jellystew's Profile
- Jen
- soon
- Jan 08
- U.S. Non NYC
- Bedford Stuyvesant
Author's Posts
January 12, 2010
Replacing an Expansion Tank
How difficult is this job? According to my boiler guy, I need to replace my 30 expansion tank with a 60 (or add another 30, which would require the addition of a "T," which work would cost more than the savings from purchasing the smaller tank). To me, it looks like it just involves cutting off the water to the tank, unscrewing the old tank, teflon tape, and screwing on new tank, and adding support from a ceiling joist. I'm pretty handy, but generally hesitant to mess with the boiler. Can I do this myself?
Don't worry, I will also be asking boiler guy before proceeding, but wanted to put the question to you folks, too.
October 13, 2009
What kind of wood do we use
to sister termite-damaged joists in the basement?
The old, undamaged wood is to be treated for termites by an exterminator to prevent further damage. Some old repairs were made with the greenish pressure treated wood, which I understand emits harmful gases - so I don't want to put any more down there. So what do we use to sister the single joist that needs sistering now?
October 1, 2009
Basement Structural Work
Having torn down much of the drywall ceiling in the basement of our Bed-Stuy 2-family home, we discovered, no surprise, that we have some past and present termite problems. Seeking recommendations for contractor/engineers/architects to recommend solutions, bid on, and do, the necessary work. We're happy with our exterminator, but need someone to correct some past repairs and do some new ones. Thanks.
August 4, 2009
Basement Ceiling
We bought about a year ago and are gradually doing all of the "must do" projects. One of those is to sister a few joists in the basement that were not properly repaired following some old termite damage. To save some money, I am taking down the basement ceiling (drywall) myself, to make sure we know the scope of the job before we hire a contractor to do the job.
Question: Above the oil furnace/boiler, instead of drywall, there are several pieces of rusty painted sheet metal covering the joists. Can I safely remove the metal too, or is there a reason that I should leave it there? I don't know the condition of the joists above it, but there is some damage nearby, so if the metal is not serving a purpose, I would like to remove it.
Thank you. Contractor recommendations are welcome as well.
May 29, 2008
Buyin a brownstone with no CO
I'm considering the purchase of a brownstone in Bed-Stuy with no CO (has been in one family since the 1920s), which has been used as both a four and a three family in recent years. I hope to live in it and rent the remaining units (either 2 or 3) - but I want to do it right. Has anyone done something similar- what will I need to do to get a CO (do I need one), what does that entail, and are there any good resources or books I should pick up?
Thanks.
Author's Comments
i have a diaphragm-style expansion tank, so i think that i would have to pump up the air chamber, rather than draining it. am i correct in thinking that pumping up my tank achieves the same result as draining an old style one? thanks for the help!
Posted by: jellystew at December 21, 2009 1:32 PM in response to Boiler Water Drip Continued
i have a similar situation. about 1-2 gallons of water come out of the system when the heat (hot water radiators) is running. we haven't figured it out yet, but my pipe was threaded, so i rigged up a hose to a bucket and now empty it every night during heating season. if anyone has any ideas, that would be lovely.
Posted by: jellystew at December 21, 2009 11:19 AM in response to Boiler Water Drip Continued
thanks all - the joist that requires repair is the first short one that goes across in the very front of the house, right up against the masonry. (inconveniently, right where the gas, electric, and oil tank are). It's 18' long, and the last 4-5' are damaged.
Any ideas about how to attach the new wood to the old?
I know that the new wood should be bolted along the length of the repair, and should be more than the length of the damaged part (we're going to try to do 10' of new wood) but I can't get a bolt into the old joist because it is right up against the masonry, except for the 2' where the front hatch (and the worst of the damage) is.
Posted by: jellystew at October 14, 2009 11:05 AM in response to What kind of wood do we use
we rented the machine from home depot, which came free with the purchase of 30 bales of cellulose, and did it ourselves in an afternoon for under $500. We did it last january or february, and could feel the difference in the house the second we finished the job. this summer was our first summer in the house though, so i don't know whether it had any noticeable effect on heat absorption.
Posted by: jellystew at October 13, 2009 9:51 AM in response to Blown In Insulation
Z. Abedin is doing a fabulous job on my stoop right now - with a 15-year guarantee. He has a great crew but has been doing the finish work himself, and is certainly an artist. If you call, please tell him that Jen on Bainbridge passed his number along, and let me know if you would like to check out the work. His number is 917-903-0196.
Posted by: jellystew at October 6, 2009 1:56 PM in response to Brownstone Contractor Needed
Thanks mopar - Would appreciate a recommendation.
Afroskully - We use an independent local exterminator, and I couldn't be happier with his service, knowledge, and willingness to explain things until they make sense to me. We considered the big companies, but they seemed to be more about sales than extermination. Let me know if you want my guy's number.
Posted by: jellystew at October 2, 2009 3:03 PM in response to Basement Structural Work
Sorry - original post wasn't clear - we need someone to repair or replace the 2 or 3 wooden joists (going across, not the long one down the middle) that have been damaged by termites.
Posted by: jellystew at October 1, 2009 12:10 PM in response to Basement Structural Work
I've been having a similar problem - does the "refi plus" program exist for 2 family homes? I put 80% down 8 months ago, but have lost some value, and now would like to refinance at a 90% LTV.
Posted by: jellystew at May 12, 2009 5:12 PM in response to PMI
I rent out half of my house about 2 blocks from the Utica station (about six months ago, we took the same leap you are contemplating). We rent out a big 2BR, plus front parlor, for $1600, but it is not newly renovated by any stretch of the imagination. I think your prices are on the inexpensive side for the area, and would allow you to fill a vacancy very quickly.
Posted by: jellystew at April 27, 2009 11:05 AM in response to Rental Reasearch
The Bed Stuy limestone is the one next to the park - I noticed the sign in the window this morning. I'll be taking a look this weekend.
Posted by: jellystew at April 17, 2009 2:52 PM in response to Open House Picks
I have a variety of pavers, rocks, concrete, etc. from redoing the back garden, and you are welcome to the excess. I would estimate that I have about 5 wheelbarrows full of assorted rocks, averaging about the size of a brick. Please email me at jellystew at gmail if you are interested in taking them away.
Posted by: jellystew at April 14, 2009 11:10 AM in response to looking 4 bricks bluestone rocks
I haven't done it yet, but am starting to plan a vegetable and flower garden for the concrete pad that is presently my backyard. I'd love to discuss ideas and exchange resources - I've mostly been working on my compost and collecting seeds - but I just started some seeds in my front window for when it warms up.
My plan is to try a little of everything and see what works.
Posted by: jellystew at February 25, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Forest Gardening
Any chance of your coming down Macdonough to Stuyvesant Avenue? I'm renovating on Bainbridge between Stuyvesant and Malcolm X, and many of my neighbors are as well.
Posted by: jellystew at September 24, 2008 3:24 PM in response to Best Block for Brownstone Renovation
Thanks Amzi Hill!
As to anything for sale, we had the best luck walking around the neighborhood on Saturday mornings, taking down phone numbers and talking to everyone we met. It was a lot of work- but fun- and we saw a lot more houses that way than by just looking on craigslist and agency websites.
And calling it SH is fun - like ssshhhh ... let's keep it our little secret. Probably a little late for that now.
Posted by: jellystew at September 12, 2008 4:36 PM in response to Barbara Goes Long Stuy Heights
I just bought a 2fam around the corner from these limestones and walk the dogs by them every day (scooping the poop). Love my new neighborhood (nabe? 'hood? ugh) and glad to know I'm not the only one.
Posted by: jellystew at September 12, 2008 4:16 PM in response to Barbara Goes Long Stuy Heights
Thanks - Let me see if I have you right. If it was used as a 4 family prior to 1938 (which we might be able to find out from the electrical system and billing information) then no CO is necessary, but we may have to conform to the requirements anyway for the deal to go through?
Some of this may have been done, the building has a fire escape, separate meters, circuit breakers, etc., I'm sure the inspection will clear some of it up.
ps - buyinG a brownstone
Posted by: jellystew at May 29, 2008 2:12 PM in response to Buyin a brownstone with no CO
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Innovation Construction 718-666-7679
I found them to be an expert on the brownstones. i recommended them to few of my friends who also needs to have their facade/stoops restored. currently they are doing a project for a friend on Macon st. great, reasonably priced. with a guarantee. good luck
Posted by: Micheal_37 at October 6, 2009 3:33 PM in response to Brownstone Contractor Needed
Hello,
My name is Dan and I am a licensed contractor I have been in this business over 15 years if your project is still open I am very interested why don't you give me a call and we can dicuss it further I can be reached at 718 919-7794 if you get the answer machine please leave a message and I will return your call.
Thank You,
Dan
Posted by: superdee01 at October 6, 2009 9:34 PM in response to Brownstone Contractor Needed
Geo,
Shane Deary construction may be a good fit...His company has a natural knack for re-using existing materials and finding creative solutions to give use to every space. i know he recently finished a 4 story gut reno in bk in which he had to rebuild the entire back brick wall. He does much of the work himself which is nice. his number is 917 495-7120. I will mention that i have recommended him. good luck.
Posted by: brownstonereno24 at October 7, 2009 12:02 AM in response to Brownstone Contractor Needed
To afroskully
Terminate Terminex. They simply don't provide the service contracted for; I wrote to the regional office manager and had my money refunded.
They are old school con-artists, the kind you still run into in NYC, completely trying to get over on their clients. (some oil companies fall into this group)
We were definitely sold something we didn't need and encouraged to lie about having termites (we had mice).
Then the "scheduled" visits don't take place; they cancel them and don't tell you as you wait for someone to show up on the appointed date-this happenned twice. Then they offer to make it up to you with a credit they never post to your account.
If you want minimal or no stress from a pest control provider don't continue with this outfit.
Bad bad news.
Posted by: argentina at October 10, 2009 9:44 PM in response to Basement Structural Work
Our guy from Bushwick is coming Wed. His rates appear to be very reasonable. If he does good work, I will post his name here when we are done.
Posted by: mopar at October 11, 2009 12:02 PM in response to Basement Structural Work
If there's truly a vast expanse of good wood to lag to on either end, you can use lots of 1/2" lag bolts.
There should be enough good wood on either side anyway. Otherwise, you should be thinking in terms of replacing the joist instead of sistering to it.
Posted by: vanburenproud at October 15, 2009 7:47 AM in response to What kind of wood do we use
Look our jobs or talk to our references
Hatiya Contracting Inc
Brownstone Specialist
www.hatiya.net
Posted by: hatiya at October 15, 2009 11:49 PM in response to Brownstone Contractor Needed
you can contact with us at
Hatiya Contracting Inc
Brownstone Specialist
Email: hatiya@hatiya.net
Tel: 718-521-9392
or visit us at www.hatiya.net
Posted by: hatiya at November 30, 2009 10:13 PM in response to Brownstone Contractor Needed
drain the expansion tank!
Most likely when boiler is running, water does not have space to expand and overpressure valve releases pressure by dumping water. So drain the expansion tank.
After this check the pressure in the system - should be between 20 and 30 when boiler is running.
Do not leave it as it is. It is not good to run your system near the critical pressure. If it all sounds like a mastery - call the service.
Posted by: bobjohn at December 21, 2009 12:56 PM in response to Boiler Water Drip Continued
Second that expansion tank point!
Posted by: Johnny at December 21, 2009 1:10 PM in response to Boiler Water Drip Continued
This is the system that was spitting out a couple of gallons of water on cold days. I don't know exact water volume, but the system includes about 15 radiators of various sizes spread over 3 floors. Recharging the 30 tank - and the slightly warmer weather - have improved the situation somewhat, but the system still puts out about a gallon of water when running.
Either way, is the consensus that it's best to pay boiler guy to put the new tank in, and not attempt it myself?
Posted by: jellystew at January 13, 2010 8:51 AM in response to Replacing an Expansion Tank