collin85's Profile

Name:
Collin
In Brooklyn Since:
On Brownstoner Since:
Location:
Brooklyn
Neighborhood:
Prospect Heights
Abode:
Profession:
Sex:
Male
Age:
Website:

Author's Posts

November 20, 2009

Heating Issues

Hi all,

I have a question about my heating system. In the past couple of weeks or so, I've noticed that my gas heat randomly turns on and off despite my thermostat settings.

For example, last night it went on when my apartment was approaching 70 degrees and the thermostat was set at 50 or below. It's hard to hear it turn on, but I heard some bubbling and the radiators were warm to the touch and emitting heat.

What could be causing this? I have a very new boiler but an old thermostat. Do I need a new thermostat, or could it be a problem with the boiler and/or its connections to the radiators?

Also, any recommendations for a type of thermostat (and a good contractor to install it) if I were to get a new one?

Thanks for any help!!
-C

Gas Heat -- Random Start/Stop

Hi all,

I have a question about my heating system. In the past couple of weeks or so, I've noticed that my gas heat randomly turns on and off despite my thermostat settings.

What could be causing this? I have a very new boiler but an old thermostat. Do I need a new thermostat, or could it be a problem with the boiler and/or its connections to the radiators?

Thanks for any help!!
-C

July 20, 2009

Removing Paint Mist from Window?

Hello,

A few months ago, my co-op's ironwork was touched up and repainted, a process that included the security grating outside of my windows. Unfortunately, after thoroughly cleaning my windows the other day I've realized that there is a good deal of paint mist / residue on the window leftover from the job.

The ironwork people are obviously long gone and I'm assuming that talking to them would be futile, so does anyone have a recommendation as to how I might be able to remove the paint? I sincerely doubt that a razor would do the trick, since it is a fine mist rather than actual gobs of spilled paint.

Thanks for any help!

June 4, 2009

Built-In Shelving?

So, I'm looking to install some built-in shelving between a decorative fireplace and a window wall. Could anyone recommend a carpenter or handyman who would do this sort of job? (I don't trust myself to do it right) Also, if anyone has had this done and knows what I should expect cost-wise, I'd definitely appreciate any insights.

Thanks!
C

May 1, 2009

Fan Safety?

So, this might be a stupid question, but I was wondering if it's normal for a ceiling fan to wobble back and forth a bit while spinning (and also seems a bit 'loose' when I pull the starter). It came installed in the apartment I bought, so I'm hoping I don't have to get it checked out / replaced. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
C

April 9, 2009

Water Heater - price, recs, etc?

Hi all,

My current boiler provides both heat and hot water to my studio apartment, but I am considering getting a seperate water boiler installed so that I can turn off the boiler responsible for heat for most of the year. Since I rarely use heat, this could save me hundreds of dollars annually, given that the price of maintaining the boiler at 160+ degrees seems astronomical when compared to the what I actually use.

So, does anyone have any recommendations for types of water heaters, contractors who would install it, etc? Also, doesn't National Grid offer a credit for doing such projects?

Thanks everyone.

April 7, 2009

Window Cleaners?

Looking for recommendations for a Brooklyn window cleaner. I only need two windows cleaned, both on the first floor with security grating. I'd do it myself normally, but there is some spillage on one of the windows due to recent ironwork re-painting.

Can anyone point me to somebody who charges reasonable rates? Also, do you think this is something I'd have to run by my co-op board?

Thanks all!

March 27, 2009

National Grid Bill?

So, I'm extremely confused about my recent gas bill from National Grid (use Con-Ed for electric). For this past 33 day period, I was charged $80 for 37 therms. I barely used my heat that entire time (read: once or twice), so presumably hot water and cooking gas should be the only charges, and $80 seems extremely high for that...plus, I didn't use my oven - only the burners.

Does anyone else have experience with odd National Grid bills, or have any ideas as to why it's so high? This is only my third month dealing with them, and so far they have been supremely unhelpful over the phone.

I appreciate any advice!

-C

PS - I don't know my type of boiler per se, but it is small-ish with an electric control panel.

March 24, 2009

Good Buy? (Prospect Heights)

Hi all,

I've never posted here before, but I'm interested in getting everyone's feedback on my recent co-op purchase. It's a studio in Prospect Heights on Underhill Ave (north of Sterling but south of Bergen), probably about 350 sq feet. It was listed at 400, but I have my doubts about that number. Purchase price was $185,000 in December.

A few things to note:
-Has an eat-in kitchen (read: kitchen is a room seperated from the rest of the studio by a hallway)
-Gated common garden / recreation area (plot is about the size of a building or two)
-Prewar building with decorative fireplace (including ornate ironwork covering)
-Installed a murphy bed b/c of space limitations

I fell in love with the place and am very comfortable there, but I'd nevertheless be interested in people's opinion as to its value in relation to the neighborhood / Brooklyn market / etc.

So, good buy or bad buy?

Author's Comments

Thanks! That's very helpful. Where is the manual valve that I can test? I'll also search Google and see if I can figure it out, I'm sure it's different for every boiler.

Posted by: collin85 at November 20, 2009 11:23 AM in response to Heating Issues

Sorry for the double post!

Posted by: collin85 at November 20, 2009 11:20 AM in response to Heating Issues

Hi - questions here. I own a studio in a co-op and have my own boiler. I know this is unusual, but it's just the way my co-op is. Not sure what the exact model is (could look when I get home), but it appears very similar to the gray ones above (although only one unit, gas powered).

Anyway, I've lived there since January but have never had to care for my own boiler before. So, what sort of steps should I take? Should I have National Grid perform some kind of energy audit (do they do this?), and should I get someone in to clean it and perform basic maintenance?

Also, the radiator in my bathrooom (long and low to the floor) looks very beat up...could this be affecting effeciency?

Any help appreciated as I'm totally new to this sort of thing.

Posted by: collin85 at September 30, 2009 1:32 PM in response to Time to Think About Your Boiler Again

This place is great! http://www.smartclosetsolution.com/Confirmation.html

Did my closet for under $1000 all-inclusive. Nice results too.

Posted by: collin85 at August 11, 2009 1:17 PM in response to Closet Design

It is because of the track complexity and criss-crossing near downtown Brooklyn...especially in the case of the Q and B, they have to be timed with the N and D as well since they share tracks over the bridge. So, often one will have to wait for the other due to delays and bunching.

Posted by: collin85 at August 4, 2009 1:08 PM in response to Bye Bye, B Line

I had a horrible infestation when I lived in the West Village - was unable to find the source (most likely from another apt or the trash bins in the courtyard), but hanging a bunch of rolls of fly tape was a HUGE help. It might be unsightly, but it killed off most of them and they resurged less frequently. You can find the stuff anywhere, including Duane Reade...

Posted by: collin85 at July 27, 2009 12:19 PM in response to Fruit Flies

Thanks for the tips, everyone! Very helpful.

Posted by: collin85 at July 20, 2009 3:08 PM in response to Removing Paint Mist from Window?

I looked at the Park Place studio about 6 months ago and I believe it was asking 220k back then. So, looks like the owner didn't do so badly once he/she adjusted expectations.

It was a nice place, but seemed really small. The awkward kitchen contributed to that, I think...

Posted by: collin85 at July 16, 2009 1:44 PM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million

A fellow shareholder in my building referred us all to Jeff Grunthaner at 908-902-9345. Apparently he has very reasonable prices, though I have not used him myself.

Posted by: collin85 at July 7, 2009 2:42 PM in response to Desperate for a Window Washer

This report ranks right up there with the NYT's "Trustafarian" article in terms of substance.

Posted by: collin85 at June 18, 2009 10:08 AM in response to Bank Predicts NYC Market to Fall Another 40 Percent

Unless there's some problem with the co-op that has caused it to sit on the market, that $199k studio that 11217 linked to isn't a bad deal at all...although at less than 300 sf it's definitely a bit small.

Posted by: collin85 at June 16, 2009 1:53 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 70 Remsen Street, #3J

...except that it's a completely random assumption that it's in any way connected to an NYU grad.

Posted by: collin85 at June 16, 2009 11:44 AM in response to Burg Condo Unwelcoming to Children

Anybody who sits around on online forums complaining about "NYU brats" and "trust fund kids" ad nauseum has issues more serious than a chip on the shoulder.

Posted by: collin85 at June 16, 2009 11:28 AM in response to Burg Condo Unwelcoming to Children

Do you have any relatives you could add to the lease or use as guarantors? That would certainly help. Although if your boyfriend has a full-time job that is documentable and you will be living together, it sounds as if you might be fine even without guarantors if you put the lease in his name.

Posted by: collin85 at June 15, 2009 11:59 AM in response to Apartment Hunting Jobless

It sounds like you haven't even tried talking to the tenant. I would pick up the phone or pay a visit to the apartment before getting an attorney involved or anything like that, it could just be a misundertanding easily solved by a conversation.

Posted by: collin85 at June 15, 2009 8:54 AM in response to Tenant Refusing to Sign Lease

This whole discussion is ridiculous - the bike lanes are just an easy target.

People who don't bike have no idea how useful even a cursory bike line is in improving safety for bikers pitted against aggressive and indifferent drivers. Let's not regress any more than we have to as a city. Besides, just look at Bway, 9th ave, etc. in Manhattan - MUCH more congested there, yet everyone gets along fine.

Posted by: collin85 at June 10, 2009 9:54 AM in response to CB6, Fifth Avenue BID Going After Bike Lane

Wow, this really is a sour grapes fest...what business is it of ours what other people do with their money? Terrible article anyway, as many have pointed out.

Posted by: collin85 at June 8, 2009 4:07 PM in response to Dose of Reality for Trust Fund Kids

Of course the public was never going to get "a lot" from Ratner...but now, as you just mentioned, we are not even getting the crumbs.

Plus some of the parks in the city are already a public-private partnership...open space is open space, and better than the parking lot that will now likely be the result.

Posted by: collin85 at June 5, 2009 10:27 AM in response to Gehry Officially Off Yards Project

I blame both - not a fan of Ratner, but DDDB's litigation has made an already undesirable development even worse. Not just the design - we are now getting no "Urban Room" public space, very little in the way of the much-touted low-income housing, and a "phase 2" eastern section that will likely languish for years and eat up even more of the public dollar than it already has.

Of course, there's always the possibility that nothing will be built. That would be preferable to this drawn-out mess, IMO.

Posted by: collin85 at June 5, 2009 9:59 AM in response to Gehry Officially Off Yards Project

Randolph, my thoughts exactly. While I admire and support dissent as necessary in this sort of shady-from-the-start project, it seems that DDDB has done way more damage than good.

Posted by: collin85 at June 5, 2009 9:41 AM in response to Gehry Officially Off Yards Project

Sure, the numbers would be great - can you post them on here?

Posted by: collin85 at June 4, 2009 3:13 PM in response to Built-In Shelving?

Well, most studios in northwest Brooklyn / near the park seem to move pretty quickly if they drop much below 200k...notwithstanding those many units at 80 Winthrop, of course. Anyone know why those sit so long, btw? A problem with the building or something?

Posted by: collin85 at June 4, 2009 11:32 AM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million

Wow - the Windsor Terrace studio actually fetched quite a nice price, given that a $199,000 studio in Prospect Heights (on Vanderbilt and Park) was just taken off the NYTimes website (presumably because it's in contract, perhaps?)

Posted by: collin85 at June 4, 2009 11:21 AM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million

I believe it's just an extra bank processing charge...sometimes the bank picks up that charge (as was the case for me), sometimes not. Can't tell you anything more, really, except that it is usually about 1% of the total purchase price.

Posted by: collin85 at June 3, 2009 9:49 AM in response to Loan Origination Fee

Buying or renting?

My thoughts are pretty predictable - if you're buying, I'd be careful since you'll be literally right next door to a massive construction site. Renting, however, is a completely different story since construction likely won't start in earnest for another couple of years at this point.

Posted by: collin85 at May 26, 2009 1:35 PM in response to Carlton Avenue/Prospect Heights

collin85 wrote a review about Chavella's on May 19, 2009 1:33 PM

Love this place! Great neighborhood spot, although minus a few points for not having margaritas (when I was there a couple of months ago, at least).

Food:
Service:
Ambience:
Value:

cwcuelcher - that's definitely true...one shouldn't depend on the mortgage deduction to factor into affordability, but I was just pointing out that the deduction can have substantial month-to-month benefits.

But all in all...yes, I'd be willing to bet that those who counted too much on mortgage deductions to meet payments are the very ones who are in trouble now.

Posted by: collin85 at May 18, 2009 5:02 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 100 Remsen Street, #8K

cwbuelcher,

the mortgage deduction can most definitely impact monthly payments. You just have to calculate it into your federal allowances on your W-4 so that you get a certain amount more per month and break even on your taxes at the end of the year. No big rebate, but more money month-to-month.

Posted by: collin85 at May 18, 2009 4:42 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 100 Remsen Street, #8K

If this falls through and discourages Forest City Ratner-like developers from touching lots like this in the future, then I'd consider it a major win for Brooklyn and the City in general. FCR is the firm that brought us the Atlantic Terminal Mall, the Metrotech Center, the soon-to-be East Harlem Costco, all with minimal to no transparency or due process.

I'm all for some sort of development on the site, just not something that so brazenly circumvents every imaginable public forum, environmental review, etc (and with fabricated "blight" statistics to boot)

Posted by: collin85 at May 18, 2009 9:27 AM in response to Appellate Court Rules Against Atlantic Yards Opponents

btw, I agree that this one is way overpriced in general

Posted by: collin85 at May 11, 2009 2:34 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 101 Lafayette Avenue, #17C

saminthehood - $235,000 sounds like a good deal for sure, but what is the maintenance? All the under-$250,000 studios south of 100th St. seem to be least $500-600 per month maint., with many over $1,000. That goes a long way in determining a studio's affordability, especially for people starting out.

Posted by: collin85 at May 11, 2009 2:31 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 101 Lafayette Avenue, #17C

I like the atmosphere of Brooklyn, the architecture, the people...there are so many unquantifiables that go into our idea of "home" that it always cracks me up when people (ie the NYTimes) write their RE / neighborhood articles as if the urban landscape is made up purely of subway lines, apartment stock and "amenities" (barf).

Does nobody have a sense of place anymore?

PS - Prospect Park = WAY better than Central Park (IMHO), and Lincoln Center would be ok if it weren't so overpriced.

Posted by: collin85 at May 11, 2009 10:40 AM in response to Brooklynites Jumping Ship to Manhattan?

If you let your dog off the leash in a public place, you're just as bad as smokers who shrug at lighting up indoors...ie, endangering/annoying people around you while maintaining an entitled, cavalier attitude about it. This guy might be acting on the exteme side, but I agree with him in principle.

Posted by: collin85 at May 11, 2009 9:54 AM in response to Prospect Park Vigilante Wages Canine Campaign

Lovely place - and a very nice stretch of St. Mark's, I walk by it all the time. Seems very much worth the price, although I would be wary of the (strong) possibility of having a basketball stadium practically on top of you within five years.

Posted by: collin85 at May 7, 2009 1:41 PM in response to House of the Day: 100 St. Mark's Avenue

This looks like an amazing opportunity for whoever is accepted by the (supposedly?) stubborn board. Where else would you find $450 sq/ft or less in this part of Brooklyn?

And Petebklyn - I'd agree with you, it's definitely not very far at all to walk places from here...and if you have a bike, even easier.

Posted by: collin85 at May 4, 2009 2:07 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 130 St. Edwards Street

If you're worried about fairness to cleaners (which I would say is definitely a major issue), then I might recommend this company: http://www.zenhomecleaning.com/index.htm

A friend of mine used to work in their office, and from what I've seen the workers are paid very fairly and get pretty good benefits. A bit more expensive than most ($25-35/hr), and I've never used them, but they're ethical and I'd say it's worth looking into.

Posted by: collin85 at May 1, 2009 3:36 PM in response to what does a house keeper cost?

collin85 wrote a review about Burrito Bar on May 1, 2009 1:58 PM

It's a fun place - the food is nothing to get excited about, but it's pretty standard tex mex and the drinks are reasonable. Plus I've been seated right away every single time I've been there (even at peak times), which definitely helps the appeal.

Food:
Service:
Ambience:
Value:

I love that PS studio as well - the layout is very similar to the studio I bought in PH in January, except my kitchen is where the "dining room" space is in this one. I also definitely appreciate this segment every week, keep it coming!

Parental help is almost the norm these days...what indebted college grad is going to ever be able to afford a downpayment on anything before the age of 50?

Posted by: collin85 at April 30, 2009 12:24 PM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million

Also, if you're in doubt, try the bank that you usually do business with. Mine (Wachovia) gave me a very good rate and quick approval, partly (or so they said) because I was a longtime customer and they knew my financials very well.

Posted by: collin85 at April 24, 2009 2:11 PM in response to Will a mortage ever be offered @

The bigger the downpayment, the better your chances...and unless your girlfriend signs on the loan with you, her income will not be counted.

Sounds like you have very good financial creds though.

Posted by: collin85 at April 24, 2009 1:57 PM in response to Will a mortage ever be offered @

Oh, and it's going to be a block away from the ass-end of Atlantic Yards in 3-4 years or so. I bet the salespeople aren't mentioning that!

Posted by: collin85 at April 22, 2009 4:51 PM in response to Wednesday Blogwrap

That photo is one of the prettiest I've seen on here in a while...

And RE: the Prospect Heights condo - a) location is barely PH, and b) it's simply a copy of all the hideous McCondo's that are going up in that area

Posted by: collin85 at April 22, 2009 4:47 PM in response to Wednesday Blogwrap

I live right across from a public elementary school and there's never any notable noise or commotion, much less the roving child terror-packs that people are alluding to. It's actually quite nice, since it's a very low construction and thus doesn't block the sky/light as other 4-5 story buildings might.

Posted by: collin85 at April 17, 2009 2:38 PM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million

11217 - you summed up my thoughts on the neighborhood exactly :)

Posted by: collin85 at April 9, 2009 5:11 PM in response to Development Watch: 818 Dean Street

I do actually have my own boiler - it was included in the co-op offering plan, and is (reportedly) only a few years old...it is rather small, and has an electric control panel. I will have to look at the capacity when I get home.

My reason for looking into a water heater is that last month, for example, I spent $80 and only used the heat once or twice (and very briefly). But if the heater unit /installation costs end up canceling out any savings, then I will drop the idea altogether.

Posted by: collin85 at April 9, 2009 5:07 PM in response to Water Heater - price, recs, etc?

Try The Forest Floor on Vanderbilt Ave in Prospect Heights...small-ish selection, but I bought some flowers there last week and they're still alive and kicking.

Posted by: collin85 at April 8, 2009 4:41 PM in response to Buying cut flowers in Brooklyn

This is awesome news...Prospect Heights is clearly trying to turn me into an alcoholic!

Posted by: collin85 at April 8, 2009 3:39 PM in response to Streetlevel: Washington Commons Opens in P Heights

Hmm, thanks for the tip - I'll give that a try!

Posted by: collin85 at April 8, 2009 3:03 PM in response to Window Cleaners?

I'm assuming you mean hazard insurance, liability insurance, etc.? I got a very reasonably priced ($20/month) policy through Ellen Pittari (718)-834-9512 for my studio co-op. I'd recommend her for sure!

Posted by: collin85 at April 8, 2009 3:01 PM in response to Need Insurance Agent for Coop

I'm usually pretty tired of the "the times-they-are-a-changin" pieces that the NY Times loves to run, but this one was interesting in that it at least gave mention to the previous generation that experienced their own sort of change.

Change happens, especially in cities...but from some of the Times' previous articles you'd assume that change is some sort of scary newcomer.

Posted by: collin85 at April 6, 2009 10:16 AM in response to Wrestling with Fort Greene's Transformation

Responses to Author's Forum Comments

I had a quote from smart closet - around $1,500 for an 8ftx9ft space with lots of rooms for hanging clothes. shall i do it or shop around. some friends say go for ikea and get a carpenter but am not sure about that - wasting time, no warranty, etc.
K

Posted by: HurricaneKate at September 9, 2009 5:51 PM in response to Closet Design

I had a friend who bought in Ikea some shelves, hanging, baskets etc and hired a handyman. It looked nothing like a custom closet and they end up spending near the price they got quote from Smart Closet Solution with a lot of headache. Another friend who bought from Easyclosets.com they hired a handyman to install, horrible job. If the price is right give to professional to do the job. At the end it pays and don't forget the lifetime warranty you get. You say $1,500 to my opinion that is very low for a 8x9 closet.

Posted by: liketherichandfamous at September 12, 2009 4:01 PM in response to Closet Design

http://classyclosets.com/franchise/denverboulder

How was it overpriced? Different companies vary with prices and even the services they offer. Sometimes those who offer expensive service are the ones that have expertise on the field. You should also ask for some samples on their work and customer reviews so that you'll be able to choose from your prospect companies. It is much better if they offer warranty because you'll get what your money is worth.

Posted by: jollivee at October 26, 2009 1:45 AM in response to Closet Design

Thanks! That's very helpful. Where is the manual valve that I can test? I'll also search Google and see if I can figure it out, I'm sure it's different for every boiler.

Posted by: collin85 at November 20, 2009 11:23 AM in response to Heating Issues

You can also try blowing out the current thermostat w/ canned air. If it's a mercury switch they sometimes get dust-laden & imbalanced.

Posted by: Arkady at November 20, 2009 4:09 PM in response to Heating Issues

Mpcmpc is talking specifically about electronic zone valves in a hot water heating system. Even more specifically, I would think; Honeywell electronic zone valves. Not everyone has them.

Posted by: Master Plvmber at November 20, 2009 4:58 PM in response to Heating Issues