Of course all the architects doubling as wall street brokers will be applying.

Posted by: Iknow at November 15, 2008 8:53 PM in response to Calling All Archetects and Engineers

A good imagination and a little testosterone can make up for that 40% lost to the weather.

Posted by: Iknow at November 15, 2008 8:51 PM in response to Closing Bell: Six More Fleas Left This Season!

Wow,I didn't know that ghosts decreased the value of a house by one million dollars.

Posted by: Iknow at November 3, 2008 11:12 AM in response to Clinton Avenue Haunted Mansion Now 25% Cheaper

Wow I didn't realize only the top 1% of the wealthiest can afford cars in Brooklyn. That boro is poorer than I, or anyone, imagined. So where did you get those stats bklyn4life?

Posted by: Iknow at October 17, 2008 9:16 AM in response to Quote of the Day

I sold Elvis disguised as a lamp several weeks ago.

Posted by: Iknow at October 16, 2008 11:11 AM in response to Flea of the Conchords

If a business can survive because the overhead is cheaper, then I wouldn't call it poaching. I doubt that Manhattan commercial rents will fall enough to make a difference for certain businesses.

Posted by: Iknow at October 15, 2008 9:09 AM in response to Brooklyn to Manhattan: Dukes Up for Jobs

Make sure the wire that shows is similar to the wire that was used during that period. It's always a give away when an DIY repairs a turn of the century lamp with vinyl instead of cloth wire.

Posted by: Iknow at October 13, 2008 1:36 PM in response to Who does lamp repair?

The graph may also reflect that houses worth less are not going on the market and the higher end prices are. What is the median price?

Posted by: Iknow at October 9, 2008 1:44 PM in response to Average Prices Up in BK, Inventory Down

Since when is spelling a requirement for success? Sounds like you should do your own cleaning if you are that picky or just hire someone with an English PhD. She has a great idea and there is always someone with some negative crap to add their insignificant nonsense.

Posted by: Iknow at October 3, 2008 1:32 PM in response to Details on the Brooklyn Take-Out Taxi

I love watching this. Some agent fishes for a high offering price and the buyer gets it 5-10% lower and they think it's a bargain. The days of bidding wars are over with rare exception. I'm sure quite a few of those who overbid are sorry now.

Posted by: Iknow at October 3, 2008 1:27 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

Is that the ONLY filter that will work? I used to buy aquainsana but it drove me insane with it's own impurities, so I finally switched.

I'm sorry to be so sarcastic in the morning, but it sounded like a commercial from the 50's.

Posted by: Iknow at October 3, 2008 9:23 AM in response to Water Filters, Vital Product of Home.

I think you should look and compare for the price you are paying. I like the comment from rh. I'm a landlord too and I value good tenants: both commercial and residental and I raise rents based on how much my taxes, insurance and utilites go up rather than on market rates. I like to keep good tenants. So there is a lot of advice out there but if you have an alternative place that you can move to, then your bargaining hand is stronger -- but not a guarantee. Don't try to bluff because if they call you, either you are forced to move out from embarrassment or you look like a liar.

Posted by: Iknow at October 2, 2008 9:30 AM in response to Standard rent increase??

It's impossible for any of us to know how good or bad such a bill really is. These are thousands or at least hundreds of pages long and some parts are probably so vague. Of course we are all connected; however, when someone with a modest 401K or pension reads that a CEO gets mucho millions after his company goes down the shitter and the shareholders have worthless stock, we all wonder who is going to get fat over this. Is there language that they should be the last in line to get the money and not first?

Posted by: Iknow at October 2, 2008 9:21 AM in response to Quote of the day

It's egg and dart. FYI.

Posted by: Iknow at September 30, 2008 3:47 PM in response to Free Egg & Dot Tin

A boiler that runs on heating oil essentially is a diesel, so that is the first on the list.

Posted by: Iknow at September 30, 2008 3:46 PM in response to Diesel Exhaust Smell inside apt

I think the person who sold it to you should be knowledgeable enough to recommend what to do. I think either hardiboard if it is fairly level or you can use a self leveling cement. At that price do you really want to do it yourself? Do you feel confident enough to make a costly mistake? This isn't your usual DIY.

Posted by: Iknow at September 30, 2008 3:44 PM in response to Installing floor mural/tile persian rug

If you want an exceptional garden, then you should incorporate some unique architectural salvage. We have one of the copper dormers for sale that came off the Carnegie Mansion and you can own a piece of history and have this incredible element in your garden. We actually have two and are putting one in our home we just purchased on the Hudson. You can view it on our website. Go to the Brooklyn Flea link and look for Silver Fox under Architectural Salvage or google Silver Fox architectural salvage. We also carry Iron gates from England, old brass beds, etc. that can enhance any garden. Fred from Silver Fox

Posted by: Iknow at September 30, 2008 3:30 PM in response to landscape architect needed

Oh I thought it was a door man building that was converting and losing some of those high paying jobs (and I'm not kidding the way you have to tip to get something done in NY). WHen I moved upstate and the maintenance guy came in to fix something I went to tip him and he asked what that was.

Posted by: Iknow at September 25, 2008 4:20 PM in response to Inside Third & Bond: Week 55

You can get a large brownstone or row house for $350,000 in Albany. I have a place right on the Hudson river for $170,000. Location, location, location. The truth is that people in NYC spend way too much money relative to their income on housing. As someone who used to live in New York (UES) and watching the whole situation over the years, I have to put a large part of the blame on the buyers who often went on bidding wars that fueled the problem. Sure some made lots of money but others are stuck with big overhead for just a place to live.

Posted by: Iknow at September 25, 2008 4:17 PM in response to House of the Day: 186 Washington Avenue

$1,000.00 seems like a lot of money. Oh it's New York City and contractors believe in the P.J. Barnum philosophy. How about charging fairly for time, material and reasonable profit.

Posted by: Iknow at September 25, 2008 4:09 PM in response to Polyurethane on Concrete

There goes another couple of jobs.

Posted by: Iknow at September 25, 2008 1:44 PM in response to Inside Third & Bond: Week 55

I find it incredible that people take the shuttle for commuting and then complain about the schedule. It wasn't set up, I'm sure at great expense, to accommodate people with no intention of shopping. I think cmu has a solution, but $1.00 isn't going to make a difference.

Posted by: Iknow at September 25, 2008 10:49 AM in response to Thursday Links

Pay her commission in pennies.

Posted by: Iknow at September 25, 2008 10:32 AM in response to love the apartment, hate the broker

Thanks for all the help. I think two stops on Satuday I listed above is about the limit. We will return in October and then try two other locations. If you look at our website (just check the link on Brooklyn FLea for Silver Fox) you can contact us by phone or email and request us to bring something down that may be listed on the site. Much of what we have may not be listed. We just hired someone part time to upload pictures. On Saturday, come down and meet us, say hello, bring your questions. Thanks. Fred & Camille from Silver Fox

Posted by: Iknow at September 25, 2008 8:26 AM in response to Best Block for Brownstone Renovation

Bob, I missed the previous post. Camille and I remember you and your wife well. See you Saturday.

Posted by: Iknow at September 24, 2008 3:13 PM in response to Best Block for Brownstone Renovation

Me too. Thanks Bob.

Posted by: Iknow at September 24, 2008 3:12 PM in response to Best Block for Brownstone Renovation

We will be there at 10am and stay for about two hours then probably our next stop will be Midwood between Bedford and Flatbush. Check out our website's front page (link in on Brooklyn Flea) for details as we figure this out. Thanks for the help Fred from Silver Fox

Posted by: Iknow at September 24, 2008 2:10 PM in response to Best Block for Brownstone Renovation

We have been selling our own line of furniture and home decor made from vintaged woods and architectural salvage elements since the flea opened with success. Though it is an addition to our line of antiques and architectural salvage, we find it is popular with the 20 - 30 year olds who are looking for one-of-a-kind items and getting away from the big box we all look alike Ikea syndrome. I hope the flea will become a destination for those who truly believe their home can be a reflection of their taste. Fred from Silver Fox

Posted by: Iknow at September 24, 2008 12:41 PM in response to Fab Furniture Fest @ Ze Flea!

We have a similar mantle in our shop and listed $650.00 as the retail price. I find it interesting that so many on here and on Craig's list try to sell things at high retail and are disappointed that there are few takers. Personal sellers don't have the overhead of a salvage yard (usually $80,000 to $100,000 per year) and really should be offering items at wholesale prices to start which is usually 1/2 starting retail value. Look how many people are trying to sell radiators for $300.00 on here. Fred from Silver Fox

Posted by: Iknow at September 24, 2008 12:35 PM in response to Fireplace Mantle For Sale

We have a similar mantle in our shop and listed $650.00 as the retail price. I find it interesting that so many on here and on Craig's list try to sell things at high retail and are disappointed that there are few takers. Personal sellers don't have the overhead of a salvage yard (usually $80,000 to $100,000 per year) and really should be offering items at wholesale prices to start which is usually 1/2 starting retail value. Look how many people are trying to sell radiators for $300.00 on here. Fred from Silver Fox

Posted by: Iknow at September 24, 2008 12:33 PM in response to Fireplace Mantle For Sale

I doubt the lawyers are the next bunch of high end home buyers. There are probably too many of them given the number of mediocre law schools that graduate too many lawyers all competing for that limited pie.

Posted by: Iknow at September 24, 2008 12:18 PM in response to Mad Men Moving to Wall Street Digs?

We may be interested. Please send some close-up photos to silverfoxenterprises@nycap.rr.com or call 518-265-1836 Thanks. Fred from Silver Fox. We will be in Brooklyn this Saturday with our Salvage Mobile displaying some of our salvage, handing our flyers and perhaps we can view it then. I'll post the block we will be on later today or tomorrow the latest. Thanks. Fred

Posted by: Iknow at September 24, 2008 10:20 AM in response to Giant Carved Wooden "Alter" -- Looking for new home

How does this relate to brownstone Brooklyn?

Posted by: Iknow at September 24, 2008 9:27 AM in response to pearl jewelry

I guess they are plaster. I'm not sure if this is the answer, but I salvaged a house that had a fire and the paint just peeled off the ceiling medalion. Keep in mind that the paint is probably lead based, but they do make a heat stripper that works below the lead vaporization temperature.

Posted by: Iknow at September 24, 2008 9:26 AM in response to stripping ceiling medallion

We are stopping for such a short time in Manhattan just to deliver, that it won't be possible. Besides, they are so ticket happy there that I dread even stopping. Sorry townhouser.

Posted by: Iknow at September 24, 2008 8:18 AM in response to Salvage Mobile's 1st Stop on Saturday: Where to Go

Let the cats in the basement and keep some good ripe kitty litter there as well. Where there is one, there are many and natural preditors are deterrents.

Posted by: Iknow at September 23, 2008 12:01 PM in response to Rats

Congrats. Regarding that yard, we can help you decorate with great salvage and statuary. See us at Brooklyn FLea on Oct. 5th (look at their site and click on our website) or visit our Salvage Mobile next Saturday (not sure which block yet). Thanks. Fred from Silver Fox

Posted by: Iknow at September 23, 2008 11:58 AM in response to Congratulations to me?

We do both, but our main reason for coming down to Brookly is for selling. We currently come to Brooklyn Flea once a month and will be there on Oct 5th, but salvage hasn't sold there and many things are large. Since our prices are low compared to NYC prices, there can be significant savings if we have what people need.

Posted by: Iknow at September 23, 2008 10:42 AM in response to Rats

Hi David, the Salvage Mobile is coming down on Saturday from around 10am until 2 pm. Any thoughts on the first block to stop on? We are looking for one with a few brownstone renovations (or gut jobs) going on. Thanks. Fred

Posted by: Iknow at September 23, 2008 10:03 AM in response to Rats

Thanks Bob.

Posted by: Iknow at September 23, 2008 9:59 AM in response to Salvage Mobile's 1st Stop on Saturday: Where to Go

Big Cats.

Posted by: Iknow at September 23, 2008 9:03 AM in response to Rats

It depends on the weight and if there are any other metals. If the copper is not mixed with other metals you will get more per pound. The last time I scrapped copper it was close to $3.00 per pound.

Posted by: Iknow at September 23, 2008 8:16 AM in response to need to update an old copper water heater - how much is this worth?

So many people talk about supporting these small local businesses, then get online to save two bucks. Bookstores need a lot of square footage and if you sell used books, you need an online presence. Did you know that between B&N and Borders, they have locked up 90% of the retail (not counting online). So put your money where your blog mouth is.

Posted by: Iknow at September 19, 2008 1:02 PM in response to Fort Greene Bookstore Has Support, Needs Space

Is it a teacher or a librarian? Cast your vote today.

Posted by: Iknow at August 21, 2008 10:03 AM in response to A Different Kind of Neighborhood Watch on E. 7th Street

Tell them to stop using cellphones and there will not be a need for towers. Everyone wants them but they don't want the towers in their back yards. They should move upstate where whole communities can't get service.

Posted by: Iknow at August 21, 2008 9:49 AM in response to Air Rights and Cell Towers War in Bay Ridge

What about originals? I may have the second pic. What are the dimensions? You can link us from the Brooklyn Flea website and look for Silver Fox. Fred from Silver Fox

Posted by: Iknow at August 14, 2008 8:41 PM in response to Door plates

Do you really think the consensus on that question is going to help you? No one knows.

Posted by: Iknow at August 14, 2008 8:36 PM in response to Park Slope housing prices - 12 months from now.

French Doors aren't generic. Some have a different number of panes, others are made with beveled glass, different woods include oak, pine, chestnut (antique) and occasionally cherry. You also cannot compare a set with a genuine antique patina to those from Lowe's. French Doors are some of our biggest sellers and we rarely keep a pair for more than 3 weeks before they are sold (then again our prices range from $325 to $500 for the pair and cheaper than most). Right now we just took out a pair of pocket doors from an arts and crafts house and the panes rest horizontally, not vertically (i.e., the are wider than they are tall. Unfortunately we don't have two pair for sale, but depending on what type of house you are looking to outfit, focusing on a few salvage yards may yield authentic doors to fit your needs. Fred from Silver Fox

Posted by: Iknow at August 14, 2008 8:12 PM in response to French Doors

Don't you hate it when someone offers something and doesn't post the price or reply.

Posted by: Iknow at August 12, 2008 9:06 PM in response to Radiators Available

If I were the burned bidder I would offer one dollar less than the asking price and then not sign the contract.

Posted by: Iknow at August 12, 2008 5:48 PM in response to Shenanigans at 279 Clermont Avenue?

You need to know they work without leaks. Do you know if they came from a house that was heated? Is a guy heading for the scrap yard going to tell you that? They are heavy and you don't want to be stuck with one you can't use. Especially to save $80.00.

Posted by: Iknow at August 11, 2008 10:07 PM in response to Cast iron radiator

About $100 to $200.

Posted by: Iknow at August 11, 2008 6:02 PM in response to Cast iron radiator

Keep in mind that if you use subcontractors and they don't have workmen's comp. insurance, you will be liable at an audit.

Posted by: Iknow at August 8, 2008 10:10 PM in response to How to Become a Licensed Contractor

Is this Ole Man Goota Moolah syndrome and doesn't know what to do with it? I think the whole thread he started was a joke.

Posted by: Iknow at August 8, 2008 10:07 PM in response to HELP!

Despite how much you originally paid and what you sell it for, the profit margin isn't as great as some people think. Who really keeps track of the upkeep of a home: repairs, landscaping, fuel, insurance, taxes (though in Brooklyn it's peanuts), upgrades, etc. and factors that into the final selling price? Very few. So no one buying a house today is going to see the price double in 7 years. Buy because you want to live there for a while and it's not going to break you. I live in upstate NY and buying a property on the Hudson river for under 200K. I downsized my car for fuel efficiency and that almost pays for itself, I look at every expense and see where I can make a change. I don't count on real estate as my future despite owning several income producing rental properties. Buy with your head not over it.

Posted by: Iknow at August 8, 2008 9:59 PM in response to Auction Time for 306 St. James Place

Seems like an overall good marketing plan. It's generating interest. The question is will it generate revenue? Either way, kudos for getting it out there.

Posted by: Iknow at August 8, 2008 2:22 PM in response to Bird Blog: Week 13

The subway system should focus on offering afforable advertising to local businesses and stop trying to please the big corporations. Disney doesn't make a neighborhood, but great local shops and restaurants do. If you have facial hair you can't work for Disney (hey didn't Walt have facial hair)? Disney has hypnotized your children to raid your pockets.

Posted by: Iknow at August 8, 2008 11:15 AM in response to Friday Links

FinanceGuy is incorrect. Juries do award money when malpractice isn't proven. The reality is insurance companies put a limit on the number of deliveries. Exceed that number and the preium can more than double. Most doctors fill their quota by June. OBGYN loses money and Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies don't make up enough to cover the expenses, despite women being discharged from the hospital a day or two after delivery. Only here can the government tell an industry it can lose money. They don't buy cars from GM less than manufacturing price but do pay hospitals less than it cost them for certain procedures. For those in business, would you keep your biggest losing component or focus on the segments that keep you afloat?

Posted by: Iknow at August 7, 2008 4:32 PM in response to Public Officials, Community Members Rally 'Round LICH

Just like people have cut back on driving, it's time to lower the thermostat and wear sweaters inside. What about the practice of NYC schools that run heat during the spring and summer so they can keep their annual alloment up. Is that still done? I haven't lived in NYC for over a decade and it was common practice in the past.

Posted by: Iknow at August 6, 2008 10:42 AM in response to Wednesday Links

I guess with the number of sales and sales prices going down they have to keep up their lifestyle somehow. If enough people balked, then perhaps they would lower their fees.

Posted by: Iknow at August 6, 2008 10:34 AM in response to Spiking Broker Fees in Williamsburg

You can stand on a soapbox, but I guess you can't sit on a milk crate.

Posted by: Iknow at August 5, 2008 1:22 PM in response to Closing Bell: Fighting Unwanted Fliers

To the person who said put them in the mail slot, that is not legal as per the post office. They lose out on bulk mailings. Technically they can fine you. So if you were really clever, and this would apply to the attorney, put them in the mail box and call the post office authorities and let them get fined. Now of course I wouldn't recommend that, but just imagining the scenario. One thing not mentioned -- if it didn't work they wouldn't keep doing it, so it must have some value to some people. As for the tenant who doesn't believe in sharing the responsibility of cleaning up after them, I hope I never rent to you. It's that attitude that keeps the city filthy.

Posted by: Iknow at August 5, 2008 11:14 AM in response to Closing Bell: Fighting Unwanted Fliers

It's unfortunate that a rep from the church didn't come; however, it did give you more time.

Posted by: Iknow at August 4, 2008 7:25 PM in response to Radio Radio!

Never heard of it but some contractors have a clause if their prices go up (especially now with asphalt which changes every 14 days). I've never heard of anything for the homeowner. Since you haven't signed the contractor (s) yet, then you can have language that they incur penalties if they go over the projected time. Of course if you are constantly making change orders, that's not going to fly.

Posted by: Iknow at August 4, 2008 7:11 PM in response to construction budget insurance

Digression is the norm for threads and it's not so far off the topic. The purpose of my thread was to inform. Did you expect people to open up their own homes to help the unfortunate people who need a place to stay? Also, think about how many older buildings and brownstones have outdated electric wires running through the plaster walls. I doubt people are going to start tearing down their walls to fix the potential problem. One question wasn't asked was about smoke detectors. How early was the warning? Perhaps it was in the news article.

Posted by: Iknow at August 4, 2008 5:28 PM in response to Fire Leaves 75 PLG Households Looking for Shelter

Of course the renter who started the fire due to illegal behavior probably paid nothing or a piddley fine. As for the landlord, that's unfortunate he didn't remedy the problem sooner. Maybe he was hoping people would move out so he could then fix it up in order to raise the rents. My guess is he got the insurance money, so I doubt that was a factor (but you never know).

Posted by: Iknow at August 4, 2008 3:45 PM in response to Fire Leaves 75 PLG Households Looking for Shelter

Flatbushrising, I did that on the advise of my lawyer. And yes I can insist. My places are all up to code, but the buildings are 1865-1910 and things can happen. The building next to me burned to the ground (a kitchen fire from a tenant); however, I sealed up all the windows on that side and it was safe. If my place did catch fire I would have gotten lucky financially; however, my tenant would have lost his personal and business possessions without compensation. No, I'm not a slumlord like so many NYC and other large city landlords. NYC tenants (and I used to live there) have protection far and above most, if not all, other cities. Places are trashed, rents go unpaid and it takes forever to evict someone and many renters don't really care about a property they don't own. If they have insurance and something happens (fire, flood, whatever), you can bet they will be thanking you for a long time. How many of the renters on this blog carry renters insurance? How many of you think the landlord will repay you for damage due to fire or a tree falling on in a storm? I'm curious.

Posted by: Iknow at August 4, 2008 1:14 PM in response to Fire Leaves 75 PLG Households Looking for Shelter

When you get an insurance quote, they just look at the exterior dimensions (at least upstate). You know the realtor is going to exaggerate. So, figure about a 20% "error" margin. That's why calculating the price per sq. ft. is a bit of a farce. At a $800.00 to $1,000.00 a sq. ft. down there, a few feet make a big difference. Size isn't everything.

Posted by: Iknow at August 4, 2008 11:07 AM in response to Typical Square Footage Calcs

Avoid staining it as so many have already commented.

Posted by: Iknow at August 4, 2008 10:59 AM in response to Is there a difference in floor stain brands?

If there isn't too much to do, it's not a difficult DIY job. I would even consider hiring a painter or handyman for the job. If there is layer upon layer of paint, then it may need to be sandblasted, and require someone with the knowledge and equipment.

Posted by: Iknow at August 4, 2008 10:55 AM in response to Refinishing Ironwork

Just don't use one recommended by the realtor. It's really a conflict of interest. The inspector should comment on the life left in the heating & AC system, roof, etc. They will also do a Radon test though that can also be a DIY job. A good inspector can point out things that can help you negotiate a good price. What makes them good and how do you find the one? That's the question.

Posted by: Iknow at August 4, 2008 10:50 AM in response to Do we really need to spend money to have a home inspection?

It's just a mole, nothing more than a rodent. Squirrels are the worst. No squirrel is worth $ 2,000. When they get indoors, we use a pellet gun. Just trap it and be done with it. Or if you are lucky, some cat will get it.

Posted by: Iknow at August 4, 2008 10:45 AM in response to MOLE PROBLEM IN BACKYARD HELP!

Eliminate any standing water.

Posted by: Iknow at August 4, 2008 10:37 AM in response to No Mosquitos in the garden, please!!

1-800 got junk is a little pricey. I like the $20.00 bill idea. Don't put your address on here in case some inspector reads the blog.

Posted by: Iknow at August 4, 2008 10:34 AM in response to hauling away heavy bags

I'm surprised that the lease doesn't require one to get renters insurance. It's unfortunate that these tenants lost their belongings; however, this is 2008 and I'm not being insensitive, but this is a given. It's not that expensive. As a landlord (2 commercial and 2 residental units), I require proof that it has been taken out. I hope readers of this look at their own situation and those without insurance take it out.

Posted by: Iknow at August 4, 2008 10:24 AM in response to Fire Leaves 75 PLG Households Looking for Shelter

Based on what I see, I sell something similar for about $10.00 at my salvage business. Keep in mind a yard sale doesn't have an overhead of $82,000.00 a year plus salaries. I typically try to bring higher priced lighting to the Brooklyn Flea and all of it is working and most of it has been rewired (except one art deco I brought down last time). Look for the Salvage Mobile coming sometime in September. It will carry a variety lighting, fireplace mantles, stained glass, and other decorative elements. Fred from Silver Fox

Posted by: Iknow at August 1, 2008 7:50 PM in response to Salvager: Summer Yard Sale Finds

You'll need some shades and the missing screws to hold the shades in.

Posted by: Iknow at August 1, 2008 12:08 PM in response to Salvager: Summer Yard Sale Finds

For those commenters that are in business, how many of you would keep a money losing component of your own? Look at Starbucks getting rid of the not profitable locations. I know it's medicine but it's still a business and if OB-GYN loses money then it's a business decision. Unfortunately, malpractice is a large component. Those of you may not be aware, but insurance companies limit the number of deliveries a physician can make. In the US, everyone believes it is a right to have a healthy baby and juries reward big even if it's natures fault. That's a reality.

Posted by: Iknow at July 31, 2008 2:48 PM in response to LICH Selling Off More Cobble Hill Buildings

I believe they do make a commercial product for just such a problem, but I've never had to use it.

Posted by: Iknow at July 31, 2008 12:20 PM in response to Removing Stubborn Grout from Glass Tiles

I kept mine right out in the open, not even hidden. Oh well.

Posted by: Iknow at July 30, 2008 2:27 PM in response to Finders/Keepers Week 3...Not!

So my next question is, what neighborhoods are undergoing the most extensive renovations? We are going to walk some of the neighborhoods and I need a list of the top three with some streets (from where to where). Thanks for the help.

Posted by: Iknow at July 30, 2008 2:24 PM in response to Salvage Mobile

Our garden gates are imported from England and they sell for $14.00 per square foot. You need to know the dimensions. Also, no gate is going to have matching hinges, etc. and that may need to be retrofitted. Go to Brooklyn Flea and click on Silver Fox for our info. We have a few listed but not our full inventory. Of course the What has the solution every time (especially now that he had his 15 minutes of fame) and he will do anything to bring down the price of real estate in Bstone Bklyn.

Posted by: Iknow at July 30, 2008 1:59 PM in response to Need an original Brownstone (under-stoop) Gate

Denton, that's it. I can charge the 200+ Chinese restaurants a fee to distribute the fliers along with our own. I realize it's a pain to keep getting those, but for those who will use the service one flier one week before is on a different level than a constant bombardment. When we distribute them here, we never put them on cars and typically hand them out with a description of our business. We have our own weekend market with about 15-20 different artisans and specialty food vendors and are always looking for new visitors. I'm still working on the jingle for the truck.

Posted by: Iknow at July 29, 2008 9:00 PM in response to Salvage Mobile

Denton, I did mention that we would be in the area about a week or so before distributing flyers. Of course we will be posting here and we hope those who read brownstoner will let their neighbors know. As for the ice cream truck thing, I did that in Bayside one summer years ago and that perpetual jingle took its toll.

As for coming to Harlem, our goal is to establish a presence in Brooklyn beacuse that is where the bulk of renovation is and if things work out, rent a warehouse down there. We have a 10,000 square foot warehouse up here and it's impracticle for people to travel from Brooklyn despite the savings.

Posted by: Iknow at July 29, 2008 2:35 PM in response to Salvage Mobile

We will try to put as much online as possible. Keep the ideas flowing. We are looking at Sept. for our first trip. Is CHN Clinton Hill? Fred & Camille

Posted by: Iknow at July 29, 2008 11:00 AM in response to Salvage Mobile

Take him out to a strip joint. Just kidding. Sometimes people just want an enemy and life works better for them that way. One philosopher said life is empty without a struggle or cause. You're it. Hopefully he will get over it once the dumptster is gone. Ask him what he would do if he was renovating and the hydrant was in front of his house?

Posted by: Iknow at July 29, 2008 10:20 AM in response to complaining neighbor

It seems the basis of the Christianity is not being followed by the church with respect to being a good neighbor. If a church cannot be the leader in compromise, then who can be? Typically clergy are called in to negotiate difficult situations. It's one thing to identify a problem; it's another to offer solutions. Eric has tried to offer some solutions and I have yet to hear any potential solutions from the church. The reason Saturday is not an option is because the school uses the property and has nothing to due with religion. I hope they will offer some solutions that will help their situation now that all the yelling and screaming has surfaced.

Posted by: Iknow at July 29, 2008 10:06 AM in response to Queen of All Fleas

Imagine what it's like to live in the "parade zone" in Manhattan. How many times a year does that go on? There are people urinating in the streets, garbage everywhere, increased crime, no parking, the trains are crowded, etc. No political muscle in the world can change that. Now you have one day a week that 7,000 people come down vs. a hundred or so people from the church. Sure it's a pain for some, but what about the benefits? It's more than small business, it's a great addition to the quality of life in the city. It's fun for the whole family. For most going to church isn't their Sunday priority, for whatever reasons they choose. That's a reality. The problems are solvable but they are the ISSUE, not the SUBSTANCE of the problem. The true substance......think about the possibilities.

Posted by: Iknow at July 25, 2008 10:22 PM in response to Closing Bell: Brooklyn Flea + Urban Arts Festival

You need to know:

The age of the roof and condition
The age and condition of the furnace
Avoid anything that had extensive water damage(always more damage hidden)
Check for insect damage
Make sure there is adequate insulation
How updated is the electrical and plumbing system
Ignore minor visual problems and focus on things that will cost you money within 5 to 10 years..

Posted by: Iknow at July 22, 2008 9:59 PM in response to Things to Look for When Buying a Brownstone

$210.00 an hour is too much for one licensed electrician and two helpers. Figure $15.00 to $20.00 per hour for the helpers and $100.00 per hour for the electrician, not counting supplies. That's $130.00 to $140.00 per hour. Why does he need two helpers? Usually they work with one unless it's a big job.

Posted by: Iknow at July 22, 2008 9:51 PM in response to Reasonable electrician rate

We sell antique and vintage garden gates from England, though looking at that picture it would be hard to replace that particular gate. We did bring down about ten when we first got them and always bring a couple to hold the tent down at Brooklyn Flea; however, there has been no interest from any of the Fleasters. If you are unfortunate enough to have yours stolen, then email us the size and we may be able to find a suitable replacement rather than spends almost or more than a thousand dollars to have it fabricated. Ours sell for about $14.00 per square foot. Fred from Silver Fox.

Posted by: Iknow at July 21, 2008 8:51 PM in response to Gate Thievery: All the Rage?

So is she packed and ready to move there yet?

Posted by: Iknow at July 21, 2008 8:43 PM in response to Anyone cool living in Bay Ridge??

You can find some things at Brooklyn Flea and the prices are mixed. Hudson is way overpriced and upstate antique stores are essentially retail. If you don't go to auctions or buy directly from relatives of recently deceased persons, you will rarely get the great bargains. So what is your time worth? Do you want to drive a few hours and sit an an auction and maybe saves a few hundred dollars? Because if you add it up, that's about it unless you are planning to outfit a whole house. With gas an tolls, it may not be worth it.

Posted by: Iknow at July 17, 2008 4:20 PM in response to Atlantic's Antique Row Heading Towards Obsolescence?

Lamp Doctor! Thank you, traditionalmod.

Posted by: mopar at October 16, 2008 5:19 PM in response to Who does lamp repair?

Hi, I just bought a lampshade last week at this place Broome Lampshades at 325 Broome off of the Bowery. The guy was very nice and helpful and makes custom lampshades as well as rewiring, etc. of lamps. He was doing what appeared to be a custom order of little tabletop lamps, so I got the feeling he does lamps for events. 212.431.9666. No clue how much he charges, probably not super cheap. Also there is that vintage lamp restorer on the south side of Houston near the new Whole Foods (can't think of the address but Google would probably turn it up), but his prices are probably insane since its specialty, but maybe that's what you need. I've done basic lamp rewiring myself but understand you may rather hand it off to someone else. Cheers, M

Posted by: meerkatz at November 6, 2008 11:22 AM in response to Who does lamp repair?