HurricaneKate's Profile
- Kate Kelly
- forever...
- 2007
- Brooklyn
- Crown Heights
- House
- Female
Author's Posts
February 28, 2010
Heat Not Working
Heat was working on Friday morning and worked last night - after I fiddled around with thermostat. I have no idea what is what on the boiler. Just switched the boiler off and then on. And heard click sound. Anything I should check for to try and troubleshoot?
Boiler is probably around 20 years old, my guess and looks a bit rusty in places.
October 1, 2009
Replace Door Handles
Would like to replace all my doors handles which are cheapies with one that I bought in Anthropologie (on sale). However it seems that the bar is too long. Can I bring these to a hardware to get cut to right size? Or will I need a professional to perform this task.
K
May 29, 2009
Safety latches on iron grates
Am trying to re-finance. Thought everything was "in the bag" but received a request from the mortgage specialist.
-OPUS REQUIRED REPAIRS (SAFETY LATCHES ON WINDOW BARS)
When I phoned to ask what this was, I was told that I would need safety latches on the iron grates which are on the windows of the ground floor of the house. Apparently, in case of fire, one would need to be able to climb out the window on the ground floor.
I feel like I am partaking in a really bad computer game (games which I never play!) or am on a very moronic version of the "Amazing Race". Anyone experienced this hurdle?
K
March 2, 2009
Radiator covers
I thought I would chance this - who knows? I am looking for radiator covers for your average under the window radiators in brownstone of course. I can't believe I chucked mine 8 years ago but now would like to provide my tenants with them, as requested, since they will have a newborn very soon.
Otherwise can anyone recommend someone who make these and give me price estimate.
Many thanks in advance,
Kate
December 23, 2008
Rug cleaner
I have searched and found a few recommendations. However, would like to know roughly how much a very large rug costs to get cleaned. A guess - 12x15 or 18.
Thx
K
October 15, 2008
carpet for stairs
Has anyone used a company to supply and fit carpet for stairs only? Would like to have durable carpet (or sisal?) on each floor for sound reduction. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Author's Comments
I need to renovate a small bathroom - 40 square feet floor area - and tiling in shower area. Would this be enough? If so, can you provide email address.
thx
Kate
Posted by: HurricaneKate at January 22, 2010 2:17 PM in response to Free Grout
Only today I consulted with a friend regarding replacing my tub in the rental apartment with just a walk in shower. He said if that is only bathroom, I should install a tub - better for resale. Just my two cents!
Posted by: HurricaneKate at January 21, 2010 5:17 PM in response to Tub -> Shower only in Studio
Check out Overstock.com - shipping costs 2.95.
Posted by: HurricaneKate at January 13, 2010 12:13 PM in response to place to buy area rugs?
I read somewhere a while back that an onion - halfed - left in a room will absorb odors. Worth a try. Also a bowl of vinegar should help, another bit of info I picked up over the years! I would just wipe the inside with vinegar and lemon juice before leaving onion in overnight. Mixed greens optional.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at December 17, 2009 4:46 PM in response to Mothball Odor?
Lovely job. Is he expensive? I need someone to correct badly laid bricks in the garden....he didn't use a leveller!
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at December 8, 2009 5:19 PM in response to Recommending contractor
Happened to me about 7 or 8 years ago. They had to dig up front garden, remove railing and dig part of sidewalk. It just took them the day. I used Harris Plumbing on Atlantic Ave and paid them $8,000. harriswatermainandsewers.com
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at November 19, 2009 3:50 PM in response to Broken Sewer Main
Can you let me know which company does this? And what would be a fair price?
Thx
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at November 16, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Stripping facade paint
HurricaneKate wrote a review about Casa Rosa on November 16, 2009 2:01 PM
Passed by there last Sat. What's with the huge TV by the bar at the back?
and what the hourly is....
thx
Posted by: HurricaneKate at October 26, 2009 3:06 PM in response to Handy Man Recommendation
and that the hourly rate is.
Thx
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at October 26, 2009 3:06 PM in response to Handy Man Recommendation
8 windows for $5420. pine interior and vinyl exterior. i chose bronze color at no extra cost together with bronze hardware and almond jambliner. they are trimline DR200 windows. is price because they are not standard size - 82 being being the longest, 62 the shortest. they come with screens.
it just seems that 6K for 31 is complete deal!
Posted by: HurricaneKate at October 16, 2009 3:36 PM in response to Window We Are
I have contracted with Windows We Are to do 8 windows, with pine interior. Works out about 860 for 82" parlor floor windows and 710 for 62". It takes about 4 weeks for the order. Just call them, no harm to get an estimate.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at October 2, 2009 5:11 PM in response to Windows - Recs and Prices
I heard Carpet warehouse on Atlantic is reasonable. I ended up using Alto steps which were pricey but look good.
Posted by: HurricaneKate at October 1, 2009 12:51 PM in response to Recarpet Common Stairwell
Am so happy to read this. I have contracted for them to install 8 windows for me. Canno wait to see what they look like.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at September 25, 2009 1:45 PM in response to Windows We Are
Easy to just leave the light on with a long life/energy saving bulb!
Posted by: HurricaneKate at September 21, 2009 4:38 PM in response to Outdoor Lighting
Instead of jumping "headlong" into all this, I would just replace the windows so that heating bills are kept to a minimum. Windows We Are gave me a good estimate. The kitchen and bathroom can wait till next Spring and you can get a few estimates between now and then. Plus you will get to see condition of stoop after the Winter blows through!
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at September 17, 2009 4:43 PM in response to Starting to Consider a Reno
Make sure both are employed and check with their listed employers directly. At least if one of them loses his/her job, there is something to fall back on!
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at September 14, 2009 2:56 PM in response to Choosing a Tenant?
Had Windows we Are over for a quote. Trimline DR200 - 8 windows - pine interior/vinyle exterior. I am indecisive about chosing a) interior western pine with vinyl exterior. Black exterior vinyl is 15 percent more. If they had bronze or earthtone available at no extra charge should I go for bronze or earthone. It's 300 cheaper for all vinyl windows which would drop price alot with 8 windows in total. Any advice, design wisdom would be most appreciated!
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at September 11, 2009 1:36 PM in response to Windows: Advice please
I had a quote from smart closet - around $1,500 for an 8ftx9ft space with lots of rooms for hanging clothes. shall i do it or shop around. some friends say go for ikea and get a carpenter but am not sure about that - wasting time, no warranty, etc.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at September 9, 2009 5:51 PM in response to Closet Design
If you take good pics...as a last resort you could try listing on homeaway.com or vrbo.com. That may tie you over for a while with sporadic rentals. I had to lower mine by 10 percent recently and feel lucky that I had the chance to do just that. My tenants are happy where they are.
Posted by: HurricaneKate at September 1, 2009 5:34 PM in response to Question for Landlords
Yes it can.
As I recall, he needs to put in a box to house electrical wires and one that has bars that will ensure fan stays where it is. $100 very reasonable.
Posted by: HurricaneKate at August 24, 2009 3:48 PM in response to ceiling fan installation
Yes it can. As I recall, he will need to install a box with bars to make fan is secure. $100 is very reasonable.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at August 24, 2009 3:47 PM in response to ceiling fan installation
http://www.brownstoner.com/forum/archives/2009/05/safety_latches.php
just search "safety" on the forum. I got my re-financing without having to do anything by arguing that it was not a fire hazard (ground floor egress). I sent links that were on b'stoner to them.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at August 12, 2009 12:42 PM in response to Window Security Grills/Bars
Gemini
If you want a cat, I am trying to find a home for one or two of mine. I have a total of five. I know. I took them in from outside and had they spayed. All I can tell you is they are great to have around a garden. I have never had a rodent problem seeing for myself that they catch the "mices" before they come inside.
Posted by: HurricaneKate at August 6, 2009 5:38 PM in response to Garden Apartments & Pests
HurricaneKate wrote a review about Pomme de Terre on August 3, 2009 1:01 PM
Was there last night with 3 friends. Wonderful basic menu. They had run out of steak au poivre since they were busy on Sat. Was no phased by that. Had the skirt steak which was delicious. Pork osso bucco, calamari, delicious, roast chicken looked good too. All and all, a great experience.
Will go back there again, the frites look amazing!
Dave - who did your facade? Need the paint stripped from mine to reveal limestone.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at July 30, 2009 5:12 PM in response to Painted Limestone
HurricaneKate wrote a review about Sidecar on July 27, 2009 5:26 PM
Ate there a long time ago, likely when they first opened. Had excellent fried chicken!
BH76
Can you give me the name of your painter? Just need a room to be painted with second coat and ceiling.
thx
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at July 24, 2009 5:00 PM in response to Painter's Price
I have the Bosch Axxis stackable. But clearly made a mistake getting the condensation dryer. Can I change to a gas dryer? Takes light years to dry clothes...so I generally hang clothes on the line as a result. Nothing like crunchy towels.
Posted by: HurricaneKate at July 23, 2009 2:19 PM in response to Washer + Dryer Recs?
I have the Bosch Axxis stackable. But clearly made a mistake getting the condensation dryer. Can I change to a gas dryer? Takes light years to dry things...so I generally hang clothes on the line as a result. Nothing like crunchy towels.
Posted by: HurricaneKate at July 23, 2009 2:18 PM in response to Washer + Dryer Recs?
I made the point that they were on the ground floor which had to doors, back and front, and they were not a fire hazard. I believe I searched on this site and sent them codes, etc. from someone who had had the same problem.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at July 13, 2009 11:40 AM in response to Safety latches on iron grates
They were a blessing during the subway strike!
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at July 13, 2009 11:32 AM in response to 'Sup with those black van taxis?
what happened to having a cat that was a "mouser"?
Sad, machines taken over animals as well as humans!
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at July 9, 2009 1:09 PM in response to Try this for rodents
Ratzapper? - what happened to owning a cat that is a "mouser"?
Sad machines taking over cats also..
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at July 9, 2009 1:08 PM in response to Try this for rodents
just purchased a supentown 60 pint one on overstock.com last week. works very well. $236.72 - use promo code 14282 at checkout for the extra 7% off!
k
Posted by: HurricaneKate at July 9, 2009 12:54 PM in response to dehumidifiers
Update
This was resolved. No need to remove iron gates for windows on ground floor or install safety latches. Am closing today at 3pm.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at June 12, 2009 1:20 PM in response to Safety latches on iron grates
Dave
Would love to see pics and see what the final price was for work done. Have been on the fence for a while about re-doing facade or painting. Would like to get some who knows what they're doing and are reasonable. Too much to ask, perhaps.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at June 4, 2009 11:37 AM in response to varying color of brownstones
Just posted re: my grip with WF and the bars on windows.
BrooklynRooster - did you resolve this?
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at May 29, 2009 4:00 PM in response to security bars a & codes?
Just posted re: my grip with WF and the bars on windows.
BrooklynRooster - did you resolve this?
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at May 29, 2009 4:00 PM in response to security bars a & codes?
thanks Dave - let me see if I can find it.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at May 29, 2009 3:44 PM in response to Safety latches on iron grates
I have a 2 month out clause also.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at May 14, 2009 2:43 PM in response to Lease mystery
I have used Public Storage. Reasonable rates and $1 for first month!
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at May 14, 2009 12:17 PM in response to Storage
I paid 8K about 5 years ago. Used Harris Plumbing on Atlantic Avenue.
Posted by: HurricaneKate at May 13, 2009 11:57 AM in response to Sewer issues
I paid 8K about 5 years ago. Used Harris Plumbing on Atlantic Avenue.
Posted by: HurricaneKate at May 13, 2009 11:57 AM in response to Sewer issues
A few were installed on our block (Eastern Parkway/Crown Heights) recently but they stopped half way! Better than nothing at all. Was wondering who did it! I have ordered the seeds from 21stcenturyplowshare@gmail.com so will be doing my part in respect.
Posted by: HurricaneKate at April 24, 2009 11:35 AM in response to Good News for Montague Trees
A few were installed on our block (Eastern Parkway/Crown Heights) recently but they stopped half way! Better than nothing at all. Was wondering who did it! I have ordered the seeds from 21stcenturyplowshare@gmail.com so will be doing my part in respect.
Posted by: HurricaneKate at April 24, 2009 11:34 AM in response to Good News for Montague Trees
Fake snakes useless also? Missed my chance to become the helpless female (drat!).
Whom do I contact to put spikes on the ledges?
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at April 21, 2009 2:31 PM in response to Pigeons!
BTW - my next door neighbor put an owl on her roof. I could swear it attracted more pigeons!
Posted by: HurricaneKate at April 21, 2009 1:12 PM in response to Pigeons!
I had a roofer recently repair my roof and he recommended putting plastic snakes on the roof and whatever ledges there are. He said the pigeons will not even fly over your roof if they see them. Have not done this yet since I hate snakes - yes, even plastic ones, so I will need to get someone to order online for me - yes, very sad!
Posted by: HurricaneKate at April 21, 2009 1:11 PM in response to Pigeons!
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
You might be able to get something in the basement of ABC too.
Posted by: stoppedlurking at January 13, 2010 1:10 PM in response to place to buy area rugs?
I bought some really nice ones from www.rugman.com Their orientals are pretty nice....steer clear of the really cheap ones and you won't get that bad machine made texture.
I got a great stair runner from www.rugdepot.com
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at January 13, 2010 1:11 PM in response to place to buy area rugs?
Overstock looks interesting, but it isn't clear to me how you arrange delivery. I need to arrange for delivery when I'm home (e.g., weekends) and have the guys get the carpets up a flight of stairs for me.
I assume Ikea has some kind of reasonable local delivery service?
Posted by: northsloperenter at January 13, 2010 1:18 PM in response to place to buy area rugs?
I strongly recommend ABC basement + a cab home. The clearance section at ABC has some great selections especially with the smaller rugs. The 10 x 14 will be harder to find.
Posted by: kensingtonka at January 13, 2010 1:57 PM in response to place to buy area rugs?
Carpet Warehouse on Atlantic has a really good selection and good prices, if you want to buy in person.
Posted by: herkimermaid at January 13, 2010 2:47 PM in response to place to buy area rugs?
And don't forget Pottery Barn -- they've actually got good quality rugs at decent prices, and they deliver via UPS.
Posted by: Park Sloper at January 14, 2010 12:13 PM in response to place to buy area rugs?
I would say 90% of my clients replace their tubs with showers. I cannot even remember someone changing from a shower to a tub.
Jock deBoer, AIA
deBoer Architects
Posted by: jockdeboeraia at January 21, 2010 6:39 PM in response to Tub -> Shower only in Studio
i renovated a 2-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom house 5 years ago with a shower only - we initially had the same concerns, but sold easily. i currently own a condo, the entire building has actually only showers and all units are sold. both places are in park slope.
Posted by: msylke at January 21, 2010 9:17 PM in response to Tub -> Shower only in Studio
I don't think a tub is necessary for a studio at all. A gorgeous spa-like shower with fancy showerheads would do much better for resale in a small studio.
Posted by: traditionalmod at January 22, 2010 8:54 AM in response to Tub -> Shower only in Studio
Considering it's a studio and it's in NYC, I don't think changing a tub to just a shower should really make a difference when you try and sell.
Like someone here said, if it's a really nice spa-like shower or a really great renovation, that will be good enough to attract buyers if the bathroom is updated and nice.
Posted by: NYGuy7 at January 22, 2010 10:23 AM in response to Tub -> Shower only in Studio

I see Tsarina got in before me....also my apartment is not available until around mid-April - bright top floor, soon to be renovated after present tenants move out (March 14). If still interested my email is kellyk437@yahoo.com. Pet allowed also. Best of luck.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at February 5, 2010 2:53 PM in response to landlord issues