The hospital portion of Victory closed over a year ago. They had been running the nursing home portion of the facility since then. I delivered my son there in Oct of 2007 and had a wonderful experience. Very sorry to see it gone.....

Posted by: katiem633 at September 16, 2009 5:36 PM in response to Hospital Sells Building and Closes Down

I second ecobrooklyn.com
I think this guys is amazing.....there is a clip about what they are doing on reclaimedhome

http://reclaimedhome.com/2009/08/20/build-it-forward-with-eco-brooklyn/

Posted by: katiem633 at September 8, 2009 10:23 PM in response to Green Builder

Big Apple is seriously overpriced - We used Andre from A&A and he got our chimney working for about a tenth of the price that Big Apple quoted -

Posted by: katiem633 at August 30, 2009 9:23 AM in response to fireplace renovation

I live near the WT house - I think that they had done a pretty extensive renovation.......that being said I am surprised that they got that price in this climate - it is a pretty small house (although it look perfectly renovated)

Posted by: katiem633 at August 21, 2009 2:13 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

I work nearby and I have personally seen protesters there on a few occasions. I think that there are frequently elderly protesters walking outside the building but I don't think that they are very disruptive to the rest of the block. I agree with the above poster and I would speak to people who live on the block and get there take on the situation.

Posted by: katiem633 at July 1, 2009 11:57 PM in response to Living on block w/ Abortion Ctr

I have a garage available in WT (Greenwood and East 7th) for 250$. Email me at katieapartments @ yahoo.com if interested.

Otherwise for an outdoor space, I agree 150-200 sounds about right.

Posted by: katiem633 at June 1, 2009 9:40 AM in response to going rate for a parking space?

I am located in windsor terrace but I have a large garage that I am looking to rent. I am located on Greeenwood Ave and East 7th. One block from the F train... Email me if you are interested. Katieapartments@yahoo.com

Posted by: katiem633 at May 14, 2009 11:58 PM in response to Park Slope Parking Space

Jason from big apple is a nice guy but they are WILDLY overpriced.... They quoted me over 18k worth of work to get my fireplace up and running... and that they would need to put in scaffolding etc. I went with Andre from A&A and he was able to get the chimney functioning for a fraction of the cost!

Posted by: katiem633 at April 23, 2009 10:13 PM in response to Rec for Fireplace/Chimney Work?

I have to agree with denton, DIB and others... for that small amount I would remove it myself. Otherwise it will be a ridiculous amount of money to do something that you could have easily done.

Posted by: katiem633 at January 14, 2009 9:18 PM in response to asbestos removal recommendation?

Not to sounds stupid - but if it is very warm in the rest of the apartment .... why dont they just open the door and the difference in temperature will not be as significant.

I would also offer to pay for the difference in the electricity bill until the situation is taken care of, and I would let them know that you were in the 2nd floor apartment and it was very warm and you need to keep the enitire house comfortable- not just that one room.

Posted by: katiem633 at December 30, 2008 5:59 PM in response to heat problem and tenants rights

I have a similar story and I am completely fed up with the DOB. I was given a stop work order but written on the SWO it stated that painting plastering moulding and doors were still allowable only no plumbing and electrical... Ok so we continued painting etc. About a week later a second inspector comes by and give a second full SWO and a 2000- fine for working while there is a SWO on the property.

We have a hearing date, go to the hearing and ask for a postponement, just get a notice in the mail stating that we failed to show up for our hearing and now our fine is 8000k....I feel so disgusted by the entire experience!

I have no problem paying a fine for work without a permit - but 2 fines for work we were specifically told we could do and for not showing for a hearing that we were at makes me crazy!

Posted by: katiem633 at December 17, 2008 10:38 PM in response to Stop Work Order / DoB Bureaucracy

I want to second your endorsement of Andre. I had a great experience with him after being quoted MUCH higher price with someone else.

Posted by: katiem633 at December 14, 2008 12:25 AM in response to Honest Chimney Guy

I think the price is WAY off. They are across the street from the projects, and the block itself is still industrial with many empty lots which most likely will remain that way for a while considering the state of the economy. Half the price and I might go for it.

Posted by: katiem633 at December 12, 2008 6:11 PM in response to Tuscan Townhouses Have Risen

I am not sure what you need to do but I would like to say that the DOB is out in full force in Windsor Terrace. My neighbors had complaints and we just recently had an inspector out to our house...... I think that they are really looking for some revenue for the city.

Posted by: katiem633 at November 6, 2008 9:42 PM in response to Violation Notice from DEP

Meanwhile... I get a stop work order for adding high-hats in my kitchen! You gotta love nyc

Posted by: katiem633 at October 20, 2008 6:23 PM in response to DOB - selectively enfocing building regulations

Thanks for all the input...looks like I will most likely need a permit for the upcoming work in our apartment...but the rental renov has been very minor, apparently the house was completely renovated in the late 1960's...and all of the original detail destroyed...(as per neighbors, so I am not too worried about asbestos in the tiles)and all fixtures and appliances remained in the same place). The other problem is that all the walls are metal lath so any renovation of our apartment is going to be that much more complicated :( Thanks again for all the help...

Posted by: katiem633 at August 25, 2008 7:10 PM in response to DOB Complaint

am thai on mcdonald and albemarle is great... so is the chinese place yen-yen's on church.

Posted by: katiem633 at August 25, 2008 4:52 AM in response to Kensington

Meant to say "Is this a violation?"
There are old linoleum or vinyl tiles in the kitchen... that are being replaced with the same type of tiles.

If there is demo and rebuild of old walls do you need a permit?

There has been a complaint but I am not sure by who- I am thinking that it is the neighbors who frequently park blocking our driveway :(

Posted by: katiem633 at August 24, 2008 4:12 PM in response to DOB Complaint

Beginning with children who will not learn how to spell!

Posted by: katiem633 at August 23, 2008 6:41 PM in response to Ending with Ignurance

I have lived in WT my whole live (except for college in Boston) and I think it is crazy that people are spending these kind of prices on these houses but that being said I think it may go close to asking.

Although these houses are on the small side I think they are very charming...some more than others. As someone previously posted a number of homes on fuller and howard have sold recently for 1.3-1.5 range.
And to agree with Mrs.Limestone I like the green sofa!

Just to weigh in on the PS/WT debate.... I know that when I was growing up people didnt even know where WT was... I would have to explain that we were between PS and Kensington - but this was before South Slope, Greenwood Heights and other neighborhood names existed. I think that the reason people know where WT is now is because it has been marketed and described by NY times and others as a less expensive alternative to PS.
In the end each neighborhood has its charms....I personally grew up and now recently bought my own home in the southern part of WT. I have a detached frame 2 family with a driveway and garage... my parents 1 fam is detached with a long driveway and 2 car garage.... these things are not possible (or very very rare in PS).

It comes down to that most of WT was built for lower income farmer families in the late 1800s (at least the detached homes that I have lived in) and PS was built for a much more affulent group of families but this means you can find larger lots in WT (expecially southern WT)...some with detached garages!
I feel like when I am in my parents back yard that I am not in the city at all....that is a positive for me - but it maynot be so for everyone....I think it is worth the drive or long walk to keyfood or church ave to pick up essentials...but that is just my humble opinion.

Posted by: katiem633 at August 22, 2008 7:26 AM in response to House of the Day: 540 16th Street

I am in agreement with the above poster who think the WT houses are way overpriced - but it is making me feel pretty positive about my recent purchase of a house in that area - admittedly a MUCH lower priced house!!!!

Posted by: katiem633 at August 8, 2008 6:24 PM in response to Open House Picks

I know that build it green in astoria takes old electronics and will clear out all the information on the computers... I think the web site is bignyc.org

Posted by: katiem633 at July 27, 2008 7:59 PM in response to Old computers?

Personally - I would try to fit a stall shower and the claw foot tub - if possible.....I think that claw foots are very comfortable for a soak but agree with the above - not all that comfortable to take a shower in.

Posted by: katiem633 at July 18, 2008 12:16 PM in response to converting shower to tub

If the wood have never been painted - it most likely was not meant to be painted....

Alot of homes will have pine that people strip and it looks quite nice but this type of wood most likely was meant to be covered .... If your home is full of ornate oak that has never been painted - I would have to agree with Stuymom and say don't do it - or got for the compromise and try to lighten it...

Posted by: katiem633 at July 18, 2008 9:53 AM in response to Painting the woodwork - is it a crime?

Is it a basement or a first floor - I ask because you mention that there is plywood under the carpet - which I think is a little odd for Windsor Terrace bc most of those houses are pretty old - I live in one and the original basement was a cement floor (about an inch think and under that just dirt)
That being said I live closer to Kensington and we have no problems with flooding.....

As Mrs. Limestone said carpet is really not tolerant of moisture so if the current owners had a flooding problem they would most likely choose a different flooring.... for that reason.

Good Luck - Welcome to the neighborhood!

Posted by: katiem633 at June 30, 2008 3:43 PM in response to signs of a flooding problem?

3:47 -
Laurie is correct the house is a two family, my mortgage broker told me that anything under 528k is conforming for a 2 family. Also we had a commitment from Wells Fargo for a lower interest rate about 2 months ago and this is an extension, probably the reason it is lower than some other rates being quoted now.

Laurie - i see that wamu site has rates on it, I put in my personal information and the maximum they will offer me is a 134k mortgage.

I understand that borrowing is still at very low rates, but for someone that doesn't have some other piece of nyc property to sell it is not as easy to buy something as some of the posters here would have you believe.

Posted by: katiem633 at June 27, 2008 4:37 PM in response to Open House Picks

Guest at 3:24
I had a mortgage locked in at 5.85% for 528k with Washington Mutual about 2 months ago. It expired and now Washington Mutual no longer giving out Mortgages. I am now looking at a mortgage with 6.25% thru well fargo.

I am not saying that I have plenty of cash, but my credit score is in the mid 700s and I have documented income of 250-300k and I am putting down well over 20%.....

I am going to get a mortgage but I can see the difference in a couple of months. I would have had no problems a few months ago and now it is definitely not as easy.

Posted by: katiem633 at June 27, 2008 3:36 PM in response to Open House Picks

Seriously - how can people get financing on these properties. I am in contract on a 2 family house and I am having problems locking in a mortgage. I am financing under 530k and have documented income for over 250k and I am putting down over 20% ....
Are they giving out mortgages of 1 mill anymore?
Plus my house was appraised twice (due to a change in mortgage brokers): first in april and came it about 850k... now last week 775k.

Posted by: katiem633 at June 27, 2008 2:47 PM in response to Open House Picks

I was wondering what was going on - I live nearby and pass the site to and from work. Yesterday and this morning the DOB has been there. I am no structural engineer but it doesn't take a genius to know by looking at this place that it is not safe - looks like a swift wind could take down the rest of the building.

Posted by: katiem633 at May 13, 2008 11:48 AM in response to Windsor Terrace Crew Flouting SWO?

Ask your potential renter to bring a credit report (from annualcreditreport.com) 2 (or more) previous pay stubs, letters of reference or a reference contact (preferably from a previous landlord) and if they are not making enough money they need to have a guarantor. (who needs to be willing to give you all of this information as well)
In addition they will need one months security, first months rent and last months rent. I am not a big fan of signing leases but that is up to you and the tenant. I have always done all my renting myself (except once and that was the only time we got a deadbeat who wouldn't pay the rent)

Posted by: katiem633 at May 12, 2008 3:51 PM in response to Landlords: How long did it take to rent your apt's

I prefer this house - as opposed to the other bay ridge Victorian -

I love bay ridge but to be honest i think these houses are going to have to come down in price significantly in this type of market. you are a ways away from the city and in a lot of ways bay ridge has not been discovered (which is what i love about it) but also makes it less desirable for a lot of people -
good luck in your search

Posted by: katiem633 at March 25, 2008 12:25 AM in response to Bay Ridge Victorian 2

Not sure about the amount of time to let pass - but I have been told that if you have old plumbing DRANO is a big no no - as 11:57 says it eats away pipes.

Posted by: katiem633 at March 11, 2008 12:40 PM in response to Vinegar / baking soda vs. Drano?

I just used some old-school Murphy's oil soap on FILTHY knotty pine paneling and it came up great.

Posted by: katiem633 at March 11, 2008 12:38 PM in response to Cleaning woodwork

Oh my god - that is no fun. Are these all the joys of home ownership that people talk about. Glad it was easily fixed.

Posted by: katiem633 at March 9, 2008 11:21 AM in response to What lies beneath

As per propertyshark the WT house was bought for 870k late 2005 - and the house is 17x38 -if this is a flip i think they are being greedy - either way the price is WAY off

Posted by: katiem633 at March 7, 2008 2:37 PM in response to Open House Picks

Looks great -
I think the only reason it is looking a little orange is bc the picts are all floor - it is the only think to look at once the rooms are together i think it will not be out of place.

Posted by: katiem633 at March 6, 2008 11:49 PM in response to Sanderson Files: First Finish Coat in the Kitchen, Sanding in the Hallway

I think you could probably get more money and more privacy with an office - also not sure but i think a commercial space has to pay a portion of taxes???

Posted by: katiem633 at March 6, 2008 11:45 PM in response to Residential vs. Office rental?

I have some pink tile that you are welcomed too. It is a lighter color than Mrs. Limestone's but the demo has not been done yet so it will not be available for at least a week or so. you can email me at katieapartments at yahoo if you are interested.

Posted by: katiem633 at March 4, 2008 10:17 PM in response to Pink Tile Needed

If you like your tenant and you need steady income from the apartment i would not raise it too much. But if you have not raised in 2 years up to 200$/mo increase is not out of control. But if your not afraid to lose your tenant you can always try for 3000+... but you never know who you are going to get as tenants. For the matter of a few hundred you could potentially have a much bigger headache and a month or more of vacancy.
Also, I would in the future raise the rent ever year in order to get it closer to market rates.

Posted by: katiem633 at February 26, 2008 10:17 AM in response to Raising Rent?

Were they able to fix the areas with chipped porcelain? I have a cast iron sink that has a lot of wear around the drain- might get in touch with them and see what they can do for me.

Posted by: katiem633 at February 19, 2008 12:01 PM in response to Fixing the fixtures

I just had a baby four moths ago, hopefully by the time he is five or six he will be able to enjoy this new playground

Posted by: katiem633 at February 19, 2008 11:55 AM in response to A New Look for the Vanderbilt Playground

This is the closest to what the sink i am looking to resurface looks like
http://thesinkfairy.com/sitebuilder/images/Cast_iron_two_basin_kitchen_sink_82_-400x300.jpg

i think it is cast iron - thanks for your info Rick

Posted by: katiem633 at February 17, 2008 7:31 PM in response to Resurfacing an old double sink

i am loving it - and i was wondering when those tiles were going to be used. You did a great job congrats on almost being done... I hope you are planning a big moving in party:)

Posted by: katiem633 at February 15, 2008 11:56 AM in response to Nearly finished kitchen (minus one lightbulb and a short to-do list)

I wish the rain could cancel all my appointments! especially on a friday :)

Posted by: katiem633 at February 1, 2008 8:28 PM in response to Wishing Well

denton - I actually like the "garage" very much but might not describe it as a garage .... congrats i was watching that property for a while, nice buy.

Posted by: katiem633 at February 1, 2008 8:25 PM in response to Just Sold in Brooklyn

That house on 19th street was for sale for at least 3 months and the original price was 899k..... Is it true when brokers lower the price they just ignore the amount of time the house was on the market with the original price???

Posted by: katiem633 at February 1, 2008 3:31 PM in response to Just Sold in Brooklyn

Thanks for all the replies....the stove is in working order and I am just wondering more about the wincroft company. I cant seem to find much info about it. Wondering if it is worth anything to restore. thanks again for the info - i will look into the websites. i know my mom has a 1940's Chambers which is more classic and definitely prettier - and there is tons of info about them on the net.

Posted by: katiem633 at January 31, 2008 10:51 PM in response to Any one know anything about antique stoves?

I'm so glad you posted about the backyard - I was really curious to see what you were doing back there - I'm also pretty jealous of your vigilant photo documentation - every project I have done or help on has regrettable not had a great photo diary like this. My folks have a place in Windsor Terrace, bought it about 30 years ago and it was so bad that we have more that one story about people falling through the floors. They have about 10 before pictures but I wish they had been as thorough as you have - good luck with the finishing touches!

Posted by: katiem633 at January 30, 2008 9:32 AM in response to On the flip side

Hi Juliette -

I would love to take a look and definitely take the newel post and perhaps the wainscoting. If you could email me with information that would be great. Are you charging for the items or just want them picked up? My email is katieapartments@yahoo.com Thank you

Posted by: katiem633 at January 24, 2008 9:57 AM in response to Salvage materials to give away

Thanks for all the comments.... glad to hear most you of think that this type of apartment could be rented for that price, and for those of you that think you shouldn't buy w/o being able to pay all expenses ... i tend to agree but also know that you have to make the plunge into real estate some time.....hopefully we will make the right move - with my luck we will close and then the market will go down - but i think in the long run we will be ok.....oh boy looks like i'm still up in the air - thanks again for all the comments!

Posted by: katiem633 at January 17, 2008 7:17 PM in response to to buy or not?

ok sorry, but having to endure wife's complaints makes me sensitive. She even said we should tell our tenants about the ticking timebomb in the cellar, at which point I shall I say, lost my ever-limited cool?

Posted by: cmu at January 15, 2009 11:04 AM in response to asbestos removal recommendation?

It's all good...

Posted by: vanburenproud at January 15, 2009 12:09 PM in response to asbestos removal recommendation?

BFAG, you absolutely cannot do that legally!

Posted by: denton at January 15, 2009 2:38 PM in response to asbestos removal recommendation?

Maybe not morally, Denton. But even abatement professionals sometimes have a hard time discerning what is and isn't asbestos.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at January 15, 2009 3:37 PM in response to asbestos removal recommendation?

I'm with BFAG on this one.

People overreact to specific risks that are nameable.

Posted by: vanburenproud at January 16, 2009 8:00 AM in response to asbestos removal recommendation?

Don't mess with it. Get a professional. Otherwise you'll really wish you'd spent the money when you end up finding out you're facing an early death from mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Posted by: dog13ert at January 16, 2009 3:21 PM in response to asbestos removal recommendation?

^^
See what I mean?

Posted by: vanburenproud at January 16, 2009 3:54 PM in response to asbestos removal recommendation?

Katiem633: Your post establishes that two companies quoted different services to you. It doesn't establish that Big Apple is wildly overpriced. I've heard good things about A&A, and clearly their work met your needs and you're happy with it. Speaking from personal experience, Big Apple did an excellent job at our building and provided services we needed that A&A could not provide.

Posted by: vinca at April 24, 2009 9:23 AM in response to Rec for Fireplace/Chimney Work?

I'm living in Binghamton NY. Today is the day that the landlord's employees come to take my Wincroft stove away, because the brackets holding the burner assembly piece in place have rusted right through. I've been using a soda can, jammed underneath the burner assembly, to hold the burners in place. It's not quite as precarious as it sounds, but I'm glad it's finally going to be taken care of.

Wish my digital camera was working so I could take a picture of the stove. It's smaller than yours, and to my baby boomer eye looks a bit older, but how would I really know the difference between a 40s stove and a 50s stove? I was not around for any of it.

I 've been cleaning thought I'd google for information, and this site came up first. I'm guessing you saw some of the other stuff on Wincroft stoves, even a video on YouTube. I'll have to check it out.

Posted by: blackbelt_jones at April 30, 2009 10:57 AM in response to Any one know anything about antique stoves?

http://digital.hagley.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fp268001uw&CISOPTR=67&DMSCALE=100&DMWIDTH=600&DMHEIGHT=600&DMMODE=viewer&DMFULL=1&DMX=0&DMY=0&DMTEXT=&DMTHUMB=1&REC=16&DMROTATE=0&x=344&y=251

Did you see this? A an ariel photo of the Wincroft Stove works in PA.

Posted by: blackbelt_jones at April 30, 2009 11:06 AM in response to Any one know anything about antique stoves?