kwar228's Profile
Author's Posts
March 11, 2010
Wrought Iron Fencing
I love this kind of New Orleans wrought iron. We're putting in an all metal deck...never seen this style here in Bklyn. Do any of you have something like it? Is it prohibitively expensive? Who would do this kind of work? All I see here is a standard kinds of ironwork with very little decorative element.
October 26, 2009
Tile Installer
Anyone have any recommendations or someone they loved other than Rob Mara who seems to have disappeared? Hopefully nothing bad happened. Someone who has installed glass tiles, and whose work I can see? Thanks!
October 20, 2009
Pics of Metal Decks?
We're going to do a (legal) metal deck on the parlor floor of our brownstone with stairs down to the garden, but am looking to see what interesting solutions people have come up with, and what design choices are out there. Anyone have pictures of their beautiful decks? Or suggestions where to look?
September 29, 2009
Ceramic Tile Over Formica
I know you're probably not supposed to do it, but I'm having counters removed tomorrow and soapstone template made, then have only a day or so to deal with formica backsplash removal before the counters are put in. Everyone says formica's really hard to take off, and i don't have the know how to remove the backsplash wall and put new drywall there. Any suggestions for the easiest way for a not-so-handy person?
August 20, 2009
Doors in Bklyn
A couple of questions: is there any difference (other than price) between plain paneled wood (pine) doors from Lowes and from Dykes? And is there anything special I need to know about buying a french door for a ground floor brownstone room leading out to the garden. It's in our bedroom and I'll look at it everyday, and I want it to look good. Any advice on what kind of wood, where I can look at doors in Bklyn. whether I should buy it online?
August 10, 2009
toubleshooting mason
Any recommendations for an experienced mason who is excellent at troubleshooting problems in brownstones? We have an interior undiagnosed leak that I've had a number of people in to fix. There's no plumbing involved, and its apparently hard to tell what's the source, although the closest exterior area is the outside stoop. Any suggestions?
December 9, 2008
what kind of person do i call
This is the front room, garden level, of a brownstone, facing the street. I've had 2 mason-type people come to look. It must be unclear what the problem is and is maybe too small a job. The theory is that there is a leak, but no one knows from where....but it has to be from front of building. Does anyone have any experience with this, or know someone with lots of brownstone experience willing to do a smaller job? Thanks!
October 4, 2008
trying to find soapstone in bklyn
Having finally decided on soapstone for kitchen counters, I'm looking for local source/installers. One brownstoner suggestion was smc stone. Went there today, they were very nice, and have only one kind of greenish soapstone (don't know the name)and I like it. Is there any reason to go to a place that specializes in soapstone--should I just trust that whatever SMC Stone has will be good quality? Is soapstone a particularly fussy material, and needs to be bought /fabricated through soapstone outlet?
September 11, 2008
soapstone
Did a soapstone kitchen counter search on this site, and it seems like the only place people have used and recommended is Texeira in NJ. Does anyone have any leads for Brooklyn--looking for material and installation.
September 2, 2008
Another Icestone counter top question
Thanks for the responses on how icestone wears. Does anyone have any experience with A&K Tile Studio on 9th St. in Bklyn. The name is given as fabricator/showroom on the Icestone website.
Author's Comments
I'd love to hear an update on what you decided/who you are working with for your deck. Are you going with all metal?
Posted by: kwar228 at March 1, 2010 7:23 PM in response to Metal Deck Recommendation
Great post! thanks.
Posted by: kwar228 at February 12, 2010 12:36 PM in response to The Painter's Corner: Paint Brushes
We had Verrazano do rooms in several apts...they were really nice to work with, guys fixed extra little pieces e.g around radiator where they were missing without my even mentioning it. Do you mean 2 staircases or 2 stairs? If it's 2 staircases it'll be more than 2000$.
Posted by: kwar228 at February 9, 2010 11:38 AM in response to Sanding Wood Floor
The problem with the bid stores is they only have standard sizes---I think 8 ft. is too big. If you go to places like Foro you have to bring in a template of what exactly you need. Please post when you've gotten what you want--I need one too!
Posted by: kwar228 at January 23, 2010 5:07 PM in response to Marble vendors for small pieces?
How about wooden trellis (really cheap at any store)...buy a 4x8 sheet, cut it to overlap a little.
Posted by: kwar228 at January 23, 2010 5:02 PM in response to Doggie Jail
i've used greg's express, and they were reasonable and thorough....very nice to deal with.
Posted by: kwar228 at January 16, 2010 9:28 AM in response to Cellar Clean Outs
"Bob the Woodworker" 917-363-7052 or Rmass315@aol.com. Really nice, excellent work.
Posted by: kwar228 at December 9, 2009 9:00 AM in response to Cabinet Door Maker Rec
I'm in a similar position--our brownstone was painted about ten years ago, and now is in dire need of something--paint peeling, some crumbling detail etc. We'll NEVER be able to afford to "re-brownstone"....our cheapest quote has been about $40, 000 . So what do we do instead other than paint again...around $5000. (and yes, I know you could say that we shouldn't own it if we can't maintain it, but we've been here a loooong time).
Posted by: kwar228 at November 12, 2009 5:31 PM in response to Brownstone paint
If you're going the reproduction route you can go to home and stone on coney island ave and get them there...that way you can see them in person and tell if you think they look too reproduction-y
Posted by: kwar228 at November 10, 2009 5:09 PM in response to Brass Door Hardware Needed
Vinca, I found his contact info:
Tile
Installer:
Giada Stone Corp.
Brooklyn, NY
tel. 718-832-2840
Contact: Mauro Zanutto
I guess I'll call, although I'm afraid he'll be really expensive....unless someone else has any other suggestions.
Posted by: kwar228 at October 27, 2009 4:05 PM in response to Tile Installer
orrsuz---you can email me at kitwarren@gmail.com. thanks! look forward to seeing your deck. and homey, thanks for your photos too.
Posted by: kwar228 at October 22, 2009 7:51 PM in response to Pics of Metal Decks?
Half of the urban kids in the world have been raised in houses with radiators. Along with many of my friends we raised our kids in Park Slope homes with radiators in every room. Your kids will learn, and it's not really an issue.
Posted by: kwar228 at October 20, 2009 7:09 PM in response to Replacing Radiators
Only problem with Teixeira is that they have a minimum, so if you have a small kitchen they won't do it. We're in the middle of getting soapstone counters done by Garden State Soapstone, also in NJ. It's similar in that you go out and chose your slab. They've been enormously helpful and nice to deal with and seem to do a lot of kitchens in Bklyn.
Google them to see their website etc. Will post when it's all done.
Posted by: kwar228 at September 15, 2009 3:24 PM in response to Sopstne Kitchen Countertops
Sounds like a nightmare. Unfortunately "one bedbug in a bottle" does an infestation make, plus you have the information from previous tenants to support it. If I were you I would do whatever I could to get out of the lease, and I would also be slightly concerned about my belongings in storage. This isn't paranoia, it's just fact about the way bedbugs infestations work. Do you have any lawyer friends who could call the landlord...he's not going to want the expense of a lawsuit either. A lawyer might signal that you mean business, and even if you have to lose some amount to make this go away it might be worth it in the long run.
Good luck!
Posted by: kwar228 at August 31, 2009 7:53 PM in response to Park Slope Bedbug Disaster
just fiy the vero sells for 100$ less online:
http://home-and-garden.become.com/duravit-0454500000-vero-19-58-washbasin--compare-prices--sc816516275
Posted by: kwar228 at August 31, 2009 10:38 AM in response to Sinks for sale
The doors from Lowes and Dykes appear to be the same, sound the same. Lowes--under 100$, Dykes closer to $200. I'm more worried about the french doors. Dykes charges 750 for a Simpson fir door with insulated glass panes. I want something that looks beautiful, not cheap and suburban development-y. Don't even know where to go or what to ask for since I haven't really seen garden floor back doors a whole lot. Anybody with pictures of back doors (in a brownstone) that they love?
Posted by: kwar228 at August 21, 2009 9:29 AM in response to Doors in Bklyn
thanks. daveinbedstuy, do you know of any good mason? hard to sort out who's basically just advertising for themselves when they reply to masonry posts. I'll call vinroy barronette.
Posted by: kwar228 at August 11, 2009 12:59 PM in response to toubleshooting mason
I also live on this block of berkeley . i'm happy that someone here is paying attention to our block, but also know no one who was canvassed about whether speed bumps were a good or bad idea, and what the implications were....i think when there is a change like this there needs to be some communication with residents. this seems to have happened with just a few people's knowledge.
i assume they are going to paint something on the bumps to make them more visible, but at this point cars don't see the first bump at all, and don't slow down until the second bump, then speed up noticeably after the second bump to make the light at 8th.
Posted by: kwar228 at June 6, 2009 11:27 AM in response to Berkeley Bump Bungle?
My question is why do you think that you and your children have more of a right than adults to use a public space? i'm not affiliated with them, but the soccer players you've mentioned are a bunch of brooklyn people who get great joy out of knowing they can join in on a weekly soccer game. i have teenage children who've grown up with the parks as their playgrounds, and one of the great things about the city parks is being able to witness the coming together of diverse groups of people in these games.
Posted by: kwar228 at May 15, 2009 7:40 PM in response to Soccer Players at Cadman Plaza
do they need any special installation, or are they like any other tile? I might be interested. looking for a backsplash to go with soapstone counters.
Posted by: kwar228 at March 10, 2009 7:32 PM in response to Glass tile 50% discount
do they need any special installation, or are they like any other tile? I might be interested. looking for a backsplash to go with soapstone counters.
Posted by: kwar228 at March 10, 2009 7:32 PM in response to Glass tile 50% discount
bar toto on 6th avenue and 11th street---nice, inexpensive, liquor, and they're always nice to kids and babies. or bar tabac on smith street.
Posted by: kwar228 at January 7, 2009 6:17 PM in response to need kid frndly, restaurant
Over the years I've used Jakobsen Boiler and Chimney for all sorts of chimney and boiler problems and have found them to be great and really nice. They were originally recommended to me by John Hlad. 718-338-5338.
Posted by: kwar228 at December 16, 2008 11:05 AM in response to Honest Chimney Guy
i tried teixeira but they have a minimum square footage that they deal with, and our square footage requirement (small park slope galley kitchen) didn't meet their number---maybe 300 sq. ft. So we went out to Garden State Soapstone in NJ (recommended on this site)---we haven't had it done yet, but they seemed great, and have no minimums. You pick out the stone, they come, make a template, cut the stone, and install.
Posted by: kwar228 at December 8, 2008 10:32 AM in response to has anyone experience putting in a soapstone kitchen counter top?
After having to sweep up the thousands of acorns from the oak tree in front of our house in Pk Sope this fall I can definitively say there is no acorn shortage.
Posted by: kwar228 at November 30, 2008 7:44 PM in response to Have you seen any acorns?
This doesn't appear to be a real store--it has actually been around--minus the sign and some interior work for a year or so, and has never, let me repeat never ever once been open. There has never been any human presence other than when they seemed to be doing some work inside. Maybe they needed a fake store address for something. And, as you say, there is no phone number. Oh well. Nice dress.
Posted by: kwar228 at November 24, 2008 2:31 PM in response to Streetlevel: New Boutique in the Slope
This building is a nightmare---I know (sane) people who live in it, and there have been major structural problems from the beginning---all sorts of sub-par building, countless ongoing lawsuits. Guttman seems to be a truly immoral man.
Posted by: kwar228 at November 10, 2008 8:44 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 50 Bridge Street
thanks to all. M. Teixeira has a 30sq. ft. minimum, so that rules out all of us with smaller kitchens. Brooklynista---are you guessing that SMC doesn't have real soapstone, or do you know if for a fact? It did have a name, i just can't remember it. I'd already called garden state---they seemed good--it just seems a far drive from bklyn. i guess i should go anyway.
Posted by: kwar228 at October 5, 2008 9:41 AM in response to trying to find soapstone in bklyn
thanks brooklynista! two years later are you still happy with your soapstone?
Posted by: kwar228 at September 12, 2008 7:11 AM in response to soapstone
thanks---i've been hearing mainly positive things about wear. Anyone have any experience with A&K Tile Studio in Brooklyn---they're a fabricator/showroom suggested on the icestone site.
Posted by: kwar228 at September 2, 2008 9:17 AM in response to Icestone kitchen counters
OP---what did you end up going with in terms of closet design and system? I'm trying to figure out what to do right now--and to figure out what's reasonable to spend on a closet. After all, it's a closet, not a living room.
Posted by: kwar228 at August 29, 2008 2:37 PM in response to Closet Demo & Doors & Organization
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Thanks for the link, Vinca. I'll take a look. I would certainly never advocate for Thoroseal (which does NOT breathe) but I remain skeptical that replacing old brownstone with new concrete is the best solution. And we call all at least agree that it's not the cheapest solution!
Posted by: grand army at November 12, 2009 8:34 PM in response to Brownstone paint
Grandarmy: If you didn't notice it when you went to Brick Industry website, be sure to also check out link 6A - Colorless Coatings.
Posted by: vinca at November 12, 2009 11:17 PM in response to Brownstone paint
Kwar228: I will probably never be able to afford rebrownstoning either. I am going to take the paint off and leave it naked. A few people on my block have done this. It doesn't look too shabby, the erosion stops (my house, which hasn't been scraped yet, erodes all the time but my naked-facaded neighbors don't have a problem with erosion), and it's less expensive than painting.
I think the important thing is to stop the cycle by stopping the addition of other things to your stone.
@Vinca: sorry, I was being vague. Anything you put on your brownstone that will stick will contain a certain amount of lime and be cementitious. All mortars are different, though, and you really don't want to use regular old portland cement. This is also true, btw, when it comes time to repoint your cellar or whatnot.
Posted by: vanburenproud at November 13, 2009 12:09 PM in response to Brownstone paint
Whatever you do, I would avoid latex paint. Just did that two weeks ago and it's already peeling. Also, assuming you paint it any other color than white, any limestone used to patch the facade will oxidize with water (latex paint is water-based) and turn white. It seems oil is a much better choice.
Posted by: mabilon at December 1, 2009 12:07 AM in response to Brownstone paint
You can visit www.hatiya.net. Hatiya Contracting Inc. or you can Call at 718-521-9392 for discussion.
We are Brownstone Specialist. We did job in your area.
Posted by: hatiya at December 13, 2009 5:09 AM in response to Brownstone paint
Call Trash Guys They Are Good You Cam Reach Them @ 347-512-4869
Posted by: JP4141 at January 18, 2010 12:45 AM in response to Cellar Clean Outs
Cheers
Posted by: thepinkhouse at January 22, 2010 12:07 PM in response to Cellar Clean Outs
Junk Junlies - Drew Dimanche. Tel: 917-604-1344 or 888-433-4133. Email: junk.junkies@gmail.com
The did about 5 hours work in about 2 hours at our place at brooklyn heights last summer.
Cleaned it out faster than i thought was possible even some larger pieces that needed to be demolished to get it up the access way.
Posted by: deancollins at January 30, 2010 9:05 PM in response to Cellar Clean Outs
There are panels that are made specifically for this problem. They attach to the bottom of your fence to close the space and match your existing fence. Please feel free to give me a call to discuss your options. I own a fence company. Brooklyn Fence distributors. My name is Don and you can reach me at 718-444-8554. I look forward to hearing from you
Posted by: Donfenceman at February 7, 2010 2:35 PM in response to Doggie Jail
There are panels that are made specifically for this problem. They attach to the bottom of your fence to close the space and match your existing fence. Please feel free to give me a call to discuss your options. I own a fence company. Brooklyn Fence distributors. My name is Don and you can reach me at 718-444-8554. I look forward to hearing from you
Posted by: Donfenceman at February 7, 2010 2:37 PM in response to Doggie Jail
I've used accurate appliance to fix all kinds of appliances over the past 5 years....they always seem to do a good job and are really nice. i think they do installations too. 718-236-7718
Posted by: kwar228 at March 2, 2010 10:46 AM in response to Appliance Installation