anugupta's Profile
Author's Posts
September 16, 2008
Tile Salvage Advice?
hi we are trying to salvage some old tile in one of our bathrooms but they keep breaking when we try to remove them - they are pretty strongly stuck to the concrete and behind that is a wire mesh - any advice on how to loosen these tiles or should we just give up? thanks!
STeel Fabricator Recommendations?
hi - we are looking for a steel fabricator to do our deck as well as some fire rated stairs we need. if you have any recommendations, pls let us know. thanks!
September 12, 2008
Last Chance: Victorian Radiators & Covers/Cast Iron Tub
We posted this a few times on Brownstoner but these are on their way to the dump. If you are interested please call 516 746 2266 to see them Saturday (we are in Park Slope). Thanks
Trouble with our Architect
We are having some challenges with our Architect (delays in signing permit papers, delays in submitting amended plans (due to a zoning mistake he made), veiled threats about signing our CO papers) What can we do? Do we have any recourse? Any advice is appreciated
August 15, 2008
radiators and tub available
posted here a few weeks ago with pictures of both tub and radiators (both radiators and covers) that we have available - need to get rid of them by next week - pls call us to take a look - we are in park slope - 516 746 2266.
need an engineer for a controlled inspection
hi - we need a structural engineer for a controlled inspection during an excavation. we were told we need this based on the new rules that went into effect july 1st. would appreciate any recommendations. thanks
August 12, 2008
Radiators Available
We have about 20 of these available in all shapes and sizes. All in excellent condition from the 1800s. Please contact me if you are interested.
August 1, 2008
Bathtub available
Bathub with fixtures available. In excellent condition. Pls contact me if you are interested.
Tub available
Bathtub with fixtures available. In excellent condition. Please contact me if you are interested.
July 31, 2008
Obtaining a Permit from Building Department
I have an approved plan. A G.C. who gave me an estimate told me that he does not have an expeditor but that he will give me his license # and the appropriate signed forms and that I can get the permit myself. Is this true? Does it take a long time? Anyone with experience doing this? Thanks
Author's Comments
OP here
thank you...since i'm looking for an architect in brooklyn...can you please email me your contact info...anuguptamd@yahoo.com... thanks
Posted by: anugupta at September 10, 2007 12:01 PM in response to Changing C of O
we are also looking for a fireplace mantle. if its marble, please email us at anu.ghatak@yahoo.com.
Posted by: anugupta at July 5, 2008 1:39 PM in response to Old doors and mantlepiece
sorry everyone...we have both the radiators and the covers available. if you are interested pls call 516 746 2266. we need to get rid of them this week.
Posted by: anugupta at August 13, 2008 8:55 PM in response to Radiators Available
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
I'm NOT the original poster, but following up on this:
Who is the best professional to expedite a change a c of o? Is it a special type of attorney? An architect? Anyone who has used someone who knows Brooklyn brownstones?
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 1:21 PM in response to Changing C of O
Changing a C of O is a "Alterations Type I" filing. Expediter is your best bet if it's dead-simple, but if you are making any kind of changes (let's say deleting or adding a kitchen to bring the house in line with the new C of O designation) then you should hire an architect. Plans for such a job will need to be stamped by one.
Posted by: an architect in Brooklyn at September 10, 2007 3:26 PM in response to Changing C of O
LNO is not an option since the building already has a CO. Doctor's office is considered a community facility, not a commercial space and is almost certainly allowed in your zoning district. If current CO lists 2 family, the owner probably did some work without permit to add the doctor's office. You will need to obtain permits for the work done and apply for change to CO. Hire and Architect.
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 5:19 PM in response to Changing C of O
There may not be a landmarks problem here - change of use (in and of itself) is not a landmarks issue. Landmarks is concerned withg what the doctor's office means to the exterior. If it predates designation, it may be grandfathered; if it doesn't materially affect the facade, it may also not be a problem. OTOH, if you need to make major exterior changes to legalize the interior changes (or have existing LPC violations), that is a different issue.
Posted by: WBer at September 10, 2007 5:25 PM in response to Changing C of O
By changing the C of O from a 2 family to a 2+ doctors office, you will make conventional financing almost impossible, thus devalueing the property.
Unless it is in an area where Doctors offices are in more demand than homes. (Doughtful)
Posted by: guest at September 10, 2007 7:04 PM in response to Changing C of O
Have you tried Alex Fradkoff? He is not based in Brooklin (he's in Manhattan) but he has extensive knowledge in this area. He's honest at what he does and his work is incrediable. His office number is 212-388-2634, email is afradkoffdesigns@comcast.net
Hope this helps...
Posted by: guest at September 11, 2007 4:09 PM in response to RECO for Architect based in Brooklyn
AlexFradkoff is not an architect, though he persists in selling his services as one, in spite of having been successfully sued for fraud and forgery for this. the work in that case was not to code. This practice is a public menace. yet somehow, many, many posts re this keep disappearing!!!!!!
Posted by: guest at October 12, 2007 10:01 AM in response to RECO for Architect based in Brooklyn

OP here
I'm sorry...I didn't mean to make it an exclusion criteria. Experience with brownstone on landmarked blocks in Brooklyn is of most importance. Thanks for the recos!
Posted by: anugupta at September 10, 2007 9:14 AM in response to RECO for Architect based in Brooklyn