hakonechloa's Profile

Author's Comments

Please post your contact info.

Posted by: hakonechloa at September 22, 2009 12:25 PM in response to looking for sublet

We've got a spacious, light-filled apartment, available June 1, for rent through broker. More at: http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/fee/1182911794.html

Posted by: hakonechloa at May 30, 2009 10:16 AM in response to Looking for an Apartment

I am interested. Please drop a line re: pick-up to hakonechloa at yahoo dot com

Posted by: hakonechloa at April 27, 2009 12:23 PM in response to Bronze Chandelier

Can I add tag-along question about a similar swap. Is the swap covered by a repair slip, or is permit needed? If structural issues uncovered, will those fixes fall under repair slip or need permit?

Posted by: hakonechloa at October 31, 2008 10:01 AM in response to Bathroom renovation questions

Please post an Email address or phone number.

Posted by: hakonechloa at October 23, 2008 10:15 AM in response to temporary housing

BRG: The museum you mentioned is the Jacques Marchais, opened in 1947. It's at 338 Lighthouse Avenue, Tel: 718-987-3500 - http://www.tibetanmuseum.org/ It has a lovely garden, and an eclectic collection. If both architecture and Tibetan art interests you, be sure to visit the Newark (NJ) Museum sometime (and eat in nearby Portuguese Ironbound). The Newark has one of the largest collections of Tibetan art in the Western hemisphere, many other beautiful galleries, and is built over (yes, over) and around the 1885 Ballantine Mansion--with beautifully preserved architecture, art and period furniture: newarkmuseum.org/PermanentGalleries.html

Posted by: hakonechloa at September 12, 2008 8:51 PM in response to Crown Height & Bed Sty - Walking Around

Chocolate cake in Bed Stuy...but, why? Try a sublime banana pudding or red velvet cake.

Posted by: hakonechloa at September 12, 2008 5:38 PM in response to Crown Height & Bed Sty - Walking Around

The NYS Division of Solid & Hazardous Materials regulates transportation and disposal of asbestos. It is NOT okay to expose sanitation workers to asbestos waste, nor to dispose of asbestos-contaminated waste or workclothes in the same manner, or in the same landfill, as household trash.

Department of Environmental Conservation info @: dec.ny.gov/chemical/8791.html

Oldie but goodie NY Times article on household asbestos @: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950deed91e3ef931a25750c0a96f948260

Asbestos rules and regulations PDF @: nyc.gov/html/dep/html/air_and_noise/asbestos.shtml

Posted by: hakonechloa at September 11, 2008 12:15 AM in response to Cost to Remove Asbestos

A word of caution on asbestos abatement: The contractor may be licensed, but that doesn't mean they're going to perform the job to spec. Ask them whether their bid guarantees an isolation unit for the job site and proper uniforms and protection for workers, or whether they're hiring inexperienced and unprotected workers from the welfare-to-work rolls, and just vouching a certificate of completion along with their bill.

Posted by: hakonechloa at September 10, 2008 12:44 PM in response to Cost to Remove Asbestos

Ridiculous to dismiss firms that are licensed and bonded and with established performance records. Dineen not expert? And which careful expert do you recommend, Mr. Transcend?...er, Sevethavenue...

Posted by: hakonechloa at September 5, 2008 10:05 AM in response to I REALLY need a contractor specializing in FACADE REPAIR

It's important for you as a landlord to understand your obligations. Even so, as a property manager I will tell you that landlords, tenants and yes, property managers too, all bring their issues to the table. For example, you noted the tenant's comment on "lower socio-econonomic status" but seem unaware of your parallel comment about "furniture for a bargain basement price." Those nuances could be irrelevant, except for the reality of how they play out in small building landlord-tenant relationships. By law, vermin control is the absolute responsibility of the landlord, regardless of origin (as if origin could be definitively traced, and as if vacant buildings are not attractive to insects and rodents). For more on this subject, please refer to: http://www.housingnyc.com/html/resources/hmc/hmc.html
Housing Maintenance Code, especially:
ARTICLE 1 -- Obligations of Owner and Tenant: Duty to Repair
ARTICLE 4 -- Extermination and Rodent Eradication

Also see Attorney General's Tenant's Rights Guide (you will find a link on the website above), including:
LANDLORDS' DUTY OF REPAIR
Landlords of buildings with three or more apartments must keep the apartments and the buildings' public areas in "good repair" and clean and free of vermin, garbage or other offensive material. Landlords are required to maintain electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating systems and appliances landlords install, such as refrigerators and stoves in good and safe working order....

Posted by: hakonechloa at August 10, 2008 10:55 PM in response to Extermination Advise

I suggest you contact the Surrogate's Office. They have appraisers they use regarding estate matters. I am not sure whether someone there will give you an appraiser's name, but perhaps that name can be obtained through your attorney.

Posted by: hakonechloa at July 18, 2008 1:37 PM in response to Appraiser

Parks Street Tree request: Street trees planted free-of-charge on sidewalks in front of homes, apartment buildings, and businesses in all five boroughs. To receive a free street tree, fill out and submit form at: http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.a57f189830ce7553e333cd5701c789a0/index.jsp?subView=request_street_tree
Also contact the Council on the Environment of New York City, 51 Chambers Street, #228, New York, NY 10007. Tel: 212-788-7900

Posted by: hakonechloa at July 16, 2008 1:06 PM in response to Brooklyn tree nursery

I always keep cold bottled water and tea, coffee, sweets and fruits available for work crews, regardless of whether small or large job. I have been blessed with the most amazing, hard working crews who show up on time and work tirelessly even when weather is miserable or adverse. Depending on the crew, the nature of the work, and the duration of the project, I sometimes cook a family-style lunch or, if clear ethnic food preferences, try to stock items the workers will like or buy lunch they'll enjoy--especially if I notice that otherwise lunch is local junk food or skipped entirely. Tips might or might not be given at end of project, depending on duration and difficulty. My appreciation for work well done is clearly communicated to project manager and bosses, who appreciate that I acknowledge the hard work and craftsmanship.

Posted by: hakonechloa at July 16, 2008 12:56 PM in response to Tipping Contractors?

This geranium is native to South Africa, and not to the U.S. It is worthwhile to be cautious about planting non-native species which are often destructive to the local ecosystem. There is a good chance that you will find a seasonal specimen in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Fragrance Garden. For more information, try the BBG Gardener's Help Line: 718-623-7270. Staff will answer questions by phone from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Also see the BBG's Gardener's Resource Center: http://www.bbg.org/lib/grc.html

Posted by: hakonechloa at July 16, 2008 12:18 AM in response to mosquito repellent plants (Pelargonium quercefolia?)

For information and assistance contact your local Community Board, and also call the Landmarks Preservation Commission Public Information Officer - 212-669-7817

Posted by: hakonechloa at July 14, 2008 10:51 PM in response to How Do I Get A Public Hearing ?

Responses to Author's Forum Comments

Hi there,

My husband is a plasterer, but he has a friend who is a plumber and he is a really good worker and he's cheap. When my husband's clients need plumbing he recommends him and they're very happy with him. If you're interested in getting a quote from him please let us know and we'll have him get in touch with you.

On one of our recommendations,a client recommends the plumber:http://www.brownstoner.com/forum/archives/2008/06/plasterer_paint_1.php

willianprates68@hotmail.com

Posted by: Aida008 at November 1, 2008 12:06 AM in response to Bathroom renovation questions

Whoa, Nellie...

A toilet requires a minimum 3" more usually a 4" waste pipe, while a sink should be a 2" but may be a 1 1/2" waste line, plus vents, 2" for waste ell and 1 1/2" for sink.

These are NOT interchangeable. If this is a period row house, the placment of joists would limit most relocations of a toilet. The waste bend for the toilet must have correct pitch, and is of a size (4") that does not permit the butchering of a joist.

Toilet relocations, unless there is a serious dropped ceiling below, and one is prepared to snap or grind a 4" pipe to swing a tee, is a big hard job. No it isn't easy, and yes it will be expensive.

I wouldn't consider touching it for less than $1000-1500.00

Posted by: brucef at November 1, 2008 12:37 AM in response to Bathroom renovation questions


I'm willing to take a look at your job and give you a quote.

You can contact me through my website at -

RickLaddBrooklyn.com

Posted by: Rick at November 1, 2008 6:45 AM in response to Bathroom renovation questions

I'll pick it up right now! send me an email at goddaiva@yahoo.com and I'll come right now.!

Posted by: tsarina at April 27, 2009 1:27 PM in response to Bronze Chandelier

This has been claimed, thanks all...

Posted by: fkdecker3 at April 28, 2009 10:05 AM in response to Bronze Chandelier

There are spacious prewar apts here in PLG with layouts better suited for your arrangement, and it's an artists neighborhood. Also look at the prewar apts in Kensington and Windsor Terrace.

Posted by: traditionalmod at May 30, 2009 11:34 AM in response to Looking for an Apartment

You've confirmed through your search that there are tradeoffs to consider when you're balancing rent budget, desired hood, square footage, pre-war details, washer dryer, etc that somethings got to give. in those 3 hoods you referenced, budget would need to be pretty big to get the size, pre war... you desired. if budget is tight, considering other neighborhoods are a must. Add Crown Heights North, along with the suggestions above post. As you can read on posts on this blog, good reference blocks are those east of nostrad ave and between pacific & eastern parkway. I'm a little biased to Dean St cause I have a place there. You can find some pretty nice & big 2-3 bdrm units there for 2k or less.

Posted by: more4less at May 30, 2009 9:17 PM in response to Looking for an Apartment

The problem is the age and style of the buildings in this area. Most floor-throughs are not truly two bedrooms. If you find a wide and deep house, you may find a true two bedroom. I have a friend who lives in Cobble Hill in such a place. The kitchen, however, is tiny, but serviceable. I think they pay about $1800 but they've been there a while. I believe Park Slope may have bigger apartments. Also Jackson Heights in Queens has many large pre-war two-bedroom apts (most built in the 1930s).

Posted by: mopar at May 31, 2009 12:08 AM in response to Looking for an Apartment

Bay Ridge also offers more square footage for your dollar. Two bedrooms start at about 1500 and go up from there. Some even offer parking as part of the rent. My friend pays 1700 a month for a two bedroom and that includes a parking spot and a small terrace. I also hear that Sunset Park has large apartments. Not sure of what the prices are there.

Good Luck in your search.

Posted by: italiana71 at May 31, 2009 7:30 AM in response to Looking for an Apartment

Crown Heights North has some big apartment buildings with massive apartments. If you're stuck on a brownstone then youre stuck with that layout. Also some of the brownstones have extensions and the bottom floor goes out 100 feet. you'll get your separate 2 bedrooms there.

Posted by: tsarina at May 31, 2009 10:57 AM in response to Looking for an Apartment