fencer's Profile
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February 15, 2008
Long shot: Anybody happen to have parts for this fence?
I know this is a huge long shot, but posting to the Forum is cheap: Don't suppose anybody out there has any finials salvaged from this fence design, do you? I have these two, and need about four more. It was pretty common in circa 1870s Brooklyn brownstones, but it is very hard to find now. I'd pay a good price. Thanks.
Author's Comments
You have got to be kidding. You can't run your house as a hotel in a residential neighborhood. At least, I hope not. There are reasons we have zoning.
I know there are people who like this sort of accommodations, but I am definitely not one of them. Bed & Breakfast = premium price, no privacy, no telly, no minibar, no phone, amateurish decor, early lights-out--and, worst of all, usually, the expectation that you'll sit around and have wine and cheese with like-minded B&B lovers. Blecccchhhh.
Posted by: fencer at February 15, 2008 3:36 PM in response to Room for Paying Guests?
"Hipsters" are too weak and skinny to swim, and too pale to sit in the sun. If you provided some shade, perhaps they would sit around and smoke cigarettes here, though.
Posted by: fencer at February 15, 2008 2:49 PM in response to $50 Million McCarren Makeover Gaining Momentum
First three listings have only ONE lousy picture apiece. Hello, lazy brokers!
Ditmas house looks nice. And I'm not a kid-hater, but I have to say, I think people should paint over the murals in the children's rooms and ditch as many of the toys as possible. That kind of clutter and primary colors is hard for a lot of people to see past. My 2 cents.
Posted by: fencer at February 15, 2008 2:32 PM in response to Open House Picks
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Completely illegal.
Posted by: guest at February 17, 2008 4:25 PM in response to Room for Paying Guests?
There is a B and B down the block from me and you would never know that it is not a one-family situation. Since they advertise I figure they are above board and not trying to be sneaky. Collect the appropriate taxes, of course, so you don't get the IRS on your tail. I stay in B & Bs in San Francisco as I love them, but they all have multiple rooms, communal areas, and serve breakfast.
http://www.saintsandsinnersbedandbreakfast.com/
Posted by: Carol Gardens at February 19, 2008 10:58 AM in response to Room for Paying Guests?
Don't listen to the paranoiacs. I know someone who runs a B&B on one floor of their Bklyn brownstone, and it's fine. I don't know what C of O issues may be involved. Get insurance, pay taxes on the money you make. Post on a site like www.homeaway.com. Accept CC's and Paypal. Especially with the Euro being so strong, you will get international guests. Consider posting on sites aimed at those clients. Copying ID sounds normal to me, but the $300 security sounds high. Of course, be careful of scammers. Let us know how it turns out! :)
Posted by: guest at February 19, 2008 11:31 AM in response to Room for Paying Guests?
QueenAnne -
I would love to rent that room!
I'm a quiet student and i'm only around three days a week!
I'm a homeowner so I understand what you mean by respecting the neighborhood and home.
I can only pay $600 per month, unfortunately, and I can't commit to anything until August. Please get back to me. I'm sick of living in the St. George!
Posted by: PoorStudent at March 11, 2008 10:09 PM in response to Room for Paying Guests?
You might take a trip over to Iron Works by Cropsey on Utica Avenue. He's been in business since the 50's (passed down from father to son). My family has been using them since I was a kid and now I'm using him for the second time in 4 years.
The showroom and factory are on Utica. He does all custom work and may be able to fabricate or locate what you need. He is not expensive at all but can be a bit gruff at times.
www.ironworkx.com
Posted by: premadas at July 10, 2008 11:53 PM in response to Long shot: Anybody happen to have parts for this fence?
Thanks for the suggestions, all-- I already have one estimate. Another coming tomorrow.
The reason I asked if anybody might be saving pieces like this is I'm hearing that people have a tendency to hoard them--I'm doing so myself with a section of this fencing in my backyard. But what I really need is the big finials, and several craftsmen are telling me that they're incredibly hard to find. Usually only happens if someone is demolishing a house, or if the fence is so far gone that it can't be repaired.
You can apparently have a mold made and recreate finials like this: my first quote just to make said mold was (ulp) $4K. Crazy, no? So the hunt is on....
Posted by: fencer at February 15, 2008 5:37 PM in response to Long shot: Anybody happen to have parts for this fence?