Dittoburg - "There is a great house on Banker though, the one in the corner. An old mansion." I think you mean the house on the curve of Guernsey St. into Oak St, not Banker.

That part of Guernsey is NOT landmarked. It is a block away from McCarren Park and very close to the subway. I remember seeing pics of the inside...nothing special in my opinion...so 920 seems high for the property. Plus, rents in the Greenpoint are stagnant (at best) and coming down a bit. But the seller and broker are happy!

Posted by: Northie at November 19, 2009 2:33 PM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million

I built a ledge and then screwed in a piece of plexiglass into the ledge. It's working pretty well. I've noticed the difference.

Posted by: Northie at November 19, 2009 2:25 PM in response to Skylite heat loss

Not sure which glue product as the flooring guys did that part. I would assume it's one that has some flexability so that it does not crack.

Posted by: Northie at November 13, 2009 3:10 PM in response to Filling Gaps in Wood Floor?

I had lots of gaps between the original wide plank pine floors in my house, which I now use as my finished floor. This is what I did:

I had the pine floors sanded and used the sawdust, mixed with a glue, to fill the gaps between the boards. The floors were further sanded, stained, and 3 coats of oil based poly were applied.

In my situation, some of the gaps were quite significant - i.e. I could look down and see the top of the ceiling from the floor below. So prior to the sanding, I spent TONS of time cleaning out all the crud (dirt, nails, various unidentified objects) that was between the planks, and then used Great Stuff, in a VERY controlled manner, to create a base between the floor boards so that the sawdust/glue mixture would not fall thru, thus leaving a gap again.

It's been holding up for 3 years so far. In small sections where the sawdust/glue mixture has loosened, I used Bondo (the wood filler, not the all purpose putty <-- can't stain this one) to fill the gap. When it was wet, I applied the same color stain. Poly when dry and it's done.

Posted by: Northie at November 13, 2009 12:36 PM in response to Filling Gaps in Wood Floor?

If you REALLY like the house, try to get the cost of repairs reduced from the purchase price.

Posted by: Northie at November 11, 2009 9:50 PM in response to Fire damage to roof

OP here - I absolutely plan to have an architect include this as part of my reno, permits and all.

Can the contractor or architect size the beam or is it best left to an engineer?

I appreciate the (sobering) estimates for a job like this.

Posted by: Northie at November 11, 2009 9:47 PM in response to Cost to Install Beam

This should be ok. Just rough up the surface (sand it) it first so that it adheres well.

Posted by: Northie at November 10, 2009 9:42 PM in response to Skim Coating Over Paint?

Try Build it Green in Astoria. They have a decent selection of doors.

Posted by: Northie at October 14, 2009 8:14 PM in response to Salvage Doors Wanted

I recommend Rustoleum. Make sure you scrape off any loose paint and prime it before painting.

Posted by: Northie at October 13, 2009 11:22 AM in response to Exterior metal paint

$300 is the going rate in Brooklyn

Posted by: Northie at September 21, 2009 11:17 AM in response to Garage Parking

I've had succuss selling furniture on craigslist. You may want to consider doing that.

Posted by: Northie at August 4, 2009 10:20 PM in response to Antique Furniture

I had Soxco rebuild one flight of stairs + make a new matching railing, post and ballusters for another level. I recommend them. Their number is 718-858-5991 and the contact person is Antoon.

Not sure if they are the least expensive out there, but they did a very good job and I would use them again.

Posted by: Northie at July 23, 2009 9:15 PM in response to Staircase Repair

I used Naturally Delicious on Court Street and they were great. I highly recommend them.

Posted by: Northie at June 22, 2009 10:41 PM in response to Caterer

Put it in front of your house and it will get picked up with the normal garbage pick up (or someone may come along and take it). Put out 5 or 6 contractor bags worth each garbage collection day and save yourself the expense and the trip.

Posted by: Northie at June 22, 2009 1:56 PM in response to Bringing stuff to a dump

I can provide some inside on the schools in Greenpoint, just on the other side of the park.

Catholic: St. Stanislaus Kostka is excellent.
Public: PS 31 and 34 are excellent. JHS 126 - stay away at all costs.

Posted by: Northie at June 18, 2009 1:20 PM in response to Williamsburg Northside Schools

Having used both, I recommend oil (I did 3 coats on my original wide plank pine floors). Water does not hold up as well and this is the sort of event you do not want to repeat too often. Since you can be out for a few days to avoid the fumes, take the opportunity and do it.

Posted by: Northie at May 22, 2009 6:33 PM in response to Oil versus Water Based Finish

You may want to put out some poison too

Posted by: Northie at April 20, 2009 10:59 AM in response to Neighbor and Rat Problem

I've had RK Windows in the house for 10 years+ and they are fine. Not sure about their new product line.

Posted by: Northie at March 29, 2009 10:01 PM in response to RK Windows in Greenpoint?

WTF?!?! The seller has balls for asking that price!! (But it did generate buzz...)

If they get anywhere near that price, it goes to prove that there is a sucker born every minute.

Brownstoner - you need to keep us posted on how this one turns out!

Posted by: Northie at March 24, 2009 5:22 PM in response to House of the Day: 154 St. James Place

WTF?!?! The seller has balls for asking that price!! (But it did generate buzz...)

If they get anywhere near that price, it goes to prove that there is a sucker born every minute.

Brownstoner - you need to keep us posted on how this one turns out!

Posted by: Northie at March 24, 2009 5:21 PM in response to House of the Day: 154 St. James Place

I use oil for exterior only. Painted the front door and surrounding woodwork with Fine Paints of Europe. Not too bad once you get the hang of it....paint into the wet and to do NOT go over your brushstrokes. Clean up is a real pain.

I use latex for all interior.

Posted by: Northie at March 16, 2009 12:10 AM in response to oil based paint

Perhaps the nuns did too good of job with me...but church altars should stay church altars. No thanks.

Posted by: Northie at March 16, 2009 12:03 AM in response to Incredible Kitchen Island

Unfortunately, Greenpoint has been in the news lately with the (1) cop shooting his ex-girlfriend and (2) shooting at Meeker/Morgan. I believe these are isolated incidents that do not reflect on the true Greenpoint. Greenpoint has historically been, and still is, a safe neigbhorhood. I would be more worried if crimes such as break-ins and muggings started to rise.

Posted by: Northie at March 10, 2009 1:27 PM in response to Crime Wave in Greenpoint

I love the fact that they listed, with contact info, all the vendors they use on this project. Look under products and services.

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/current-house-project

Posted by: Northie at March 3, 2009 6:58 PM in response to This Old House -Brooklyn Project

Greenpoint is neither a "margin" nor "semi-marginal" neighborhood!! Dosteov - you gotta get out more.

Greenpoint has always been a very stable neighborhood. Even during boom time, turnover of existing homes was very low. The fact that that particular property just sold for over a million in this market is reflective of confidence in the neighborhood.

Posted by: Northie at February 27, 2009 3:24 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

You can cook them in hot water. Just use a pot you will not use again for food.

Posted by: Northie at February 24, 2009 10:14 PM in response to Cleaning original brass fixtures

Strippers are very messy. If you are doing it yourself, perhaps your need a stronger/rougher sand paper to take off the layers of paint. I would not paint them. Sand them down and use a dark stain - like Jacobean - to cover the imperfections.

Posted by: Northie at February 22, 2009 2:54 PM in response to Repaint floors? Convince us

bless you.

Posted by: Northie at February 19, 2009 12:50 PM in response to lowes has $10 of $50 coupons

Wasn't a Polish guy who torched the Greenpoint Terminal. The owner did it. Poor guy...he tends have "issues" with all the buildings that he owns.

Posted by: Northie at February 2, 2009 2:03 PM in response to After the Fire: Miss Williamsburg Diner

I used Manny and recommend him as well. Bit lax in the returning calls side of the business. Keep calling.

Posted by: Northie at January 15, 2009 3:21 PM in response to reccomendation needed for mantel

Thanks!

Posted by: Northie at December 20, 2008 9:41 PM in response to Anti-grafitti product for bricks

I had Soxco (South Oxford Stair Co) make and install new spindles and newel post - matching the existing ones - for me and they did a great job. I recommend them.

Posted by: Northie at December 13, 2008 10:12 PM in response to Need Spindles

Much more relevant is the fact that the roof is sagging. What did the engineer say about that?

Posted by: mopar at November 12, 2009 6:40 PM in response to Fire damage to roof

My contractor said the same as pmmtenement. If we can't open up the ceiling at this present time, then get an estimate for the complete replacement of the joists and roof etc and put that amount in escrow. Once we sign the contract on the house, then we'll be able to start repairing the roof and see what really needs to be done. Hopefully it is only a case of sistering the joists but we won't know until we open the ceiling up. As for the roof sagging, my engineer said it could be the charred joists not giving the roof enough support but then we won't know for sure until we open the roof up and take a look (same dilemma). At the moment, the only access to the attic is a small square hole that an electrician had opened up to run some wires. Thank goodness our engineer shone his torch in that hole and saw those burned joists, otherwise we'd be none the wiser. Just goes to show, always check the attic!

Posted by: cmcrossland at November 12, 2009 8:28 PM in response to Fire damage to roof

How/where does one obtain a fire report?

We recently purchased a 3-family townhouse in Crown Heights. During renovation work, the electrician took down part of the ceiling in the basement to reveal the aftermath of what looked like a serious fire.

Fortunately, the damage was repaired (sistered joists) but we're still curious when the fire happened and any other details about it.

Posted by: eastbloc at November 13, 2009 10:03 AM in response to Fire damage to roof

For a small search fee, I'm sure your attorney could obtain the fire report for you. Anyhow, we've decided to pull out of this house. The Seller's aren't showing willingness to investigate the fire damage and they're not being particularly cooperative. We don't need to be dealing with shady Sellers and to be honest, the house is nice but it's not that great. Thankyou to everyone for your replies, your help has been invaluable.

Posted by: cmcrossland at November 13, 2009 11:58 AM in response to Fire damage to roof

I think it depends on what you mean by wood filler. The stuff you get at the hardware store for filling nail holes won't work well. But I have seen the method Northie describes used to very good effect - the only thing I don't know is what type of binder is best to use with the sawdust. Some I know use an epoxy-based filler (but again, what kind?).

Northie - what was the glue you used?

Posted by: WBer at November 13, 2009 2:21 PM in response to Filling Gaps in Wood Floor?

Not sure which glue product as the flooring guys did that part. I would assume it's one that has some flexability so that it does not crack.

Posted by: Northie at November 13, 2009 3:10 PM in response to Filling Gaps in Wood Floor?

I can vouch for All Renovation's work. The beam he's referring to was installed in my home. It was 2000 lbs, 20 feet long. He also ripped out the wall going the length of the house which was about 30 feet long. We lived in the house while the work was completed and it never felt unsafe. His quote is very reasonable. I highly recommend them.

Posted by: joecal at November 15, 2009 9:45 AM in response to Cost to Install Beam

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

What about that plastic stuff you shrink wrap on with a hair dryer? Though maybe you're saying the inside is not reachable.

Posted by: mopar at November 19, 2009 5:08 PM in response to Skylite heat loss

Ours has a little chip in the glass (outside), and there's a depression on one side that holds water for days, and it probably drips down into the attic. How do you fix such little things?

Posted by: mopar at November 19, 2009 5:09 PM in response to Skylite heat loss