jab287's Profile
Author's Posts
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
title search is a separate function wit a separate company.
it is a different con game all together. you are expected to tip him at least $100. on top of the search fee.
Posted by: Ysabelle at October 26, 2007 4:22 PM in response to Closing Attorney Cost
I have always used Home Depot who pretty much matches Lowes in regards to no payments for 12 months, etc. I find that Home Depot is more willing to negotiate on prices much better than Lowes.I will say that I have gotten my lighting from Lowes as their prices are much better but overall everything else was from Home depot and I was totally satisfied.
Posted by: guest at October 26, 2007 10:29 PM in response to Big stores for renovation
Have you checked this website:
www.gatewoodfloors.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.catshow/catid/5059
?
They have great choices for your needs.
Posted by: guest at November 9, 2007 7:33 AM in response to Refinishing Hardwood Floors
Bill Mccellan of Warburg Realty 347-581-4332, was buyers broker for my recent purchase and he was quite impressive. call him.
Posted by: guest at November 30, 2007 1:54 PM in response to broker rec
Paul Lemarc Brown from Corcoran. Great guy and personal friend of mine. Sold a place, and rented two places. You can find his info on corcoran.com
Posted by: guest at November 30, 2007 3:39 PM in response to broker rec
Susan Storan at Corcoran.
Posted by: guest at November 30, 2007 3:42 PM in response to broker rec
Minimum Basic Test of a broker:
If they can't tell you when the the house/apt last had electrical, plumbing and roof work done, and what that work was, they are USELESS.
90% of the time I ask those questions i get a dumb "i don't know" response.
It's truly shocking how most brokers know NONE of the important info about the product they're selling.
Or maybe they know but are just liars. It's sickening really.
Posted by: guest at November 30, 2007 4:00 PM in response to broker rec
Brooklyn Heights Real Estate
Juliet Gittens
Associate Broker
phone: 718-812-3060
http://brooklynheightsrealestate.com/homepage.htm?interest_listing=t&in_listing=5295470&in_agt_key=xbht01jgittens&in_brokercode=XBHT01
Posted by: mahetia at November 30, 2007 6:05 PM in response to broker rec
Minimum basic test of an im be ci le.
Why should an ass like you need a broker. do you know when you last had work done on your rectum, and what that work was. You are useless unless you know that already. see you around.
Posted by: guest at November 30, 2007 7:38 PM in response to broker rec
I have to agree with the previous poster who sang the praises of Elizabeth Pizzulli with Corcoran. She just sold our coop in Ft. Greene in less than a week and got us significantly above asking. She's a great negotiator, strategist and really professional. Worth every penny.
Posted by: guest at December 1, 2007 1:53 AM in response to broker rec
$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