o's Profile
Author's Posts
September 4, 2008
what's the worst that can happen?
What's the worst case scenerio if one was to take it upon themselves to fix a small concrete issue in front of their house on the sidewalk/curb without paying thousands for permits and inspection fees, etc. The image above is a larger version of what needs to be done. I just need to fix the curb not the street. Let me know if anyone has any advice. Thanks.
July 11, 2008
Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, Fit!
I don't know if anyone on here is interested but I figured maybe I should post it up on here in case some of you are. I had bought 2 extra Wii Fit and Balance Boards for the Wii. I'm willing to sell them to anyone that is interested for a bit of profit. I paid $100 for each of them with tax. So far, I've been getting a few offers in the $140-150 range. Let me know if anyone else is interested. Thanks!
June 18, 2008
roof access permits
does anyone know how to look up whether a building has a permit for legal roof access for the public (not just building residents but open to the off-the-street pubic) and what restrictions there are to the roof space, i.e. wall height, etc. Can events be thrown and can bands come up there and play. I tried looking on the DOB website and the Environmental Control Board's site but the rules and possible violations aren't listed. the building is factory turned residential studio loft... any suggestions?
May 28, 2008
CONTAINER STORE
I have a Container Store credit for a lil bit over $200. looking to exchange it for its cash value or less... it works out great for anyone interested in their Elfa Systems (see photo). ohblogz@gmail.com
April 15, 2008
101wyckoff blog
I've been reading about a few issues in these forums, that are similiar to what I'm goin through at my condo, and there have been a few references to the 101wyckoff.com blog. Unfortunately, it requires an invitation to view the blog. can some one who is a member invite me? I just wanted to read about how they resolved their own issues at their condo so that I can do the same at mine. Thanks in advance. ohblogz@gmail.com
January 2, 2008
choosing energy companies
Has anyone actually shopped around for gas and electricity companies? obviously the most common is CON ED and KEYSPAN... but is it worth doing some research with other providers out there to see if there is a chance at saving money? anyone have any prior experience or recommendations of alternative energy companies? This might also be a stupid question, I apologize in advance but is Keyspan and ConEd practically the same company? The only reason I ask is because they share the same address in Queens. THANKS.
December 10, 2007
IT'S FRrreEEzzZZZIIiinNNgGG..
So I'm a bit lost. We recently purchased a new condo. And sleep there for the first time this past weekend. However our bedroom is freezing in comparison to all of the other rooms. we checked the heater and they are giving off the same level of heat as the other heaters throughout the place.
I suspect that the room wasnt properly insulated. My question is: How can you find out if a room was properly insulated? Would I have to hire a building inspector or poke a hole through some of the walls? any advice?
BTW (...while I'm on here):
We have two white doors that were originally installed as sliding doors for a closet. they are in pretty much brand new shape. no dinks or scuffs or anything. They measure about 28"x78".
Let me know if anyone is interested. THANKS!
November 12, 2007
CON ED
Does anyone know what is involved in setting things up with Con Ed for the first time. We closed in July, and are finally ready to move in. But once we set up an account with Con Ed, are we going to be stuck with a gigantic bill to pay for all the months in between that the power has been on? Any recent experiences?
October 30, 2007
air mattresses...
any recommendations, we like the eddie bauer air mattress we saw at target that has the whole quilted feel, but we also like the 24" aerobed that Bed Bath and Beyond has since the height makes you feel like you are sleeping on a real bed. its for our quests anyway, but anyone have any experience with either?
Author's Comments
Steve, can you email me at ohblogz@gmail.com. I want to talk to you some more about these codes and maybe send u a copy of the Certificate of Occupancy to get your opinion. Thanks.
Posted by: o at June 18, 2008 8:32 PM in response to roof access permits
little
Posted by: o at May 29, 2008 10:33 AM in response to CONTAINER STORE
Just to be sure I have this straight... Keyspan only provides Gas Services right? Not Electrical? I tried to look them up under "Elecrtic" on the link provided above but there were no listings for Keyspan (only Gas)... We had just started paying a Keyspan bill for Gas recently, and I wasnt sure if we could also set up an electric account with them as well. But I'll just take everyones advice and just go with Con Ed for that. Thanks for all your comments...
Posted by: o at January 3, 2008 11:50 AM in response to choosing energy companies
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Yes, you are correct, Keyspan does not provide electric service in New York City. You must go to ConEd.
Posted by: rjlovie at January 4, 2008 10:29 AM in response to choosing energy companies
I just recently enrolled with MxEnergy. They are great and have no contracts on variable plans and competitive and lower rates to Con Edison. I didn't have to pay to enroll and I can cancel whenever I want without any penalities. Another thing my rep told me to look out for with ESCOs is hidden fees. A lot of companies quote a rate, lock you into a contract then charge these extra fees. This company does not do this! My reps name is Kristi Chacon. She said I could post on this her information so you can contact her directly. Phone Number is 800-480-5192 ext.3252 Her e-mail is kristichacon@mxenergychoice.com
I have so far been saving about 30% on my utilities a month now!!!
Posted by: guest at June 3, 2008 3:21 PM in response to choosing energy companies
I'm really not qualified to give an opinion on a CO. I just know that you need a CO for recreational roof top access because an acquaintance had to go through the process several years ago for his building's shared roof garden.
I'm at http://www.brooklynrowhouse.com/
Posted by: Steve at June 18, 2008 9:01 PM in response to roof access permits
Steve,
you should go work on your site rather than promote it here on brownstoners.
Posted by: guest at June 18, 2008 9:25 PM in response to roof access permits
Yeah, the building has a CO that is dated 1922 but doesn't mention anything about roof access... I'll email you at your site though, I'd like to hear more about what you know. Every little bit helps. Thanks
Posted by: o at June 18, 2008 9:48 PM in response to roof access permits
Guest 9:25 (if indeed that is your real name), he asked to get in touch with me. That's how he can get in touch with me. How would one get in touch with an anonymous tough guy like yourself?
Posted by: Steve at June 18, 2008 11:28 PM in response to roof access permits
I may be wrong but I don't think COs existed in NYC until the 1938 building code required them. In any event, the roof of an industrial building of that day almost certainly wouldn't have one.
You're best off talking with a licensed architect about the idea, and of course the owner of the building (unless you're it). There will be insurance implications as well.
Posted by: Steve at June 19, 2008 1:08 AM in response to roof access permits
Fake or real??? Hmmm, an interesting post...
Can't see why the DOB would matter - the owner(s) of your property might have something to say about your plan, though. Is this a single family house or an apartment/co-op/condo/industrial building?
Might want to check the zoning laws - if it ain't zoned commercial good luck. and even if it is, you don't think people will complain about the live bands playing outdoors?
Posted by: guest at June 19, 2008 2:56 PM in response to roof access permits
Yeah, the building has a CO that is dated 1922 but doesn't mention anything about roof access... I'll email you at your site though, I'd like to hear more about what you know. Every little bit helps. Thanks
Posted by: o at June 18, 2008 9:48 PM in response to roof access permits