids. Good Luck!

Posted by: nyj85 at June 24, 2009 9:26 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

I am not clear how you can compare these two neiboughhood. Bayridge one of the safest places in Brooklyn. Bedsty - the oposite. I once walked down the Myrtle ave. The shop had bars so homeless will not steal the shopping carts. And some teens thew rocks and bottles at me (I am white). Or just check the murder map bellow.

Bayridge established itself for long time. Has decent schools, etc. Bedstay - the opposite.

Posted by: bobjohn at June 24, 2009 10:40 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?