By the way... you may want to consider that by the time the contractor has excavated for the foundation that Ed is talking about, you might as well dig a little deeper to get a true cellar space underneath the extension. You'll pay more, but you won't be sorry in terms of space. Otherwise, in my opinion, you are throwing away good effort without the full payback.

Posted by: arch_tect at October 23, 2009 1:44 PM in response to Cost for Adding Extension?

Because, chicken, access to these properties is very difficult. Contractors have to excavate for a foundation BY HAND and then carry out all of the dirt IN BUCKETS through an occupied house while not damaging the owner's or the neighbor's properties. Then they have to schlep all of the new material in through the house. Not to mention trying to get material deliveries made without clogging up the streets, getting a spot for a street container to put garbage, etc.

All of that usually goes on while the owner insists on living in the house during the construction and that at the end of the day, the house is spotless. All of that takes time...and time = $$.

Posted by: arch_tect at October 23, 2009 1:36 PM in response to Cost for Adding Extension?

The brick going up on this thing is not a great color. It kind of matches the rendering...unfortunatly.

Posted by: arch_tect at July 23, 2009 1:43 PM in response to Development Watch: 575 5th Avenue

Umm...steel planters in direct contact with the soil doesn't seem like a very good idea to me. Can anyone say rust-impregnated soil?

Posted by: arch_tect at July 23, 2009 1:39 PM in response to Prospect Heights Garden Build: Laying the Groundwork

Don't forget also that a new plumber now is inheriting the liability of the work previously done. Like it or not, that plumber has to "cover" the entire installation after he is finished fixing all of the mistakes. Any amount of friendly handshaking will not erase that responsibility.

Posted by: arch_tect at May 6, 2009 12:56 PM in response to Riddle Me This (Plumbing Questio

Speak with Russ Eisenburg from So Clean Concrete Creations.

631.525.2807

Very knowledgeable and can talk you through many options.

Posted by: arch_tect at April 28, 2009 1:24 PM in response to Stamped Concrete

One issue that many people are not aware of when using this type of insulation is that it can actually be BAD to install it in a home that doesn't have an HVAC system that provide outdoor air exchanges (another way to say that it brings in fresh air, and exhausts the stale air and humidity).

This type of insulation works REALLY well...so well in fact that it doesn't let your building "breathe" on it's own. So if it can't breathe, you need a mechanical system that will. Otherwise, you may be dealing with interior mold and mildew issues.

Read all of the product literature very carefully...including the fine print.

Posted by: arch_tect at April 22, 2009 1:39 PM in response to Foam insulation systems

From what you describe above, you will need to obtain permits to legally add a bathroom and reconfigure the upper floor. This will require drawings from an architect or engineer and paperwork to be filed with the Dept. of Buildings.

My wife and I (both architects) recently renovated our one-family frame house in the South Slope. We would be happy to show you our home, stop by your house to talk about your project, and can put you in contact with some contractors.

If you are interested, you can contact us at contact@deuxarchitectes.com

Posted by: arch_tect at April 14, 2009 2:00 PM in response to Architect Recommendation

Totally normal. Some co-op boards get together, at the most, once a month. And depending on how organized they are, they may take longer to review, discuss, and set up an interview. Don't get discouraged.

Posted by: arch_tect at March 12, 2009 1:32 PM in response to New to the Area

Try Restoration Hardware in the city. 22nd Street and 5th Ave across from the Flat Iron Building.

Posted by: arch_tect at February 25, 2009 1:10 PM in response to hardware for midcentury table

Just know that Corian is typically 1/2" thick. You may be able to see this where the sink is mounted unless that edge is built up. If you screw anything, just make sure they are short screws.

Posted by: arch_tect at February 18, 2009 1:30 PM in response to corian countertop

That's not just a wall...it's a LIVING GREEN wall.

I pity the fool that has to climb up those things and trim the bushes and weed the planting beds.

I especially like the one on the end in the second photo that seems to be mysteriously hovering over the ground.

Posted by: arch_tect at February 11, 2009 2:11 PM in response to Thor Leak Reveals Plans for Mall at Red Hook Refinery Site

All good points above.

Chances are, if the previous architect has taken over 2 years to get any kind of approvals and isn't really on top of this, he or she probably doesn't have much of a vested interest in the project getting done. Thus he or she may not have any problem releasing their plans for use by the new architect. I would ask.

Just get it in writing.

Posted by: arch_tect at January 30, 2009 1:57 PM in response to Getting out of an AIA contract

Bosch - 100%

Posted by: arch_tect at January 27, 2009 12:40 PM in response to small washer and dryer

I agree with Kwright. If you decide to sue the contractor, that process will take quite some time. I have some friends who went through a similar situation with a contractor who dropped off of the map. They had to find a way to finish the work and then go after the contractor later. Their story turned out pretty well. I hope the same for you.

Posted by: arch_tect at December 3, 2008 1:32 PM in response to help needed to finish construction

I think the argument of "crowding" the Brooklyn Bridge is a a false one. The iconic character of the bridge would not be harmed in any way by this building or any other buildings built around here. The bridge's presence is much "bigger" than that.

By the way, what's with the W. Bush attitude of the poll? "You're either for us, or against us."

I don't know enough information to form such a cut-and-dry opinion.

Posted by: arch_tect at December 3, 2008 1:17 PM in response to The Next Step for Dock Street

I did use a licensed GC with licensed subs--and checked out their numbers with the DOB--lots of good that did me. Yes, I am suing the heck out of the GC, going after his license and trying to get the DA involved with the fraud he committed (fake permits etc.) And yes, i did have a contract and he did have insurance. I can't go after the plumber directly because he is a sub. To get around that this time--i am hiring directly. The original 6 bidders were GCs who included plumbing for a quote between 10 and 15k. The plumbers coming in now are quoteing 13-15k to finish the work. I hear what you are saying about taking on the liability of another but i still don't think that justifies another 15k. I appreciate all of your advice and recs--please keep it coming.

Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at May 6, 2009 3:27 PM in response to Riddle Me This (Plumbing Questio

Martin Pluming and heating is honest and reasonably priced (though all plumbing is insanely expensive.)

Posted by: Park Place at May 6, 2009 3:32 PM in response to Riddle Me This (Plumbing Questio

I recommend Sessa Plumbing. They've been helping me with a permit sign-off and some shoddy work done by previous plumbers. They are a real professional outfit.

Posted by: Turtlejam19 at May 6, 2009 4:11 PM in response to Riddle Me This (Plumbing Questio

The price issue may be due to the fact that the first set of "Plumbers" weren't licensed or insured. Their pricing was probably very low for the work that was quoted. If they quoted 10K - 15K for the initial work, it probably should have been more like 20K - 25K (without knowing the entire scope of work I can't be exact). The Plumbers that are taking over the job are pricing for what the Plumbing should legitimately cost at this point. I'm sure it's at a small premium because they are working with Plumbing that someone else started. Also keep in mind that the GC gave you a 10K - 15K ballpark price for the Plumbing. That could have been a number that he just threw out there to you, otherwise he would have given you an exact number. What happened to you sucks, it's something that I hear about almost every week. I wish you luck in finishing your project, this is supposed to be an enjoyable thing that you're doing!!

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at May 6, 2009 5:27 PM in response to Riddle Me This (Plumbing Questio

I am starting to change my tune about plumbers.

Yes, it's not rocket science, but what you are paying for -- as has been alluded to in this thread -- is their assumption of liability. Simply put, there is a lot that can go wrong with water or gas lines, and when it does go wrong, it's likely to involve other people's property or health. We learned that the hard way during a renovation a year ago.

So my advice, after years of grousing about plumbers' charges, is to find a plumber you like and trust, and try not to dwell on the price.

Posted by: Bolder at May 6, 2009 11:00 PM in response to Riddle Me This (Plumbing Questio

Another vote for Martin Plumbing and Heating. They are very professional, very honest and very reliable. They stand by their work and take pride in it. The even taught me a bunch of things about plumbing that I could do myself and save money. They have been around a while and are pretty much exclusive to Brooklyn work.

Posted by: tomgee at May 7, 2009 10:30 AM in response to Riddle Me This (Plumbing Questio

stuy, in case you didn't know, Martin also did the plumbing at 270. And I'd have to say the plumbing was one of the least bad parts of the job :-)

Posted by: denton at May 7, 2009 4:48 PM in response to Riddle Me This (Plumbing Questio

ha ha denton. Thanks everyone-I am going to check these guys out

Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at May 8, 2009 9:45 AM in response to Riddle Me This (Plumbing Questio

If you're still checking your thread (I don't get to check the forum everyday) I have a couple of suggestions.

You can try Rocky at PlumbingWorx. They are on Degraw ST by Van Brunt. He may take pity on you, he can be very helpful.

In all these cases you have to go to these guy's offices. I know about letting your fingers do the walking, but you need to show up at their office. On the phone you are a potential head ache. In person you stand a chance of a hand shake and a partner. Go easy on the fiasco, you basically want a bunch of plumbing work done, which in this economy is a good thing for these guys (dem guys).

Bruce, Jersey Management

Posted by: brucef at May 10, 2009 12:34 AM in response to Riddle Me This (Plumbing Questio

contact mr luis 3478674695

Posted by: yurigmushainti71 at May 20, 2009 10:12 PM in response to Stamped Concrete