If you can't get the upstairs neighbor to make his floor quieter, consider doing some work on your ceiling. Cork ceiling tiles would probably help, a dropped ceiling with a layer of insulation between your apartment and theirs would be even better

Posted by: ivan at September 7, 2009 9:52 PM in response to Running Child Upstairs

This sounds great. What is NHS and how do I find out about their classes?

Posted by: ivan at July 8, 2009 10:24 AM in response to NHS Home Improvement Classes

As someone who frequently rents houses for the summer I'm always annoyed by how difficult it is to find a rental property that allows pets. This restriction limits my selection and ability to negotiate price. Generally I offer to leave extra security and I've never failed to get my full security back at the end of the season.

First, my dog does less damage and makes less noise than mamy people's children, but I've never heard of anyone requiring extra security for teens or infants.
Second, size restrictions make no sense. I've run into several people who refuse to take "large" dogs (sometimes that means more than 20 pounds.) If anything, small yappy dogs can cause more problems than large dogs.

I understand that some people have allergies (although paying attention to the breed can mean less likelihood of shedding) and I'd understand if someone wanted me to pay for a thorough cleaning when I vacated.

If your tenants have proven to be responsible people what makes you think they'll want an animal damaging their property?

Posted by: ivan at June 22, 2009 2:27 PM in response to Tenants Want a Dog

I'll second the praise for Rick Perri.

Posted by: ivan at May 29, 2009 5:10 PM in response to looking for a good inspector

He represented the people I bought from and he made the deal so difficult I almost walked away. My lawyer told me if I ever made her speak to him again she'd charge me double.

Posted by: ivan at May 29, 2009 5:07 PM in response to Gruber for No Action Letter?

Try Interior Alterations -- 718-832-1182 They're a little pricey but you can't beat quality of windows and workmanship.

Posted by: ivan at May 24, 2009 2:53 PM in response to Storm Window Replacement

I recently replaced chicken-wire skylights with insuldome clear tempered glass and am really happy with the result. In addition, I've got a frame about a foot under each skylight with a piece of plexiglass so there's absolutely no air leaking through. You can get them with a latch that allows them to be opened in the summer but I didn't opt for that. Call John Roggenkamp, 718-680-1217. He also sold me an insulated hatch for the roof and the top floor is a lot warmer than it used to be.

Posted by: ivan at April 2, 2009 6:09 PM in response to replacing skylight

Bobjohn,
I'm facing the same problem-- cellulose or fiberglass for insulating a crawl space under a flat roof. Have you reached a decision? Who are you using? I'd like to discuss this further with you. Would you contact me at kerryivan@aol.com? Thanks

Posted by: ivan at January 6, 2009 6:23 AM in response to cellulose or loose fiberglass insulation for the atic?

will unrolling insullation work on a crawlspace under the roof? If so, does anyone know where I can find someone to do this for me?

Posted by: ivan at October 31, 2008 10:10 AM in response to Insulating crawlspace - savings?

"um NO. running around an apartment making that kind of noise isnt acceptable. why are parents in this city so entitled? jesus. fine if kids can run, so can adults. "

Yeah, and if babies can crap themselves in public, why, so can I!

Posted by: basementalist at September 8, 2009 3:49 PM in response to Running Child Upstairs

no one's stopping you basementalicist. please PLEASE tell me you are not one of those newfangled dangling babies over sewers to pee and poop parents ive started seeing lately. cuz last time i checked most babies dont poop in public, they poop in diapers.

*rob*

Posted by: Butterfly at September 8, 2009 4:02 PM in response to Running Child Upstairs

northsloperenter- there is a difference between a one-off event or very occasional occurrence and repeated noise. A good neighbor doesn't complain about the occasional parties of a neighbor. But if the neighbor has a party everyday, then it's a problem. The same would apply to the noise generated by children. Your child rolling a ball one day is no big deal, as would the occasional noise that all children make (throwing or dropping things, for example). But if you think your apartment is your child's substitute playground and you would permit him/her to make excessive noise on a daily basis, then you would be an obnoxious neighbor. There is no special treatment exemption for children's noise. If my peace and quiet are being disturbed in an unacceptable manner, it doesn't matter whether the noise is generated by children or adults. Again, I do believe in being understanding and avoiding battles with your neighbors, but I think it's outrageous for people to assume that others should tolerate the excessive noise of their children, especially if they are the prevalent ill-behaved ilk.

Posted by: orestes at September 8, 2009 4:07 PM in response to Running Child Upstairs

something is wrong here. i have a small child, and they may run once in awhile inside but probably not with shoes on anyway in the apt. INSIST they put down rugs or carpeting. check the law / get your board involved.

Perhaps do some insulating for your own benefit also because we have lived below a child for almost 3 years and have never heard her, and we're in a new condo.

Posted by: wine lover at September 8, 2009 5:00 PM in response to Running Child Upstairs

Why don't they raise their kids in a tented backyard compound like every good god-fearing parent does. Won't even know they are there.

Posted by: IMBY at September 8, 2009 5:06 PM in response to Running Child Upstairs

The board will do nothing, they cannot enforce anything that is not specifically spelled out in the bylaws.

Even then, you will have a hard time proving it is excessively loud. Especially since the OP mentions it is not occuring after 8PM. Most bylaws state that noise must be curbed after 10 PM.

The board of a condo is essentially powerless.

Posted by: newsouthsloper at September 8, 2009 5:14 PM in response to Running Child Upstairs

classic brownstoner thread - hitting so many hot buttons. annoying kids! indulgent (or maybe incompetent?) parents! selfish childless neighbors! crappy (new? old?) construction! now if someone could only work in sublets, slumlords and street crime we will have hit all the high notes.

it really makes little difference whether the kid should be running, or why the kid is running, 'cause the kid *is* running, and all the self-righteous indignation everyone can muster isn't going to change it. you can bet those parents aren't reading brownstoner for our advice on how to raise their kids to respect (or drive batty) their downstairs neighbors.

when i lived in a condo, there was an 80% floor covering rule that existed expressly for situations like this.my formerly quiet upstairs neighbors became extremely noisy first-time parents and had to carpet their unit as a result. a similar rule exists in the bylaws of many coops and condos in NYC, so check your bylaws. if the rule is there, these people need to get rugs, carpets, foam mats, whatever. be nice and maybe they will handle it on their own initiative. if not, you have to get the board involved. if the rule isn't there, you can take the issue to the board and try and have the rule added. just don't suffer in silence cause that kid is getting heavier every day. :-)

Posted by: geekspice at September 8, 2009 5:17 PM in response to Running Child Upstairs

insulating won't help (very much)...you need to isolate the sound with a continuous resilient barrier (carpet, cork or rubber (the best outside carpet) sub floor on the floor side).

the architectural solutions are all contingent on preventing a sound path from developing vibrated sound through the structure/finishes -

a better solution is working it out with the neighbor...

Posted by: young archi at September 8, 2009 5:22 PM in response to Running Child Upstairs

"no one's stopping you basementalicist. please PLEASE tell me you are not one of those newfangled dangling babies over sewers to pee and poop parents ive started seeing lately."

Rob, pissing directly into the sewer is super-green!

Posted by: denton at September 8, 2009 5:32 PM in response to Running Child Upstairs

Denton, I'd have that checked out.

Posted by: DitmasSnark at September 8, 2009 5:58 PM in response to Running Child Upstairs