Williams's Profile
Author's Posts
September 9, 2009
Recs- Inexpensive Architect
Hi
I just need a room extension so I need I staright forward architect which can have all the permits and issues done quickly and easily.
Thank you
September 8, 2009
Extension Process
I have brought a contractor to the building and after a few days I got a bid. I then called another contractor who said that before I talk to him I should call an architect which will make planes, amendments etc etc...I am a bit confused about it now because I am not sure how to do it- so, I does it work? It's a very small extension which will barely add a room...
September 4, 2009
Expensive Estimate?
I am closing on a small 3 family. 1) I would like to have an extension on the first floor so it will become a one bedroom instead of a studio. the extension size will be around 400-500 sf. 2) I will put a stucco facade on the two other floors. That is it. I got a bid for 30K. what do you think?
Thank you.
August 29, 2009
How is it called?
Hi,
You know those windows which becomes one way when its hit by light? it's like a one way window which changes by where it is hit by light so in the morning time, when there is sun, inside the house you will see the outside but from the outside you won't see the inside of the house. at evening it changes. What is the professional name for these windows? Thanks.
August 26, 2009
What to Have in the Contract?
Hi all,
After passing all the steps of buying a house with much help from this wonderful forum I am close to signing and I was wondering if there is something I should put in the contract that seems important to any of you.
Thank you, I appreciate it.
August 24, 2009
termite rec- FHA approved
Hi
I have termite damage in the house which we are buying. The inspector told me that I should get a termite expert to make sure that they are gone because it seems that there were repairs to the parts which were damaged by the termites.
Could anyone recommend a good, fha approved, termite expert?
Thank you.
August 17, 2009
Waterproofing Cellar?
Hi,
I'm closing on a building which has an obvious problem- it has water entering the cellar. there are a lot of signs- sump pump, mold, dehumidifier and cinder blocks to border the boiler and water tank. My inspector has suggested to install a french drain and to recement the walls with waterproofing compound. I much rather putting my money toward fixing the issue all together- by not allowing any water to come in into the building it self. Did anyone here have any experience with this kind of problem/solution?
August 11, 2009
Settling and Sagging House
I am looking into buying a frame, 3-family house which is 100 years old. The building is sagging and settling quite a bit (in my opinion) The roof leans a lot. I have yet to get an inspector because I feel he will pull the "only what I can see" card. Who could give me some reliable info? How can I make sure this thing will last?
August 7, 2009
Uneven House
I have come across a 3 family which I am interested in but it is very uneven and has settled quite a bit. I am going to bring an engineer to check it but what are the chances of it being ok?
August 4, 2009
Ballpark Boiler Pricing?
Hi,
I was wondering how much is it (ball park) to change an oil boiler into 3 small separate (It's a 3 family) gas boilers. the building is 2300sf and there is a 3 bedroom apt and two 1 bedrooms apts.
Thanks!
Author's Comments
I think I made a big mistake with the numbers- I do apologize.
I am doing a very small extension which will only add a bedroom.. more like half a bedroom.
We are going to build 5 ft out and about 10ft wide.... I gave you guys the cubic sf.... sorry.
Is this price seems expensive now?
Posted by: Williams at September 4, 2009 8:32 PM in response to Expensive Estimate?
thank you for the remarks!!
BHO- this will be my only note for you because by responding to you I fuel your behavior-
for the sake of humanity, get lai*..... ASAP
Posted by: Williams at August 26, 2009 10:12 PM in response to What to Have in the Contract?
The house is a three family and is semi detached- there is a lot on it's side.
I understand that there are two types of french drains- outside and inside?
Which one did you have installed?
Posted by: Williams at August 17, 2009 12:18 PM in response to Waterproofing Cellar?
It's a frame and I will bring an engineer. Thank you guys for your input.
Posted by: Williams at August 9, 2009 7:31 PM in response to Uneven House
Thank you for the info. I have not thought about the piping thing and of course it should be addressed. I still didn't get the inspector in which will say how bad is the burner. basically I should hope that it is not in such a bad shape as I believe.
Btw- doe it include all the incentives? because from what I understand it should bring down the cost by 6-8k...
Posted by: Williams at August 4, 2009 4:29 PM in response to Ballpark Boiler Pricing?
Smokychimp
I do have zoning
I do have a seperate entrance and an exit to the back yard.
I think I pretty much have it.
Who should I bring that could have a look and be certain about it?
Posted by: Williams at June 25, 2009 2:41 PM in response to cellar to office-I have new info
Yes I am replacing all... I do not want to gut the house so I want to try and cause the least amount of damage. 3 full bahtroom + 3 kitchens.
I am hoping for no more than 50k.... is it realistic?
Posted by: Williams at June 21, 2009 3:55 PM in response to ball park on reno.
Sorry for the double post.
Posted by: Williams at June 19, 2009 11:19 AM in response to Is Lawyer Fee Reasonable?
I'M SO SORRY! I HAVE ALREADY ASKED THIS QUESTION AND GOT ANSWERED!
I WISH THERE WAS AN OPTION TO DELETE POSTS.
SORRY
Posted by: Williams at June 4, 2009 7:07 PM in response to who do I call for this work?
Great info goodoleboy!
I have received a quote from Bank of A. and they claim that in order to get FHA. I will HAVE to put 15% down.....
The rate they give is 5.5... and the estimated closing costs- 37k. does all this numbers seem right?
Posted by: Williams at May 30, 2009 1:39 PM in response to Is this mortgage possible?
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
My lawyer made the same observation when we closed. I have to agree.
Posted by: mopar at June 21, 2009 6:10 PM in response to Is Lawyer Fee Reasonable?
Architerrorist - I have been following your posts and am impressed with your feedback and knowledge of the neighborhood. I am looking at moving closer to you from my lifelong residence of Midwood and would love to pick your brain a bit. Is there a way to PM someone here?
Posted by: littleb at June 30, 2009 5:23 PM in response to Is Lawyer Fee Reasonable?
Hard to say without visually seeing the house, but for Plumbing, you can figure around $35K - $40K
Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 1, 2009 5:14 PM in response to ball park on reno.
try going on the nyserda website for info on incentives and even contractors.
have you considered a green option such as radiant floor heating?point of service hot water heaters...there are many ways to go so if you are going to invest 30K might as well look at your options.
Posted by: argentina at August 4, 2009 8:09 PM in response to Ballpark Boiler Pricing?
This may seem obvious, but can you install a french drain in a basement you plan to finish and use as living space? The only ones I've seen are open on the top (like a little ditch). We are thinking about digging our basement down a foot or two (engineer said it was possible), but if we do it I want to be sure to install whatever is needed to keep the area VERY dry - it is damp now. We just finished covering the old stone and brick walls in a cement finish but that is all we have done... any advice welcome!
Posted by: amybnyc at August 17, 2009 12:38 PM in response to Waterproofing Cellar?
In places where basements are old and leak constantly, you build a trough around the perimeter and the leakage flows into the sump pump basin. No need to actually install a french drain.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 17, 2009 12:46 PM in response to Waterproofing Cellar?
On the inside for the above. I'd do a french drain outside too
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 17, 2009 12:47 PM in response to Waterproofing Cellar?
Outside is always better than inside as far as water is concerned. I didn't have a choice in our rear addition. I was taking in a lot of water on the side of the neighbor's back yard, but she wouldn't allow me to come into her yard to dig because of the trees she has right on the property line (most likely one of the biggest cuprits for the water infiltration). We ended up digging an interior trench lined with gravel, into which we place a wrapped slotted pipe. The pipe is pitched to the sump pump, where we installed a larger bucket. It seems to work pretty well. We also re-applied thoro-seal, a product I'm not really sold on, but the existing seemed to have some deficiencies and it seemed like the most expedient way to handle the problem.
I do, however, feel like damp conditions persist in the summer months. I get this water witch type feeling in the space, much like I sense in the East Village and the area downtown near the old Collect Pond. It doesn't smell moldy or mildewy but I feel like there's still water.
Posted by: bessie2 at August 17, 2009 1:05 PM in response to Waterproofing Cellar?
I had a couple of estimates from companies that "do" interior drains, pumps, parging, etc. I tried the outdoor french drain first & haven't had to do anything else.
Posted by: Arkady at August 17, 2009 1:44 PM in response to Waterproofing Cellar?
we had a similar problem---our house is adjacent to a paved church play-yeard that didn't have good drainage. we dug up along that side, had a roofer apply a waterproofing product (grace prepruf) to the outstide of the house and ran a perfortade pipe along the outside under the ground. It has worked great. from an abundance of caution we also placed a sump pump, which has helped during these flash flood type downpours where the volume is just too much. good luck.
Posted by: brwnstngrl at August 17, 2009 3:50 PM in response to Waterproofing Cellar?
Thank you guys!
Posted by: Williams at September 9, 2009 8:50 AM in response to Extension Process