BB's Profile
Author's Posts
November 13, 2009
Vinny's Ironworkers-Need Tel #
Vinny's Ironworkers has been recommended on this site. Does anyone have contact information? Any other recommendations for Ironworkers?
November 1, 2009
Excellent Landscape Designer!
I would like to recommend Ann Brooke (see:http://www.annbrookedesign.com), the Landscape Designer who redesigned my back-yard garden. The hardscaping part of the project is installed, with planting and additional work to recommence in the spring, including installation of a watering system, tree pruning to let in more light, and installation of additional brick in a herringbone pattern for the area under a hammock with stand (for back left of yard).
Ann had to deal with many design problems and certain limitations in creating the garden plan. I requested that an existing small back patio directly outside the door to the garden be kept, as well as the raised flower beds on each side of the yard. An additional problem was how to deal with the multitude of shallow tree roots running throughout the yard. Ann's solution was to extend the brick a bit, using an antique brick that complemented the existing brick, and that angled out to begin the movement and flow of the rest of the design. Creating three separate garden rooms by installing two sets of stairs, no higher than 6", helped avoid the problem of digging down and destroying tree roots. The stone selected for the stairs is phenomenal, and I'm told that each piece weighs about 400 pounds. Needless to add, the men who installed the stone, by first carrying each piece through the narrow hallway of my garden floor are heroes.
Another request I made was for a circular area to accommodate a set of table and chairs. I thought the off-set of the slate circular area was a wonderful design solution, with the brick path hugging round the circle to appear again on the other side of the steps and lead you into the rest of the garden. You may envision the three types of ground cover that you will find growing around the circular stones in the back, when you arrive to that space.
Ann works with closely with a hardscaping contractor, and has had a long relationship with him and his crew. As a result, they know her design style and under Ann's guidance, are able to implement the work without error. Ann is always present during the installation.
Ms. Brooke has been a pleasure to work with during the entire process. We set a limit to the budget at the outset and she kept to that limit. I highly recommend her. I think the photos allow the garden design to speak for itself.
July 17, 2009
Dripping Air Conditioner
How do you stop an air conditioner from dripping condensation out the front of the air conditioner (and down the front of the building)?
July 15, 2009
Neighbor's Huge Tent
My neighbor put up a tent that is almost the size of the entire yard, has a pitched roof, so goes over 6 feet, and is one foot from my property line. He is a renter. The landlord is unresponsive. Is this legal per zoning laws. It is an eyesore and he will be partying all the time.
July 2, 2008
Exterior Painter Recommendations Wanted
Would anyone please recommend a painter to paint the exterior facade of a wood frame house done in Hardee Board? Someone to handle multiple colors (cornice, trim, clapboard, steps) with attention to secondary highlights on cornice and entry door.
Thank you for your input.
February 28, 2008
Sump Pump Info Needed
Does anyone have a sump pump in their basement, and if so, does it pump the water into the sewer line? And do you have a check valve? I have a French drain that was hooked up to drain directly into the sewer line, which caused problems when the sewer backed up because of tree roots. I'm now considering connecting the French drain to a sump pump which would be installed and then drain into the sewer. I was told that because of the configuration of the piping, that the sump pump would not need a check valve. The thing is that my basement is dry and the French drain was probably overkill, so maybe I should just have the connection to the sewer pipe cut off and capped - so the French drain is just non-functional, rather than have the sump pump installed. Any advice on what to do? Also, and recommendations on sump pumps?
February 27, 2008
Plumbing Engineer Recommendations Needed
Does anyone have any recommendations for a plumbing engineer regarding a plumbing problem? Your recommendations are appreciated. Thank you.
Mechanical Engineer Needed
Please recommend a mechanical engineer for a plumbing problem. Thank you.
February 15, 2008
Backyard Drain Problem
I have a drain outside my garden floor door to the backyard. It connects to the sewerline underground - the pipe that enters the backwall to the house - that also is connected from the pipe that runs down the back wall from the roof (drains the roof).
The drain box has two holes - one that connects to a pipe with holes that I think runs parallel to the house (a French drain type of thing?) and the other to the sewer line.
The problem is that there is about 4" of space below the holes to the bottom of the box, where water collects and sits.
Recently we've had an invasion of phorid flies which are know to come from sewer/drain pipes.
So my question is, is there a better box where the water wouldn't sit at the bottom. I think my phorid fly problem is connected to the box, because they are not coming from my basement (dry - no sightings), and are definitely coming into the house from the garden back door and maybe windows. Also, I think the box breeds mosquitoes in the summer.
Author's Comments
Grilledsardine-Planting will be done in the Spring.
Posted by: BB at November 3, 2009 2:27 PM in response to Excellent Landscape Designer!
Thank you Grand Army! I will post again in the Spring when the planting is done.
Posted by: BB at November 2, 2009 6:28 PM in response to Excellent Landscape Designer!
Ms. Brooke was not responsible for the installation of the fence. It was already there and remained as it was.
Posted by: BB at November 2, 2009 7:47 AM in response to Excellent Landscape Designer!
Who was your electrician, and would you recommend the electrician you used?
Posted by: BB at August 4, 2009 1:46 PM in response to Contractor Recs at End of Reno
Another neighbor told me that the tent was purchased for something like $47 or $67.
Posted by: BB at July 15, 2009 5:39 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent
Thank you so much 60designers! The Code you posted clearly shows the tent is in violation of the law, and in so many ways. It it about 1-1/2 stories high, almost butts my property line fence, and he does use a fire pit and grill close to the tent. As to other posters, there is no comparison between a large umbrella and this tent- its more like what you see outside Ethical Culture when they host wedding parties.
Posted by: BB at July 15, 2009 12:47 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent
Of course I've tried talking to him. When he is loud and drunk at 4:00 in the morning he tells me to shut my windows, which I've done, and still hear him and his party through double-pane glass, when I complain about the music through the walls filling my house, when I complain about the second hand smoke coming through my walls. He acts like I have nerve to voice a complaint, and he has the right to do whatever he wants. This tent is as big as something someone might put up for a wedding.
Posted by: BB at July 14, 2009 10:23 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent
No, it is not just for a special party. Before the tent, he often drank alcohol up till 4:00 am with friends, talking loudly under our bedroom windows. He has no regard for being a good neighbor. He smokes so much inside his house that we get second hand smoke in our house. He and his friends smoke cigars in the backyard, making our own unusable.
Posted by: BB at July 14, 2009 8:51 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent
311 didn't have anything, as it is not a permanent structure (although I do hear him cementing the poles down, as I write this). 311 did say something about calling Dept. of City Wide Planning during business hours.
Posted by: BB at July 14, 2009 8:48 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent
So what I meant to ask was, can anyone recommend a good real estate attorney who specializes in zoning, permits, land use? Thanks for your help.
Posted by: BB at July 14, 2009 8:33 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent
Spanish Bluebells - there was a huge area abloom at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens this past Sunday.
Posted by: BB at May 11, 2009 1:43 PM in response to Name this Flower
Could I get some of your bluestone as well?
212-698-3534
Thanks.
Barbara
Posted by: BB at April 24, 2009 2:04 PM in response to Blue stone
Cobblekrill
Could you provide contact information for Williamsburg Garden company - did a quick google and couldn't easily find it. Thanks.
Posted by: BB at April 20, 2009 12:35 PM in response to Patio Contractor Needed
Would you please post a contact for Fun City Design. Great choices. What footage are you working with? Its hard to imagine fitting all that into a typical backyard space.
Posted by: BB at August 21, 2008 3:18 PM in response to Three Options, One Way to Go.
Please give Contact Information for Antonio. Thank you.
Posted by: BB at August 6, 2008 12:05 PM in response to Last things first
Florence - who are you using to do your floors?
Posted by: BB at July 25, 2008 11:15 AM in response to Reasonable quote? Water or oil based finish?
If you don't want the stones, I would love to take them. Please contact me at 212-698-3534. Thank you.
Barbara
Posted by: BB at May 5, 2008 1:12 PM in response to stones below the surface in backyard
3:49 Guest - Were there a lot of fumes involved when they did it, and how long did the fumes last?
Posted by: BB at March 31, 2008 3:48 PM in response to Tub reglazing
Amendolas on L.I. You can get 4' high board on board for bottom half and 2'lattice (4"x4", not diagonal, but vertical & horizontal for a lovely open look)
Posted by: BB at March 28, 2008 11:25 AM in response to Wood Fence contractor
Which electrical contractor are you using, and do you recommend the contractor?
Posted by: BB at March 5, 2008 11:40 AM in response to Need electrical inspection?
Johhny - What plumber do you use, or would you recommend?
Ohlise
What cured the flooding was the digging down to the footing outside the back wall, parging the wall w. cement etc. We used this company http://usbasement.com/ which was featured in This Old House. They were reluctant to come to Brownstone Brooklyn - which was a whole other ballgame from the burbs- in retrospect, maybe I should have used someone local. They suggested the French drain which I think was overkill, as the basement is dry. However, I do think about having the front of the house done- the basement wall consists of boulders and sand really. My inner walls are thorosealed- but I think my front wall gets wet underneath it all. But no water on the floor [knock on wood] - I do worry about more torrential rainstorms with global warming though.
Posted by: BB at February 28, 2008 1:54 PM in response to Sump Pump Info Needed
11:06 AM So did you have your sump pump removed because the sewer would back up into the sump pump - you said my former sump pump- so I'm curious.
Posted by: BB at February 28, 2008 11:24 AM in response to Sump Pump Info Needed
P.S. the basement is really dry - so the French drain hasn't really been needed, since the back wall was waterproofed.
Posted by: BB at February 28, 2008 11:20 AM in response to Sump Pump Info Needed
11:06 guest. Thank you for your input. What you've said is what I've been thinking - that if the problem is the sewer drain which should now be cured. I had Econo Sewer come and video both the French drain (loaded with phorid flies because of the waste back-up) and the sewer drain- clogged with tree roots at every 4-5 feet where sections of the pipes joined. They water jeted the inside of the French drain and cleaned out the bug problem (drained the jet water out the sewer line), and roto cut all the tree roots, and then put a root killer into the line. So, if the root killer works as they said it would, and I maintain a yearly maintenance, there should be no sewage backup into the French drain. I had the French drain put in in 2000, when I had the back yard dug to the footing, and my back basement wall water-proofed from the outside (parged with cement/ liners/ a French drain and drain that connected to the waste pipe through the basement wall [also connected to the line that runs from the roof down the side of the house]. One concern is that there might be phorid flies within the sewer system, that would travel into the French drain- but I tend to think I may be overthinking this too much as the fly infestation was such a drag.
Posted by: BB at February 28, 2008 11:19 AM in response to Sump Pump Info Needed
So beautiful!!! Would you be willing to share your contractor information at this point? I know you did most of the work yourselves, but you also mentioned using a contractor.
Posted by: BB at February 15, 2008 1:49 PM in response to Nearly finished kitchen (minus one lightbulb and a short to-do list)
If they remove the doors to strip them, how do you protect your property while the doors are gone? My doors are my tenant entrance to the top floor apartment, and we use the garden. The inside door would not leave enough protection from breakins. Any suggestions?
Posted by: BB at December 5, 2007 1:45 PM in response to Wood-Zone ?
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Well, then, if that's true it probable won't last that long.
Posted by: kelly at July 15, 2009 5:58 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent
You shouldn't be dealing with the tenant. You should be contacting the owner.
Posted by: donatella at July 15, 2009 7:06 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent
In a novel approach, I am going to ANSWER THE OP'S QUESTION. Ira Levine on Court Street is a great real estate attorney. I don't know if he specializes in the areas you need, but I bet he can point you to to a good local lawyer who does.
Good luck.
Posted by: Brooklyn Chicken at July 15, 2009 8:40 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent
I highly doubt that a tent of the magnitude you describe, requiring a cement foundation, cost $47 or $67. I don't think you could purchase a tarp that size for that price. Since some posters are quick to call tent guy a prick, let's play devil's advocate for a second. Did you ever think that he got the tent to create some privacy? Perhaps he was hoping it would create a sound and smoke barrier in response to your complaints. Maybe it is temporary and he is the poster looking for a large tent for a wedding.
You have to realize that, as others have said, this is NYC. There are millions of people living here and they do not all work a 9 to 5 job or keep "normal" hours. In this city outdoor space is coveted and some people like to sit in their yard with friends and have a drink and smoke cigars. Maybe this guy rented this apartment just because it had a backyard where he could entertain and his hopes were squashed when he discovered his neighbor was sensitive to noise and smoke. Maybe the OP is the prick for seeking counsel because someone put up a tent on their own property? My neighbor likes to keep rotting rolls of carpet and computer towers and an old toilet in his yard, all in plain view from my deck. I pray everyday that he will erect a tent so I don't have to look at it anymore, but maybe I should just hire an attorney.
Posted by: boofer at July 15, 2009 10:21 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent
boofer,
It's not illegal for your neighbor to keep rotting rolls of carpet and computer towers and an old toilet in their yard because those items do not pose safety hazards. However, constructing a tent in a rear yard may violate NYC code if it is erected without necessary permits and without adhering to the size and setback limitations set forth by the code. It's all about fire safety, and the OP is perfectly within his/her rights to research, complain, and challenge the erection of the tent if it does not comply.
Posted by: 60designers at July 16, 2009 3:08 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent
Clearly, this homeowner is not the most respectful or desirable neighbor either. I am wondering why there was a need to emphasize the point that the person putting up the tent is a renter. As a homeowner and a renter I understand well both sides of the coin. Thankfully, I do not have attitude about renters, but that does not mean I cant read between the lines. What can I say, I dislike short sighted snobs more than smokers. I find it very revealing BB finds excuses for not utilizing a rational, neighborly approach immediately prior to beginning a new sentence complaining about the renter smoking in his own home. I mean really, let a man live! Why not better serve your neighbors and humanity by joining the pickets outside big tobacco companies - Hint Hint - who is the bully here? Talk about a coward with no regard for being a good neighbor - whew! As for the tent being illegal or a fire hazard - sure - if that is the case address the issue but BB's greatest concern was regarding the tent being an eyesore. Hmmmm - BB does not sound like the kind of homeowner I want to live near. If you ask me BB is a controlling domineering type whose house is probably just as cute as an easter egg. No one on this blog knows a thing about this renter, yet the man is being characterized as a prick. Nice - keep listening to BB. Frankly, If I were BB I would be more concerned with finding a Slander defense attorney than dreaming up a million ways to ruin this neighbors life.
Posted by: sam3 at July 16, 2009 10:18 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent
I pitched a huge tent this morning. I did not receive any complaints...
Posted by: newsouthsloper at July 17, 2009 2:30 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent
Thanks
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 4, 2009 4:22 PM in response to Contractor Recs at End of Reno
Hey where'd you get that backyard fencing? I'm looking for the same for mine. Thanks
Posted by: pickles at August 4, 2009 4:53 PM in response to Contractor Recs at End of Reno
The fence was built by hand - 4x4 posts with simpson post bases, cedar 1x8's cut down to 1x3's and face-screwed into the posts. Not all that difficult, but a little time consuming.
Posted by: ejfernald at August 5, 2009 10:15 AM in response to Contractor Recs at End of Reno
When they bury the wires, how do they do that? Do they dig up your yard?
Posted by: BB at November 18, 2009 11:38 AM in response to Removing Unsightly Wires?