Take it all out. At least you can see what is happening below.
We have done it in all our baths and discovered rotten floors, cut joists and etc. It is better to know.
You will gain ceiling height as well, plus you can put down the the tile you want.

Posted by: mg at August 19, 2008 10:26 AM in response to 2nd floor bath - flooring question

Pratt Library has them. It is on Brooklyn Campus.
You can call them to find out if they will let you in with the photo ID, they used to do it. They have historic Sanborn and new as well.

Posted by: mg at August 19, 2008 10:21 AM in response to Sanborn Maps

If you not moving any walls, and not relocating the fixtures in the bathroom, do you still have to file the architectural drawings with DOB or maybe just your plumber has to pull his permit for installing new fixtures, that goes for converting the tub to shower? Smokychimp is this possible?

Posted by: mg at July 16, 2008 1:12 PM in response to Looking for an Architect

MG --

Yes, that'd be possible. Filings are required for removing or moving walls, moving or adding plumbing fixtures. Not required for changing finishes, or for redoing plumbing fixtures in the same location. If the fixtures stay in the same place the plumber files a repair slip and that's all you need.

Posted by: Smokychimp at July 16, 2008 3:31 PM in response to Looking for an Architect

Brookyln Public Library

Posted by: NorthHeights at August 19, 2008 10:37 AM in response to Sanborn Maps

The Brooklyn Collection at the central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library.

Posted by: NorthHeights at August 19, 2008 10:38 AM in response to Sanborn Maps

42nd st Public Library in the map area

Posted by: chas at August 19, 2008 11:32 AM in response to Sanborn Maps

What are the Sanborn maps?

Posted by: trudylou at August 19, 2008 11:47 AM in response to Sanborn Maps

You can tile over tile but it's a lot of extra prep work and you run into issues like the door and trim needing to be cut down, the toilet rough-in being too low, a new threshold, etc.

It's better to remove the old tile using a flat tool, like a garden spade and a prybar. You can make any repairs to the mud bed while laying the new tile.

Posted by: Steve at August 19, 2008 12:18 PM in response to 2nd floor bath - flooring question

Advice above is spot on.

And as you proceed with your various reno-projects if you find you need on-site or on-call help while still doing-it-yourself, give us a call...www.constructioncoachesny.com.

Posted by: ConstructionCoach at August 20, 2008 7:20 AM in response to 2nd floor bath - flooring question

In addition to the BPL Central Library's Brooklyn Collection's Digital Sanborn maps (which has limited hours - check their website first!) the Business Library on Cadman Plaza also has the paper versions updated regularly.

Posted by: brookelen at August 20, 2008 10:47 AM in response to Sanborn Maps

Although your floor may be different, we had tile set in an 3" mudded floor, and it was like concrete. I tried to get tiles out using a prybar or flat edge - no luck. No luck either with a small sledge hammer and cold chisel.

Since none of the grout was cracked, so it appeared to be pretty stable, and seemed like I was going to need a jackhammer to get it up, we just tiled over the existing floor. It is a small room, and the tub was not tiled under it, so I wasn't too concerned about the extra weight.

Steve's right about the extra prep work though - but if you're renovating everything else, it might not be as big a deal.

Posted by: Heatherie at August 20, 2008 11:07 AM in response to 2nd floor bath - flooring question

trudylou: Sanborn fire insurance maps

Posted by: altervoce at August 20, 2008 4:21 PM in response to Sanborn Maps