going4broke's Profile
Author's Posts
October 14, 2009
Chimney Cleaning - Messy?
We are getting our parlor fireplace chimney flue (steel lined prior to last winter) cleaned. How much mess/dust/ash should we expect from the cleaning process? Should we cover furniture & move rugs etc?
Anything else to expect?
Thanks!
July 22, 2009
Attaching Window Box?
In our front windows we have enough room to put flower boxes. On the parlor floor I am ok just resting them on the sill (not too far to fall). My problem is while I would like to attach them on the upstairs windows, I don't know how to keep them secure.
We have flyscreens that prevent us tying onto the window guards. I definitely don't want to drill into the stone sill. Drilling into the wooden brickmolding doesn't seem ideal either. What have you done to solve this problem?
Many thanks.
July 2, 2009
Door latches
I am finally getting around to installing door handles (one of the last projects I have). I already have the old handles in from in the house - the porcelain types with the square bolt. What I need are new latches to go inside the door. Can anyone please recommend a brand of good quality ideally reasonably priced latches? Also, if you have any suggestions where I can get them (ideally locally) that would be great too.
Thanks.
June 24, 2009
Wheel cut glass
I was in the process of posting the following comment to a post on Wheel Cut Glass by Tomas Tisch (the post was removed):
I don't normally comment on posts by vendors etc but this is a special case. Tomas reproduced 3 panes in our house that we needed to complete the sets in our parlor floor entrance & pocket doors (2 missing when we got our house & 1 I broke during our renovation *$&%*##!). Because he uses the same tools/techniques used in making the originals (& knows how to use them no less), the results are outstanding / indistinguishable. The glass is a pleasure to look at with its play on light passing through the cut design.
I did research (incl with Brownstoner) on alternatives both in terms of cheaper more approximate reproductions and also other wheel-cut glass specialists. Some alternatives would have cost less (though I feel his pricing was reasonable) but would not have matched at all / been very poor substitutes. I believe we are very lucky in Brooklyn (if I remember correctly the next closest alternative was in Pennsylvania somewhere) to have someone who has the skills & tools to do this dying art.
PS one of my old question posts on brownstoner is below (though the photo doesn't do justice to the end result):
http://www.brownstoner.com/forum/archives/2008/01/glass_copper_wh.php#comments
April 15, 2009
chain link fence installers
I need to get some quotes for a chain link fence as a starting point on discussion on splitting cost of the fence with my neighbor. Any recommendations? Also, if you have done this, can you give me a ballpark quote for a standard side fence (vinyl coated chain link fence) approx 45-55 ft long?
Thanks
December 26, 2008
blinds or curtains?
At the back of our house we don't have shutters but need something particularly for the parlor & garden floor windows for privacy & insulation. What have you done? As background, our place is mixed modern/old aesthetic with the original moldings around the windows which are attractive but mostly more modern furniture etc. Other considerations are maximizing light when curtains/blinds are open (blinds prob better), blocking cold when closed, ease of washing (curtains prob better than blinds but maybe there are rollup blinds with removable material???), desire to avoid clutter (curtains potentially problematic if outside the window box...)
November 15, 2008
How many is too many at a party?
We are finally going to have our first big party in our house. It is a fairly conventional/traditional layout brownstone (although with kitchen at rear of parlor) 20'x45'. My question is, how many people is too many - especially given it will be too cold to use the garden? Will be mostly adults but kids too. How many have you had & did it work? How did you spread the party though the house? Anything else we should think about?
Thanks
November 9, 2008
pressure reducing valve leaking
Yesterday, the Taco pressure reducing valve on on the mains feed to our boiler has started to leak (modest drip) after I was using it to purge air from our heating system. Beyond putting a bucket underneath & getting it replaced (if nec.) next week, should I worry? Is it likely to turn from a drip to a flood? Is it just a question of adjusting a screw etc? We have had the system (& the valve) for a few years with no leak. Any guidance would be great. Have called a plumber but not heard yet & until I know I won't cause a flood, I have isolated the valve and necessarily turned off the heat.
October 28, 2008
I need 4-6 pairs of door handle rosettes
We have enough of the porcelain door knobs for all doors but are missing some of the matching rosettes. I remember at the original Brownstoner fair there was a stand (I believe from FG) with some new brass rosettes designed to work with old handles but I lost their card. Any suggestions on the best place to look?
September 3, 2008
positioning window guards
We need to install window guards on both front Marvin wood windows and rear aluminum windows (all double hung). It isnt clear where the best position is for these - inside the window (attached to the inside frame), outside the window (attached to wooden brick mold), or in the top window track (in front of the bottom glass when closed)... My preference is probably on the brick mold as they are ugly and black but does this work/is it safe? Do they need to be inside or ?
Author's Comments
Am with IMBY - I would be very concerned about egress in event of fire etc. That aside, if you go ahead, you should definitely consider installing an air exchanger:
http://www.airexchangers.info/air_exchanger_basics.html
There are a number of different brands. While they generally run off a standard outlet, installation does involve some ducting (more fiddly than technically difficult). When done, you have an energy efficient low tech means of ensuring fresh air in the bottom of the house.
Posted by: going4broke at November 3, 2009 8:23 AM in response to Air Quality Assessment
We have both Thermostatic control valves & Pressure balance mixing valves (from Cifial). Both prevent dangerous temperature spikes (and at any given setting provide a reliable stream of virtually constant temp water) although I believe neither technology actually targets an absolute temperature (number F).
Posted by: going4broke at October 21, 2009 12:27 PM in response to Constant Temp. Faucet
The insert in the photo looks very much like 2 we have in our place from the parlor floor. Upstairs we have the more decorative grills but on the parlor fire places we have these plain inserts (curiously set in the much more elaborate mantles) which have mirror where you describe the tin (you may find this if you strip the paint). You might want to consider keeping these original inserts after you clean them up.
Posted by: going4broke at October 9, 2009 12:41 PM in response to Mantle Insert - Where to Find?
Pedro Polanco similarly has done a lot for us inside & outside (& for old neighbors of ours in Manhattan). Absolutely trustworthy and works to a very high standard. Pricing reasonable. ph 646 296 1460
Posted by: going4broke at August 19, 2009 6:38 PM in response to Someone to Refinish Doors?
FLH - sounds great - will try this.
Thanks!
Posted by: going4broke at July 23, 2009 6:57 AM in response to Attaching Window Box?
I got a number of them from E Stone in Greenpoint area (http://estoneusa.com/). They were very reasonable, as well as being reliable / efficient. I did get one hearth piece from Foro early in our renovation and while in the end we got what we needed it took weeks / wasn't a good experience.
Posted by: going4broke at July 11, 2009 12:50 AM in response to Entryway marble saddle
PS glancing again at the original post, I think my memory is going & another pane was cracked beyond repair or I was mistaken in the original post re # of panes missing when we got the house. At any rate Tomas made us 3 panes...
Posted by: going4broke at June 24, 2009 1:59 PM in response to Wheel cut glass
Thanks Steve
Posted by: going4broke at May 16, 2009 5:22 PM in response to wooden deck?
What legal deck materials are there besides metal? Is it true that there are acceptable wood varieties? Ipe?
Posted by: going4broke at May 16, 2009 9:38 AM in response to wooden deck?
I bought compost & sod from Shannons to redo our back yard. Was very happy with them - felt they were helpful, straightforward, able to supply what I needed etc. I turned the soil/compost & laid the sod - looks great now.
Posted by: going4broke at May 1, 2009 11:46 AM in response to Sod Installation
Considering the paint is probably lead based, using a paint on lead encapsulation is a good solution (instead of stripping or replacing). We did this in 2 rooms and are very happy with the result.
Posted by: going4broke at April 29, 2009 1:13 PM in response to Tin Ceiling Restoration
Actually, I am looking to get wood (treated), my neighbor suggested chainlink given his opinion that it lasts longer. Part of the equation is price which is why I am looking to get quotes. Thx
Posted by: going4broke at April 16, 2009 7:46 AM in response to chain link fence installers
cmu - am interested in this too. Would you recommend your designer? Can you give (ballpark) cost on this piece? How long did it take? I am planning to take a week in april to do our garden but wld like some guidance.
Posted by: going4broke at March 23, 2009 7:50 AM in response to How Much to Create a Garden?
nybk01 - What do your neighbors think? Do they know what is coming? Will they know it was you that organized it?
Posted by: going4broke at January 13, 2009 1:08 PM in response to I LOVE the Parks Dept!
we have a marble counter & have had no problems despite heavy use. One night did get a red wine mark but this was faint to start with and now is invisible.
Posted by: going4broke at December 29, 2008 9:32 AM in response to Marble Counter Top - Practical?
We have radiant heat with Munchkin 140M boiler also heating Superstore 80. Recommended by heating engineer who spec'ed the system for us & works well... As I understand it, the setup is more energy efficient than a standalone waterheater (either tank or tankless). Also I believe gas is more efficient / inexpensive to run than electric. One other thing to note is make sure you have a plumber you are confident either has done this system before and/or is willing to put in a lot of time to get it right because it is a different and a more complicated install than the conventional systems. It isn't that it is rocket science but you have to follow the manufacturers instructions closely / do things differently to normal and this was challenging for our plumber although he did get it right in the end.
Posted by: going4broke at December 24, 2008 9:58 AM in response to What kind of hot water should I get???
are you sure they are mahogany? They look like Eastern White Pine (still a beautiful wood)...
Posted by: going4broke at December 22, 2008 11:11 PM in response to Parlor Level Doors
Thanks - much appreciated.
Posted by: going4broke at November 16, 2008 10:22 PM in response to How many is too many at a party?
Thanks for the feedback! I still have a concern that if the mains line in is closed and the valve fails that the pressure in the heating system could drop / water drain out & air into the heating system (causing problems with the circulation pumps etc). Is this realistic or very unlikely/not worth worrying about?
Posted by: going4broke at November 9, 2008 11:28 AM in response to pressure reducing valve leaking
Thanks for the feedback! I still have a concern that if the mains line in is closed and the valve fails that the pressure in the heating system could drop / water drain out & air into the heating system (causing problems with the circulation pumps etc). Is this realistic or very unlikely/not worth worrying about?
Posted by: going4broke at November 9, 2008 11:27 AM in response to pressure reducing valve leaking
Thanks for the feedback! I still have a concern that if the mains line in is closed and the valve fails that the pressure in the heating system could drop / water drain out & air into the heating system (causing problems with the circulation pumps etc). Is this realistic or very unlikely/not worth worrying about?
Posted by: going4broke at November 9, 2008 11:27 AM in response to pressure reducing valve leaking
PS I also need to get new latches for inside the doors that will work with a standard square cross section pin that runs between handles. Have seen cheap ones at hardware stores but am not sure if/where I should look elsewhere for better ones...
Posted by: going4broke at October 28, 2008 12:40 PM in response to I need 4-6 pairs of door handle rosettes
Nice job. I too like the chaise... Can you make recommendations for upholsterers?
Posted by: going4broke at October 21, 2008 12:34 PM in response to we found a great carpenter!
george taylor plumbing supplies downtown manhattan
Posted by: going4broke at September 8, 2008 7:56 PM in response to Good places to buy shower sets
we are just looking for a kid barrier, not security grates (nor wet mitten rack)... I did see the NYC info but haven't found it particularly helpful. Thx anyway.
Other comments/advice?
Posted by: going4broke at September 4, 2008 5:52 PM in response to positioning window guards
We used Texas Mesquite over radiant heat. Cant recommend it enough. Very stable & dense so good over radiant heat. Also both beautiful and environmentally friendly. Bought wood from Faifer & Co
Posted by: going4broke at July 7, 2008 9:00 PM in response to Radiant heat under Bamboo floor
Talk to Jason Dorn at Big Apple Chimney. He did our chimneys and I am very happy with the job. His prices are competitive.
Posted by: going4broke at June 19, 2008 5:55 PM in response to Uncovered fireplace with homemade chimney
i also like your sink. Can't argue with an architect...
Posted by: going4broke at June 18, 2008 7:59 PM in response to Partial fireplace removal
We used them for fireplaces (including totally dismantling & rebuilding a marble fireplace to put in a new hearth) & lining chimneys (given a rec. from friends of ours). We are very happy with the result. Jason Dorn is a good guy / easy to work with.
Posted by: going4broke at May 16, 2008 4:08 PM in response to Experience with Big Apple Chimney?
Can't give you much info beyond the following. As far as I know, more insulation is always better but I don't know cost/benefit. We were considering the attic fan but were advised that simply having a vent near the back of the house (low end of roof) & a vent hear the front (high end) was enough to allow convection to clear the hot air that might build up btw our insulated ceiling and the roof during summer... It is too early days for me to tell you how effective this is.
Posted by: going4broke at May 3, 2008 9:01 PM in response to Attic fan and insulation
Thanks John - I was in a hurry this time...
Posted by: going4broke at April 28, 2008 6:16 AM in response to glass etcher needed
Tomas Tisch in Red Hook does wheel etching of glass.
Posted by: going4broke at April 26, 2008 6:32 PM in response to glass etcher needed
We used a Munchkin 140M for our 4story 3600sqft - both heat & hot water (paired with SSU80). Very comfortable.
Posted by: going4broke at April 6, 2008 10:40 PM in response to To Radiant heat owners
PS I expect the setup your contractor is recommending would also require you to pay a monthly fee for monitoring. This is standard for this service but you want to know:
1 how much (can range from $8-$40+/mth), 2 who is monitoring, 3 do they have a good reputation (ask google etc), 4 do you have a fixed term contract or can you change providers any time at no cost...
Posted by: going4broke at March 12, 2008 6:56 AM in response to security systems...
I think you are confusing the monitoring services (& corresponding brands) with the hardware (/brands). As I understand it you always need a monitoring service / central station to receive your alarm call and then direct it to one of the emergency services depending on the type of call. Hardware is the actual physical electronics installed in your house.
SLomins etc are monitoring services that also install hardware. DSC is a brand of hardware. Check out www.homesecuritystore.com for info on hardware - they also have an interesting forum.
Posted by: going4broke at March 12, 2008 6:52 AM in response to security systems...
Thanks again. Appreciate the feedback.
The system does seem to be effectively eliminating air bubbles from the incoming street water as I can run the water back out to the sump bypassing the floor loops and not see any bubbles. I only see bubbles if I run the water through the floor loops. From what you wrote, I expect I have to just continue to purge the system for longer (I have been avoiding this as it seems to be a prodigious waste of water (if there were a better way). I have some pressure valve that lets me push the pressure up to ~30psi and it does help.
I am pretty confident that the overall design is right given it was written up by an experienced heat engineer recommended by Warmboard (the company who manufactures the radiant heat floor system we used). We have circulation pumps that match the spec. My problem is that the plumber who installed the system has introduced at least 1 problem (over tightening joins) and hasn't been as communicative/helpful as I would like. I wasn't confident that I wasn't missing something...
Posted by: going4broke at February 28, 2008 9:42 AM in response to How to purge air from heating system?
Master Plvmber - thanks for responding.
As I flush water through the system, draining into the sump, I can see bubbles pushed out. We do have one loop in a hallway that is probably not working effectively but I am not sure as the doors aren't yet sealed well and so it gets colder there (though I have pushed water through this loop after isolating it, but not to the point where no more bubbles come out). The floors in the rest of the house are obviously warm and the house is a comfortable temperature.
Is flushing the pipes with water the only effective way of getting the air out? Are there any tricks to help get the air out?
How long should it take to flush all the air out in this way?
I believe that a few of the rubber washers at the join of the pex to the manifolds are damaged from over tightening to the extent that the washers need replacing / are dripping water (very very slowly but visible). While I will get this done, I am wondering if this sort of thing could allow air into the system in the meantime.
Posted by: going4broke at February 27, 2008 11:45 PM in response to How to purge air from heating system?
Thanks for the comments. Unfortunately veneer is missing from all sides but one. As with a number of issues in our renovation, I should have paid more attention to this detail but then perhaps I would have missed something else... Will probably do a patch veneer keeping in mind 10:50's comment about avoiding perfection :)
Re rebuilding stairs - yes we are, done by the guy we now have working on putting Humpty Dumpty together again. Very lucky to have him as he is excellent & likes to work at one place at a time (doesn't spread his time over multiple jobs). I know he is booked however for some time though will recommend him on this site if he wants me to when we are done. FYI he did the treads 3 at a time working mainly from above putting in lots of bracing wood to make them super solid & square as possible given old house quirks. By the by he also put insulation underneath for soundproofing.
Posted by: going4broke at February 9, 2008 11:09 PM in response to Newel post veneer
another vote for the panasonic whisper fans. Very quiet to the point that we have left them on accidentally. They do have motion sensor versions that avoid that problem which we bought for the 2nd installation. I remember versions with lights but don't know if they come with motion sensor too. We got ours easily on the internet.
Posted by: going4broke at February 9, 2008 8:02 AM in response to Very Quiet Bathroom exhaust fan with Light
PS - any recommendations for good local hardware stores that could help us?
Posted by: going4broke at January 28, 2008 12:07 PM in response to reusing porcelain door knobs
Thanks Bob. We have some old mortice locks but not enough & don't have the keys. Spending time/money to get the locks fixed & new keys is one problem. Also, we are reusing doors in different positions including using closet doors as room doors. It's hard to fit mortice locks in some doors but I understand that the modern small mechanism should fit ok.
Posted by: going4broke at January 28, 2008 11:30 AM in response to reusing porcelain door knobs
We are using mesquite wood on all the floors for our reno (for many good reasons) and will finish with Tung oil split with biodegradable citrus solvent (alternative to mineral spirits). Buying all (wood, oil & solvent) from here:
http://www.mesquitefloors.com/tungoil.html
The oil & solvent cost is avg approx $50 per gal. from these guys - much less than $100/gal noted above.
Have a question for anyone with experience using wax over tung oil? Pros/cons vs just tung oil? Thanks.
Posted by: going4broke at November 17, 2007 12:56 AM in response to An Open Question: Finishing a Wood Floor
if you need to sell it, do it ASAP as posters say above. What happens if you don't sell before May? Even in a normal market, there is risk that you price it too high, that you waste time with a bad broker or buyer or bank or whatever else might delay contracting/closing & stale the listing. If these scenarios ruin your life and you don't want to / can't afford to drop the price to give away levels at the last moment to force a sale, put it on the mkt now.
Posted by: going4broke at November 9, 2007 6:53 AM in response to Better to Sell in December or January?
you can get tax deductions on interest on mortgages up to i think 1mm & home eq up to 100 grand.
Posted by: going4broke at October 2, 2007 6:29 AM in response to Financing home improvements
OP: i don't like carpet in this picture that much either. Not really sure what works. Have a vague idea that a mid-dark tone color would be ok, in some sturdy short wool. Not sure about a border or minimal pattern. Definitely don't want a shiny perfect, symmetric 'persian' runner.
FYI We have gone to great lengths to use natural materials in our house. We are concerned about air quality.
Re painting, our assumption is that over time it would get chipped & dirty. Is this true? If not, what paint is good?
Posted by: going4broke at August 17, 2007 7:14 PM in response to Carpet on staircase - Yes or yuck???
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
bklynfence.com
Call for Free estimate
Speak to Don
Posted by: Donfenceman at October 3, 2009 11:09 AM in response to chain link fence installers
There is a salvage guy on Green Ave and I think Grand. He is right in front of the 52 bus stop. He has them...all shapes and sizThere is a salvage guy on Green Ave and I think Grand. He is right in front of the 52 bus stop. He has them...all shapes and sizes too. last I check they were 100 bucks or so. I don't recall his name but if you drive down Greene Ave in Clinton Hill headed towards BED-Stuy you'll see him. He has a garage loaded with great finds.es too. last i check they were 100 bucks or so. I don't recall his name but if you drive down Greene Ave in Clinton Hill headed towards BED-Stuy you'll see him. He has a garage loaded with great finds.
Posted by: A CrownHeightsLady at October 9, 2009 2:31 PM in response to Mantle Insert - Where to Find?
I was able to find pier mirror and mantle accessories on Atlantic between nevins and smith street. No shop stands out among the many but you never know what your going to find there. Also found a number of good items on 5th ave and 15th street, place called 'Time' gallery.
Posted by: isaacly at October 9, 2009 3:58 PM in response to Mantle Insert - Where to Find?
we actually have one of these lying around in the backyard which we have no use for. If you'd be interested in taking a look post an email and I'll provide details......
Posted by: orrsuz at October 9, 2009 7:02 PM in response to Mantle Insert - Where to Find?
Some, like my husband and a few work associates, might say I fit that profile, DIBS!
:)
Posted by: traditionalmod at October 10, 2009 9:50 AM in response to Mantle Insert - Where to Find?
Dibs the shops in Bed Stuy are on Thomkins and Jefferson. Op they have these instock for less than 100 bucks.
Posted by: jack slade at October 10, 2009 5:34 PM in response to Mantle Insert - Where to Find?
t on Grand and Greene is always the most resonable, and vacarro's iron under the F train, in the Lowe's parking lot has alot too.
Posted by: tsarina at October 10, 2009 8:24 PM in response to Mantle Insert - Where to Find?
OMG, this has been great. Thank you so much for all the tips.
Orrsuz, Greenwoodgeneral, would love to see what you have although it does sound like in any event a replacement won't be too expensive. How can I contact both of you?
Going4broke, not sure we want to keep it. Looks pretty crappy and bent (you can't tell from the photo), and is incidentally the only one like this. Rest are more ornate inserts, and clearly years ago someone broke or otherwise yanked it out of this fireplace.
In our bedroom and just getting a new insert to put in would be a great finishing touch.
Posted by: sunspot19 at October 11, 2009 7:23 AM in response to Mantle Insert - Where to Find?
Orrsuz and Greenwoodgeneral -- we are also looking for a fireplace insert for our house, and would be interested to see what you have. Please email me any photos/details at tzaluv@yahoo.com. Thanks!
Posted by: westminster at October 12, 2009 12:42 PM in response to Mantle Insert - Where to Find?
Well, Vaccaro didn't have an insert that worked, and Eddie's was not open yesterday (too bad).
I'll hopefully make it out to Eddie's some point this week.
Posted by: sunspot19 at October 13, 2009 7:05 AM in response to Mantle Insert - Where to Find?
Can you partition the large bedroom (does it have 2 windows)?
Re radon, can get free radon test kits from a NYC or NYS govt office. Not likely to be a problem in Brooklyn but worth testing as downside is big (cancer). Air exchanger would help lower risk (given you are frequently replacing the air in the space).
Posted by: going4broke at November 3, 2009 9:43 AM in response to Air Quality Assessment