owner12's Profile
Author's Posts
May 20, 2008
powerwash or paint??
I have a mixed use buidling with a faux brick finish ( about 1/2" thick). The facade is getting black with dirt or exhaust from street traffic. I'm wondering what the most cost effective way to "clean" it up. Powerwash or paint? Any suggestions, refferals, and/or estimates is appreciated. ( building is 22' wide and 3 stories tall). thanks!!
May 12, 2008
running plumbing in the air shaft
I am contemplating reconfiguring my multi unit building (not a brownstone). The new layout would mean a major move of kitchen/ bath plumbing. Is it legal to run plumbing lines through the air shaft?? Thanks for your help
January 30, 2008
strange noise from bath pipes
master plumber ( or anyone) maybe you can help me....
I renovated my first floor apt and put in a new bathroom w/ all new plumbing.. We've been there for a year w/ no problems.. Now, when we run the tub/shower we here a high pitched "whistle" that sounds like it is coming from the pipes behind the wall.. Sometimes, even after we turn the faucet off, the sound continues for about a minute.. Is this a serious plumbing problem???
thanks for your help...
October 17, 2007
chimney cleaning
I have a 5000sq. ft, 7 unit building that I have owned for 9 years.. I never have had the chimney (flue) cleaned. With a gas boiler, how often should I have the flue cleaned??
Thanks......
Author's Comments
LAME.. THIS IS ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY HOUSE. I'M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.........
Posted by: owner12 at December 13, 2007 12:23 PM in response to Developer Plans Two Hotels on One Gowanus Block
and I'm sure adding over 200 toilets to this block will really help our sewage overflow problem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: owner12 at December 13, 2007 1:35 PM in response to Developer Plans Two Hotels on One Gowanus Block
I have a huge one sitting in my hallway.. Not sure if it is 1.25 fitting but it is standard size. it is quite long ( maybe 2.5- 3 feet) and is for a steam system.. I'd sell it to you for $25 bucks if you want it..... call mike 212 229 0688....
Posted by: owner12 at February 26, 2008 2:09 PM in response to Where can i get a cast iron radiator?
Hello.
I did this w/ my 2 fujitsu compressors. There is a legal requirement that they must be a certain distance ( i think it was 10 ft) from a window. Mine were not, so I had a TR1 test ( sound pollution) and it passed as the compressors are super quiet. good luck..
Posted by: owner12 at March 4, 2008 11:53 AM in response to Permit Needed to Mount Split A/C to Side wall of building?
my architect todd ernst found someone ( howard podosky) who performed the test for about $300.. it is a handheld meter that gives a reading of the sound pollution from about 5 feet inside the unit ( next to the window)...we showed his report to the DOB and all was approved....
Posted by: owner12 at March 4, 2008 2:08 PM in response to Permit Needed to Mount Split A/C to Side wall of building?
to 12:17:
only rent stablized buildings have to offer a 1or 2 year lease.. free market units have no such requirements.
Posted by: owner12 at March 11, 2008 1:00 PM in response to question for landlords
I bought 2 fire rated doors from statewide ( 1 wood. 1 metal)... they were prepared on time and I found them to be helpful, if not a little old school. My contractor installed them w/o a hitch so I guess thats a good sign... I didn't do a lot of price comparison so can't comment on that.
Posted by: owner12 at March 11, 2008 2:24 PM in response to Universal Fire Proof Doors vs. Statewide Door
chas is right.. my sizes were custom ( 8ft) so it took longer but not 4-6 weeks.. I believe my doors were ready in about 7-10 days.
Posted by: owner12 at March 11, 2008 3:46 PM in response to Universal Fire Proof Doors vs. Statewide Door
genya,
First off, I am not a broker. I am a landlord who has 2 properties in the slope and have used craigs on my own and listed units through brokers.
IMHO at this price point, you are best served by a broker. Craig's is a great resourse for apartments up to $3K. I have a close friend who has a similar lower duplex rental to yours and a corcoran broker got him $5K for it ( granted everything was brand new and very well done). Though you might have to adjust your price ( due to the tenant having to pay a fee) your unit will receive better exposure and most likely be rented quicker. That being said, by no means should you sign an exclusive w/ anyone..
just my 2 cents. good luck!!
Posted by: owner12 at April 2, 2008 4:26 PM in response to Is rental market soft?
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
KEVIN & RICHARD PLUMBING & HEATING SUPPLIES
645 Myrtle Avenue
Between Franklin Avenue & Skillman Street
Tel: (718) 222-1581
Posted by: guest at April 6, 2008 7:28 PM in response to Where can i get a cast iron radiator?
I just rented a big place (4 bed two bath) on flatbush and st. marks for $3200 that has to be over 1500 square feet. Three of the bed rooms arnt huge (10x10ish) but the fourth bedroom is about the size of a small 1bed in park slope. I think I got a pretty good deal.
Posted by: Santa at April 7, 2008 10:57 PM in response to Is rental market soft?
I just rented a big place (4 bed two bath) on flatbush and st. marks for $3200 that has to be over 1500 square feet. Three of the bed rooms arnt huge (10x10ish) but the fourth bedroom is about the size of a small 1bed in park slope. I think I got a pretty good deal.
Posted by: Santa at April 7, 2008 10:58 PM in response to Is rental market soft?
Sovereign bank has a Fannie Mae program that is pretty good. I recently refinanced a property with them, 5-yr fixed, 30-yr amortization 5/4/3/2/1 pre-pay, 80% LTV, 5.25%. I got the first couple of years interest only to boot.
Also try Wamu, they seem to be up and down depending on their financial situation at the moment. Fees are very low with them.
Posted by: guest at April 15, 2008 12:04 AM in response to Mortgages for Multi-Family Bldgs?
Not unusual in my experience. I had to provide certified checks, it is not a money order, so they still have to present it. Just make sure the lease has a clause covering this issue, that the agent will hold the checks in escrow until the fully executed lease is returned to the renter.
Posted by: mkop at May 22, 2008 4:43 PM in response to Agent wants fees, security, first month etc. BEFORE I receive lease?
most unusual. as an owner, I never sign a lease first, but....the tenants and I sign at the same sitting. as an owner: no certified checks, no lease. as a tenant: no signed lease, no certified checks. no exceptions. if they can't deal with that, best to move on.
Posted by: guest at May 22, 2008 4:53 PM in response to Agent wants fees, security, first month etc. BEFORE I receive lease?
When you sign the lease make sure you write the date next to your signature.
Make sure the rental amount is correct and the length of time.
Photocopy everything before you hand over the goodies.
Certified checks, copy of signed lease dated by you.
If you photocopy the lease with your signature it will be difficult for the 3 classical little old ladies to add a rider after the fact.
Call your bank and they will tell you when your certified checks were cashed.
Get copies if you want.
If for some insane reason you don't get a valid lease you always have proof your checks were cashed.
Remember this once they owners cash your check you have a contract automatically.
Posted by: Ysabelle at May 22, 2008 7:53 PM in response to Agent wants fees, security, first month etc. BEFORE I receive lease?
Powerwash. the brick looks like it's in good condition.
Don't ever paint brick. That's so tacky.
Posted by: spanishfish at May 24, 2008 8:52 AM in response to powerwash or paint??
if you do sign the lease and pay, at least get a receipt for the amount of money and what it was for.
Posted by: pazzia at May 27, 2008 3:43 PM in response to Agent wants fees, security, first month etc. BEFORE I receive lease?
Ikea has better design but cheaper materials than many mid level home depot type brands. As someone said above, they are made of compressed wood rather than particle board. This makes them lighter and maybe better as upper cabinets. The problem is that you could get warping from water damage from that inevitable leak under the sink or around the dishwasher. If you keep your eye on such things, then no problem.
I'd recommend you actually hike it over to Jersey (3% tax) or out to hicksville because the displays in red hook will not show you what cabinets look like after wear and tear.
Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:32 PM in response to IKEA Kitchens

I did one in my building ( 12X12) on the first floor.... I think the entire amount came out to $30K.. we did a below frost line foundation and put in a ton of glass. looks great!! I think you should estimate $200-$250/sq. ft... I have pics if you like:
mike@apt168.com
Posted by: owner12 at December 10, 2007 12:38 PM in response to extension