jab287's Profile

Name:
In Brooklyn Since:
On Brownstoner Since:
inception - hooked
Location:
Brooklyn
Neighborhood:
Crown Heights
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House
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Author's Posts

October 22, 2008

Need to replace Radiators

I have two, 10 panel radiators that have leaks and need to be replaced (rust and cracks in metal). Any recommendations on where to purchase new or used radiators?

thanks in advance.

July 2, 2008

Roof Decks: Input on Materials and Structure?

Hi All,

I am considering adding a roofdeck to my building. The roof has a rubber/alumium roof with a slight pitch to the rear of the house. The party walls are about 18” with a cement cap.

Initially I was going to use steel I-beams that spanned the party walls so the deck was off the roof, but found that any builder using steel would add about $4000 to the cost of the deck. Several contractors said it is ok to build a deck directly on the roof. This is done by using a ½” roof pad under a platform system and the deck on top of that. The platform supposedly distributes the weight evenly on top of the deck. Lastly, one contractor suggested using a serious of palates that could be easily removed if/when I need to replace the rubber roof material.

During a renovation on my top floor, the ceiling was open and I got a look at the beams supporting the roof. I am not an expert, but the beams looked solid (no cracking, dry spots or insect damage) and my contractor also said they looked very solid.

I am considering hiring a structural engineer to test the capacity of the roof, but not sure I need to do this.

A Few questions:
1. Has anyone built a deck on top of the roof using the platform system (no steel), if so, any feedback regarding damage to roof, leaks or other negative results.

2. Has anyone used fiberglass as a roof material to seal roof AND for the deck? This procedure is used in ocean communities because most decks take a beating from the salt air. I have a contractor/roofer from south jersey who is Firestone certified who said this procedure would work well with rubber roofs. He’s done roof and deck work for me in another house and is very experienced and qualified (and honest). He wants to expand his business in Brooklyn.
FYI - None of the deck contractors I spoke to in Brooklyn mentioned Fiberglass as an option. They all want to use composite or wood.

3. Anyone have any experience with the composite deck materials: Trex, Azek, etc? any thoughts on slippage, staining, wear/tear etc? I’ve read the brochures, but would like real feedback.

4. Lastly, Has anyone had any experience with “Decks R Us” good/bad?

Thanks in advance.

Handyman: Gary Anderson - input?

Has anyone used Gary Anderson Sr. to do any painting/stripping or other work in Brooklyn? If so, comments appreciated. I am considering him for a large paint job.

thanks

March 12, 2008

Paul Davis Construction question

Has anyone used Paul Davis construction for renovations and or repairs? If so, please comment on your experience. I'm considering them for water damage renovation.

thanks

February 20, 2008

New Construction on St. Johns -CH

On St. Johns Place between Kingston and Brooklyn Ave in Crown Heights there is a huge construction site (1/2 the block). Does anyone know whats going to be built here? Work started about 1 month ago, the land has been bulldozed, pilings (or something) and a fence were installed. Where can I search in public records to find out whats going on here?

thanks

December 20, 2007

Suggestions for Roofdeck addition

I want to add a roofdeck to my brownstone. I have a rubber roof, and a staircase leading to the roof. I know I have to consult an engineer and have been advised to use sectional decking which can be removed for roof repairs etc. Has anyone done this? if so, can you recommend a builder and/or engineer. Lastly, any ideas on cost - figuring about 18x20 deck. All suggestions, ideas, concerns welcome. I'd like to get everything lined up for a springtime start.

thanks

Jab

December 3, 2007

Recommendation for a cabinet maker?

I am doing a gut reno on my bathroom and want to install a 2-sink custom vanity. Can anyone recommend a good cabinet maker who does bathroom vanities (any maybe the top as well?)
Dimensions are roughly 60x23x33

thanks in advance

October 29, 2007

Bathroom renovation - Do I need a permit?

I want to renovate and expand the footprint of my existing 4x6' bathroom. I intend on knocking down 2 walls and increasing the bathroom to about 10x7 . Two different contractors asked if I am going to get a permit from the city. They mentioned that if I don't get a permit, I might have trouble selling the building in the future. questions:

1. Do I need the permit to expand the footprint?

2. If I don't get a permit, how will the city know and will I have a problem if/when I want to sell?

thanks

October 23, 2007

How do I re-attached radiators after new floor can't be re-attached after new floor installed

I had new wood floors installed. The old flooring could not be refinished and I think the floor guy installed the new planks on top of the old flooring. The new floors are 3/4" higher than the old floor, as a result the radiators sit 3/4" higher than the connection/plumbing. Any suggestions on how to re-attach the radiators? I imagine I need some kind of curved (goose neck?) fitting? Do I need to call a plumber to fix this or can I do it myself? Any advice appreciated.

Author's Comments

I used (and highly recommend) PHDesign architects for my bathroom renovation. They are a husband and wife team, easy to work with (came to my house at nites/weekends to review and were always available), had lots of good ideas, were affordable, AND Anthony has hands on experience in construction (he speaks the language and is great with contractors). Give them a call: 646-660-1654.
I can provide more info if requested.

Posted by: jab287 at February 27, 2009 5:28 PM in response to Bathroom Reno: Reality Check

Call Sean at Old Oak Flooring. He has done 2 apartments for me and his guys are craftsman. He re-claimed wood in one room to patch another in my house, then stained and polished - you cannot tell the difference.
Maybe he can combine the wood from both rooms to fit in one room and save you some money.
Old Oak Flooring: 646-662-5724.

Posted by: jab287 at February 25, 2009 12:26 PM in response to Pee-Stained Wood Floors?

See posts on "Old Oak Flooring". Sean only does floors. His prices are fair and his craftsmanship is excellent. My house had old floors with sections of plaster patches (covered by carpet). He re-used/salvaged wood from rooms where I had to replace the entire floor - and used these pieces in other rooms that only need a patch job. He did this to ensure the flooring was a near match. The finished job looks great and you cannot tell where the patch is.
Old Oak Flooring: 646-662-5724
(sometimes he is hard to reach)

Posted by: jab287 at February 3, 2009 10:38 AM in response to Wood Floor Refinishing?

Call Mr. Humphrey at 718-253-2321. My neighbor hired him to fix her front door - decent prices and he does good work. I hired him build out my closet (increase doorway, install sliding doors, and other jobs - in November). He came by my house to provide an estimate and actually fixed a loose door when I asked him about it (no charge). I will post when he completes the job.

Posted by: jab287 at October 20, 2008 5:39 PM in response to Front door leaks lots of cold air in

for a comp call Sean O'Sullivan at Old Oak Flooring. Sean only does floors and is a craftsman. He did 2 floors in my house, new wood and sanded old wood. My broker recommended him to me. Good work, honest and reasonable prices. 646-662-5724. I was most impressed with the clean up - almost zero sawdust.
I plan on using him to finish the last 2 floors. If you want more info, leave email and I will contact you.

Posted by: jab287 at July 25, 2008 12:24 AM in response to Reasonable quote? Water or oil based finish?

Is it legal to convert the garage to housing OR build housing on top of the garage (in Brooklyn)?

Posted by: jab287 at July 17, 2008 5:14 PM in response to House of the Day: 228 Washington Avenue

I am interested in some of the items. I have a car and can pick them up tonight. josh@buksbaum.com 917-603-3488
thanks!

Posted by: jab287 at July 16, 2008 2:12 PM in response to Furniture Donations

How can I contact you?

Posted by: jab287 at July 14, 2008 11:28 AM in response to Powerful Window AC, $250

If you need to install a custom sized/irregular sized vanity, I would highly recommend Art Moskowitz at Home Depot Expo in Westbury NY for help. Art has over 40 years in the biz, is very knowledgable and a real gentleman to work with. He helped me design a 66" double vanity at a very reasonable (compared to off-the shelf) price - about $1600. This did not include the sinks or top. The only downside was that is took 6 weeks for delivery.

Posted by: jab287 at March 3, 2008 3:43 PM in response to Minimum size for double sink vanity

Not Bed-Stuy, but a newly renovated 3 bed, garden duplex in Crown Heights (1600 sq feet) is renting for $2300.

http://www.corcoran.com/property/listing.aspx?Region=NYC&ListingID=1091147

Owner here, not the broker. Looking for a good tenant

Posted by: jab287 at December 3, 2007 1:33 PM in response to Anyone renting in Bed Stuy?

Elizabeth Pizzulli at Corcoran. Nicest, hardest working person in the biz. Worked with me for over 1 year to find a home. She's also an attorney.
If you want more info, list your email and I will send you a detailed note of my experience.

Posted by: jab287 at November 30, 2007 10:55 AM in response to broker rec

I am considering Home Depot for my kitchen. Could you please supply the name of the contractor. thanks

Posted by: jab287 at October 26, 2007 12:56 PM in response to Big stores for renovation

Try Sean at Old Oak Flooring. They only do flooring. He is reasonable and does good work (and he has that great irish brogue). 646-662-5724

Posted by: jab287 at October 24, 2007 5:31 PM in response to Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Sorry - that subject should read "How do I re-attach radiators after new floor installed"

Posted by: jab287 at October 23, 2007 10:43 AM in response to How do I re-attached radiators after new floor can't be re-attached after new floor installed

$2000 - Howard Brickner in Brooklyn Heights was great. He was always available to answer my questions and was very proactive in protecting my interests as a buyer.

Posted by: jab287 at October 23, 2007 10:27 AM in response to Closing Attorney Cost

Responses to Author's Forum Comments

As I understand it oil is a more durable finish. That said, the smell is really bad so plan to clear out of your house for a few days after the fact to let it clear out.

Posted by: MrsLimestone at July 25, 2008 8:39 AM in response to Reasonable quote? Water or oil based finish?

Water is best to prevent ambering. Oil-based sealers are generally known to give freshly-sanded wood an often not so favorable orange-hue. I have experienced this first hand. Some will say it's a matter of preference. I personally like and wanted the wood to stay as close to it newly sanded complexion and was disappointed with the oil-based result.

Posted by: cmontgom at July 25, 2008 10:24 AM in response to Reasonable quote? Water or oil based finish?

Florence - who are you using to do your floors?

Posted by: BB at July 25, 2008 11:15 AM in response to Reasonable quote? Water or oil based finish?

Thanks so much, folks. We don't have kids or dogs, so we're figuring water based would suit our needs, plus we have very limited time to get it all done. We'd heard about the smell but didn't know about "ambering", which is definitely not something we want, as the floors are already fairly dark as it is. Plus we have cherry cabinets and an exposed brick wall, so an orange-y hue sounds a little frightening.

We are using Ken with Pro Painting and Floor Scraping. Anyone have experience with his work?

Posted by: Florence Castleberry at July 25, 2008 1:54 PM in response to Reasonable quote? Water or oil based finish?

Jab287,

Please give me more info on Sean O'Sullivan and Old Oak Flooring by emailing me at Brooklynista at yahoo. Thanks!

Posted by: Brooklynista at July 26, 2008 1:08 AM in response to Reasonable quote? Water or oil based finish?

Oil-modified urethane will yellow over time. Some people prefer this look as it gives a bit of "age" to the wood. My main objection to oil urethane is that it seals the wood like plastic (which is good in high traffic applications).

Given both options, I prefer a good water-based urethane on trim but oils on floors. Oil is much more durable. I've had bad experience using water-based urethanes on floors. I'd never do it again.

Given all options, I'd go with Waterlox. It offers much of the protection of an oil with the repairability of a shellac and it doesn't leave a thick, yellowing finish. Downside: it's still solvent-based so it smells like an oil and it has the drying time of an oil. But it's also very DIY.

Posted by: Steve at July 27, 2008 12:23 PM in response to Reasonable quote? Water or oil based finish?

I used Inti Interior Design and Floors. Talk to Carlos, his cell number is 646-281-2659. They do excellent work are reasonable with their pricing.

-Allan

Posted by: adamkidron at July 27, 2008 3:30 PM in response to Reasonable quote? Water or oil based finish?

I would also like info on Sean O'Sullivan. broeliza at gmail

Thanks

Posted by: elisbrown at August 7, 2008 5:04 PM in response to Reasonable quote? Water or oil based finish?

The inner door is falling off its hinge and doesn't close properly, the outer doors have huge gaps and are not at all secure. We need someone to come along and re-do the hanging and sealing of these doors and secure the double doors so they close tight and sound FLEX DUCT.http://estore.silversheet.net

Posted by: patrai808 at October 22, 2008 2:45 AM in response to Front door leaks lots of cold air in

We'd be happy to give you an estimate for your bathroom renovation, we are very affordable I'm sure we can work with your budget.
We are available all next week for appointments. We're working on a bathroom renovation next week which we can arrange for you to see as well.

Our contact info is: 774-955-3804 or willianprates68@hotmail.com

Also here is our website for pictures:
www.pratesplastering.web.officelive.com

Look forward to hear from you.

Thanks!

Posted by: Aida008 at February 27, 2009 8:20 PM in response to Bathroom Reno: Reality Check