You could futz with weatherstripping (low material cost, high labor cost (to do it correctly) but I would go right to an interior storm unit.

These windows look like casement windows of some kind. If the sash and jamb are in decent condition, the weatherstripping should help. But if these are in poor condition it isn't going to be able to seal the sash entirely, so it will reduce the air infiltration by some, but not alot.

Posted by: bugleg at October 21, 2009 4:50 PM in response to Winterizing Cafe Windows

Where can I get Ipe for $2/foot? 1x4? 5/4 x 6?

Posted by: bugleg at September 21, 2009 1:34 PM in response to Backyard Reno - Need Advice!

Not for nothing, but that looks like Cedar, not Ipe.

Pretty simple detail, really. Set 4x4 posts every 6 feet. Screw 1 x 6 Ipe planks to the posts. Cover joint with 1 x 4 Ipe applied vertically.

Posted by: bugleg at August 11, 2009 7:34 PM in response to Contempory Ipe Fence

Complete your work, don't stress. Building a new wall requires a permit, but you'll be fine. By the time you work is done an inspector would be hard pressed to take issue, and moreover you will soon have a newborn there to thawrt the inspector--remember, two refused entries and they close the complaint.

Posted by: bugleg at June 29, 2009 11:33 PM in response to What to do: Active Complaint DOB

Glendale or Middle Village, in Queens. Transport is kinda tough, as its a bus-subway connection to midtown, but the M goes downtown.

Safe, and Trader Joe's!

Posted by: bugleg at June 24, 2009 6:51 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

Smoky, thanks for the clarification. I have very very little to do w/ the DOB as the expeditor pulls permits/got me my tracking number. I suspected the DOB wouldn't issue w/out a HIC or GC license, but wasn't 100% sure and didn't want to muddy the waters.

Pig, I dunno what to tell you. There are all kinds of enterprises/services that cannot be offered in NYC without complying with regulations and having licenses. Taxis, street vendors, and about a million other things. I'm not sure why you are so reluctant to believe the DCA's webpage and city law, but whatever.

FWIW, I agree with you in large part--there is overkill, and it's burdensome. I think it is nuts I can haul debris from a job to a legal dump and pay to throw it away. In fact, I did that when I first started unaware that anyone would have an issue with it. But it's not legal in NYC. One can chose to adhere to or evade law. That's a personal choice, and I don't really judge folks either way. My business is built around compliance.

Posted by: bugleg at June 14, 2009 3:56 PM in response to Visit from Consumer Affairs

Pig, you have alot of pieces of the puzzle but aren't assembling them quite right. The DCA regulates HIC licensees. To enter into a contract with someone for more than $200, you need to hold a HIC license.

That is the law. Has nothing to do with permits being required, or the DOB at all. You are of course right, with enough time and work one need not hire an expeditor, arch, or contractor. Just plumber and electrician.

And if one chooses to hire illegally (under the table), and there are no contracts, then I suppose one could argue they are not violating DCA's requirements. But one is violating other labor laws.

I'm starting to feel like the sucker here--but the fact is NYC law and almost every building I work in require that I hold a HIC license.

Every day in this fine city folks decline to comply with the law. Under the table contractors haul trash, and some of them get fined and their vehicle seized.

Homeowners arrange for 'artisans' to renovate under the impression no permits are required, and get hit with stop work orders that cost thousands to resolve.

While not _every_ renovation requires a permit and licensed HIC, many do. To pretend that these things are _never_ needed is cute, but not really a reality-based opinion.

And without the requirements of the HIC fulfilled (Workers Comp, Disability and Liability Insurance) a homeowner most certainly is at risk.

Posted by: bugleg at June 14, 2009 1:43 PM in response to Visit from Consumer Affairs

Denton, I'm not sure about that provision, but I know as a HIC that the license is required to work on units within condos and coops--as 3 Pigs correctly states, DCA is more concerned with Consumer protection than anything else.

I don't think a HIC license is required to work on the common areas or exterior of a 4+ building.

Plumbers and electricians are licensed by DOB, and are exempted from needing a HIC license.

Posted by: bugleg at June 14, 2009 11:27 AM in response to Visit from Consumer Affairs

Pig, I guess you think the IRS can't make you pay/file taxes too?

I kinda feel like a tool for providing documentation, but here goes.

From DCA's website:
A person or business must have a Home Improvement Contractor license if engaged in the construction, repair, remodeling or addition to any land or building used as a residence. This includes, but is not limited to, the construction, replacement or improvement of driveways, swimming pools, terraces, patios, landscaping, fences, porches, garages, basements and other improvements to structures or upon land that is adjacent to a home or apartment building.

Here is the relevant section of NYC administrative code:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/downloads/pdf/home_improvement_law_rules.pdf

The only exception is for homeowners performing improvements to their primary residence themselves. And even then, to pull a permit, you have to get a WC waiver from the State.

I guess all the folks in NYC hiring architects and contractors and pulling permits are rubes. Good luck with that.

Posted by: bugleg at June 14, 2009 9:02 AM in response to Visit from Consumer Affairs

According to city law, pig three. Really. The business and trades regulated by DCA aren't volunteering! If you don't comply, it's illegal to operate.

The OP and contractor got off pretty easy--the story isn't really that believable, although I don't doubt it as I am a GC and do stuff gratis for good customers as well.

Posted by: bugleg at June 13, 2009 9:05 PM in response to Visit from Consumer Affairs

Gravel is fine, done correctly. Dig down at least a foot, put a few layers of compacted gravel, topped by a few layers of compacted stone dust, and set pavers. There are Roman roads and foundations that have survived freeze/thaw cycles more intense that we see here.

Concrete is great until it fails, and water freezes in cracks, and reinforcing bar starts to rust, and it keeps failing. Pavers set in stone dust can't break apart in the same way, and it's possible to easily remove and repair sections.

Posted by: bugleg at June 10, 2009 8:58 PM in response to Set pavers in concrete or gravel

I wouldn't put a roof deck over bitumen--EPDM, and the thick stuff, will last longer and resist abrasion from the wood expanding and contracting.

Posted by: bugleg at May 14, 2009 6:23 PM in response to Roofing quotes

We have found Green Glue gives the best bang for the buck in between a layer of 5/8ths and 1/2 " sheetrock. The sound attenuation batts work ok for the high stuff, but are all but useless for bass.

Posted by: bugleg at April 30, 2009 6:31 PM in response to soundproofing

Huh. I think I'm missing something...how does the removal of cabinets and counters create alot of garbage? I live in a neighborhood of single family homes and I've lost count of the number of kitchens I've seen thrown out over a few weeks via Sanitation...

Posted by: bugleg at April 17, 2009 11:47 AM in response to Do I Need a Work Permit?

Radiators often have manufacturing oils left on them--best idea is to set them outside before installation and scrub down with simple green then rinse with alot of water, and spray paint with high temp paint.

Posted by: bugleg at March 2, 2009 3:09 PM in response to Radiator help

Dykes, or ipedepot.com

Posted by: bugleg at November 5, 2008 7:57 PM in response to Sourcing Ipe Decking

sounds like it wasn't properly siliconed in--even with the plastic trip strips, you have to apply silicone to the back. If installed without the plastic channel, then you need to silicone between the tile and the wall/floor. The mounting clips are potential leaks as well--I've had to take a few apart and smear both sides with a thin layer of silicone then reassemble to deal with persistent leaks.

Posted by: bugleg at October 8, 2008 8:14 PM in response to Leaking from glass door in shower room

steel wool. you can use it to buff out the whole sink so it matches. goto the hardware store (or send this 'friend') and get a few different roughnesses, and buff it out. use the roughest to remove the paint, then something finer to even everything out.

Posted by: bugleg at September 25, 2008 7:39 PM in response to Removing Paint

Fridges and ranges most all come with some sort of anti-tip bracket that mounts to the floor or above the compressor of a fridge. Sounds like your contractor didn't install the fridge right. Drimmers can be curt, but I've had fine luck dealing with after delivery issues with them.

Posted by: bugleg at September 20, 2008 5:13 PM in response to Unfortunate experience with Drimmer's

Call Robert @ Stone Decor 718-788-8099

He embeds steel in epoxy under his thresholds, making them super strong and less like to crack over time. He can do it out of any stone.

Posted by: bugleg at July 2, 2008 9:10 AM in response to The Threshold

20k is a baseline rip-out and replace with something that is good looking and will last another 50+ years. Throw in some frameless shower doors and euro-fixtures, 30k rushes up quickly.

It can certainly be done for less--and you can do less than a ripout and replacement of branch drains and supplies, but I don't think it's a good idea. Those connections are at or nearing the end of their useful life if your bath is original...

Posted by: bugleg at May 30, 2008 5:19 PM in response to cost to renovate bathroom?

20k for the rewire is about right, and there no sense in rewiring and not upgrading the panel to 200 amps.

Posted by: bugleg at May 8, 2008 4:07 PM in response to Electrical Wiring Query

I've done Green Glue assemblies for several clients, and they have been really happy with the results. There are also some mass-enhanced drywall products that incorporate a layer of lead or vinyl to dampen sound. I avoided them because of the material and labor costs.

Posted by: bugleg at May 6, 2008 5:14 PM in response to soundboard vs. furring (firring) stips for ceiling

If you can't trust your GC, all hope is lost.

The Arch has other clients and obligations, and alot happens (and moves to the next step) without anyone reviewing it. A good contractor is critical to a quality product--and if you can't believe what your contractor tells you, it's going to be rough sledding.

Posted by: bugleg at March 3, 2008 7:53 PM in response to Renovation team - what's most cost-effective without sacrificing quality?

Thanks for the rec, Master Plumber. That looks like a nice unit.

However, I can't get over how these filter companies get away selling ~$300 filters with PVC fittings and tubing. I suppose I should not complaint too much since all the filters I've seen (and it looks like this one as well) have threaded ports so you can replace the plastic elbows with something that is not begging to be broken under the sink.

Even so, some stainless lines with an assortment of adapters and a 3/8" T that connects to the shutoff is a much better arrangement, and it is surprising someone doesn't sell them that way.

Posted by: bugleg at January 28, 2008 5:40 PM in response to A very good water filter.

Ikea is a consistant PITA, and only worth the low price if you can value your time at nothing.

Posted by: bugleg at January 19, 2008 5:10 PM in response to Stupid Ikea Cabinets

I agree with Bob--big time. Run, don't walk. If someone has gutted the finishes but not touched mechanicals that are at the end of their useful life, the quality of the 'gut reno' is dubious, at best.

Find a better building.

Posted by: bugleg at January 19, 2008 5:05 PM in response to Pre-contract inspection revealed several issues- what would you do?

Check the electrical boxes for drafts--it's possible to remove the device and shoot foam behind the boxes.

Posted by: bugleg at December 17, 2007 7:41 PM in response to Preventing heat loss

More than that, I'm thinking--if I were doing that much work I would want to do windows and insulate as well. Who knows what warping floors are about, but there could be structural work as well.

Posted by: bugleg at December 10, 2007 7:42 PM in response to Victorian home renovation/restoration

My neighbor's contractor just got busted for a small unpermitted sidewalk repair. The contractor was fined $800 AND if he didn't present his valid HIC license right there and then they were going to ARREST HIM and COMPOUND HIS TRUCK.

There are several trades that are not required to have HIC licenses. Besides plumbers and electricians who have their own separate oversight... wall paper hangers, floor sanders and refinishers, painters, kitchen designers, window installers, are a few more.

One motivation for contractors to follow through and get their license... they have no standing in small claims court.

Posted by: IMBY at June 15, 2009 11:05 PM in response to Visit from Consumer Affairs

I agree with the other Bay Ridge posts. We've been renting here for a while, and now with two young children decided to buy in the neighborhood. We're in contract on a 3BR house west of 3rd Ave with outdoor space and a garage and paid just under $600k. Needs a little work, but very livable. I work in midtown and the commute is not that bad, restaurants are great and lots of parks for the kids. Good Luck!

Posted by: nyj85 at June 24, 2009 9:26 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

I am not clear how you can compare these two neiboughhood. Bayridge one of the safest places in Brooklyn. Bedsty - the oposite. I once walked down the Myrtle ave. The shop had bars so homeless will not steal the shopping carts. And some teens thew rocks and bottles at me (I am white). Or just check the murder map bellow.

Bayridge established itself for long time. Has decent schools, etc. Bedstay - the opposite.

Posted by: bobjohn at June 24, 2009 10:40 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

I totally agree that you have to consider schools. As a parent who has spent the past 2 years trying to get her kids into a "good" school it is a PITA. It is much harder now as the DOE is trying to be stricter about keeping kids in their own districts. The baby boom doesn't help either. One strategy that has worked historically is moving to a good zone, enrolling first born for Prek or K & then moving as younger kids will be grandfathered (or siblinged in). Might also think about nabes/schools in transition as you have 5 yrs, like PS 9/Prospect Heights, but you aren't going to get anything for 600K there, but you could "commute" as the district border is quite close.

Posted by: gingerbrownie at June 25, 2009 6:58 AM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

I'm surprised that some people would even consider neighborhoods like Bed Stuy, Crown Heights, PLG, etc. (OR QUEENS, FOR HEAVENSAKE!) before going to Bay Ridge. There's honestly no comparison. As someone who has lived in Brooklyn her entire life -- trust me -- you do not want to be in any of those neighborhoods instead of Bay Ridge.

Bay Ridge is really on the rise. It's always been a safe, family friendly neighborhood with great schools and AMAZING restaurants. It's just a further commute into midtown (about an hour) than Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens. But Bay Ridge is totally affordable and those neighborhoods just aren't anymore. Since the neighborhoods closer to the city are becoming insanely expensive, there's definitely a flight deeper into Brooklyn. For the quality of life (without sacrificing being in walking distance of a million restaurants and parks and the water), Bay Ridge is the way to go.

Posted by: bkoriginal at June 25, 2009 2:45 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

I'm surprised that some people would even consider neighborhoods like Bed Stuy, Crown Heights, PLG, etc. (OR QUEENS, FOR HEAVENSAKE!) before going to Bay Ridge. There's honestly no comparison. As someone who has lived in Brooklyn her entire life -- trust me -- you do not want to be in any of those neighborhoods instead of Bay Ridge.

Bay Ridge is really on the rise. It's always been a safe, family friendly neighborhood with great schools and AMAZING restaurants. It's just a further commute into midtown (about an hour) than Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens. But Bay Ridge is totally affordable and those neighborhoods just aren't anymore. Since the neighborhoods closer to the city are becoming insanely expensive, there's definitely a flight deeper into Brooklyn. For the quality of life (without sacrificing being in walking distance of a million restaurants and parks and the water), Bay Ridge is the way to go.

Posted by: bkoriginal at June 25, 2009 2:49 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

Sorry, bkoriginal, but I have to give a dissenting opinion here. We've been raising our family in Bed-Stuy for the past 5 years and we love it here. We never considered looking in Bay Ridge... an hour long commute to Midtown would be a dealbreaker for us. Here we are right by the Nostrand Ave. stop on the A train, which is about a 30 minute ride to 42nd St. There are some lovely blocks around here comparable to the ones around the Utica Ave. stop.

I will give Bay Ridge its props though: I love the Century 21 they have out there! Same stock as Manhattan but so much less crowded.

Many people have an outdated view of Bed-Stuy. It's a huge neighborhood. There are certainly some sketchy parts in the northern end, but the southern end is mostly quiet and safe, with gorgeous housing stock and good subway access. As with many Brooklyn neighborhoods (dare I say most Brooklyn neighborhoods?), you do have to be willing to spend some time researching school options. In addition to the local schools that others have mentioned, there are several public charter schools that either serve all of District 13 or all of Brooklyn. We ended up in one of these.

Posted by: StuyMom at June 25, 2009 3:59 PM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

I appreciate the concern which is been rose. The things need to be sorted out because it’s not about the individual but it can be with everyone.Estate Planning

Posted by: lalpri at June 26, 2009 6:22 AM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

I'm a big Bay Ridge fan. Parts of it are charming, I do really like the restaurants. It can be too conservative for me but the new residents are less conservative. However, as one who chose PLG, I agree with Stuymom. An hour commute from Bay Ridge or anywhere was a dealbreaker for my husband. It's 15-20 minutes to Midtown from PLG on the B/Q. That's a big difference when somebody is thinking about whether they get home early enough at night to see their children before bedtime. It's also 1.5 to 2 more hours a day you have to pay the nanny in a household with two working parents. That's $150 extra a week, $600 more a month. I'm not bashing Bay Ridge or anywhere else that's a longer commute, but just saying a long commute is not such a small thing to consider.

Posted by: traditionalmod at June 27, 2009 10:53 AM in response to Townhouse for $600k?

A quick comment about this kind of fence design: while the OP may put a premium on privacy or blocking a bad view, be aware that this will also block sun and air circulation. If you plan to do much gardening, that could be an issue.

Posted by: grand army at August 12, 2009 11:31 AM in response to Contempory Ipe Fence