I don't know if she handles litigation, but Lynn Sculley is an outstanding attorney, specializing in Brooklyn real estate. Her office number is 718-499-6841.

Posted by: brooklyn architect at November 24, 2009 10:03 AM in response to One Brooklyn Litigation

I would second the recommendations above, and could provide a direct recommendation for Edson, with more detail. Please provide your email address so that I may respond.

Posted by: brooklyn architect at October 22, 2009 12:34 PM in response to Major Facade Restoration

I have done a couple of jobs with an outfit based in Saugerties. For a substantial-sized job, they will work all over the Hudson Valley, and they are excellent contractors.

Porcelli Construction
845-246-4800
porcelliconst@aol.com

Posted by: brooklyn architect at October 21, 2009 12:14 PM in response to HUDSON VALLEY?? Contractor?

In trying to predict future assessments, you might want to ask if the seller will allow access to the board's meeting minutes. I believe this is statutory for coops but I don't know about condos. Anyway, if you can read a year or two of minutes they may flag some ongoing issues that have been discussed (which the broker is unaware of, and which the inspection may not turn up).

Posted by: brooklyn architect at August 31, 2009 11:01 AM in response to Condo/Self-Managed Bldng

You're probably looking more for third-party recommendations on this board, but I'd like to put my own firm forward. I'd be happy to speak with you about your project, and could obviously provide those references upon request. I am a Brownstone Brooklyn resident who's done brownstone and gut renovation projects in Park Slope, Ft. Greene, and in Manhattan. Several townhouse alterations can be found in my firm's portfolio, at www.AbelowSherman.com. You could send an email through the contact page of the website. And good luck.

Posted by: brooklyn architect at July 8, 2009 9:13 AM in response to Architect Recommendation

You should be able to reach Edson USA at 718-768-3476. Angelo Caputo is the fellow I have worked with - real old world craftsmanship.

Posted by: brooklyn architect at June 30, 2009 1:08 PM in response to Contact info for Facade work

If there is no C of O then you're not changing it. You are doing work as defined by the DOB however, and there are special requirements for having a second kitchen approved in a house. You'll have to hire an architect to file it.

Posted by: brooklyn architect at June 1, 2009 11:47 AM in response to Change from 1 Family to 2 Family

I have worked with both, and believe both are outstanding. The two best plumbers I've encountered in Brooklyn.

Posted by: brooklyn architect at May 29, 2009 12:08 PM in response to Plumber recommendations

Please add my firm to the list. You can take a look at this one on our website, which is admittedly over the top, but shows evidence of handling every agency roadblock in the book:

http://www.abelowsherman.com/portfolio/in-progress/54/

We're doing a reasonable amount of work in brownstone Brooklyn these days, and I'd be happy to speak with you. Just send an email to:

info@AbelowSherman.com

Posted by: brooklyn architect at April 25, 2009 9:16 AM in response to architect for new construction

Not to sound too self-interested, but this is really the kind of advice you should be getting from your architect. While I know the snarky comments will soon begin in response, a responsible architect will have gotten to know the client and his/her program, their budget, their taste, and can then use his/her experience to bear in predicting reasonable budgets for a given project. The fact is you can do a renovation on a shoestring or with millions of dollars. The choice is all yours, and an architect can help make it an informed choice. That being said, unlikely a gut renovation that meets your description can be done "by the book" for less than $300/sf, unless you can stay away from all structural work, and sacrifice any a/c other than room units.

I'd be happy to speak with you about your project. I am a Brownstone Brooklyn resident currently doing some work in Ft. Greene. Several townhouse alterations can be found in my firm's portfolio, at www.abelowsherman.com. You could send an email through the contact page of the website. And good luck.

Posted by: brooklyn architect at April 17, 2009 2:23 PM in response to Renovation cost

Call Vinny of Servue Appliance in Windsor Terrace, 718-859-6363. Excellent, fast, affordable. He diagnosed and fixed a washer/dryer for me in about 15 minutes, and stayed around to test it.

Posted by: brooklyn architect at April 2, 2009 9:28 AM in response to Need budget Appliance repairman

If you'd like to consult, please send an email through our website with your contact info. And good luck nevertheless! It will be a long slog, but hopefully a fulfilling process.

info@AbelowSherman.com

Posted by: brooklyn architect at April 2, 2009 9:24 AM in response to Converting 7 family to 3 family

I'd be happy to discuss the relevant issues with you, if you'd like to post back an email contact address.

Posted by: brooklyn architect at March 19, 2009 9:15 AM in response to 3 family plus store?

I'd be happy to speak with you about your project. I am the architect of the first LEED-registered single-family house in Manhattan, and a Park Slope resident. Several rooftop projects and townhouse alterations can be found in our portfolio, at www.abelowsherman.com. You could send an email through the contact page of the website. And good luck - these are tough projects.

Posted by: brooklyn architect at February 24, 2009 9:03 AM in response to Looking for an Architect

Not to sound too self-interested, but this is really the kind of advice you should be getting from your architect. While I know the snarky comments will soon begin in response, a responsible architect will have gotten to know the client and his/her program, their budget, their taste, and can then use his/her experience to bear in predicting reasonable budgets for a given project. As you can gather from the previous posts, the fact is you can do a renovation on a shoestring or with millions of dollars. The choice is all yours, and an architect can help make it an informed choice.

Posted by: brooklyn architect at February 24, 2009 8:46 AM in response to Pricing for Townhouse Renovation?

I've worked with Carol Henderson, an architect based in Prospect Heights, on two major jobs. The first was a gut of an office space. The second was a gut of half of my brownstone in Fort Greene (where I live). She's great, and does lots of work in Brooklyn brownstones. You're welcome to check out my place if you like - I did it about 2 years ago. The style of my place is clean and modern (I didn't have any original details to start, so nothing important was sacrificed), but she also does more original restorations. Feel free to be in touch with me if you like at mkleinnyc@gmail.com or Carol at (718) 399-2252. Best, Matt

Posted by: mklein at July 10, 2009 1:44 AM in response to Architect Recommendation

I assume you are downtown Indy. If you are renovating (and not changing the structure of the building) you probably do not need an architect. If you are, then you may need one; but you will need to see if permits/other legalities are required.

[url=http://www.shopdownlite.com/tommy_bahama_bedding.php] Tommy Bahama Pillow [/url]

Posted by: jhenvillanueva at July 10, 2009 5:59 AM in response to Architect Recommendation

Hi KG,

What you want to do is an easy process. We are a Manhattan-based firm with a lot of residential experience; we have strategic partnerships with contractors, engineers and DOB expeditors and we can give you a complete job from design to permits and construction.

I would love to walk thru your building and discuss things with you.

Thanks,

Anthony LaFazia, RA
Principal

LaFAZIA Architecture, PC
141 East 89th St
New York, NY 10128
212-831-4199

Posted by: alafazia at July 10, 2009 5:13 PM in response to Architect Recommendation

Hi KG,

What you want to do is an easy process. We are a Manhattan-based firm with a lot of residential experience; we have strategic partnerships with contractors, engineers and DOB expeditors and we can give you a complete job from design to permits and construction.

I would love to walk thru your building and discuss things with you.

Thanks,

Anthony LaFazia, RA
Principal

LaFAZIA Architecture, PC
141 East 89th St
New York, NY 10128
212-831-4199

Posted by: alafazia at July 10, 2009 5:14 PM in response to Architect Recommendation

Hi KG,
Coming to this a little late but would like to throw my firm's hat into the ring.
www.rodriguezstudio.net 212-217-1535
We do lots of renovations throughout the City, currently working a whole brownstone gut (landmarked house, 150 years old, change of c of o, the whole 9 yards) in Brooklyn Heights we would be happy to show you among other projects.

Live in Clinton hill, so would be happy to walk the "site" with you and give you our impressions, observations, and comments any day (for free of course).
Have a great weekend.
thanks

Posted by: rstudio at July 11, 2009 12:30 PM in response to Architect Recommendation

You can call Lenny Colchamiro at 718-638-5442. He is a great Architect. I worked with him in the past and he has over 30 years experience. If you need a fireplace and chimney contractor you can contact Andre @ A&A Chimney Co at 718-953-2836.

Andre

Posted by: aafireplace at July 15, 2009 9:18 PM in response to Architect Recommendation

Hi.
I am an architect and interior designer with over 15 years experience. I have just recently broken away from long time business partner in Manhattan and relocated my practice to Brooklyn - where I have been a resident for six years. I have significant historic preservation, LPC, brownstone/ townhouse renovation, residential design, project direction and construction management experience.

My rates are extremely competitive and you will get the personal attention of the company founder. I made this move to Brooklyn because I wanted to get back to working with my clients instead of managing people as I was at my last company. I would love to help you with your facade restoration project. I am confident that I can the end result will exceed your expectations and meets your budget.

I have a comprehensive portfolio for review. I hope to hear from you.

Regards,

Alan Barr, founder

GOWANUS DESIGNinitiative

917.749.0119
gowanus.design@gmail.com

Posted by: Gowanus Design Initiative at July 25, 2009 10:31 AM in response to Architect Recommendation

well, I kind of disagree. in a building this small, a 20k reserve fund might be appropriate but it would also really give you a false sense of security. since it's a condo, I'd be more focused on whom you're getting into bed with. say there's a water main break AND a facade issue in one year. A 50k combined expense. Can everyone pony up their share? Can everyone just generally afford the place? I'd want to look at when the other people bought in, if they've done a cash-out refi, and their employment history. Honestly, if the inspection doesn't turn anything up, if the other owners bought in at conversion (and have a low mortgage), and if they've all been working at the same place for 10 years, I wouldn't be too worried that everyone will be able to kick in if something comes up. Just bcs it's self-managed doesn't mean they're aren;t financials and minutes. Look into them.

Posted by: Ringo at August 31, 2009 11:03 AM in response to Condo/Self-Managed Bldng

"Self-Managed" means you three owners do all the maintenance. Meaning, put out the garbage, shovel the snow, clean the common areas etc. Also someone has to deal with all the finances. This is a condo? sounds like a coop. If its a condo and you think the taxes will be 4800 a year, is that for just the unit or the whole building. As far as having a reserve fund for whatever comes up, even an inspection is not going to predict the future. ANYTHING can come up and that is why you have a reserve. If you really love it, buy and then sell it in 2 or 3 years to a place more secure.

Posted by: tomgee at August 31, 2009 11:17 AM in response to Condo/Self-Managed Bldng

Wait, so is this a co-op or condo? "Maintenance" is typically a co-op term and "common charges" is typically the analogous payment for a condo, but without the tax portion since you pay your own. You called it a condo but refer to maintenance.

In any event, you can ask for minutes to see if any upcoming work was discussed, but I imagine in a 3-uit building, minutes won't be formal or exhaustive, if they exist to do anything besides record votes. People just talk to each other as the need arises. Doubt you'll see "vice president reminded us we need to replace the boiler before next winter" in the minutes.

Rely on the inspection and then ask questions. $500 reserve is low. $20k is excessive. Good rule of thumb is $1-2k/unit. $500 reserve means you essentially need to reserve your own funds as if it were your own home.
Good luck.

Posted by: slopefarm at August 31, 2009 11:24 AM in response to Condo/Self-Managed Bldng