bmfesq's Profile
Author's Posts
May 6, 2008
Saving $$$ Shutting Off H/W Heaters
Does anyone have opinion on shutting off their H/W heaters while they are at work for most of the day or away for the weekend? How long does it take to get a 40-50 gallon tank up to temperature again? Is there a marketable savings?
March 10, 2008
Water in Basement Fix
A lot of water and basement chat lately. I was away and came back to 4 inches of water in my basement. Appears to be come from inside the side wall.
Can foundation water problems be remedied from the inside?
We have a neighbor's house abutting ours so not sure what alternative would be.
February 27, 2008
Backyard Design Suggestions
I have a blank slate to work with, approx. 25 by 30 with 12 foot high brick walls on each side of my backyard to work with. East and south exposures.
Any suggestions on design websites? Or local landscaping designers?
February 11, 2008
Do you need to treat Granite Countertops?
I wanted to know if new granite kitchen countertops need to be treated with any type of sealant?
February 4, 2008
Anyone acid wash their concrete?
If so, did you do it yourself or hire someone?
Any recommendations on what companies do this and the cost?
January 30, 2008
Walk In Closet Recommendations
I have a space of approx 8'x8' that I want to convert into a walk in closet. Does anyone have any suggestions for contractors in Brooklyn?
Has anyone tackled this project on their own (wood not wire)?
January 25, 2008
Wrought Iron Fence- $3900?
I just got estimate for 33 linear feet, 33 inches high with a walkway gate and driveway gate for $3900, pretty simple 1/2 inch square with subtle design(s). Is this good price???
January 17, 2008
How much do you pay for Cablevision?
I have had DirectTV for years and am considering switch to cable. How much do you pay for basic programming or other packages? I was paying $47.99 plus $24 for HBO and Showtime.
January 8, 2008
Cost of steel or cast iron fencing?
What is general cost per linear foot for either steel or cast iron fencing? I would also be installing one walkway gate and a driveway gate.
I understand that fences come in many styles and sizes, I was considering 3.5 ft high and relatively simple design.
December 23, 2007
Water pooling on rubber roof
I have a relatively new rubber flat roof. I notice that water pools in numerous locations about 10-20 feet from back of house. (Drains towards rear)
Will this pooling create problems when it ices up or compromise the rubber or its seams?
The contractor swears up and down it is fine and to think of swimming pools and how they hold water year round.
Author's Comments
I have had BOTH a Ninja 475lb motorcycle stolen off the street and another GPZ 750 knocked over twice in the streets and left on the ground.
Try picking up a 500lb motorcycle off the street!!! We have garbage cans, bicycles, and lots of other things on the sidewalks of NYC, it is what it is.
Posted by: bmfesq at October 16, 2007 11:36 AM in response to Scooter Sweep in the Slope
I am a brownstone lover and have been looking at homes since April. I started with ol brownstones in Bed Stuy and Clinton Hill areas.
Every home I stepped into I saw dollar signs to fix this, replace that, 4 weekends gone, 6 weekends spent, roof, boilers, paint removal etc.
I then started looking at new construction and am in process of buying a 25 ft wide by 55 ft deep 3 family with a driveway. It is not as bad as this one re: curb appeal and a lot of charm is lost, but I can change that to some degree.
No worries for years to come is a plus, clean and new, heck how long can a brownstone stand anyway?
Posted by: bmfesq at October 16, 2007 4:26 PM in response to WTF in Bed Stuy
I appreciate the good wishes. One additional thought...besides the new construction/ Fedders homes, what other "new" constuction, multi-families are out there that are even close to a brownstone or anything else besides what is commonly seen in the Williamsburg, Bed Stuy and Crown Heights nabes?
Posted by: bmfesq at October 16, 2007 5:11 PM in response to WTF in Bed Stuy
I agree that $2K-$3K will not get you a loft in any decent neighborhoods. That said is location or space important to you?
$2-$3K will get you a 2BR in an ok area, not a loft space.
Posted by: bmfesq at October 18, 2007 3:25 PM in response to moving to NYC (or thereabouts)
Truth be known, it is gonna be a great place for a rave. It will be filled with ecstasy filled, red bull drinking teens, yes those thousands of teens that have finally grown up all along Park Slope.
"Mother, I do not want to get in the stroller anymore."
Posted by: bmfesq at October 18, 2007 4:42 PM in response to What's the Rx for the Old Eckerd Space on 9th Street?
Most lenders will NOT close without a C of O. Some will close with a TEMP C of O but require some of the purchase money put in escrow until the PERM C of O is obtained.
I am unsure what city hall voodoo happens in between the TEMP and PERM.
Posted by: bmfesq at October 23, 2007 12:07 PM in response to What's the process between a temporary C of O and a permanent one?
It happened to me earlier this year, made oral offer, it was accepted, got contract, had inspector there, signed contract with $50K check and then I hear that another offer was accepted and contract signed earlier the same morning my borker dropped off contracts at seller's atty office.
Out $750 bucks!!!
Posted by: bmfesq at October 24, 2007 1:11 PM in response to accepted offer
25 feet wide is HARD to come by in NYC. It makes a world of difference if you ever lived in a bldg. 17-20 feet wide, but that price is way off base.
Posted by: bmfesq at October 24, 2007 2:29 PM in response to House of the Day: $8.75 Million in Cobble Hill?
Check craigs list for short term sublets and vacations.
Posted by: bmfesq at October 25, 2007 3:27 PM in response to Affordable Hotel or B&B near Ft. Greene
When are you looking to move and what price range and or number of bedrooms?
Posted by: bmfesq at October 15, 2007 11:48 AM in response to Renting in Prospect Heights