We had brunch here today (saturday). It was very nice. The food was nicely prepared and the service was friendly and attentive. It was definitely a nice surprise for the neighborhood. Check it out if you can. I understand they are doing breakfast and lite dinner meals 7 days a week.

Posted by: Oldlady at October 10, 2009 4:40 PM in response to Streetlevel: Orchid Cafe in Bed-Stuy

373 Grand sold for 160k. The second highest bidder actually was the winning bid in an earlier public administrator auction for the same property. He was rejected by the Coop Board.

418 Macon was a nice property. I was pulling for the neighborhood resident to win the bid. He backed off at 535K. Unfortunately, one of the Out of Neighborhood Investors (looked like a Quality Homes or Better Homes type person) won the bid. What a shame.

The owner of the house Dave Walker was murdered in the house last year. That is why is looked like a renovation job stopped mid stream. He was a local entreprenuer who owned a couple of properties and retired as a correction officer. The killer was eventually caught.

Posted by: Oldlady at October 7, 2009 10:46 PM in response to 280 Hicks, Many Others, Fail to Sell at Auction

I'm interested in Selling my TIC ownership in a 4 story Brownstone in Stuyvesant Heights, Bed Stuy. It is located on Decatur Street between Lewis and Stuyvesant Ave (One of Best Most Sought After Blocks). You can own Upper Duplex with complete Roof Rights. Convert to Duplex for one family or rent out one floor and live on the other floor. Currently the top two floors are set up as separate apartments. Close to Utica Ave A. Around the corner from Peaches Restaurant and Breadsty Coffee Shop. Cash Deals only. Looking to get $450K.Your share of Current carrying charges for building is about $1200 per month (includes heat, small mortgage, taxes).. Houses on this block sell for $950K and up...

Any interest???

Posted by: Oldlady at October 1, 2009 7:40 PM in response to Tenancy in Common

I got a quote from Big Apple today. They are Wildly overpriced. In fact their price is not related to the job at all. They give you a price based on what they think they can get out of you. They gave me a price of $12000 to line my chimney for a gas furnace. It is a 4 story brownstone. They gave that price because they thought I didnt know anything about what they had to do. When they realized I had done some homework, they came down to $7,500. I had already been told by National Grid and other furnace installers that it should cost about $2500 to do the job. I would never hire them after this experience. All the companies are trying to rip people off now that Building code requires lining for gas conversion from oil furnace. This job was $1500- $2500 before Building dept change this year. Rip off.

Posted by: Oldlady at August 27, 2009 9:56 PM in response to Rec for Fireplace/Chimney Work?

Yankee, how much did Ed Mule and Son charge for oil to gas conversion? i'm getting prices now for 4 story brownstone 20 feet wide. Thanks

Posted by: Oldlady at May 18, 2009 2:55 PM in response to LOOKING FOR PLUMBER

Can you tell me how much you paid for oil to gas conversion. National Grid just gave me a $10,500 bid to convert a 4 story brownstone (3 family) 20 foot wide. That includes $2,800 to reline the chimney flue. It does not include possibly another $1500 to remove 10 feet of asbestos.

Posted by: Oldlady at May 18, 2009 2:50 PM in response to Fixing up basement

Thanks. I wanted to put 3 separate units in for future possible conversion to Condos. If I leave it with one furnace, does anyone recommend moving the thermostat to another floor. Currently it is on the Parlor floor near front windows. I think that location is a source of higher heat bill too. When I come to house, the top 2 floors are too warm and Parlor floor is just comfortable.

Posted by: Oldlady at April 30, 2009 10:32 PM in response to Separate Heating Units 3 Family

It's actually more like a 1,043 square feet per offering plan. Plans are sometimes slightly off base, so it may be a 1,000. Maintenance is probably around $400 plus. It is a great building with a diverse and interesting group of owners. It's well run, financially sound and one of the best Condo settings in Clinton Hill/Fort Greene. Only 3 units per floor makes it very private. Rear building (It is comprised of two attached buildings) has 2 units per floor. Main building was first home for old ladies in Brooklyn (maybe US). Later a rear infirmary was added to move women to when they became too frail to live alone in their private rooms. Some of the units have been renovated nicely since sponsors cookie cutter offering.
I live here and love it. Best kept secrete.

Posted by: Oldlady at April 28, 2009 1:16 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 320 Washington Avenue, #1B

Separate Heating Units in Brownstone Apts.
I own a three family brownstone in bedstuy and would like to put separate heating units in each apt. There is a duplex (garden floor and parlor), and two floor thru apts. Currently we have steam heat from radiators. It is Oil fired. Last year we paid over $8,000 to Petro. I refuse to pay that again for an inefficient furnace. I want to convert to gas and put in three units. I am looking for advise on whether I should put three small furnaces in the basement. How difficult is it to separate the piping to the radiators? Should I put a gas furnace inside a closet in each unit? Should I put forced hot air furnaces in a closet in each unit. Lastly, how can I do this cheaply? Should I purchase furnace and hire plumber?

Eventually, I would like to convert building to Condo for when market recovers.

Any recommendations on plumbers, furnace installers in brooklyn bedstuy?

Posted by: Oldlady at April 28, 2009 12:44 AM in response to Rental Reasearch

Amy:
I'm a little surprised. You were much more efficient at getting things done when you single-handedly ran the Graham Home For Old Ladies.

I empathize with your renovation blues. Good luck. Remember, you can always come home.

Posted by: Oldlady at July 30, 2008 4:12 PM in response to Our renovation is back from the dead!

I've eaten at Peaches. I was very happy with the food and service. The prices were reasonable and food tasty. I wish them great success. I can't wait til they start their Sunday Brunch.

Posted by: Oldlady at July 22, 2008 4:54 PM in response to StreetLevel: Peaches Market Opens in Bed-Stuy

I have a deposit down on an apt. I have heard through a broker that they are now offering incentives. I have heard they are offering to pay the Transfer Tax and pay for window treatments.

Typically, the seller pays a transfer tax except in a New Condo, where the Developer can have the buyer pay it.

I dont think it will be ready before next year. I'm concerned that the values are not what they were when the offering plan first came out. Now that Treasury has put out new proposals which prevent appraisers and mortgage companies (today) from inflating values to assist developers, and Federal Govt is likely to include these changes in the Housing Legislation that will pass shortly--I dont think any legitimate bank will appraise at asking price. What do you think

Posted by: Oldlady at July 15, 2008 4:28 PM in response to Richard Meier Building On Prospect Park

I used A&A Firplace to rebuilt a flue for a gas fireplace. They did a good job. Its all the do, so they were in and out quickly.

Posted by: Oldlady at July 15, 2008 4:07 PM in response to Recommendations and Estimates on Openning Up Fireplaces

Anybody know whats happening with prices at On Prospect Place (Richard Meier building)?

Posted by: Oldlady at July 14, 2008 5:24 PM in response to Brooklyn Prices Drop It Like It's Not Hot

Ray from Victory Brothers removed my old furnace and installed a new system (gas)for me in a day. Very good service. Experts on hot air systems.

Posted by: Oldlady at July 11, 2008 3:37 PM in response to Replacing an Ancient Gas Furnace

International Stone:Worst Experience Ever

I dont recommend using International Stone on Myrtle and Spencer. I ordered tile from them and requested a sample from the Lot my tile would come from. They showed me a sample and I approved. I was not home when the tile was delivered and installed by the tile installer. When I came home I was shocked to see a totally different tile than I ordered. They switched and gave me a tile from a different lot and of such poor quality. Then the installer wanted $700 to take up wrong tile and reinstall. International Stone, which sells mostly to Williamsburg developers and renters, who like gaudy tile and architecture, tried to say the tile installed was not that different. Plus, I ordered tile during Passover and asked if it would be a problem to get delivery and service. They said No problem. Once they got my money for the tile (they demand payment in full up front), they would not answer the phone for a week. That's my experience.

Posted by: Oldlady at July 11, 2008 3:12 PM in response to Our experience renovating our kitchen

Yes. Allstate, just canceled my homeowner policy in Stuyvesant Heights. They said I'm in a flood zone.

State Farm is picking up the policy with more coverage at a lower premium. It should be a crime. I've paid the policy to AllState for 6 years and never had a claim.

Posted by: Oldlady at July 11, 2008 3:00 PM in response to So when does the hurricane get here?

Yes. Allstate, just canceled my homeowner policy on in Stuyvesant Heights. They said I'm in a flood zone.

State Farm is picking up the policy with more coverage at a lower premium. It should be a crime. I've paid the policy to AllState for 6 years and never had a claim.

Posted by: Oldlady at July 11, 2008 2:59 PM in response to So when does the hurricane get here?

I took a look at Gardel's plans. They dont look too bad. Unfortunately they dont show the facade of the building. I just hope Dooley attempted to blend it in with Brooklyn's unique architecture.

Posted by: Oldlady at July 11, 2008 2:32 PM in response to Bracing For The Worst on South Portland Avenue

thanks.

Posted by: Oldlady at April 22, 2008 11:25 AM in response to Bath Tub Shower Glass enclosure

Thanks a lot. I will check it out.

Posted by: Oldlady at April 22, 2008 10:56 AM in response to Self Watering Planters

hey Serpentor,

you can definitely bank on more than $600 for the studios, but I'd think hard about converting them both to a single floorthrough. Less people to deal with, even if you'd get more for two studios in the same space.

I've got two floorthroughs, and have managed to keep them fully occupied since day one (two years ago). Knock on wood. But definitely build up a reserve fund as quickly as you can.

Can't speak to the crime issue, though I know muggers don't respect historic district boundaries.

Good luck!

Posted by: Frederick Law Homestead at April 28, 2009 5:50 PM in response to Rental Reasearch

Moving the thermostat will do nothing for the bill, your system is not balanced for even floor-to-floor heat. Check archives for steam heat.

Posted by: cmu at May 1, 2009 10:10 AM in response to Separate Heating Units 3 Family

I don't "know" this area well but isn't it possible that, since heat is already being supplied from the basement to upstairs, individual new heaters could be put in the basement & just use the ducting that's already there?

Posted by: Arkady at May 1, 2009 10:45 AM in response to Separate Heating Units 3 Family

Hey Cobblekrill, I think you can find the post you're looking for if you click on your username when you log in. I think the post you're looking for might be from 4/2/09?

To "Oldlady" I went with National Grid for my conversion also, I paid a bit more to reline the chimney though. As for the asbestos removal, I think $1500 is a bit pricey for just 10 feet. Try Abatek Corp. (were listed and licensed as of a few months ago). They removed a lot more asbestos in several locations for around the same price

Posted by: bk_bstoner at May 18, 2009 3:03 PM in response to Fixing up basement

I tried calling National Grid for a conversion quote but they said it varies since I would have to hire my own license plumber to take care most of the work. I am looking to convert to a gas from oil for a 2 family brick house in Bensonhurst, hopefully they can take care of removing that huge oil tank and have a total of 2 gas heater for each floor. Would it be doable for $12K? Thanks in advance

Posted by: namahs at May 19, 2009 9:21 AM in response to Fixing up basement

What were your thoughts on Parkset? I'm considering using them.

Posted by: theklahy at May 19, 2009 12:56 PM in response to Fixing up basement

I paid about $7700 for the conversion (4 story 20X40). I think Park Set was ok, they seem to be the go to people National recommends so I have to assume they are good. A few things. THe job is MESSY. They left oil stains on the blue stone out front which time will hopefully heal. It took three full days of banging around in the basement and I think they sited the boiler oddly so the controls face the back wall and it won't be comfortable for someone to see them, but what do I know? The real test will be in the winter, when I need heat but the warranty lasts a year . Oh yeah. They did not get the air out of the gas line after the first day. Was having people for dinner that night. When I went to start cooking there was no gas. We ordered take out instead. But they did show up an hour later.

Posted by: Cobblekrill at May 19, 2009 1:49 PM in response to Fixing up basement

Thanks Cobblekrill. I know this was your post, and so I realize I'm co-opting a bit. I'm sorry I can't help you out with your question.

I do have one more quetion maybe you can help me with. Is your basement an actual cellar that is totally underground? If so, what hurdles are you having to go through with DOB, permits, etc, to finish it? I've thought about finishing mine and I would just use it for myself, but don't know what the rules are.

Thanks!

Posted by: theklahy at May 19, 2009 4:01 PM in response to Fixing up basement

Contact Bullfrog Builders for your basement. I have done work with them recently and recommended them to friends as well. All of us have been more than satisfied.

WWW.BLFRG.COM

Posted by: Phil at May 20, 2009 12:47 PM in response to Fixing up basement