Thanks Bklnite. The water shuts 99% off when I shut the valves off. There's still a slight trickle

Off to Home Depot I go I guess. Lets cross fingers and toes I don't make matters truly worse

Posted by: bk_bstoner at November 2, 2009 5:22 PM in response to Plumbing Issue

Thanks Master_Plumber. How much should I expect to be charged by a pro? Sounds like an easy fix for them, but a bit over my head.

Posted by: bk_bstoner at November 2, 2009 4:37 PM in response to Plumbing Issue

Unfortunately have to agree w/almost everything OP said. It took me a while to get an estimate...then the guy was supposed to pick up the check and forgot (no apology), not to mention he was a bit moody. Then when they did come the work was relatively sloppy.

I guess that's what I get for trying to support the local guy who has cheaper prices.

Posted by: bk_bstoner at September 7, 2009 6:54 PM in response to Worst Customer service ever

Thanks a lot for the insight newhomer. Have you already completed the kitchen or selected the vendor? Kitchen reno is next on my to do list so I'd definitely like to know if you're satisfied with the work.

Posted by: bk_bstoner at May 27, 2009 10:09 AM in response to Architect recommendation

Hey newhomer,

How would you compare Eric's prices to other architects (if that's not too nosy)?

Thank you

Posted by: bk_bstoner at May 26, 2009 2:41 PM in response to Architect recommendation

Hey Cobblekrill, I think you can find the post you're looking for if you click on your username when you log in. I think the post you're looking for might be from 4/2/09?

To "Oldlady" I went with National Grid for my conversion also, I paid a bit more to reline the chimney though. As for the asbestos removal, I think $1500 is a bit pricey for just 10 feet. Try Abatek Corp. (were listed and licensed as of a few months ago). They removed a lot more asbestos in several locations for around the same price

Posted by: bk_bstoner at May 18, 2009 3:03 PM in response to Fixing up basement

Thanks for the recent comments and suggestions

Posted by: bk_bstoner at April 27, 2009 11:00 PM in response to Rewiring Landmarked Home

Thanks a lot UnprotectedWrecks. Please keep me posted on the end result.

Posted by: bk_bstoner at April 27, 2009 6:26 PM in response to Rewiring Landmarked Home

Thanks much Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy

Posted by: bk_bstoner at April 27, 2009 2:38 PM in response to Rewiring Landmarked Home

Premier is great. We used them on our Brownstone roughly around 1999/2000 and haven't had any issues yet. At the time I believe our guarantee was 7 years

Posted by: bk_bstoner at April 15, 2009 2:59 PM in response to Roofer

Guys, do you have any sites that list the actual law stating that we are able to trim neighbors tree if it extends onto our property?

I'm having the same problem and just want to be sure I'm within my rights to do something about it. Neighbors tree extends into my front yard so much that I can only use one side of the front stairs.

Thanks much

Posted by: bk_bstoner at April 15, 2009 10:39 AM in response to Advice on Neighbor's Tree

Thanks to all that responded.
I will definitely check out the apt. therapy site.

Posted by: bk_bstoner at April 13, 2009 8:21 PM in response to Teeny Tiny Kitchen

Thanks guys for all of the comments.

bk_chicken: i'd love to remove the fence completely, this would be great for backyard parties BUT unfortunately one neighbor has two overgrown pitbulls in the backyard that make this impossible.

There is an obvious separation line in the brick but the fence appears to be smack dab in the center of it.

Chain links aren't too expensive so I'll probably just be the bigger neighbor and pay for everything without breaking down the building laws/codes to them.

Posted by: bk_bstoner at March 19, 2009 11:51 AM in response to Is this my fence???

Thank you vinca, very helpful

Posted by: bk_bstoner at March 18, 2009 11:12 PM in response to Is this my fence???

Thanks renomandru...w/o giving up too much detail, it's unlikely that a survey was done here.
If anyone knows where to turn for this, that would be great.
My question still remains, based on the Building Code posted above by vinca, it doesn't appear to matter which lot the fence is on if it's an adjoining property and the fence divides the properties:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/bldgs_code/bc26s3.pdf
§[C26-75.0] 26-233 Maintenance and repair of protection fences and retaining walls.—Unless otherwise provided by special agreement between them, the owners of adjoining properties shall be responsible jointly for the proper maintenance and repair of partition fences and retaining walls dividing their properties; and each such owner shall be responsible for one-half of the costs of maintaining and repairing such fences and retaining walls, except that where the replacement of a partition fence removed by one owner is necessary for safety, the owner removing the fence shall replace it at his or her own cost.

Posted by: bk_bstoner at March 18, 2009 7:12 PM in response to Is this my fence???

Hi modsquad, actually the fences are completely and totally different.

Posted by: bk_bstoner at March 18, 2009 5:39 PM in response to Is this my fence???

Park_Place, how does your post relate to Vinca's post above? From that post it seems that if the bldgs are adjoined, then the costs have to be split 50-50.

Thank you

Posted by: bk_bstoner at March 18, 2009 5:23 PM in response to Is this my fence???

:) Boerum_Hill, that is exactly my concern. I'm sure the fences will no longer be a "major problem" now that I'm not the only one that has to foot the bill.

Posted by: bk_bstoner at March 18, 2009 3:42 PM in response to Is this my fence???

Thank you vinca. Now I'll have to break this to my neighbors that they'll have to both pay half to fix the fences...this won't be fun :)

Thanks all

Posted by: bk_bstoner at March 18, 2009 3:17 PM in response to Is this my fence???

Thanks dibs...where can I obtain a survey, from the dob?

Posted by: bk_bstoner at March 18, 2009 3:13 PM in response to Is this my fence???

Thanks Z. Seems easy enough but how is the "lot line" defined for attached brownstones? (Apologies in advance to all that deem that a stupid question---nubie homeowner here)
Thank you

Posted by: bk_bstoner at March 18, 2009 3:12 PM in response to Is this my fence???

Check out Rejuventaions.com for new period fixtures that are priced well and they are running a promotion now.

Posted by: lilly9 at April 27, 2009 8:47 PM in response to Rewiring Landmarked Home

Check out Rejuventaions.com for new period fixtures that are priced well and they are running a promotion now.

Posted by: lilly9 at April 27, 2009 8:47 PM in response to Rewiring Landmarked Home

Check out Rejuventaions.com for new period fixtures that are priced well and they are running a promotion now.

Posted by: lilly9 at April 27, 2009 8:47 PM in response to Rewiring Landmarked Home

"Super Charged Electric is doing our home right now. They're very responsive, reasonably priced, so far the work is top-notch, the workers are pleasant to be around and respectful of the house, and they're helping us save some money by giving us the info we need to close up the holes behind them."

I always wonder how a homeowner or anyone else not in the trade can really judge mechanical type work to be "top notch." It is one thing for things to simply work, and a totally different thing for them to be done in a neat, safe manner that meets or exceeds applicable codes. Most all of the mechanical work I see these days makes me want to vomit. Rough wiring inspection is desperately needed in NYC.

Posted by: AlexSPK at April 27, 2009 9:18 PM in response to Rewiring Landmarked Home

We used A. Ceriello electric to upgrade the wiring in a five family building. They are located in Carroll Gardens. They did a very good job, and were fairly priced.

You definitely want a breaker box in the tenant's apartment, so they can reset any breakers that trip. This comes in handy if you are not home to reset the breakers in the basement.

Posted by: Bklyn born at April 27, 2009 9:51 PM in response to Rewiring Landmarked Home

Very typical light fixtures in an 1890s bedroom would be those hanging gas light things with many bulbous shades. You will see them in any old interior photos. For example, in the book "New York Interiors" by Joseph Byron. Or you could just get any old hanging fixture from the 20s, 30s, 40s, etc.

Posted by: mopar at April 27, 2009 10:20 PM in response to Rewiring Landmarked Home

Thanks for the recent comments and suggestions

Posted by: bk_bstoner at April 27, 2009 11:00 PM in response to Rewiring Landmarked Home

try mohamed at M&N hightech. 646 226 4575

Posted by: dogface at April 28, 2009 10:19 AM in response to Rewiring Landmarked Home

I tried calling National Grid for a conversion quote but they said it varies since I would have to hire my own license plumber to take care most of the work. I am looking to convert to a gas from oil for a 2 family brick house in Bensonhurst, hopefully they can take care of removing that huge oil tank and have a total of 2 gas heater for each floor. Would it be doable for $12K? Thanks in advance

Posted by: namahs at May 19, 2009 9:21 AM in response to Fixing up basement

What were your thoughts on Parkset? I'm considering using them.

Posted by: theklahy at May 19, 2009 12:56 PM in response to Fixing up basement