What a lovely result. It goes to show that with a little research it is possible to find the best resources for a wonderful project.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 16, 2009 11:45 AM in response to Cast Iron Fence: We Can Rebuild It

During the standard, pre-purchase inspection of my house, the inspector assured me that it was perfectly safe to burn wood in my fireplaces, including this one. Prior owners had the chimneys relined and had a professional make sure all could be used for wood. The cast iron panel was left as a decorative element, though the vent does work and can be put back in place after a fire is started. I have been burning wood in this fireplace for over two years with no problems. But thank you for your insight.

Posted by: bheightsejp at October 16, 2008 7:08 PM in response to Form is lovely, but what about function?

To the helpful posters: thank you. I had never heard the term, "summer cover," but I think you are correct. The fireplace HAD been changed over to coal decades ago, but prior owners removed the inner workings of the coal fireplace. They left the lovely front. There are no ducts or other components for forced hot air in any of my fireplaces. When I remove the central panel, I have a typical brick fire box for WOOD burning. I guess I will need to have some work done on the brick back so it looks more attractive when the cast iron panel is removed.
And by the way, I really miss the good old days when brownstoner was not a safe haven for psychopaths.

Posted by: bheightsejp at October 16, 2008 6:41 PM in response to Form is lovely, but what about function?

I really doubt there are roving bands of fourth graders stripping vintage fixtures from the city's schools. I would imagine that iPods or laptops are far more marketable. The knobs are great, repro or not. I agree with the guest who reminded us of how little preservation of such things happened not too long ago.

Posted by: bheightsejp at July 10, 2008 7:58 PM in response to Vintage Brass Public School Doorknobs

I really think that the lobby will be used as a definite selling point for any buyer of future condos in this building--it really is gorgeous, and the Witnesses have maintained it to highest standards. As for the rooms, they were mainly used as dorm-style housing for the married couple "Bethelites" who take a vow of poverty and work in the other buildings they own in Brooklyn. If they were used as dorms by the new owner, they are in excellent shape, but what a waste and not a likely idea for a building that could be redone and marketed as a very high-end property.

Posted by: bheightsejp at June 10, 2008 4:46 PM in response to The Bossert Finds a Buyer

I very much agree with 10:11. Having lived there last year while my brownstone was being renovated, I really enjoyed the location, the views, and the neighbors. The new super is actually quite good, though I really cannot compare him with the prior resident's memories of his predecessors. It is a wise choice. Good luck!

Posted by: bheightsejp at June 3, 2008 12:00 AM in response to 150 Joralmon

Thank you for such a great, visual post. You should write for This Old House Magazine ;-) I am actually surprised at your reaction to Portland Salvage Company. I have been there quite a few times and the owner, Alice, was always incredibly helpful when I was looking for something and would inevitably lead me to a vast cache of whatever it is I needed. I agree that the main floor is antiques-centric, but they have quite a selection of old house parts on the other floors. But the size of the building is rather daunting. And if you do not see it, they know where it can be found. If you get up there again, I hope you have a better experience.

Posted by: bheightsejp at June 2, 2008 7:10 PM in response to Architectural Salvage Romp in New England

I do NOT feel that Brownstoner.com is anti-gay. There have been anti-gay posts and one in particular used a bigoted slur relating to gays that was removed by the web master. These were written by posters. But the thread regarding a get-together is an attempt to emulate other groups in Brooklyn who meet to discuss some aspect of their lives they have in common. Parents do this. Jewish singles do this. To the straight people who posted about how open they feel Brooklyn is to gays and lesbians, you have not experienced life as a gay or lesbian person, so how can you really be so sure bigotry does not exist? I am not saying I feel in physical danger here or that there are vast groups of bigots roving the streets. I only thought it would be nice for some gay men and women (so inclined to be social), to meet and talk about their shared experiences within a social context that has no set definition. I am not acting as a spokesperson for all gays. That is a most unattractive thought. I learned a great deal about early gay "pioneers" in my neighborhood by meeting with older GAY residents of Brookyln Heights. That is one example of how meeting with other gay people yields a different perspective. To those of you who are angry that I did not suggest some sort of straight rally, are you the same people who are against gay marriage because you think the next step after that is marrying one's dog? Most of the responses to this post seem to be by straight people. Do you think ridiculing my idea and insinuating I am some kind of idiot makes you a supporter of gay rights? When the NAACP holds a conference, do you send them nasty letters telling them how bigotry does not exist? As far as those who are obviously upset at the idea of forming social groups, do YOU feel represented by the blanket terms "American" or "New Yorker"? I belong to a classical music group. Does that make me an isolationist because I like to play the violin with other musicians? Thank you all for your comments. I think you proved the point that was the catalyst for this whole subject.

Posted by: bheightsejp at October 8, 2007 3:01 PM in response to Brownstone Pride

We should really have a gay and lesbian Brownstoner picnic or something in the park.

Posted by: bheightsejp at October 4, 2007 9:00 PM in response to Why I own a brownstone and don't do any of the work myself

To the lesbian in Park Slope. I know I live in Brooklyn Heights, but I can travel. Where can I meet these lesbian friends??? I spent this afternoon baking mini Brioche and making Pumpkin ice cream. Just tell me where the party is!

Posted by: bheightsejp at October 4, 2007 5:44 PM in response to Why I own a brownstone and don't do any of the work myself

Thank you for your comment 12:40. However, the irony in criticizing homophobic and other offensive posts is that in addition to making us feel like we are doing the right thing, it also gives these individuals the attention they obviously want. Another poster before you pondered why there are not more gay posts. Well, I posted a question months ago about where a gay man may meet other gay men in Brooklyn to talk about home renovation and other social things. I suffered many ignorant and bigoted comments. Other posts I have made having nothing at all to do with a gay issue or including any reference to "gay" at all have been attacked. One comment I made about painting suggestions resulted in my idea being called an adjective beginning with the letter "F" that was removed from the site. Thank you to those who take offense to these comments. You may not be able to stop them on this site but you can always support your gay friends in life.

Posted by: bheightsejp at October 4, 2007 1:30 PM in response to Why I own a brownstone and don't do any of the work myself

Cohler Fuel Company
4006 14th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11218
(718) 436-1495

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 30, 2007 9:05 PM in response to New Home Owner - Need Oil

Well Comrade, buying a home is the biggest investment a person will generally make in their lifetime, so research, bargaining, and yes, complaining or criticizing about an asking price will never cease. Depsite this, the seller has the ultimate power to accept an offer or not.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 30, 2007 1:21 PM in response to How to find out what was previously paid on a place?

Even if the city does not require the shed or other specific arrangements, you may want to look into your home owner's insurance policy. If something happends to a passerby during the job and certain requirements were not met, they will not cover the damages or liabilty.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 30, 2007 10:29 AM in response to New scaffolding regulations?

While it is true that the value of a house is what someone is willing to pay for it resulting in bidding wars on from time to time, I disagree with your first argument. I think most sellers expect potential buyers to offer less than the asking price and it is up to them to take a lower offer or not. Many homes go through price reductions proving that full market value is a fluid concept. Also, in cases where the house was renovated extensively, knowing what was paid for the home before the renovation and the subsequent results of that renovation, can support or contradict the asking price. Brownstoner often posts listings that state the price when the seller bought it and an evaluation of the quality of the work along with the current price. Communists? Um, communists were not allowed to own property let alone offer less than full market value. Maybe "smart shoppers" is a better term.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 29, 2007 11:23 PM in response to How to find out what was previously paid on a place?

When I was looking at my house, my agent had that information on the listuing. If you are working with an agent, they should be able to get that information for you.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 29, 2007 8:09 PM in response to How to find out what was previously paid on a place?

Thanks for all of the suggestions. It proves for every psycho, there are ten nice neighbors wanting to help. I did go the Garden Web site and tried a poultice which worked well, no white residue. I bought some sealer and will do that myself this weekend so I know it gets the number of coats needed. Yes, crazy poster, I am doing it myself. No maids. I enjoy manual labor. And besides, my maid spells much better than you despite english being her third language. Maybe Bush will come up with "No Blogger Left Beind" so you can learn yourself some spellin'. And I LIKE Pom juice.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 28, 2007 11:48 PM in response to Pom Juice Stain on Granite

Yes, if you email pics to a salvage store and they are interested, they will come pick it up and take it away for you. Good luck.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 28, 2007 11:42 PM in response to ANTIQUE BATHTUBS AND SINKS

Have you tried any "man with a van" ads on Craigslist? There are lots of Hipsters in Williamsburg with eurovans wiling to help out for decent rates. I use a couple of them to cart stuff I buy at flea markets in Manhattan back to the Heights.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 27, 2007 8:53 PM in response to Are these Movers Ripping me Off?

Hello. I had some ornate platerwork in my first place I ever renovated. I painted all of it a cream color and used a deep cobalt blue to highlight the mouldings. It was a nice contrast and gave it a clean, modern look. Try getting some design books of modernist approaches in an older space. If you can find some books on Paris apartments, you will see examples of what I am talking about. Have fun!

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 27, 2007 8:43 PM in response to Plaster Painting Dilema

Thank you for the suggestion "5:18." It was a very good idea and a good lead! Yes, my purpose in having the fixtures restored is to preserve a period look and to recycle through conservation craftsmanship that has lasted almost one hundred years and functions better than many new products.
The person at 8:53 has caused me to ponder many things. Are you a stalker? You seem to know many things about me including where I live and what sort of vehicle I drive. I will just hope you are very observant as many of my neighbors are contrary to prying or inappropriate watching. However, the neighbors I know are observant as a form of being a good neighbor and not out of some sort of hostilty. Would you prefer that I not hire people who appreciate steady work and prompt pay? Some of these people have spouses and children they support. You have exaggerated the number of people I employ. Living in a studio apartment as you say, I am sure you are not familiar with how many people it takes to restore a house. The bottom line as mentioned above is that this is a site where one can learn and explore ideas and suggestions regarding home improvement and real estate in this wonderful part of New York. Not that any of this is ANY of your concern oh perturbed and creepy neighbor. And besides, you are not all that observant because I do not drive a european s.u.v. I have a hybrid.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 25, 2007 6:10 PM in response to Bathroom Fixture Chrome

I received a double-digit increase in my premium recently in a notice and was informed it is due to the perceived risk by insurance companies of those of us in "coastal areas" which includes Brooklyn. I think the issue your agent brought up is ridiculous and sending you off on some tangent to get you to doubt your own rights. It is getting to the point where some homeowners considered to be in homes with "unusual risk" need to seek out non-standard insurers overseas. The problem with that is the premiums are still quite high and if they do not like your claim or go bankrupt, they are outside of state or federal regulation and you are out of luck whereas with a domestic carrier, there is some recourse. Unfortunately, we need to petition our legislators to rein in the premium increase fiesta the insurance companies are holding. Fortunately, our Senator Clinton supports increased "back-up" insurance protection for disasters. I would also suggest shopping around for a different insurer. Avoid State Farm.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 25, 2007 9:56 AM in response to Home insurance question

Someone call Rupert Murdoch. Can you imagine the dishy, attention-grabbing headline and saucy investigative reporting the Post would have given that story? There would have inevitably been some unflattering picture of the owners making pentagrams out of tin cans or something. I think I will pop over there on Halloween. Let's bring a picnic dinner and see if the creepy owners give us a show!

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 25, 2007 9:02 AM in response to Christopher Gray Not Optimistic About 1000 Ocean Avenue

If the outside wall where you want the spigot has your kitchen or a bathroom on the other side of it in the interior, it should not be very expensive to have an extension put in for a hose.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 25, 2007 8:43 AM in response to Installing an Outside Water Spiget

My broker told me that the more people who show up, the higher the bidding can get due to actual buyers thinking there is more competition. I went to one open house because I wanted to see what they did with a similar feature our homes share that was giving me some frustration. I was honest with the broker who thanked me for my honesty. I just was quick, unobtrusive, and polite. People just looking I would think are expected. Just don't steal anything!

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 24, 2007 7:09 PM in response to Open House Etiquette

If you can, check out the September 24, 2007 New York magazine. The cover story is an insightful one about how the "bubble" is/may/will affect real estate prices.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 21, 2007 11:23 PM in response to Prices will go down?

Emily, do not give on up on Brooklyn. I have written what I hope was friendly and constructive advice on other posts and suffered the keyboard-lashings of other posters, always "guests." Just do not let it get to you. The common theme among many of these mean-spirited posts is that others are "WRONG" or "DREAMING" or living in a "FANTASY WORLD." There is no absolute in real estate so everyone's experience will vary and all we can do is take everything posted as a whole and try to isolate the beneficial. This site, despite being insulted, ridiculed, and dismissed, has given me a great deal of help in making my house a home. An early settler of my neighborhood put it this way, "Thirty years ago the biggest adversity was crime and poverty and now it is attitude and bitterness." I really think Brownstone Brooklyn is worth the effort it takes to ignore negative people.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 21, 2007 11:19 PM in response to Cost of Brownstone Facade Restoration

"Phallic chest beating"? God I love this blog. It has made moving here so much more interesting. No one has ever accused me of "chest beating," "phallic" or otherwise. Thanks. I will add that to the stories I tell my parents in Manhattan who warned me that Brooklyn was full of socialist anarchists. Thanks!

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 19, 2007 8:35 PM in response to Hardwood Floor Installation. Cost?

I was only trying to explain that it is not worth "flipping" if you already bought at the top of the market. I am glad my critics are so concerned. If you are looking for something to lose sleep over, why don't you read the news.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 19, 2007 1:29 PM in response to Dearth of brownstone listings

Well, I guess I was taken for a ride. My floor guy must have a house in East Hampton.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 19, 2007 1:26 PM in response to Hardwood Floor Installation. Cost?

Yes, I had some morbid finds when I moved into my brownstone: shag carpeting, Autumn Gold bathroom fixtures, and twenty years worth of tv guides. It was horrifying.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 19, 2007 1:24 PM in response to Anyone have any stories of morbid finds in old brownstones

I agree with the above. Prefinished floors tend to look rather plastic. You would save money by having the unfinished installed and then finishing them yourself if you are so inclined and end up with a more authentic look. But hey, is is your call, and a prefinished floor will always look better than a subfloor or shag carpeting. From my own renovation memories, an average good-quality prefinished floor including installation will run you about $29 per square foot. Unfinished will not save you more than $4 or $5 per sqaure foot. Have fun.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 18, 2007 9:56 PM in response to Hardwood Floor Installation. Cost?

I am afraid "guest" that you combined two differing locations into one confused rebuff to my post. My "mythical" neighborhood is Brooklyn Heights and my POINT is that owning a brownstone in perhaps the most established neighborhood in Brooklyn, meaning the area first to be gentrified, with close proximity to Manhattan and exceptional views of Manhattan is to understand that home prices have beat many records for their high prices even in comparison to similar homes in Manhattan itself. Therefore, owing to changed circumstances in the economy, it will be difficult to sell a home in BHeights that was bought at the height of the market for a considerable profit in the near future. I suggested to the original poster that buying a brownstone in a less established neighborhood in Brooklyn would yield more options in terms of volume of choices. And besides, where would you, pray tell, find "cheap" brownstones in any part of Brooklyn? Considering even reasonable home costs in BedStuy or Crown Heights, one must take into consideration reno costs, taxes, etc. Cheap was when my house sold for $55,000 in 1978 to the person I bought it from for as you can imagine, nothing like $55,000. Everyone is going to feel the effects of an altered real estate environment though barring a major catastrophe, prices will always go up.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 18, 2007 9:05 PM in response to Dearth of brownstone listings

There is not the opportunity to "flip" brownstones in more established neighborhoods now and that financial gain is diminishing even in the developing areas. Those brownstone owners I know share my experience of having bought during a definite peak in the market and now would be fortunate to break even in a sale, especially after a costly renovation. For those able and/or content to stay put and raise a family, any peak is temporary. I would imagine that the majority of brownstone owners who have bought in the past 10 years or so will hold on to their homes for some time. You may notice that many of the houses coming on the market have been in the same family for decades and need loads of work or they have a "story" involving nightmare tenants, nightmare neighbors, shoddy workmanship on failed renovations, etc. If you are adventurous, I think you can still find something worth your trouble. As for your search for "nice" listings, well, how deep are your pockets?

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 18, 2007 6:27 PM in response to Dearth of brownstone listings

I had a question about fire codes as well, though not as extensive as you. I walked to my neighborhood fire house and asked the captain to come and take a look. They know, and have books specifying fire codes.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 18, 2007 11:41 AM in response to Iron Window Security Bars out of Fire Code?

I think the no co-op board route is a good one if you are denied. It may be more of a challenge to find a place you like but have you searched out more "up and coming" areas like Bed Stuy? You may be able to get something quite nice for less money than in a more established neighborhood. I think buying a home while you are young and even if it may seem like a giant obstacle course is a great immigrant tradition in this country. I was still a student when I bought my first place 8 years ago and I do not regret any of it. Ciao!

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 17, 2007 11:33 PM in response to Do I have any chance?

It may depend on the board. If you were looking in a co-op building in Manhattan, it does not matter how much cash you have alone, but financial stabilty. Any board will wonder and ponder carefully your financial stability now as an indication of your stabilty later. They will worry about your future ability to pay maintenance fees, up-keep, and if you will sub-let or do other things that they frown upon. Bay Ridge is not the Upper East Side, so your board may take a more liberal view. Unfortunately, co-op boards are not legally obligated to inform you of why you are declined if that is their decision. Because of that, the country you come from and other factors having nothing to do with credit history may be determining factors. I say, apply and see what happens. If you prepare yourself for rejection, an acceptance will be a wonderful surprise. Good luck and happy hunting for your home.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 17, 2007 9:07 PM in response to Do I have any chance?

From someone who has dealth with this issue and stupidly tried to solve the problem for myself, I would suggest you hire a lawyer who is familiar with these tax issues to search for the needed information for you. It will save you money in the long run.

Posted by: bheightsejp at September 13, 2007 10:11 AM in response to Worried About Tax Abatement

The terms are that the facade is owned by a preservation organization only in that it cannot be torn down or altered, thereby destroying the historical integrity of the building. That detail is not my concern because the house is already landmarked so I couldn't and a future owner couldn't destroy or alter the facade anyway.

Posted by: bheightsejp at August 28, 2007 9:41 AM in response to Easement Deductions

An inepxpensive re-do will ADD value and you will not lose your money. A new owner would rather live with a neat and workable finished bathroom till they can afford to change it rather than inherit one that gives them no choice but to factor in how much it will cost THEM to do it therefore affecting the offer.

Posted by: bheightsejp at August 27, 2007 4:29 PM in response to Should we renovate our bathroom before selling?

For books, I would suggest "Bricks and Brownstones" by Charles Lockwood. That book will give you some ideas on the look that you would like. I also liked "Renovating Old Houses" by George Nash. But the most help I got when restoring my house was from the National Trust. They have a really good magazine and other resources. "This Old House Magazine" and website is a good albeit cliche resource as well. I think you are a bookseller so you should be able to find the other books easily. By the way, you wouldn't have any first edition Edith Whartons around would you?

Posted by: bheightsejp at August 26, 2007 3:19 PM in response to intro to rehabbing--book recommendations

I think it WAS that tree and some unfortunate fluid on the street. It seems to have gone away.

Posted by: bheightsejp at August 25, 2007 2:03 PM in response to Street Smell in Heights

You could also look at the site of restoration hardware. Even if you do not buy their over-priced fixtures, they have some nice pictures of complete bathrooms with the vibe you want. Once you see a picture of a completed bathroom, it is easier to take that picture to a salvage shop or hardware store to pick out what you want. Good luck.

Posted by: bheightsejp at August 25, 2007 2:00 PM in response to First time renovating bathroom- What inspires you in the design process??

Rats. They happen. Even if you have the cleanest, nicest, most expensive place in New York, the freak storms and flooding subway tunnels have been causing a diaspora.

Posted by: bheightsejp at August 21, 2007 5:10 PM in response to What's that smell?

Maria, or Harvey which is probably your real name, I know some wonderful therapists who could help you. Using me as your pinata for frustration and low self-esteem is an honor for me, truly, but I only have so much time. If money is an issue, there are many low-cost options for someone like you. Rest assured Maria (Harvey) and the unfortunate person looking for clown bars, from now on I will stick to blogging about house restoration. The tip about the lesbians in Park Slope was a great one. I no longer have need to ask for "leisure" advice on Brownstoner.

Posted by: bheightsejp at August 20, 2007 3:25 PM in response to socializing

Thank you all for your feedback. I am an optimist, so I will assume the bigoted comments and disgusting cruising advice was submitted in jest. I am looking for another gay man to date as opposed to a straight man, so to the people who feel I am marginalizing myself, I agree. If a member of a minority is looking for another member of that minority, I must be specific in my request. To the man from Park Slope who left a kind message and any other kind people who take my request as a new neighbor seriously, my email address for this purpose is bheightsejp@yahoo.com. I bought a house in Brooklyn because everyone told me how open-minded and diverse the population was in general. I am from New England, so perhaps my small town nature has given me too much hope. Even so, the people in Brooklyn Heights I have met so far have been quite wonderful and interesting but staight and married. So, email me if you are interested but to those who are using my post as some sort of aggression exercise, please refrain from writing me.

Posted by: bheightsejp at August 19, 2007 7:10 PM in response to socializing

I have a friend on my street here in Brooklyn Heights who had "something" in his house. Some Jehovah's Witnesses gave him a bible and told him to leave it open to Psalms 83:18 and read it aloud when you hear anything. I guess the name of God scares spirits away. Personally, I am an atheist, but who knows these days?

Posted by: bheightsejp at August 15, 2007 12:13 PM in response to Ghosts