No offence - cos you did a great job with your garden - but isnt anyone else doing their house up right now? I like seeing yucky yellow tiling and dodgy kitchen units. Makes me feel better.

Posted by: nicksull at January 2, 2009 7:40 PM in response to The Final Day Arrives, Phase One Complete!

Bought a house in Boerum Hill in July. Moving in shortly after a major refit.
At the risk of sounding like a doofus, what do i do to get one or even qualify for one?
Could do with it frankly.
All we got so far was a bigger than expected property tax bill.
Serious advice appreciated.

Posted by: nicksull at January 2, 2009 7:37 PM in response to Poll: Have You Gotten Your Rebate Check Yet?

I say go for it. Were in the finishing stages of a four floor gut reno in Boerum Hill. We had thought it would be a sort of in between reno but partial renovation on an 1860s house that had its last boiler put in in 1924 (really) and a single glass fuse running power to the whole house was just not viable.

We did everything. Electric, Ducting with AC and Heat stripped and repointed the front, totally rebuilt the stoop, Windows Back Stucco Cable Speaker Cable Knocked thru the garden floor, punched out a big kitchen window. Were in spackle city right now.

Financially its a rollercoaster, its still a work in progress and were flat flat broke, and cutting corners on the finishing like billy-o but as were near the final stages and starting to pack at our rental round the corner we are only excited. We learned fast that a lot of pain now means 1) a significantly higher house value and 2) less leaks, bodges and fixing while were living in it.

And when we're not paying rent and a mortgage we'll be set!

Your quote does sound very low even if its a partial gut (the things you uncover only add to the cost) But if the price you bought it was below par for the area, you can only win. good luck.

Posted by: nicksull at December 20, 2008 5:28 PM in response to Crazy talk?

I had thought judging by the way the shadow of the house opposite just stops 3/4 of the way across the pic that it might be on a t junction facing south down a street starting oppostie. But google map 299 Jefferson and whip the 360 degree camera round and theres your gap. Still there.
Any more id jobs out there this is fun!

Posted by: nicksull at December 13, 2008 4:57 PM in response to I.D. This Photo, Win a Book

Hi I may have some 8 section ones for you but what does 5 tube mean?

Posted by: nicksull at December 1, 2008 1:42 PM in response to Hot Water Cast Iron Radiators

Hi there

Yes very interested in toilet & sinks etc. doing reno & about to need stuff for bathrooms.
Please if still have please can I see pics & prices.

many thanks

Victoria victoriasullivan@mac.com

Posted by: nicksull at November 26, 2008 3:05 PM in response to Free Pedastal sinks and brass sconces

Hi there

Yes very interested in toilet & sinks etc. doing reno & about to need stuff for bathrooms.
Please if still have please can I see pics & prices.

many thanks

Victoria

Posted by: nicksull at November 26, 2008 3:04 PM in response to Free Pedastal sinks and brass sconces

Hi there
We have several radiators in Boerum Hill (were switching to furnace and ducting in our reno) dating to the 1920s and of varying sizes. email nick sullivan@mac.com for pictures and pricing.
Best nick

Posted by: nicksull at November 23, 2008 9:41 PM in response to Old Cast Iron Radiators

Thanks yes hes having a look for me.

Posted by: nicksull at November 8, 2008 4:44 PM in response to Cast iron Ball caps for new newell

The g word... you dont mean 'Gowanus' do you...?

Posted by: nicksull at October 15, 2008 2:17 PM in response to Streetlevel: We the Free on Smith Street

Hi how much ?

Posted by: nicksull at October 14, 2008 2:20 PM in response to Vintage Pedestal Sink FOR SALE

Hi just posted radiators for sale . we have 2 that are 38 h 24 wide 8 ribs & 2 5 rib with 38 h

email victoriasullivan@mac.com
917 860 1272

should be up soon

Posted by: nicksull at October 9, 2008 7:35 PM in response to Need Large Cast Iron Radiator

Yes thats what we plan to do. Any roots we can get at we will dig up. Its just the bagging and hauling thats beyond us.
I'll take a look at CraigsList..
Thanks

Posted by: nicksull at October 6, 2008 12:34 PM in response to clear garden debris

local to Boerum Hill that is...

Posted by: nicksull at October 5, 2008 11:35 AM in response to Seeking Shredder borrow or Hire

Ironically the arrival of the interesting Building on Bond came too late for those stores as it may well drive healthy traffic to whatever replaces them. I did think the selections were kind of niche though. Nothing wrong with niche of course unless its the wrong niche.

Posted by: nicksull at October 3, 2008 12:05 PM in response to Another One Down on Bond

Hi there

yes we have 6 radiators and are about to complete demo Tom / Fri

If you are interested you could come & look or I have pics

Call me 917 860 1272

Victoria

Posted by: nicksull at October 1, 2008 9:58 PM in response to ISO Victorian Cast Iron Radiators

Cyclists should be encouraged wherever and whenever possible for so many obvious reasons. But it beggers belief how seemingly unaware cyclists are about road rules and safety - confusing reckless action with a self righteous 'stick it to the man' mentality.
In England they used to have a cycling test for kids. It was basic but it saved thousands of lives. Here its the grown ups who need teaching.
Perhaps all cyclists should be made to do a 10 min cycling test to show the basics: a) They can recognise which way a one way street runs b) they can tell the color red from green c) know not to cycle on sidewalks and d) they know not to bleat about cyclists rights while they constantly endanger themselves and pedestrians with their holier than thou 'i aint stopping for you' attitude.
Perhaps the cops should concentrate on ticketing cyclists for running red lights (or riding on sidewalks) - make the city a fortune - and use it to pay for some rudimentary road proficiency test - things would get safer for everyone.

Posted by: nicksull at September 13, 2008 8:00 AM in response to Warnings to Cyclists Near the Bridge

Been beaten to the post with Nectar. But im not mad about monkeys wedding. Sounds like something someone who laughs at his own jokes would come up with. The general rule i always thought is if you have to explain it, its wrong.
Good luck with the Barflower thing though.

Posted by: nicksull at August 17, 2008 9:48 AM in response to Streetlevel: A New Bar Coming to Cortelyou

Can you send pics? nicksullivan@mac.com
Thanks!

Posted by: nicksull at May 29, 2008 9:10 PM in response to Marble Mantles, 8" custom moulding, antiques Contractor Sale

Hi
Wheres the bidding happening? What price you at right now?
Please mail me at nicksullivan@mac.com if they're not sold. I have identical fireplaces and need another.
Thanks

Posted by: nicksull at May 29, 2008 7:27 AM in response to Where can I sell old marble fireplace mantles

Funnily enough just walked past a workshop place on 10th avenue this morning. Can vouch for them but saw a satisfied looking customer walk out with a big old bamboo throne thing. Looked messy but industrious inside. Remembered the name for future reference -
Veterans Chair Caning 442 10th Ave. between 34 and 35th St. They have a website too. www.veteranscaning.com

Posted by: nicksull at April 19, 2008 3:11 PM in response to Chair caning

Sketchup is not only great for proper drawings but in the 3d mode you get to move through the space you have drawn (save it as a movie!!) and look at it from lots of different angles. Makes it much easier to understand how a remodelled space or a kitchen for e.g. will work. Best of all its free. And i can find no discernable difference between sketch up 6 (which is the free one) and sketch up pro (which costs $495). Perhaps an architect might fnd shortcomings in the free version, but for just loose planning (and some idel dreaming) its perfect.

Posted by: nicksull at March 21, 2008 2:20 PM in response to CAD program?

Hi, I responded to your post directly. Check your email.

Posted by: Brooklynista at December 2, 2008 11:03 AM in response to Hot Water Cast Iron Radiators

you are looking at a 2- 300,00 renovation.. do not fool yourself that it will cost less

Posted by: eman1234 at December 20, 2008 9:51 PM in response to Crazy talk?

Um, CMU, I am in your price range, taste and lifestyle wise. We are living in our house while we renovate, and expected to have a story like yours. We came across structural damage/issues with electricity/plumbing problems that couldn't be ignored.

Posted by: vanburenproud at December 21, 2008 9:45 PM in response to Crazy talk?

Curious what people do when they uncover unexpected problems that have to be taken care of and they don't happen to have half a million stashed away under the mattress. Curious also to hear the gory details of what you uncovered, vanburenproud. Rotted-away beams? What about the plumbing and electricity? Thanks, everyone.

Posted by: mopar at December 22, 2008 12:33 AM in response to Crazy talk?

I agree with eman1234, a 80K estimate from a home inspector equals min. 200K interior repair work right off the bat. Bet the porch is rotting and the roof hasn't been done in forever. But hey, if you dig a project and love the house and neighborhood, go for it.

Posted by: pattunia at December 22, 2008 3:53 AM in response to Crazy talk?

Dear Mopar,

You have been on my mind after my long saga on my renovation. I really didn't want you to be scared away from buying a house you really love, but hearing people's stories can give you a sense of what rehabbing an old house entails. You probably have been scared by all these stories, including my colorful saga of adventures. I decided to buy a wreck of a brownstone by myself, having very little experience. My challenges also included having to deal with some inherited tenants, so occasionally I get on a roll about the drama connected with my own renovation. I am sorry if I scared you. I have to say that after all my hard work and periods of exasperation, that my house is pretty beautiful now in my humble opinion, and the Fellini Satricon cast which lived in my duplex is now on to bigger and better things elsewhere, so there is light at the end of the tunnel. I have to say that the surprises, i.e. stuff not identified by the inspector or by my contractor related to the following:

-- Floors. I decided to replace floors in all apartments because they were a combination of: very damaged, patchwork repairs using very cheap materials, waterdamaged, uneven. When taking off the top layer of flooring, we found the reason for the bowed floors. In the case of the first floor, we found that some work had been done cutting into a support beam (needed to add beam of engineered wood). We also added additional supporting joists on first floor. Other floor joists had been cut into to add plumbing lines at one time compromising structural support of floors. We added additional beams to support joists. This is your non-technical explanation.

-- Plumbing. I mentioned lack of venting due to prior cheap, incompetant plumbing jobs. Most of the plumbing had been replaced except for a stretch of the sewer line in the basement (probably 60 years old). This became clogged, putting pressure on pipe and stressing it and helping along some old cracks causing a dripping. It needed to be unclogged and replaced (replacement 1200 dollars by John Hlad, unclogging by Mr. Sewer 450 dollars, cleanup paid by insurance).

-- Water. The entire back of the building had water dripping through the masonry. I had masonry on the back of the building (originally brick and covered with masonry). On the roof, however the the bricking was not covered up well with masonry and the wearing away of pointing in bricks had created channels for water to stream through during heavy rains. Had to have all that covered up and the back of building waterproofed. This reqired internal repairs of walls and replastering. You wouldn't have this particular problem, but getting your house watertight is important and finding old problems is an issue. I also had to do repairs of skylights which also generously leaked.

-- Electrical. I did rewiring for new appliances and lighting. Needed to sort out which electrical and upgrade for modern appliances. I don't know if any of that will surprise you, but you will need a liscensed electrican to assess what is what with each outlet and make sure that you have adequate electrical for large appliances, including refrigerators, microwave, airconditioning, etc.

--Steps, others have pointed out that rickety stairs did not necessarily have to be completely rebuilt. That is true. They could have been patched up, but in many cases I decided to go for it and just get it done.

--Trees. I had two monstrous trees in my backyard. I spent a total of 6,000 dollars on trees. One huge tree was diseased and had to be removed (total cost 3500 to get the tree and stump removed) and several trimmings of the remaining tree, (which covers 7 properties) including dealing with major leader snapping after a nor"easter. Not to mention that even taking one tree down, my backyard was the Ft. greene community center for squirrels (one of which got into my place, bad, bad Rocky).

Well, that's my story. I think it helps to have a HELOC and only use for emergencies. I also think it is helpful to have some funds put aside for emergencies if you can handle it.

Good luck what every you decide to do, Mogar. I wish you good fortune and a lot of happiness. Please come to Brownstoner with questions. People try to help one another on the Forum. I got a lot of help.

Sincerely,
Donatella

Posted by: donatella at December 22, 2008 7:47 AM in response to Crazy talk?

Mopar, the conditions you've described in your house-to-be clearly won't be fixed with 50¢ hooks. That's one of the most important things to understand before going into this—you can make only the most necessary repairs, but when you're talking about plumbing, heating, and electricity, it's still going to cost dearly. There's a fair amount of discussion about over-the-top, high-end renovations on this site, but there's no reason to misdirect you about what *you* will encounter with your own renovations, or undermine other people's renovation experiences by dismissing true stories as the "horrors" of perfectionist moneybags. Renovation and repairs—at every level—are expensive, there's no way around that. The choices will be constant between what you want to do and what you can afford to do. I urge you to do at least one more, and hopefully more than one, walk-through with a different contractor so that you fully understand what you're undertaking and whether you can afford to jump in. Use the same approach when actually hiring someone to do the work—make sure you've gotten at least three bids, and that the line items are detailed rather than summarized so there's no confusion on either side about what's being undertaken and paid for. Not only the walk-throughs, but comparing the written bids will give you a lot of insight into who you want to hire.
I join Donatella and others in wishing you good luck and a good outcome.

Posted by: vinca at December 22, 2008 12:48 PM in response to Crazy talk?

Thank you so much, Donatella, this is very helpful -- both the repair info and the funding info.

With Heloc's not being given out right now, boy talk about a freezing effect on the purchase of most homes in Bed Stuy and Bushwick -- because I have yet to see a single house in these areas that do not require at least $20,000 worth of work, and most are more like in the $150,000 category. Even though the houses themselves are so affordable. Well, that's the problem. And they sit there empty just getting more and more damaged. With this freeze on today I'm worried all the pipes will burst in the place we want, since they don't have the heat going.

Posted by: mopar at December 22, 2008 12:52 PM in response to Crazy talk?

Mopar, let's hope that the house makes it through this rough winter; re the credit situation, it appears that our government is flooding the system with more capital, so it is possible you may be able to get additional financing. There are great deals on jumbo loans for 2 family houses as part of the financial stimulus package (3 families, no -- but this could work out for you - you could get a 5.125% fixed rate....) Do the research now - check with Norman Calvo of Universal Mortgage in Park Slope for financing ideas. Norman is a wonderful man, very honest and hardworking and extremely knowledgeable mortgage broker. He knows everything about where you can find money. Give him a call. Unlike the many of the rest of us who bought in more fevered times, you have time to be very deliberate in your approach.

Vinca, thank you.

Posted by: donatella at December 22, 2008 2:25 PM in response to Crazy talk?

It's well within the conforming limits. Places in Bushwick and Bed Stuy are very inexpensive. Just tough to get a construction loan on a place that's not worth much to start with and dropping every day. My mortgage broker is working on it, going to talk with her tomorrow.

Posted by: mopar at December 22, 2008 6:34 PM in response to Crazy talk?