azul's Profile
Author's Posts
June 9, 2008
A/C Installers?
I need someone to install brackets for my a/c units. Does anyone other J& R do this? They are booked for the next few weeks. . . Thanks!
March 31, 2008
Recommendations for Tree Pruners
I need to remove some of the limbds of a tree in my backyard. Can anyone provide a recommendation, as well as ballpark estimates on cost? Thanks in advance.
January 14, 2008
Cleaning Sewage out of a Basement
My live-in basement is flooded with sewage due to a backed up toilet. I need a cleaning company that can clean and disenfect the area. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
November 26, 2007
What to do when my radiatoris missing a knob?
I purchased an apartment this summer and just realized that one of the steam radiators in the apartment is missing the knob which is used to adjust the heat. How do I deal with this? Can I easily get and install a new knob?
September 27, 2007
What's the Best Way to Clean Screens?
I just moved into building which is being repointed. The work creates a lot of dust on the windows. I don't mind that so much, but I do want to keep the screens clean so that dust doesn't come into my apartment. Any suggestions as to how to keep them clean--other than to remove them in stick them in the shower? That's too much work to do every day. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
August 27, 2007
How Far in Advance Should I Schedule Contractor Estimates?
I just bought my first place, so I'm new at all of this.
First order of business is refinishing the floors. If I want contractors to come give me estimates, say around September 5, how far in advance should I call them to schedule an appointment to get an estimate?
Also, how soon after giving me an estimate should the contractor be able to start the job?
I'm trying to get a realistic sense of timelines here so that I'm not asking contractors for the impossible.
Author's Comments
If you figure something out, let me know! I'd be interested in learning the same and could help split the cost.
Posted by: azul at April 18, 2008 1:23 PM in response to House Tutor for New Homeowners
I used to live a few doors down from that building. Although I never went inside the building, I can tell you that from living next to it throughout the construction period, that the construction was shady. My neighbor went to the open houses and said that the apartments were a mess because the interiors had been finished before the windows were installed, resulting in the floors being damaged and warped from the rain.
If you are thinking about renting, I would take a close look at the place to see if there is any residual damage, mold, mildrew, etc.
As to why the apartments aren't selling: they are a block away from a ConEd substation, there was (or may still be) other buildings on the block under construction. This particular building had poor constuction and was incredibly overpriced. Several price cuts never resulted in sales.
Posted by: azul at June 13, 2008 2:02 PM in response to Help! Recent Opinions about 710 6th Ave.
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
We started getting estimates a few months before we wanted the job to start. We did a round, did some more research, and then did another round in May for a job we wanted to start in late June/early July. Chose the contractor we liked best, not lowest bid, and job didn't start till end of August because of his schedule, board approvals, etc.
Posted by: linkinplace at August 27, 2007 3:15 PM in response to How Far in Advance Should I Schedule Contractor Estimates?
Most contractors can deal with a two week advance notice to start working, so if you want to be able to compare bids, then I would say start 1 month in advance to get estimates.
Posted by: guest at August 28, 2007 1:26 PM in response to How Far in Advance Should I Schedule Contractor Estimates?
I'm very interested too! I feel like the OP. We've lived in our house for a year, and we have been reacting as some issues would appear, but there are still a lot of issues I'm wondering about and I would like to have a more proactive approach. I've been thinking about hiring an engineer/inspector for a day to answer all my questions. The inspection that was done when we bought the house was useful, but now that we have lived in the house for a year and have complete access to everything, I think it might be worth it... As far as the other aspect of your question (how to learn basic renovation and maintenance skills) I've been learning from my dad who's fairly handy and from some books, but I'd like to know if people have ressources to suggest.
Posted by: guest at April 18, 2008 1:46 PM in response to House Tutor for New Homeowners
Make me an offer on my husband. He cooks and cleans too.
Posted by: rh at April 18, 2008 9:18 PM in response to House Tutor for New Homeowners
I have owned and restored many 1800's houses and commercial structures, and would be glad to share accumulated knowledge of 35+ years as a renovator and building manager.
We are not contractors (we are not fishing for work) as we restore only properties we own, but we would be available to consult or teach an "urban home owners 101".
If you are actually seeking design ideas, an architect is probably a better choice, but if your questions are more along the lines of "Do we need to fix this, or can we live with it", or "What's involved in changing our ..." we should be able to provide guidance and direction.
We normally charge $250.00-300.00 for a 3 hour consultation, or $500.00 if we additionally attend with an experienced tradesman (plumbing/electrical etc).
If interested contact bruceatjerseydata.net.
Posted by: brucef at April 20, 2008 2:00 PM in response to House Tutor for New Homeowners
I'd be into this, too--we just moved into an old victorian and feel a bit over our heads! Anyway, post contact info if you're into getting a group to learn/pay together.
Posted by: guest at April 20, 2008 3:10 PM in response to House Tutor for New Homeowners
I would love to participate as well if you get a group together.
Posted by: pmmtenement at April 27, 2008 2:00 PM in response to House Tutor for New Homeowners
I'm glad that there is so much interest. I've received some recs and proposals for teachers, and a handful of interested "pupils" to share the experience and cost. Those of you who expressed interest -- plz email me your contact info, liz.picarazzi(at)gmail.com
Posted by: lizpic at April 28, 2008 11:10 PM in response to House Tutor for New Homeowners
I'd also be interested: we're in the process of seriously looking for a place, and having this type of knowledge beforehand would be a huge help.
Posted by: miehaya at May 26, 2008 4:25 PM in response to House Tutor for New Homeowners
Thanks John. As an fyi for readers, the apt is in good shape. The floors need refinishing and the walls need a fresh coat of paint, but that's it. Starting with the floors should be ok, I think.
Posted by: azul at August 27, 2007 2:24 PM in response to How Far in Advance Should I Schedule Contractor Estimates?