jurist's Profile
Author's Posts
June 30, 2008
Sidewalk repair
My insurance company has sent a notice to me to repair a crack in the sidewalk in front of the house. Can anyone recommend someone to do this relatively small job.
June 26, 2008
Searching for Aluminum or Tin for Backsplash
All, I want to do a tin-tiled backsplash in my kitchen and have not found anyplace to buy tin tiles. There are places on the internet, but I really want to see the product in person before buying. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
May 12, 2008
Rebates for Energy Efficient Windows
I have heard that there is a program (possibly more than one) available for homeowners to receive rebates (per window) for installing energy efficient windows in their homes. I have tried to find more information on-line, but come up empty. If anyone has heard of this program or has solid info on how to take advantage of it, please let me know. Thanks.
May 9, 2008
Discount Tile
Any recommendations on a warehouse, etc., preferably in Brooklyn, that has a good selection of quality tile at cost conscious prices? Tiles are for bathroom, laundry room and mudroom renovations. Thanks in advance.
May 8, 2008
Electrical Wiring Query
I am sure this has been asked before, but I couldn't find anything during a quick search, so here goes. We just bought a one-family, four story brownstone and were told during the inspection that the electrical service--double pole, 220V, 100AMP was adequate for a modern home. We are now being told by an electrician that 200AMP is the standard for a modern home. Any thoughts on this?
Also, if we have to re-wire the entire house, any ideas on what this is going to cost? We are expecting a quote from the electrician that was referred to us, but it's going to take him a day or so to put it together and I don't want to have sticker shock.
March 12, 2008
Cleaning Air Ducts
My husband and I are buying an old limestone which uses forced air. We are sure that the ducts have not been cleaned in decades and want to get that work done. Has anyone used a company that they like and can recommend?
Thanks!
Author's Comments
I was told that Brownstone Insurance Agency was the best. I just signed up with them for a single-family 4-story brownstone; we got the top coverage (i.e., not the basic plan). Premium is around $6K for three years. Not sure how State Farm compares to that.
Posted by: jurist at April 16, 2008 2:32 PM in response to Insurance Recs
We will be putting in a washer/dryer and a dishwasher. There are some window A/C units, but we will be removing those. It's a forced air heating situation, so at some point we will probably install central air. In the meatime, we'll use fans and maybe ceiling fans.
Posted by: jurist at May 8, 2008 11:31 AM in response to Electrical Wiring Query
Thanks all, these are helpful comments.
Posted by: jurist at May 8, 2008 2:04 PM in response to Electrical Wiring Query
Thanks!
Posted by: jurist at May 9, 2008 10:03 AM in response to Discount Tile
How did you revive the old hydrangea? We just bought a house and the backyard is a bit of a jungle, but there's a withered hydrangea that would be great to save.
Posted by: jurist at May 13, 2008 5:23 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Bushwick 'English Garden'
Enduro is a great place, but I agree with Dutch, the food is average. Maybe it's just what I ordered. In any event, the ambiance is great and there is certainly a need for more options like it.
Posted by: jurist at May 13, 2008 5:39 PM in response to Streetlevel: Lincoln Road Nail Salon Shuts Down
We are using Custom Metal Products, 718 443-2676. They came last week-end to measure and give a quote. We need a cover for the front and back and another for the roof. It's running us about $1500 for all three. Didn't price anyone else b/c they came on a referral, so not sure how they stack against others. Installation isn't for a couple of weeks, so can't fully vouch for them yet. However, they did return my calls promptly and showed up for the estimate when they saiad they would.
Posted by: jurist at May 14, 2008 11:33 AM in response to Please recommend an Iron Works Company??!!
I am new to PLG and having looked around a bit before taking the plunge I can say that even though this house "has everything new" it's still only 3 stories and from what I can tell there are four story houses in PLG in LM that are priced only a hair above this $1.35 asking price. My view is that anyone in that price range will settle for a bigger house even if there's a little work to be done.
As for restaurants and bars, they'll come to PLG eventually. What's there already is the real draw: Prospect Park, Botanic Garden, express subways, and it's just a skip to Prospect Heights and Park Slope for other amenities. If you have the financial wherewithal to buy a house for $1.3M, you can afford the five minute cab ride to another, dare I say it, "nabe." Or if you feel like gambling with your life, take the dollar van down Flatbush.
Posted by: jurist at May 19, 2008 5:41 PM in response to House of the Day: 168 Midwood Street
6:46pm, You know not what you speak. A $200K renovation means the house was nearly a wreck. Obviously, one can spend into the stratosphere for renovations, $60 per square foot tile, Viking stoves, etc. But putting those subjective expenses aside, I haven't seen any LM house recently on the market in the $1.4M range that need $200K in work. (Yes, in CH and FG you will see houses that are falling down and the ask is still near $2M, but not in LM.) The LM houses are generally in good shape because it's always been a middle class community. Even if you have to re-wire the whole house you are "only" looking at $50K and that's on the high side. Anyway, the houses that are most recently on the market in LM have already undergone electrical upgrades and are mostly in need of cosmetic work.
We have a four story house and it's definitely big and spacious, but I don't think it's "too big for many families." If money was not an issue, I think most families in NYC, especially those with kids, would always opt for more space. If you have it, you use it.
Posted by: jurist at May 19, 2008 7:05 PM in response to House of the Day: 168 Midwood Street
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
alart:
who is Nick and transcend?
Posted by: guest at July 2, 2008 10:59 PM in response to Sidewalk repair
Transcend construction, they advertise on the forum (347-407-1816)
Posted by: guest at July 4, 2008 10:22 PM in response to Sidewalk repair
Thanks. Any idea on cost for such a project? The house is four stories.
Posted by: jurist at March 12, 2008 5:59 PM in response to Cleaning Air Ducts