kmacq's Profile
Author's Posts
November 8, 2009
Design Help for Small Bathroom
I have a small bathroom that I'd like to improve -- like by putting in a new sink, new toilet, and new floor tiles. I'd also like to improve the storage and generally maximize the amount of space in the bathroom. The dimensions are about 10' x 5'
Can anyone recommend a designer-type person who could help me with this?
Thanks.
September 13, 2009
Bracing a Built-In Desk?
When we renovated our apartment, we turned a closet into a small home office. We went low end and created a built-in desk out of formica. It's been a few years since the renovation, and I want to brace the desk a little better, but I'm not sure how.
I think I want some sort of brace that goes from the wall (under the desk) to the underneath part of the desk. However, I don't know what this would be called. Any suggestions?
thx.
September 9, 2009
Window A/C Storage?
Can anyone recommend a company that will store window unit air conditioners? One that is relatively inexpensive, preferably. The place we have used recently increased their prices to $250 per unit, which is almost as much as a new air conditioner!
May 22, 2009
how to refinish a mahogany table
I just inherited a 70 year old mahogany table that needs to be refinished. Any recommendations for people to do this (or how I could do it myself?
Thanks.
May 16, 2009
did we need a permit?
We renovated our apartment a year ago and didn't get any permits. However, now that I've been reading these posts, I feel like we needed to. What do we do?
We tore down walls, created new walls and changed the electrical systems. But no one: not the architect, not the contractor, not our coop board ever said anything about permits.
If we did need permits, is there anything we can do about it now? I'd hate to get in trouble for it whenever we decide to sell.
May 11, 2009
pocket door installation recs?
I want to get an estimate for installing pocket doors. Can anyone recommend someone? This is to create more room in a small bathroom in a post-war apartment (as opposed to big, beautiful living room pocket doors in an historic brownstone).
Thanks.
Author's Comments
Thanks all. The finish is 'crackle-y' (for lack of a better term). And when even a drop of water lands on it, the table turns white immediately.
So I guess I don't know if it needs to be refinished, I just want to protect it from my small children that spill.
HTH.
Posted by: kmacq at May 22, 2009 7:55 PM in response to how to refinish a mahogany table
eman, I was afraid of this. Our architect is a friend (of course)! How could I go about finding a new architect to help us?
Posted by: kmacq at May 16, 2009 10:58 PM in response to did we need a permit?
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Why not ask the current architect this question? Chances are either he has a reason, or he'll file the plans for you.
Posted by: bunkerlabs at May 17, 2009 2:41 AM in response to did we need a permit?
Not saying to be 100% sure you shouldn't file the job, but when you sell a coop you are selling shares in the corporation. I've never heard of an instance where someone goes to the DOB and pulls prints for an individual apt. I'd be more worried about comparing the apt to the offering plan. If the offering plan shows a 2BR and you've made it a 1BR, or vice versa, you could have a problem.
If you haven't made really major changes, boards and management companies come and go. At some point if asked about work you could just shrug your shoulders and deny everything. Just keep a low profile and don't invite your fellow residents over for dinner while bragging about your new reno.
You need to understand that there are architects, and then there are architects. There are guys with a degree in architecture, and there are guys that are licensed to practice in the city of NY. Only the latter can file a job. Sounds like you should retain one of the latter for an hour or two consult, rather than relying on a blog post.
Posted by: denton at May 17, 2009 7:09 AM in response to did we need a permit?
If the coop board, usually the hardliners, don't care (they did know, didn't they?), why should you? Especially if you're planning to stay a while. If you're not the first owner it could get grandfathered in. Let sleeping dogs lie.
Posted by: cmu at May 17, 2009 2:35 PM in response to did we need a permit?
what Denton said.
Posted by: Kensingtonian at May 17, 2009 10:29 PM in response to did we need a permit?
I did the same thing in Manhattan although I had no plumbing moves. Everything went through the superintendent and I gave him a nice big tip. The square footage never changed so that's the critical thing viz a viz the offering plan. Buyers had no issues with a floorplan that didn't duplicate the original.
Don't worry about resale.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at May 18, 2009 8:06 AM in response to did we need a permit?
I'm a licensed architect in NY. All the above advice is correct. You really should have the updated plans on file with the DOB.
If it's a simple job, I'd be happy to look at the job, prepare as-builts, and file the work. You can contact me at 60designers@gmail.com if you're interested.
Posted by: 60designers at May 18, 2009 10:35 AM in response to did we need a permit?
Whatever you do, don't "deny everything" or claim that "it was filed with the property manager" (if you did not do that) if an offcial comes asking. Why give yourself criminal exposure if you can avoid it?
Posted by: Boerumresident at May 18, 2009 3:06 PM in response to did we need a permit?
Hmmm...turns white with water? Sounds like shellac, probably French polished. French polishing is somewhat tricky, not particularly durable, but absolutely beautiful when done well.
Try finding an inconspicuous spot and rubbing it with denatured alcohol. If the finish comes off or dissolves, it's shellac.
If you love the table, it's worth trying to find a professional refinisher, IMO. Sure, you can do a decent job at home (I'd suggest Waterlox over 3 coats of amber shellac), but a pro will really do it justice. Mahogany is a great wood.
Posted by: Bolder at May 22, 2009 8:47 PM in response to how to refinish a mahogany table
Ok the table mostlikely has an industrial finish which was sprayed on with a high power hose. These a b**** to refinish. But it is do able. Get a stripper that is hopefully non toxic and then sand it. Its generally a bad idea that to do that with antiques but those finishes a bitch
Posted by: meme at May 23, 2009 11:18 AM in response to how to refinish a mahogany table
I have 35 year old Lane end tables and a huge 3 x 5 foot coffee table, very heavy tables, with dark wood staine and I need to restore a dull finish and a chunck of wood missing on one corner from a teething puppy.
Posted by: Ingrid at May 24, 2009 12:51 PM in response to how to refinish a mahogany table
Yes, we've used him twice. He's fast, efficient, highly-detailed, and expensive!
He did a gut reno of our kitchen (including demo'ing and rebuilding two walls) in 5 weeks. That was three years ago and so far it's held up beautifully.
If you can afford him, I highly recommend him.
Posted by: kmacq at October 19, 2009 9:49 PM in response to Mario Golin