Yes, Figliolia lives large as he was busted a few years back for extorting the city. That said, we used him on our water main replacement and they did a great job. Sewer main, I can't say.

However, a house on our block had a serious sewer problem last summer and Main Man was on the scene for days with little progress ( It was also one of those situations where city utilities were affected and it was probably more problematic than most sewer line upgrades). Main Man mostly had a bunch of guys standing around doing very little. After about ten days Figliolia took over and it was done very quickly.

Posted by: tinarina at November 19, 2009 8:55 PM in response to Broken Sewer Main

Unfortunately, most inspections are pretty expensive. I recommend Heimer. If you look in the Brownstoner Forum archives you will find a lot of info.

Posted by: tinarina at November 19, 2009 8:47 PM in response to engineer inspection

southslope--thanks for the info. Can you please tell us MORE about the exterior and interior permastone and how it was removed? I guess the owner got a good deal on the stuff back in the day.

Posted by: tinarina at November 19, 2009 8:42 PM in response to Development Watch: Turnaround at 424 Waverly Avenue

Beautiful work, southslope; thanks for sharing the pics. How will these buildings be used?

Posted by: tinarina at November 19, 2009 6:16 PM in response to Development Watch: Turnaround at 424 Waverly Avenue

And Etson, I agree that culture plays a big part. But when low-priced, illegal handguns are readily available, change is a lot tougher.

Posted by: tinarina at November 18, 2009 11:28 AM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill

etson--

The stats don't really say that, at least in London:

http://www.londonnet.co.uk/news/2009/mar/london-murder-rate-not-going.html

And homicides are roughly two-thirds less than NYC.

Posted by: tinarina at November 18, 2009 11:21 AM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill

Etson--In places where guns are hard to get, like all of Europe, people don't die from guns.

If guns weren't so easily attainable, kids would resort to old fashioned violence, like fistfights and knives. Not pretty, but generally not lethal.

Posted by: tinarina at November 18, 2009 11:04 AM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill

SCORE! This is what makes owning an old house worth it!

Posted by: tinarina at November 18, 2009 11:00 AM in response to Beneath the Surface

I haven't used them for years but always had a good experience for renter's insurance.

Posted by: tinarina at November 18, 2009 10:25 AM in response to Gotham Brokerage

Gun use will never seriously decline in this country until enough people and politicians have the balls to stand up to the NRA.

NY gun laws are some of the strictest in the nation, but it hardly matters when any crook or psychopath can drive down to a state like Virginia and buy guns privately at a gun show without any paper trail or background check.

Virtually all of the guns seized in NY state come from out of state. It's a huge part of the problem.

Posted by: tinarina at November 18, 2009 10:23 AM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill

Totally agree with Arch--no way were prices anywhere near $800k 10 years ago. But leave it to the Times RE section to give a bullish RE view based on a quote rather than checking the facts.

Posted by: tinarina at November 16, 2009 11:06 AM in response to Ditmas Park Gets the 'Living In' Treatment

I highly recommend Christian Galesi; he did some built-in cabinets for us. I can't find his phone# but here's his email: christiangalesi@yahoo.com.

Posted by: tinarina at November 16, 2009 10:42 AM in response to Custom Wood Bookcases

You can guess and guess, but anyone who would be at all interested in this building should have their atty look at the past 3-5 years of the coop's financials.

Posted by: tinarina at November 12, 2009 2:44 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 40 Clarkson Avenue, #4F

John Hlad and Gateway are the two most consistently recommended plumbers on this site. We use Hlad and are very pleased.

Posted by: tinarina at November 12, 2009 1:10 PM in response to Hot water problem. Help!

Great as usual, MM. I love the Alhambra. Do you know anything about the current condition? I assume it's a rent-stabilized building and hope some of the interior details still remain...

Posted by: tinarina at November 12, 2009 10:53 AM in response to Walkabout: MW Morris- the Commissions Cometh

Sad to say, but the life of the average water heater is ten years or so. I would have a plumber take a look--maybe it just needs some adjustments, or it might be time for a new one.

Posted by: tinarina at November 12, 2009 10:00 AM in response to Hot water problem. Help!

Most hilarious, Hal.

Posted by: tinarina at November 11, 2009 2:52 PM in response to Mamary: Crown Heights, Greenpoint Ripe for the Picking

Totally agree on Dumont, mopar. I need to check out El Almacen.

Posted by: tinarina at November 10, 2009 8:37 PM in response to Martha's Brooklyn Show Wrap

But DH and MP--do you really think Diner is as good as it was a few years back? Seems like it's slipped a bit. Just curious.

Posted by: tinarina at November 10, 2009 7:13 PM in response to Martha's Brooklyn Show Wrap

Congrats, Mr. B--you and the Flea come off great.

My only beef with the show is the focus on the
Diner/Marlow & Sons empire--why are they always the THE place featured when someone's doing a piece on Brooklyn food and restaurants? It's getting really boring, especially since Diner isn't nearly as good as it used to be.

Posted by: tinarina at November 10, 2009 5:04 PM in response to Martha's Brooklyn Show Wrap

Donatella--totally right on about getting a real dry cleaner. For our early years here in CH, our only choice was the combo dry cleaner/numbers joint. The clothes suffered. And I would add (in the "early gentrification" category):

Dramatic reduction in empty crack vials/used condoms on the sidewalk.

Removal of bulletproof partitions at liquor stores and Chinese restaurants.

Slow uptick in restaurants that have seats and a bar.

Dumpsters on every block, at least until recently.

Posted by: tinarina at November 3, 2009 8:30 PM in response to Closing Bell: Gentrification Indicators

This house is actually set up as a two family--there's a kitchen in the third floor. Why would anyone do this at this price range?

Posted by: tinarina at November 3, 2009 1:27 PM in response to House of the Day: 28 Middagh Street

I highly recommend a Ratzapper--the easiest and most humane way to kill the critters. You can buy one online.

Posted by: tinarina at October 30, 2009 1:29 PM in response to Mice in Bed-Stuy

I don't think the timing is unreasonable. The reality is that once there isn't a full day's work at your place, like when the job is 90% done, you're waiting on a few hours work here and there from different trades, in a certain order, to bring things to a close. This means there may be days when very little work is being done on your job.

As any renovator knows, it's the last 10% that's always the slowest!

Posted by: tinarina at October 28, 2009 11:20 AM in response to Bathroom Reno - Any Opinions?

That's what bugs me, tyber. They can't possibly use 33 workers every hour, but everyone has to do a shift as a matter of their wacky, outdated principles. I'm sure they could get away with one shift per household, or shifts every other month, but that doesn't seem to be on the table.

Posted by: tinarina at October 26, 2009 12:26 PM in response to NYT: Food Co-op Exile's Story Demands 2,000 Words

Again, a vent to the outside is best, but with no hood whatsoever grease will soon cling to every surface in your kitchen; it's not pretty. At least with the recirc one that Ed mentions, you will keep your kitchen cleaner and minimize odors--assuming you clean the trap and replace the filters regularly.

Posted by: tinarina at October 24, 2009 9:15 PM in response to Exhaust Hood Necessary?

Sogo--all cork tile is sealed, and depending on the type/quality you buy, you may want another coat of sealer on top. High quality cork can be quite expensive, but there are cheaper versions.

To get a good sense of what's out there, including real linoleum/Marmoleum (which is beautiful but requires a certain amount of maintenance), check out Aronson in Manhattan--you don't have to buy from them, but they have a lot on display and their salespeople are knowledgeable.

We cook all the time and have wood floors--very attractive and nice on the feet. As for durability, our kitchen floors are sealed with a product called Waterlox, and we put down a new coat every year or so--you don't need to strip the floors to add another coat, and you can do it yourself.

Posted by: tinarina at October 24, 2009 9:06 PM in response to Kitchen Floors

Disregard gp. All good comments here, and your landlord should also exterminate the whole building monthly if roaches are a problem.

Posted by: tinarina at October 23, 2009 6:42 PM in response to Tenant Rights: Hallway Upkeep?

Regarding the costs of combining, the biggest driver is the kitchen and baths. If they can be used largely as-is, without relocation, you can likely do this cost effectively. And the small kitchen could be made into a laundry room or kitchenette depending on the location.

I'm not quite as gloom and doom as Ironballs; you should do what's right for you. And don't forget that owning a house is a giant responsibility--and I say this as a townhouse owner who often misses the conveniences of living in a coop!

Posted by: tinarina at October 21, 2009 10:05 PM in response to Combining Apartments

I've never combined two apts as you describe, but I've done a fair amount of renovation. $100k to combine the two in a thoughtful way seems low, but it's hard to say without knowing more details. I would interview a number of architects and designers (an architect may not be necessary) and get their opinions and rough estimates.

One thing for sure--a 3 bedroom, 2 bath apt is highly desirable, and if you're in a nice building that's icing on the cake. Good luck.

Posted by: tinarina at October 21, 2009 9:49 PM in response to Combining Apartments

True, you're paying for the view, but beyond that the usable space isn't that great--smallish bedrooms, windows that appear small and out of scale, no maid's room (something a $25MM buyer might want).

I'd be impressed if they got half this price....

Posted by: tinarina at October 21, 2009 10:59 AM in response to All About the Clocktower

We keep ours at 68--for us and the tenants.

Posted by: tinarina at October 16, 2009 12:03 PM in response to Temperature in Apt.

Randi, it is arrogant and obnoxious.

Posted by: tinarina at October 14, 2009 8:29 PM in response to Brownstoner Reader Survey

Totally agree, CMU. And I'm swearing off events/places/products that are launched or curated.

Posted by: tinarina at October 14, 2009 4:34 PM in response to Brownstoner Reader Survey

Inspections have gotten alot more expensive, but $1000 seems high. We used Perri some years ago and thought his report was okay. He's a very affable guy often recommended by brokers, which isn't a real vote of confidence for a buyer, IMO.

We used Heimer for another property and the inspection and report was extremely thorough and detailed. I would get a quote from them.

Posted by: tinarina at October 13, 2009 12:36 PM in response to Richard Perri Inspector Rec?

You should check it out at night to sense your own comfort level. There's so many things I like about Lexington--such a funny, interesting little street with a lot of cool buildings--but I think you need to be very alert at night. A Pratt student was viciously mugged by a group of kids around 10 pm at Lex/Grand a few months back.

I really don't think the shelter is a problem. The fact that Lexington gets limited foot and car traffic is of more concern. I'd tend to walk on Greene or Gates before Lexington.

Just don't be stupid. Hide the iphone and other temptations when you're walking and take a cab to your door if it's late and you're alone--things you need to do in most neighborhoods anyway. And get to know your neighbors.

That said, I live nearby and love the area.

Posted by: tinarina at October 12, 2009 8:45 PM in response to Lofts on Lex

Definitely the hex tile--the even smaller kind that's white with black inserts is nice. I think sheet vinyl is riskier--the heavy tub could tear it without too much trouble and then you get water underneath the vinyl. This was the problem in all the baths in our wreck of a house, although it's safe to say the vinyl was cheap and probably not professionally installed.

Posted by: tinarina at October 9, 2009 1:51 PM in response to Best floor for 1890s bath?

You may want to consider rigging something up with found parts. One drawback of a standard table is that it's low to use as an island. Your back will not appreciate it if you're doing lots of prep.

Definitely check out Eddies at the corner of Grand and Greene in Clinton Hill on a regular basis. There was a great table base there just last week ($20!!) but it's gone. If you want to send me your e-mail I'll keep an eye out as I go by there daily--tinarina60 at gmail.com.

Posted by: tinarina at October 9, 2009 10:14 AM in response to Source for Old Table?

My husband and I have an ensuite bath. Closing the bathroom door provides plenty of privacy. I have seen layouts where the bathroom entrance was just a few feet away from the head of the bed; I think this is to be avoided.

In addition to being convenient, I like an ensuite bath because it's meant for your use only--no kids, no guests.

During the night or morning, I'd say rummaging around in our walk-in closet is more disturbing than bath use.

And ditto on denton's comment.

Posted by: tinarina at October 6, 2009 4:09 PM in response to En Suite bathroom

Also, ads on Craigslist get buried very quickly. Edit your ad daily so it will reappear for that day. I don't think many folks go back into the listings for more than a few days.

I agree with Gale in that you might have more success by skipping a month of income and sprucing the place up when the place is vacant--unless the current tenants are super-clean and have excellent taste and give you easy access.

Posted by: tinarina at October 6, 2009 10:51 AM in response to Advice on Rental Market

Geez Rob, it's a fundraiser, and pretty reasonably priced compared to most. The bulk of the money goes to the park, not to food and drink.

Posted by: tinarina at October 5, 2009 11:02 AM in response to Weekday Events

Just curious--what kind of smell? Just bad greasy cooking or a dead animal? Does the smell possibly represent a health hazard?

Posted by: tinarina at October 2, 2009 1:15 PM in response to Bad Smell from Tenant

Bedstuy--check out American Tenant Screen--they do the whole shootin' match as long as you become a member and prove that you own rental property.

Posted by: tinarina at October 1, 2009 5:44 PM in response to Advice on Finding Tenant

I don't use a broker, because I'd rather have two months' security and first month's rent from the tenant.

I don't do an open house, but instead ask them to come see the place if they sound reasonable on the phone. I make it clear that I live in the building and want someone who will appreciate my well-cared-for home.

If the tenant likes the place and I like them, I ask them to fill out a simple application--name, address, place of work, etc., and take a deposit to cover a background check on American Tenant Screen. The deposit just covers the ATS cost (last time I used them, it was $25), and helps to weed out the lookers from the truly serious.

I can't say I have a set of questions for tenants, but you can learn alot from chatting with folks. People that ask a great number of picayune questions scare me as they might be overly demanding. And some people just seem weird.

I let prospective tenants know what the lease terms are, including additions I've made to the standard Blumberg lease (rules about garbage, public space, etc.)

Yes it's a tenant but they're living in your house. I trust myself to make a better decision than a broker, and it saves the tenant some money as well. Good luck.

Posted by: tinarina at October 1, 2009 4:38 PM in response to Advice on Finding Tenant

It's hard to say if the maintenance is high without knowing the breakdown. Taxes are included, and any underlying mortgage on the coop is also tax-deductible. And somebody essentially gets a small house without most of the cost and hassles of house maintenance. Could be great for the right person.

Posted by: tinarina at October 1, 2009 1:41 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 30 Ocean Parkway, #1F

I'm sure that there are some meth clinic clients that are trying to turn their lives around, but enough that aren't. The nice folks at Green Planet had to remove their bench (meant for their customers) out front because of non-customers taking it over. Sorry, but it looked like the meth crowd to me. They've recently put it back and will hopefully have better luck.

The bargain store guy next to Green Planet has similar complaints. So it's not just neighbors but merchants that are less than thrilled with the clinic clients. I'm hoping the BID will do some good.

Posted by: tinarina at September 29, 2009 1:44 PM in response to 925 Fulton In Turnaround

Nice house. But what is the finish on the dining room woodwork? Black or blue cerused oak or something or a really bad stain job?

Posted by: tinarina at September 24, 2009 1:58 PM in response to House of the Day: 786 Putnam Avenue

One problem with fresh veg and many groceries in general is that the profit margin is incredibly small. For the bodega owner with high rent and limited space, there's little incentive to stock something that might end up being tossed, and doesn't make that much money to begin with. You can make much more money off a package of Oreos, and they have a shockingly long shelf life.

As for Chinatown, food is cheap because many of the shops own their space, which makes a huge difference. Chinatown, while affordable, can be hard to navigate for the uninitiated--incredibly crowded with little English spoken. I imagine it's overwhelming for many non-Chinese--and has been for me at times.

Posted by: tinarina at September 24, 2009 12:53 PM in response to The City Spurs Grocery Stores to Underserved

OP--

I know it's a minor consolation but once you have an accepted offer, the broker will be pretty much out of the picture except to arrange access for an inspection. Once in contract, the real work is btwn the attys. So at least you won't need to deal too much with this slimeball.

Posted by: tinarina at September 22, 2009 12:56 PM in response to Worst Broker Experience Ever

For plumbers, I recommend John Hlad. He works a lot in the neighborhood and knows these houses. But I've heard good things about Aladdin and Gateway as well.

Posted by: tinarina at September 22, 2009 11:01 AM in response to Looking for: Plumber, Moving Co.

i prefer harris water main
2600 Atlantic Ave # 1
Brooklyn, NY 11207-2415
(718) 495-3600

Posted by: eman1234 at November 19, 2009 9:28 PM in response to Broken Sewer Main

Heimer is good but very expensive. Give Roy a call 917-324-6369.

Posted by: flawlessphoto06 at November 19, 2009 9:58 PM in response to engineer inspection

We've used Matthew Barnett from Allied Inspectors twice now, once on a building that ended up being too derelict to buy and once on the building that we're going to be closing on soon. He's around $700, neither the cheapest nor the most expensive we found when we were shopping around and we've gotten a wealth of knowledge from the walk-throughs we've done with him. Highly recommended.

Posted by: kprestek at November 19, 2009 10:12 PM in response to engineer inspection

Alex Figilioa Water and Sewer did my father-in-law's sewer main about 30 years ago, and they did ours last year. Very professional, I can recommend them.

Posted by: elizabethJane at November 20, 2009 12:28 AM in response to Broken Sewer Main

Thanks for comments re: Engineer inspection, will follow up on the given leads. Good weekend to all!

Posted by: andrew2010 at November 20, 2009 7:48 AM in response to engineer inspection

Accurate Builindg Inspetors in Brooklyn.

Posted by: edkopel at November 20, 2009 9:30 AM in response to engineer inspection

Just got an inspection done last month and was happy with Ed Frank. You can reach his office at 718-538-9090.

Posted by: Suntory at November 20, 2009 7:35 PM in response to engineer inspection