CMU,

It might surprise you to know that many insurance policies require brownstone owners to install alarm systems. The idea that no one is PS has one is ridiculous. Thanks for the additional info OP.

Posted by: homey at November 20, 2008 11:04 PM in response to Security and the Front Door

OP,

WHich system are you using. The first system we purchased by Cybex was pretty bulky, and included video and a phone attachement. We were concerned about how it would look mounted to our beautiful plaster walls. Where did you decide to place your intercoms and which system did you choose. Seidel is so damn expensive, but we may end up with that because it is much more compact.

Posted by: homey at November 18, 2008 5:52 PM in response to Security and the Front Door

OP,

We were advised by our security system people that they recommend exactly what you are going to have, the first door can be opened form any floor, but you have to go down to open the second. They claim that it is much safer to buzz someone into the vestibule between the doors, and not all the way into the house. They were particularly concerned that my two kids would just buzz anyone in. We haven't completely finished the project, and are still considering making both doors operate remotely. The next time the guys come over to work on the system, I plan to ask them for a more complete explanation of why they think we should only have one door that can be opened remotely. I think they feel there is no substitute for evaluating someone up close. And, alas, that is probably accurate.

Posted by: homey at November 18, 2008 5:50 PM in response to Security and the Front Door

We purchased a former SRO whose owner had already filed for a certificate of non-harassment. The process, from start to finish, including posting notices (which you have to do in case someone is going to come forward and say they were forced to leave illegally) took a full 9 months. As for the change in status to a two family, that is the standard process you need to go through, and I think an expeditor can file the paper work and tell you exactly how long it will take. We are still finishing up construction so we haven't converted yet. Just because it has one electric and gas meter doesn't mean that it is a set up as a one family. We had one gas meter and had to change it out because we needed a different type. Also, be aware that you should make sure that you talk to the DEP about whether you are billed by meter or by frontage. I got stuck with an outrageous frontage water bill because I did not check this out at closing, If you have more questions you can email me at andrecom@earthlink.net.

Posted by: homey at November 18, 2008 5:43 PM in response to SRO conversion to two family

Right on sam! I include myself in the mix of people who would never buy a house with rent stabilized or controlled tenants without understanding that they might be there forever. I would ask the broker to tell me what she thinks the price would be without those tenants, and in that location. I doubt the discount she thinks she is offering is anywhere near acceptable to people who truly understand the implications of having those tenants. Also, she fails to mention their ages. If one is 62, or even close to that, they will be there forever, and there is nothing you can do about it. And one more thing, who buys an entire brownstone at that price and thinks living in 1400 square feet of it is all they will ever want to do? And If that really is the case, better to buy with market rate tenants only and get a decent return on your investment.

Posted by: homey at November 17, 2008 3:00 PM in response to HOTD: 306 Washington Avenue, Two Price Cuts Later

It is a carrera marble, probably 27 long by 18 wide, but I will actually measure it tomorrow. Email me at andrecom@earthlink.net and I will send you a picture of the legs, they are really beautiful, twisted with claw and ball feet.

Posted by: homey at November 16, 2008 11:11 PM in response to fireplace comers

I now have a picture on my son's iphone that I can send, so email me and I can send it. Thanks, Homey

Posted by: homey at November 12, 2008 7:21 PM in response to fireplace comers

Ok, Let me know if you have questions. I can't say I measured everything exactly perfectly, but it will give you a good idea if you are in the ballpark.

They really are nice, nice pieces.

Posted by: homey at November 12, 2008 3:15 PM in response to fireplace comers

Wow, this sound familiar. I tried to get Landmarks to let me replace my 6x6 windows, but hey insisted that they should be 2x2. I found historic photos from 1902 showing 6x6, and when I checked the landmark documentation it was of very poor quality. Still, after writing them a long, detailed, well-documented letter they still refused. I could have gone to a community hearing, but I really didn't have the time to stop my project while they jerked me around. I think they are slightly absurd, even though I am a strong believer in preservation. My architect had no idea how to move forward with them. If you figure it out, let me know, because I ended up restoring my original windows, and they are not that efficient, although they do look great.

Good luck.

Posted by: homey at October 25, 2008 8:41 PM in response to Landmarks approval for windows

I purchased a house where the entire ground floor had been eaten by termites. Hire your own reputable company, and tell them you want a thorough inspection, treatment, and re-inspection (The best companies do it this way anyway) There are many signs they look for, types of dusts, mounds, etc. And, yes you can ask them to make a hole in the plaster to look at certain areas. OUr structural work, which involved replacing beams, was due to water damage, not termites, although termites like water damaged wood, too. There is no reason to worry about termite damage if it hasn't caused extensive structural damage. It can be cured.

Good luck

Posted by: homey at October 22, 2008 11:14 AM in response to TERMITE damage, shady structural work, cont'd

GKW, I am not sure if you are referring to a basement under the ground floor, which we do not have in our house. We have a five story house, the anglo-italianate kind with a double parlor and gallery on the 2nd floor, and a very large kitchen and dining room on the first floor with a low stoop. We chose to create a rental apartment on the ground floor We did have an architect on the project, but I don't recall him commenting on that particular issue in terms of code. Of course, it would not be difficult to put in the stairs again if we decided we wanted to keep the ground floor. We would just lose the closets. We did put a deck off our kitchen level, so we would have egress, but it was not required.. I think in a house you have egress in other places, like a roof, perhaps. The egress is not per floor, but per unit. So, I believe the egress is only an issue for the ground floor apartment. Of course, if the parlor floor is itself a separate apartment, that might be an issue.

Posted by: homey at October 22, 2008 11:11 AM in response to Stairs from parlor level to garden level

We did this for our garden apartment. And, as a result, we were able to create a huge amount of closet space where the stairs had been both on the ground and first floor. SInce both floors have egress to the back, it was no problem. It was a great solution for our house. Good luck

Posted by: homey at October 21, 2008 10:56 PM in response to Stairs from parlor level to garden level

Hi,
I had the exact same problem. I posted on Brownstoner and was contacted by a woman who helped me as a color consultant. She has a design background and was very helpful presenting entire palette ideas. Her name is Rebecca, and her email is rcaindc@aol.com. We are just finishing a year long renovation of an 1850s house in Chelsea. I knew the types of colors I wanted, but she really helped me put it all together, and it was not expensive!
I recommend you contact her.
Good luck.

Posted by: homey at October 16, 2008 11:25 PM in response to Paint color scheme help

OP
Thanks goodness for your post. I am looking for the same thing, but first I have to remove the old numbers, which are not in great shape. Did you have to do this, too? Also, I am considering just replacing the transom all together. because it has some old paint and an overall messy appearance.

Posted by: homey at October 9, 2008 11:40 AM in response to Gold Address Lettering

Master Plumber,

What do you think of Viessman? It was recommended to me over Peerless, but I would love you opinion.

Posted by: homey at September 26, 2008 9:03 AM in response to Steam Heat new boiler

I have had this experience at my current house project. I hired subs and there was conflict between the GC and the subs over stuff like "who gets to go in first, who need this space cleared when, etc.) I feel I am an expert right now at sorting it out. Here is what I strongly recommend. Call for a meeting with yourself, the CG, and the boiler people. Get everyone to agree on an order of proceeding, and also to agree about clearing, space, etc. Do not pay the boiler people yet, ask them to agree to a payment schedule based on their keeping to the plan you just worked out. Then pay them promptly.

Stress that you all have the same goal, to get the job done. My usual practice is to actually put this in an email asking everyone to come to the meeting. It is not unusual for one sub to complain about another. In my house, my GC was way pissed because I let the flooring guys go into the top two floors before he was able to finish certain things (baseboards, some bathroom fixtures, etc.) But, I had no choice because of the number of days required for the floor to cure. But, we had a meeting and we worked it out.

Good luck.

Posted by: homey at September 24, 2008 12:32 PM in response to Boiler installation: bad experience so far

I would love to buy any mirrors, especially mantle mirrors.

Can you please let me know if you have any. You can email me at andrecom@earthlink.net

Posted by: homey at September 18, 2008 1:14 PM in response to Moving Sale - Brownstone

If it is any help, Z Abedin, who I also liked, quoted the same as the A &T guys I am using. But they were first, so I used them. I only did the ground floor and first floor, and the quote was $22,000. I have a 5 story house, so I imagine the full building would have been about $55,000.00. Included in my price was some work on the paved portion of my front yard.

Posted by: homey at September 11, 2008 6:34 PM in response to Brownstone facade (yet another post)

I am in the process of having the facade work done on my house right now. I am using these guys called A & T. They are not the most articulate guys on the phone when you speak to them, but they came highly recommended by a brooklyn homeowner and they are doing a great job on my house, which is in Manhattan. In fact, they are doing such a good job that my neighbor across the street just hired them to do his job. They are hardworking and their price, which I compared to another guy, and the costs were comparable. They are not slick, but they know what they are doing.

Posted by: homey at September 10, 2008 8:31 PM in response to Brownstone facade (yet another post)

Superstooper,

See my second post or email me at andrecom@earthlink.net if this doesn't work. For some reason, the link on brownstoner seems to get cut off. Thanks

http://www.waterworks.com/Waterworks/Products/Products.nsf/ProductsCat/203B758C18C90EFB05256D9D00752751?OpenDocument

Posted by: homey at August 19, 2008 10:19 AM in response to Waterworks cabinet for Sale

I recommend August of Artistic Wrought Iron in Brooklyn. You can also go online to Texas Metal Industries and order any type of railing or pattern you want ( have your iron guy order it for you). August can then make you a railing using something you select. I think Kenny of Kenny's Iron Works is also good for that type of job.

Good luck.

Posted by: homey at August 17, 2008 7:20 PM in response to metal railings

I was just thinking of responding to your original thread. I just bid out replacing or refurbishing my original gate. It has the traditional diamond cross pattern I was shocked to discover how expensive it is to make a new one with a good lock that won't rust ($2,500). But, mine is in poor condition and would cost $1,000.00 to refurbish. DId you find a good source? I think the old gates are really beautiful.

Posted by: homey at August 1, 2008 3:18 PM in response to Help!

I just bid out my job, which had another item in it as well . My bid ranged from $6,000 - $13,000. But I did get two good bids from people I felt were reasonable and thoughtful about the process. One was Kenny of Kenny's Iron Works, the other was August from Artistic Wrought Iron. Also, you should know that because I have a lower stoop house, there was less iron work than other brownstoner. BUt, it was in worse shape. The issue is whether you need to have it removed to be restored or not. If they can do it with brushes and not remove it I think it is cheaper.

Good luck

Posted by: homey at August 1, 2008 3:15 PM in response to Refinishing Ironwork

WTbound, can you share some picture. I love this idea. Also, what dimensions did you use for the seat. I am trying to design something for my kitchen and would love to have any input.

Thanks,

Posted by: homey at July 30, 2008 10:06 AM in response to custom banquettes

I had a longtime bias against Waterworks because they seemed so expensive. Then my architect keyed me into the fact that they have a lower-priced builder's line, which he could get at 20% off.

I have to say in addition to having superior quality, their service is truly excellent. I highly recommend them. As for Lefroy Brooks, they make beautiful stuff, expensive, but the are in England, and most things take a long time to get here. With Waterworks, if you have a problem they are on it immediately, I doubt Lefroy could match that.

I also found that the Waterworks people were very good designers, at no charge!
Good luck.

Posted by: homey at July 24, 2008 3:27 PM in response to Lefroy Brooks, Waterworks Fittings

This is ridiculous. Saint Ann's should not be sharing a building with this office. The school needs to find other space. The idea that the sex offenders are only guilty of "downloading child pornography" and therefore are not much of a threat is surreal. Just because they have not been convicted of molesting doesn't mean they won't, or haven't done so. There is a reason laws keep sex offenders away from schools. I have a son who will be attending Saint Ann's next Fall, and I fully expect the school to move those classrooms.
Anything less would be exposing them to very serious insurance/litigation risks.

Being across the street is not the same as being in the same building.

Posted by: homey at July 16, 2008 12:04 PM in response to Federal Probation Officer Defends Proximity to St. Ann's

I used Andre from A & A Fireplace. He relined 5 fireplaces for me and did a good job. I like him and think he is a straight shooter. I would recommend him. His number is 718-953-2836. You can tell him Lydia recommended him.

Posted by: homey at July 14, 2008 7:03 PM in response to Recommendations and Estimates on Openning Up Fireplaces

I would also be interested if it is still available. My email is andrecom@earthlink.net. I emailed you the first time you listed it but never heard back from you. I am delighted to hear it is still available.

Thanks.

Posted by: homey at July 8, 2008 7:27 PM in response to Looking for a Spiral Staircase

I would also be interested if it is still available. My email is andrecom@earthlink.net

Thanks.

Posted by: homey at July 8, 2008 7:25 PM in response to Looking for a Spiral Staircase

Slopefarm is quite right. It is almost easier to wait until everything is removed (and even demo-ed) to get a good estimate. We decided (since we did a complete top to bottom gut renovation) to have 3 contractors bid the job, with the caveat that after we paid separately for demo, they could rebid. This was time consuming, but I think it had some advantages. Sometimes it is very difficult to get people to bid on jobs, and it takes much longer than you think. We felt badly about the two contractors who spent time and didn't get the job. But they were busy so no one was crushed. Another thing you can do is ask the seller to sign off on your filings as part of your contract. That way you can start the day you close. This is not uncommon, we did it, and it saved us some time. That being said, the seller did not really want to give us the type of access you need to do a good bid (you basically need to bring in all the subs at least once, and they are usually not all available on the same day.)

Good luck.

Posted by: homey at June 29, 2008 5:03 PM in response to Renovation Estimates Pre-purchase

We have two cast-iron tubs that we want to give away. One is large, the other a small one. They are both in decent shape. Call me at 917-805-5305 if you want to see them (we are in Chelsea) and arrange to pick them up.

Posted by: homey at June 24, 2008 9:33 PM in response to ISO: Salvaged fixtures!

Streaker,

I had a similar problem with the DOB. They made a mistake, I had to pay to clean it up. I'm afraid that through the process I discovered 1. they really don't care and 2. they really are incompetent. I too was finally able to solve the problem with the help of a kind employee to whom I expressed gratitude (I also cc'd her bosses.) My expeditor told me that they see this kind of thing every day. I plan to write a long, detailed letter to the mayor, but I am not expecting any satisfaction. My thought process is like this - big deal, you are out some dough. Some poor guys are dead because of how the DOB didn't do its jobs with crains, so I doubt anyone is going to do much about it. Still, I would put it all in writing and name some names. In my case, people very high up in the organizations said some unbelievable things and clearly demonstrated gross incompetence. I agree however, that the smart thing to do is to remain very polite and very persistent through the whole process. Good luck

Posted by: homey at June 23, 2008 11:05 AM in response to C of O lost and found at DOB!

OP,

WHich system are you using. The first system we purchased by Cybex was pretty bulky, and included video and a phone attachement. We were concerned about how it would look mounted to our beautiful plaster walls. Where did you decide to place your intercoms and which system did you choose. Seidel is so damn expensive, but we may end up with that because it is much more compact.

Posted by: homey at November 18, 2008 5:52 PM in response to Security and the Front Door

pitbull got me laughing out loud on this one...especially post at 1:55 and 2:26...haha.
I think huge security systems for a little townhouse are really overboard in general.

Posted by: townhouser at November 18, 2008 6:11 PM in response to Security and the Front Door

There are a variety of electronic locks available. The concern with typical strikes is that they rely on the door handle latch. For added security you can use an electric deadbolt (comes out of the door frame)or a magnetic lock. These methods prevent free egress so extra care has to be taken to remain code compliant. If you are already on board with a security contractor you're comfortable with they can review these options with you. I second "homey's" concern and highly recommend not tying a remote release to the inner door.
However, once you have all these locks and a security system in place it can be rather tedious to unlock two doors and disarm a security system everytime you come home. I would suggest installing a card reader at the outer door that will release both doors and disarm the alarm system. If you're security company says they can't do this - fire them.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at November 18, 2008 8:06 PM in response to Security and the Front Door

As a bohuma said lighting is important. Keep in mind though cameras can also see infrared. An IR illuminator is very discreet and alot of cameras include them these days.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at November 18, 2008 8:09 PM in response to Security and the Front Door

Thanks alarm guy and OP. I think I am on the right track. Will ask more questions and just do the first door.

Posted by: hhitchc at November 18, 2008 10:16 PM in response to Security and the Front Door

"One opinion was that this is not as safe as two dead bolts. I think its safer to not have to answer the door at all"

How about installing a remotely operated sub-machine gun and a hot-oil tipper: http:://killyourvisitorseasily.com ?

What area of hell do you live in? Nobody I know in PS even has an alarm system, and certainly nobody would worry about TWO deadbolts. Some don't even have one.

Oops...hope no burglars read this...

Posted by: cmu at November 19, 2008 9:58 AM in response to Security and the Front Door

HHITCHC:

Just by way of a caveat: Some years back I was trapped by a mugger in my vestibule between the inner and outer doors in my brownstone and robbed. You may want to consider this when planning your security system and make sure that you don't have a lock that is too difficult or time consuming to unlock on the interior door. Also, maybe you should get a police call button on the alarm panel depending on where you place it just in case you get caught in the vestibule with your kid or something.

To CMU et. al.

Don't let yourself get soft. This is still Brooklyn and regardless of the neighborhood you live in, it is a dangerous place. I have lived in ps my whole life and wouldn't live in a brownstone without an alarm. It just doesn't make sense, especially as the economy worsens and people start to lose their jobs and begin to look around and see a bunch of affluent folks living in townhouses while they scramble to find their next meal.

Posted by: SJ at November 19, 2008 11:08 AM in response to Security and the Front Door

Homey,
The system we are using works with telephone and the TV. THere are no intercom units on walls. Buzzer rings and I can use the phone to buzz them in. I can also turn on the TV to tune into the security camera. It will always be on so I can tune in at any time. This is a standard system. Another option was to buy one that tunes in online. I am not buying this but they sell these on amazon. This is often called a pet cam or granny cam. I think that is what the pup cam is. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/shiba-inu-puppy-cam

SJ,
I don't know one person who owns their house who does not have an alarm system. I would not consider living in my new hood without one. My husband was mugged and our car was broken into numerous times in this UWS neighborhood. I have had my own personal experiences that have led us to this conclusion. I agree with Fire Alarm guy that the card swipe sounds convenient and allows for easy open. I am looking into it.

Posted by: hhitchc at November 19, 2008 12:32 PM in response to Security and the Front Door

CMU,

It might surprise you to know that many insurance policies require brownstone owners to install alarm systems. The idea that no one is PS has one is ridiculous. Thanks for the additional info OP.

Posted by: homey at November 20, 2008 11:04 PM in response to Security and the Front Door