helppls's Profile
- Help Pls
- contact me at helpplsnyc@gmail.com
Author's Posts
November 1, 2009
Wood Panels for Garbage Pickup
We are spending this weekend tearing out all the wood panelling in our basement. My job is to pound out the nails from each board. Its taking forever. Does anyone know if the DSNY will have issues if I just cut off the tip with a grinder, so its flush with the surface? Does that do the trick?
Also, I've read their pamphlet and it says I can bundle them 2ft high by 4ft high. The planks are approx. 6 or 8 inches wide. This bundle seems extremely heavy to me... does anyone know if there is a weight limit at overrides the dimension? thanks!
October 20, 2009
Wireless Alert Systems
Does anyone have a wireless alert system they like? In my mind, a central voice box would announce whenever a specific door or window has been opened. For example, if I am on a different level of the house, I would like to know that the basement door has been opened for example…
I’m curious what other multi-level dwellers are using other than the central-point security systems like ADT, slomin etc…
September 24, 2009
Competent Mortgage Officer
This might be a weird question but in the mortgage process, how do you know if you are dealing with someone "good?" I am a first time homebuyer and like all industries, I am sure there are people that are more competent than others... I wonder who really is responsible for getting the job done? the officer that you talk to on the phone? The underwriter that you never see or ???
If anyone has worked directly with a mortgage loan officer from HSBC or Wells Fargo, please email me? helpplsnycATgmail.com
(Please replace the AT with @)
Thanks!
September 23, 2009
Recent Mortgage Experiences?
Anyone close on a property recently? Using Wells Fargo or HSBC? We are nearing the end of contract stage for a single-family house. I have found Wells Fargo and HSBC to have some pretty low rates right now. (Wells Fargo @ 5.375 and HSBC @ 4.875)
Does anyone have any recent experience with getting a mortgage from either of these banks?)I've heard rumors of many banks having a hard time coming to closing and I'm wondering if this is true of either of these banks. Over half a year ago, a different purchase fell through. We were going through Wells Fargo on that one and the broker seemed pretty on the ball (though we never got to closing because of CoO issues with the house.) But 0.5% difference in rate is pretty big, no?
February 4, 2009
HELP: Cert. of Occ. issue
What would you do in this Cert. of Occup. situation?
A little history, we are trying to buy a single-family attached townhouse. Even before we executed the contract, we had a feeling the enclosed 1-story back addition (20’x8’) might be an issue as we had gone on the Dept. of Building website, poked around, and saw that in 2000 some permits were issued but never closed out. We told this to our lawyer who says we won’t know for sure until the title search is done but he had flagged this issue to the seller’s lawyer beforehand. Sure enough, in the last week of Dec., the title search comes back and show that there a Cert. of Occupany in 1940 but a new one was never filed after the job that was not signed off in 2000. A formal letter was sent to the seller’s lawyer.
Its now a month later, we’ve gotten our letter of commitment from the bank on Jan. 14th – it expires on Feb. 23rd. Turns out the sellers have not done anything this whole time. The story is their expeditor has told them they need to hire an architect to have drawings drafted and stamped but they are “taking bids” was the last we heard. (I don’t actually trust the seller’s lawyer because its not the first time she has mis-represented her client. She told our lawyer that we had all been discussing a 10,000 deduction to the price if we take on this CoO issue – um, no we’ve never discussed this.) ANYWAYS, our bank will not give a mortgage on a house without a valid CoO. They said they will not even consider an escrow process of any sort because its against conforming loan/Freddie/Fannie guidelines apparently. To extend the commitment, they will charge 1/4pts for the first 30days and then 1/4pts for each 15days after that.
So what to do? Time is ticking on our mortgage commitment. We are both financially and emotionally invested. The only thing our lawyer has said is that we can do is to write them an ultimatum letter giving them the required 30-day notice to come to closing or to give us our down-payment back.
The job description on the DoB work permit says, “to demolish and re-construct on new footing one story frame enclosed porch at rear of existing dwelling. There is no change in use, group, occupancy or egress under this application.” However we’ve seen electrical outlets and a base-board heater in the addition… Does anyone know how fast this can happen if drawings can be stamped and done in 1-day?
Is there a second option to demolish this addition/renovation and to have the city come out and negate the 2000 permit and get a fast Cert. of Occupancy that way? We don’t particularly care for the addition anyways…
We can’t imagine why the sellers are not more cognizant of what is happening unless he is getting bad advice from his lawyer… this house has been empty since the summer of last year when his mother died… I can’t imagine why he would stall the process on purpose…
January 5, 2009
Updated Certificate of Occupancy
What is involved in closing/updating a Certificate of Occupancy? We are well into the process of getting a mortgage and have already had the bank send someone to do an appraisal. Our lawyer just got the title search back and there is an exception. The sellers had gotten a permit to build an "enclosed porch" in 2001 there was never "signed" off - I'm guessing this means inspected at completion and thus an updated COO was never issued. (The enclosed porch is really more like an addition, complete with windows, sliding doors and heating.) Our mortgage lock is only good for 60days, what impact will this have in the process? How serious is this and how hard and quickly can it be rectified?
November 24, 2008
Getting a mortgage (contract signed)
According to our contract we have 5 days from the date of its execution to start an application for mortgage. Is that pretty typical practice?
How did you get the best rate? Am we suppose to go to as many lenders and brokers in that time period and fill out tons of applications and see what shakes out as the best rate? Am I entitled to know what fees they will charge ahead of time?
Our lawyer keeps saying mortgage brokers cannot be trusted and they are usually a large reason why there are issues at closing. We are hoping to close before the end of the year so any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
November 12, 2008
Code reqs. for finished ceiling required over furnace area?
Is a finished ceiling required over the boiler/furnace for one-family homes?
There is a chance that the seller will allow his basement ceiling above the furnace area to be torn down for a thorough termite inspection. (The other 2/3rds of the basement has had extensive damage and beams/posts replaced so we are very wary.) We don’t intend to replace the ceiling right away, unless I find out that an inspector will cite it as a violation and not allow the house to close or something… I am a first time homebuyer so I am not sure who walks through now to look at stuff except the appraiser maybe?
My friend mentioned in passing that his mom’s house received a violation when they poked holes in the ceiling to thread some conduit and it has me thinking…
In addition, are there any mortgage stipulations that would require electrical violations, asbestos and termite issues to be resolved? The seller wants money in escrow to replace the ceiling in the event we cannot come to agreement with the damages if there is any... I am not liking this at all since any buyer would want the same verification...
Thanks!
October 29, 2008
What Mortgage rates are you seeing?
Our mortgage broker quoted us 6-3/8 yesterday.
I walked by a Countrywide office today. There was a sign on every associate's desk, "Today's Rate 3.9%."
Can it really be?
Perhaps its not for mortgages but a different kind of loan? I guess I could go back and ask about the details ...
October 22, 2008
TERMITE damage, shady structural work, cont'd
I am having trouble replying to threads for some reason - have lost already! The first part of my problem is here:
http://www.brownstoner.com/forum/archives/2008/10/termite_damage_1.php
or
http://tinyurl.com/5tonza
Thanks for the responses so far. Anyway there are two issues here, structural and termite, both of which has been done by the same person. oy. We called the exterminating guy today and he was curt, not really willing to go into details about anything. Oddly the inspection paper had a typed 2002 which was crossed out and replaced with a “8” by hand…. This guy also said he started treating the house in 2002 but only did the structural work this year 2008. Does that make any sense to anyone? If he was treating the problem since 2002, how did things get so bad during that 6yrs which would lead to this structural replacement?
The structural part, I’m posting a picture of structural work that was done. The house is 21wide and the picture you are seeing is at the junction of probably 19ft + 2ft. I don’t know why they had to split the span. They double up with two pieces of 3x8 but did not bolt them together. Now the inspector said the beams should be lag-bolted to each other. I kind of think a plate would be good too at the junction too, no?
Image here: http://tinyurl.com/6pvf26
The termite part, how are these test performed? Are they done just visually and banging a screwdriver into the wood? How are subsequent assessments made after treatment has occurred? Here is the ceiling above what is probably the most moist part of the basement.
Image here: http://tinyurl.com/63s25y
It looks like the old construction of lath and plaster. Obviously no one has taken it down so how can the exterminator be sure there are no longer any active termites?
Anyways does it sound prudent that we shell out the money to hire our own termite inspection? Assuming the owner will allow a more invasive inspection? If he does not, I should be prepared to walk away no?
Are we being overtly cautious? conscientious?
Author's Comments
For the people recommending Alarms-R-Us, what type of system did you have installed? Are they the central-station type ones like ADT (the call in etc) or are these just home alarms that make big sounds? thanks.
Posted by: helppls at November 11, 2009 9:21 AM in response to Brinks - Beware!
I have the same question! We just bought a house and need to start demo-ing our wonderfully 70s wood-paneled basement (complete with a bar.) I'm thinking about renting 3/4yard containers (the little ones)to sit out front of my house. But I am wondering if this will send a flag - do I need demo permits for doing this? If so I might just be doing the 200 bag over 40 week thing myself!
Posted by: helppls at October 28, 2009 3:42 PM in response to Dumpster Details?
Really fantastic! Is this suppose to be the rental unit? Are you worried about the wear on the butcher countertops? Also, how do you like the Ikea appliances (they are Ikea, aren't they?) I would live here any day!
Posted by: helppls at October 20, 2009 4:50 PM in response to Lower Level: Kitchen Recap
crimsonson, remind me, what is this "income ratio" you are talking about? Are you talking about debt-to-income ratio?
Posted by: helppls at September 23, 2009 4:23 PM in response to Recent Mortgage Experiences?
OP here again. We have excellent credit and are putting 20% down and have only been looking at rates with 0 pts (to make comparison purposes easier.)
The 4.875% HSBC rate IS reduced by discounts they are offering. Their standard rate is actually 5-1/8%. So not too far off of Wells Fargo's 5.375% rate. The guy told me if we were HSBC premier member (and we are) it would be a 1/8th% discount. AND if we signed up for autopayment it would be another 1/8% discount.
I'm only a little concerned about the "convervative" point crimsonson brought up. On the last go around, we put in a whole application and got a mortgage commitment from Wells Fargo. So this guy knows all of our background already (hubby is has been self-employed for the last 6 yrs etc.) Maybe this might not fare well for HSBC and we should stick to a company that had promptly sent out an appraiser in our last go around and promptly gave us a commitment letter etc. OR are there other truer tests of competency still??? Basically yeah, we are weighing chasing a rate and wanting to be sure we CAN CLOSE on the house before the end of the year!
OMG, I won't even go into my awful experience with a mortage rep from Sovereign. This lady hardly ever returned my calls and if she did, she was driving or had kids screaming in the back. It was the most backwards, unprofessional mortgage person I have talked to...
Hey Brooklynn, how did you manage to keep a rate lock for 4-5 months with HSBC - don't they only hold for 60 days. Or did HSBC extend it because it was their fault?
Slick, you get that feeling too, eh? There is a part of me that thinks this too... Oh and rates given during preapproval doesn't really hold by the time you get to contracts, does it?
Posted by: helppls at September 23, 2009 3:53 PM in response to Recent Mortgage Experiences?
Brooklynrulz, yes you are right. According to the title search, the original Cert. of Occupancy was located. But on the same search sheet, it lists the Permit from 2000 as "NOT SIGNED OFF. To demolish and reconstruct one story frame enclosed porch at rear of dwelling. A new certificate of occupancy will be required."
Could someone have made a mistake? This is a ATL-2, renovation with some plumbing (base board.) Everyone on this block has these 1-story enclosed porches. Based on my research, an updated C of O should not be required, right? There is no change to the use, occupancy or egress (does a new door constitute an egress change?) Mistake? Maybe?
Part of the bank's mortgage commitment terms and conditions lists Legal Compliance. It says "if requested by the Lender or title insurance company, a copy of the certificate of Occupancy for the property must be provided prior to closing." Should we have just ignored this CofO issue until closing and crossed our fingers hoping they wouldn't ask for it?
It sucking right now to be a first time homebuyer, trying to navigate this craziness...
Posted by: helppls at February 5, 2009 2:14 PM in response to HELP: Cert. of Occ. issue
NYCbuilder, having looked under the work, we already know there are structural issues as the floor joists were incorrectly installed (no joist hanger.) Is there any possibility of just demolishing this addition and thus getting the 2000 permits nullified? Would that be easier/faster? Like I said before, we don't really care for the addition period.
I am assuming there are no drawings, either missing or not filed, if their expeditor is telling them they need new stamped drawings.
jp2/Josh, I have no idea if the permits are still active. We just googled the PE's name (from the 2000 renovation) and it came up on the DoB website as having "voluntarily given up all his privileges" so doubtful of being able to follow up there. I am not sure if there is any way at all to make this work. It sure doesn't sound like it at this point - are there any banks willing to deal with a CoO issue? If not it really doesn't sound like there is anything else we can do since it is the seller's responsibility to clear this and based on their track record it is not promising they will do the right things as slopefarm pointed out...
Posted by: helppls at February 5, 2009 12:08 PM in response to HELP: Cert. of Occ. issue
I could be wrong but in real estate, the 3rd dimension, ceiling height, has little to do with occupiable area which is what really counts, no? It isn't an actual space you can walk on?
Posted by: helppls at February 5, 2009 8:49 AM in response to Issue for our Co-op Board
Our lawyer has been doing this for 25yrs though most of his work is in Long Island and Queens. He does a lot of the stuff by the book, I guess. For example, when I wanted to write into the contract that the seller was required to cover any costs associated with getting the mortgage (application fees & appraisals) if in fact the contract does not go through because of their fault, he advised us that no one has ever done that. With this latest issue, because we have been nice and allowed them extra time, the 30-day notice required now puts the closing date deadline past the last day of our mortgage commitment (Feb.23.) We had talked to him about putting in the letter that we would want fees for the mortgage extension paid by the seller, and again, he advised us against it for this letter, saying that technically, the law required the 30days and we are responsible for maintaining our mortgage commitment until then. He says he is hesitant to put anything on paper that would 'make us look bad' and I guess that translates to 'not hold any legal water?'
Anyways I'm trying to get a hold of my loan officer since I am not sure how the extension of the mortgage works - is that fees we pay regards if we even come to closing?
Posted by: helppls at February 5, 2009 8:40 AM in response to HELP: Cert. of Occ. issue
If you upload your picture to hostsite like Flickr, you can post a link (or a tinyurl link if the url is too long) but I hope to see a picture too! Did they provide the hardware too, ie. the glass hinges, etc? Sounds fantastic!
Posted by: helppls at February 5, 2009 12:06 AM in response to Glass Recommendation
Sam, I am not sure how we cannot go there. A bank will not issue a mortgage without a clear title, correct?
All, I had no idea this would be such a nightmare! What are our alternatives? Can the seller simple remove the addition and we can negotiate a price reduction? Will that clear the title? I guess we don't have a very good lawyer. We had shown him printouts of the DoB filings where we had seen for ourselves that there did not seem to be a close out for the final inspection. I had wanted to include a contingency that we would get our mortgage applications costs back if we could not get one through no fault of our own or credentials and he disuaded us from doing that . Though he saw the DoB flags he said he could ascertain anything until the title search and that was that. Anyways I thought since there was a permit to do thecwork that the rest of this might not be as bad as starting from scratch but it certainly doesn't sound like it.
Posted by: helppls at January 5, 2009 3:39 PM in response to Updated Certificate of Occupancy
I forgot to say, if it matter, this is a one-family attached townhouse.
Posted by: helppls at January 5, 2009 11:11 AM in response to Updated Certificate of Occupancy
Cottontop, where did you read about this 4.5% interest rate? All I've read was talk of the Feds PUSHING down mortgage rates but the article did not give a number. Thanks.
Posted by: helppls at December 4, 2008 11:27 PM in response to PMI Rejected
Are you talking about the temporary loan limit that was raised back in April of this year? to 712k? I thought for a lot of instituions, it was already pulled early, by Dec. 1, no?
Posted by: helppls at December 1, 2008 8:28 PM in response to Refi on new conforming loan limit?
Crumpler, is the 5.375 rate is only good for a 30-year conforming loan? (not a agency-jumbo I would assume) Care to share which broker you used?
How does re-financing work exactly? If your property appraises for more than when you purchased, there are no closing costs?? thanks!
Posted by: helppls at December 1, 2008 8:23 PM in response to Drop in interest rates--should I refi?
How does mortgage rates vary thoughout the day? I didn't realize this happened. How does one "chase" the low of the day? Is this like when an application is locked in the morning versus late afternoon? How does one "chase" the low of a 30-day range to closing? Am I correct in thinking securing a rate is a bit like gambling?
Posted by: helppls at November 26, 2008 4:09 AM in response to where to get the best mortgage rate?
Yes, we have a getting a mortgage contigency in our contract.
Its a 1-family house. From the sounds of almost everyone's experience on here, people just went with one broker.
Posted by: helppls at November 25, 2008 1:55 PM in response to Getting a mortgage (contract signed)
OP, here again. I believe the 5-day thing is just to make sure that we as buyers don’t stall in the mortgage process and start an application right away (since the mortage contingency is in the contract.)
Homebuyers, how many paid applications did you submit with different banks and people? I have brokers telling me – oh I can get you rates from 6% to 6.25% but that is not very definitive, right? If application fees run $200 or $300 each, that really adds up… but I can’t figure out how else you are suppose to compared rates if you don’t submit applications with different people, correct?
We have good credit – in the 800s and we have 20% already in hand. The thing is we’re self-employed but we have been for a number of years already and that’s reflected in all our past tax returns. So this might still be a stumbling block and to go with a broker? How do brokers make their money? We’ve asked brokers point blank many a times and no one has given us a straight answer. I would assume, they tack on some percentage to the actual rate that the bank is willing to give? Also, how can I tell one mortgage broker from another – what makes a “good” broker, that can close when they say they can?
Posted by: helppls at November 25, 2008 1:27 AM in response to Getting a mortgage (contract signed)
Pre-approval or pre-qualified? I am not sure what we did - We did speak to two brokers previously who looked up our credit scores and took copies of our 2 year income tax returns. They told us we shouldn't have any problems. The issue is the rate, right? How do you know when to lock a rate - especially since most are only good for 30-days? How do you know what is the best rate?
Posted by: helppls at November 24, 2008 6:05 PM in response to Getting a mortgage (contract signed)
Adam, much appreciated! I wonder what the rationale is to splitting the limits according to unit-size... Since I am no where near contract, nothing I can do about chasing a agency jumbo now... Will there be changes to debt-to-earnings or any other qualification issues, you think for these new limits?
Posted by: helppls at November 12, 2008 4:26 PM in response to mortgage rates
The way my broker has always put it to me (whenever we asked for his opinion on a price) is that the buyers dictate the market and in his words, there is always someone with deeper pockets... so, yes, he is free and clear because he has never ever offered an comments on something being overpriced or underpriced...
Posted by: helppls at November 12, 2008 4:17 PM in response to Pigs at the tough
This friday for an Agency Jumbo? this is not good news... Does this means our contract is signed and all the loan info plugged into the system?
If I am looking at a mortgage for around 570k, do you know what the rates will be? Does this mean they are starting the new program EARLY as a result of closing the Conforming/Agency Jumbo EARLY?
Posted by: helppls at November 12, 2008 4:07 PM in response to mortgage rates
Ok, I think you guys have help me clear it up. It seems by code a finished (maybe even rated gwb) ceiling is required above the boiler but there really isn't any way to enforce that if an inspector doesn't go in there, right?
Petebklyn, I also got clarification from the friend that their citation happened coz they were converting to a 3-family. Ours is a single-family house...
Has anyone seen termite treatment done from the top, ie, when floor boards were being replaced on the 1st floor so they don't rip out the basement ceiling above the furnace?
Posted by: helppls at November 12, 2008 3:52 PM in response to Code reqs. for finished ceiling required over furnace area?
Can someone tell me what a "Agency Jumbo" is exactly? How is this different from a regular conforming loan?
Also, I've been reading that the conforming limit will change (increase) come Jan 2009 and that this April's temporary rise to 712/729K will be gone. Is this true?
Posted by: helppls at November 12, 2008 3:28 PM in response to mortgage rates
I am soo confused. Whilst Adam first mentioned that bond sell off will yield better rates in the future, JustinM says something to the opposite effect and Adam agrees with him.
So which is it? Should I have locked in my rate yesterday or wait a month? I'm sooo confused!
Posted by: helppls at October 29, 2008 9:42 PM in response to What Mortgage rates are you seeing?
Look, I am in a market for a 30 yr mortgage. I'm serious when I ask what are the very best 30-yr rates now for someone with very good credit (we are talking 800s.) Thanks.
Posted by: helppls at October 23, 2008 3:27 AM in response to 30 year jumbo
Yes, what are they?
Posted by: helppls at October 22, 2008 12:17 AM in response to 30 year jumbo
davieeng, I have no answers for you but I just wanted to chime in and say how much I wish there was a Queens equivalent to this website as well. Maybe people are not big DIYers out in Queens? Its really too bad!
Posted by: helppls at October 21, 2008 4:08 PM in response to Handyman Recommendation – Brooklyn/Queens?
I get the above message all the time, even when I try and reply to my own threads! I don't understand especially when what I took a lot of time typing out NEVER gets posted!
Posted by: helppls at October 21, 2008 4:05 PM in response to Why I can't post...
Is there already a finish concrete slab in the basement?
Even if you have a large lot, zoning will determine what your actual FAR would be.
Posted by: helppls at August 25, 2008 8:11 PM in response to 'Lifting' a House
I definitely do not trust ServiceMagic. They recommended a contractor who was only incorporated this year. I decided to meet them and judge for myself though from our short phone conversation he seemed to be a yes-man and I questioned his ability and true understanding of the task at hand. Well, the guy never called me back to confirm a tentative appointment we had set up for the day after the initial phonecall. I called and left two or maybe even three messages 30 minutes before our agreed meeting time. Its been a week and I still have not received a call back. Very unprofessional.
Posted by: helppls at August 25, 2008 2:18 PM in response to Nayci Contracting for Kitchen Renovation
A half bath you mean it has a shower? I actually thought that any shower or bathtub is against code in basements...
Posted by: helppls at August 25, 2008 2:15 PM in response to Duplex question
I just called Mark Hyman's # and was told they don't do residential work unless its a brownstone. So, does anyone know who will do work like this for one column and how much it will cost for everything?
Posted by: helppls at August 20, 2008 12:58 PM in response to Jack Post Column replacement
I am not sure I trust Service Magic. I just came across their website this morning, looking for a exterior siding person and they pulled up one name with an established date of 2008...
Posted by: helppls at August 18, 2008 1:21 PM in response to Nayci Contracting for Kitchen Renovation
How did you intervene exactly and what was the outcome? I've often thought people use their babystrollers as weapons in this city - not good and dangerous for the child. IMO, good parenting is a lost art.
Posted by: helppls at August 17, 2008 7:34 PM in response to Park Slope Baby Carriage Pushers Are on the Loose!
Do you at least have solid either concrete or cmu foundation walls? Would you be spraying the soil - is it how its done? I might be facing the same issue soon and I can't figure out how to insulate the floor effectively.
Posted by: helppls at August 14, 2008 12:35 PM in response to spraying ground around joists?
Hi denton, What is the difference between the home inspector I hired and getting an architect/engineer now to estimate repairs? I was under the impression the home inspector would be able to help with the estimation too. If I am mistaken, can anyone recommend an engineer for this? thx
Posted by: helppls at August 13, 2008 5:43 PM in response to Help me estimate expenses - First-time homebuyer
We're having a hard time negotiating anything due to the poor upkeep of this place despite our argument that yes, everything will likely be replace within the next five years. Any tips for this? It gets tricky to renovation a 1-family house since there isn't any place you can really occupy during the renovation. Aaaah, Freedom, how far away you seem to be...
Regarding our roof, the inspector said it was at the end of its lifetime. The sellers are saying they just had it "fixed" in May and it comes with a 5-year warranty.
Can anyone tell me if such a warranty is trustworthy, or better to get a guy to come look at it? Can anyone recommend a roofer?
Posted by: helppls at August 13, 2008 1:31 PM in response to Help me estimate expenses - First-time homebuyer
Master Plumber, when re-using these radiators, is size an issue? Are they all comparable even though they come in different sizes?
Posted by: helppls at August 13, 2008 12:10 PM in response to Victorian Radiator for Sale
Oh and the inspector had mentioned something about if your current gas line is not big enough (or something,) they need to dig out to the street to replace that. But that would be an extra 10k. Maybe someone here can explain this better as I was overwhelmed with info during the inspection.
Posted by: helppls at August 13, 2008 12:04 PM in response to Replacing Oil Tank
You're talking about a complete conversion from a oil system to a gas heating system right?
Just yesterday, I was quoted 5500-7000. If you need a hot water boiler too that would be an extra 700. This includes carting away the gas tank too and a discounted boiler from Keyspan. It doesn't include asbestos removal if you have that stuff on your pipes which you need to have taken care of before anyone will work on your heating system.
Posted by: helppls at August 13, 2008 11:58 AM in response to Replacing Oil Tank
Hey premadas, do you mind answering some questions? I think if this goes through I will be needing a lot of similar work esp. a new roof so I'll be interested in all/any references.
Please email if possible: helpplsnyc@gmail.com
Much appreciated!
Both real estate taxes and home insurance is included in the mortgage payments, right?
Posted by: helppls at August 13, 2008 2:19 AM in response to Help me estimate expenses - First-time homebuyer
Hi denton,
I'm considering upgrading the current oil boiler to gas if we decide to buy the house so I'm trying to weigh everything. We might have to do one winter of oil before affording the gas overhaul. The inspector warned us that oil boiler are guaranteed to breakdown at least once a year. (Is this true?) The current boiler is by Peerless and probably from the 90s. I'm a bit terrified by what the winter holds for us since given the house's age and condition since it is probably not insulated properly in addition to the inefficient windows.
Posted by: helppls at August 12, 2008 5:30 PM in response to Help me estimate expenses - First-time homebuyer
This happens so much in the NYC market. I wish it was illegal to "fish." Isn't that essentially what the inital price did - fish for higher/highest offers?
@ wasder 1:01pm - that is a big difference/drop of 1.5 versus 1.3 mil. Do you really think it would take 20 years to recover to our current prices?
Posted by: helppls at August 12, 2008 1:12 PM in response to Shenanigans at 279 Clermont Avenue?
I posted a long response that said it was being "quarentined" but its still not showing up here. Anyways thank you all for our input. One thing that did happen was we found out mechanically we have an OIL-burner combo unit that works 24-7, 365 days to make hot water for the house and heat in the winter. The listing said GAS/steam unit. So the oil tank that looked abandoned in the basement was fact was still functioning. Does anyone have any idea how much it would cost to install a GAS unit with a separate boiler? We are rather upset with this. They must have laughed to themselves when we requested the removal of the oil tank as part of our counteroffer.
Amanda, we’re talking about a 1930s detached frame house actually.
Posted by: helppls at August 11, 2008 11:11 AM in response to Home Inspection - how carefully was the Electric Panel reviewed?
Steve, I'm in awe of what you've managed to accomplish yourself! I do think the stain glass might be better suited somewhere else instead of these cabinets as the carvings in the wood already make it quite ornate.
Posted by: helppls at August 10, 2008 2:04 PM in response to Opinions please
Also, after getting the report and the list of deficiencies/recommendations of things that need to be address/fixed, how did you go about using the report to re-negotiate with the seller? Did you contact each trade( roofing, termite, asbestos removal, MEP specialist etc.) for estimates of the work required? and then hopefully show these estimates to the seller and hope it listen?
Posted by: helppls at August 8, 2008 9:48 PM in response to Home Inspection - how carefully was the Electric Panel reviewed?
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Rob, you are insane. It's too much to fit in a truck.
Thank you everybody and Arkady for those specific suggestions.
Helppis, be careful, don't leave an empty dumpster unattended or it will be filled by Rob's friends!
Posted by: mopar at October 28, 2009 4:04 PM in response to Dumpster Details?
quote:
Helppis, be careful, don't leave an empty dumpster unattended or it will be filled by Rob's friends!
LOL you mean filled with our crap, or filled with US?
*rob*
Posted by: Butterfly at October 28, 2009 4:29 PM in response to Dumpster Details?
Rob - They turn big dumpsters into swimming pools so why not a small one as a bed?
Posted by: Arkady at October 28, 2009 5:01 PM in response to Dumpster Details?
Last time I rented a dumpster, I went through the Yellow Pages...and at least half the companies had disconnected numbers with "no further information available." I got the feeling it was a business with a high, er, turnover. I've never figured out how one reserves the street spot short of sleeping in it; people just move traffic cones out of the way...
If you need a guy to do the clean-out work for you, we used Greg's rubbish removal for our basement crap and they did fine.
Posted by: Brenda from Flatbush at October 28, 2009 7:04 PM in response to Dumpster Details?
Hm there's a famous work of literature that starts out with a man in a dumpster, think he was sleeping there. I could never get past the 5th page. Maybe it was Jesus' Son.
Posted by: mopar at October 28, 2009 7:41 PM in response to Dumpster Details?
Mopar
Butterfly Carting did my asbestos removal. Came by with a Home Depot shopping cart, were prompt, polite, and very reasonably priced.
Posted by: IMBY at October 28, 2009 7:54 PM in response to Dumpster Details?
We just got rid of about 40 contractor bags of concrete, tile and plaster, & six bundles of timber from a bathroom demo in Bed Stuy. $275 for curbside removal within 36 hours of calling. Ground Up Construction in Crown Heights: 718-812-7383.
Posted by: se at October 28, 2009 10:47 PM in response to Dumpster Details?
Filco Carting is great. They are reasonable and prompt. You'll have to snag the parking yourself though. Its best to get a space at a corner or next to a fire hydrant. When they drop it off you'll need to make sure they put some scrap plywood under the wheels so they dont dig into the asphalt otherwise you will likely get a summons. Also cover the top immediately with one of those blue tarps with the grommet holes lashed down with some good rope to prevent neighbors from dumping. You can make arrangements for a pickup as soon as you know when you'll be finished filling. They always come within the two hour window they arranged.
Posted by: HDL at October 29, 2009 1:48 PM in response to Dumpster Details?
Ha ha ha Butterfly Carting! I hear they also do dog walking to the stars.
Posted by: mopar at October 29, 2009 5:53 PM in response to Dumpster Details?
Wow, this is great info, folks. Thanks.
Posted by: mopar at October 29, 2009 5:54 PM in response to Dumpster Details?
brenda from flatbush, what system do you have?
Posted by: helppls at November 11, 2009 10:18 AM in response to Window Alarm?