emkay's Profile
Author's Posts
April 14, 2009
A well-built, well-run condo
This is a sort of general question,probably better suited to the main page (Mr. B?), but I figured I may as well ask...
As someone who is generally surprised by the quality of residential construction in New York , I've become curious about which are the 'good' buildings. Particularly new construction. Buildings where the walls are plumb and the corners are square. Where the floors and walls are solid enough that you don't have to worry about hearing your neighbors, and vice-versa. Places with responsive management.
Having just sold a Brownstone, I'm examining life on the other side, and most of what I've seen is pretty appaling. Most of what I've heard are complaints. Some places have got to be doing it right. I'm not even thinking too specifically about neighborhoods. Just in general-- which are the good buildings?
March 16, 2009
639 4th ave
I was wondering if anyone on the forum is living there, and has an opinion about general quality of life there-- sound proofing, water pressure, attention to maintenance issues, security, etc...
Thanks!
November 18, 2007
How much value will a wood burning fireplace add to a brownstone?
I was just wondering how much value is generated by the addition of a wood burning fireplace to a single family brownstone. We have an old gas one that is now strictly ornamental. I know that the conversion to wood, and the necessarry chimney and plaster work would cost $5-6,000. Would that expense be recoverable in a potential sale?
Author's Comments
OP here:
to 4:19-- "who cares about $5K?"
Umm, me. I'm very thankful that I'm in a position to even contemplate such an expenditure, but (oh, the shame) not in a position to make it without seriously considering the possible ROI.
Posted by: emkay at November 19, 2007 1:56 PM in response to How much value will a wood burning fireplace add to a brownstone?
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Ask your insurance agent while you're at it.
Posted by: guest at November 19, 2007 4:07 PM in response to How much value will a wood burning fireplace add to a brownstone?
I had a working fireplace in my former place and it was nice -- I used it 2x a year and the flue couldn't handle more than a duraflame log and I had to keep the window open a crack to create a correct airflow. The specialist I got to check out the flue told me that it couldn't handle much in the way of fuel, so I had to be careful not to fill up my living room with smoke. My neighbor who didn't get it used to somehow would cause smoke conditions in our hallway every time they started a fire. Kind of erodes the romance of things... You really need to make sure that you have a pro to make sure the flue is in good shape or you seriously increase your risk of fire.
Posted by: donatella at November 19, 2007 11:19 PM in response to How much value will a wood burning fireplace add to a brownstone?
Just did it, love it, photographed it all over the place on this site (search "fireplace renovation" and you should find it).
The shortest and best answer to your question about whether it's worth it: "WBF" is the second or third amenity listed in every real estate listing that has one. It is soooooo worth it. Just be sure you get it done well.
Posted by: Rehab at November 20, 2007 12:44 AM in response to How much value will a wood burning fireplace add to a brownstone?
Like most folks I think that a woodburning fireplace is a delightful amenity, but I do wonder, how much pollution do they cause?
Wouldn't that be an issue? I would imagine that with so many folks wanting to have a woodburning fireplace these days, soon Brooklyn air quality would be very affected
during the Fall and Winter months...
Maybe modern installations of the WB fireplaces keep the pollution to a minimum?
I'm curious..
Posted by: bren at November 20, 2007 11:10 AM in response to How much value will a wood burning fireplace add to a brownstone?
Walentas buildings seem to be a cut above.
Posted by: fexleycb at April 14, 2009 3:30 PM in response to A well-built, well-run condo
I am mostly thinking about Brooklyn. But mostly, I'm thinking about what is discussed on this site, and what I've seen of buildings while they're going up. That there must be places out there where the developers did not cut corners on the structure and infrastructure of the building. Where a buyer knows that they (probably) won't get assessed with some charge five ot ten years down to fix the stuff that the builder was too cheap to do right the first time, or too lazy to maintain early on (Seriouisly - that 515 5th ave building in Park Plope? They were patching that one up before it was even fully occupied).
I like to think that luxury should be in the finishing, and that a solid, well constructed, well plumbed, well wired building does not cost much more than a poorly done one. Aside from blue-chip and ultra luxury stuff, there have to be places out there that meet 'brownstone' standards.
Posted by: emkay at April 14, 2009 3:08 PM in response to A well-built, well-run condo