Since the bath is 1st on the list go online and to tile stores to see what you like. Believe it or not, you do have an opinion!

Then, you can get into the contractor stuff. You do not need an architect for a friggin' bathroom reno.

Posted by: pattunia at September 26, 2009 2:45 AM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

I pay a cleaning lady 80 bucks for one day a week for my 2,300 sf house. General cleaning for 7 hours and I provide lunch.

You should get someone twice a week because 4 floors is too much in one day for anyone, I think.

Posted by: pattunia at September 15, 2009 3:30 AM in response to Rate for Cleaning 4fl Bstone?

Forget bedbugs, the Salvation Army guy that came today to pick up some furniture said he wouldn't take the couch because we had a cat in the house. The couch is only five years old and not covered in hair. The cat rarely sat on it and I went over it with that sticky roll thing but nope, the guy wouldn't take it. I think he was looking for a bribe in hindsight but I was so mad that they didn't inform me of this when I made the appt. that I told them to leave and didn't give them the other things. Everything is going to the curb because my new furniture is coming this Tues. So much for trying to do the right thing.

Posted by: pattunia at August 22, 2009 5:33 PM in response to Donation

I would go PA on her ass and get a note from my dr stating an onset of asthma from the smoke at work. They don't want to get sued. Good luck!

Posted by: pattunia at August 16, 2009 2:28 AM in response to Smoking in the Workplace

$300?! DSNY tickets cap out at 100 bucks as far as I know. You must have gotten three tickets. What's the rest of the story?

Posted by: pattunia at August 11, 2009 1:54 PM in response to Ticket for Trash - Who Pays?

Check out Raymour and Flanigan. They're everywhere and they're reasonable. I got a few things there today including a very comfy couch for about a grand. I opened a credit card with them for the purchase and got 10% off. I'll just pay it off when the bill comes and then cancel.

Good luck.

Posted by: pattunia at August 11, 2009 3:50 AM in response to Good sofa store

I would like to have them returned, neutered, to the yard.

Good.

I did TNR Spring 08 after feeding 3 generations over the past 5 years. You have to nip this in the bud. I didn't, got too attached and saw the ravages that ferals suffer.

I'm still feeding 4-5 core cats with drop-ins. It's a myth that the neutered chase away the non-neutered. They have no balls.

Posted by: pattunia at July 7, 2009 3:29 AM in response to Feral Cats—Help!

So, you're not actually interested in TNR. You just want someone to clean up your problem. I see that you made a feral kitten adoption plea post only 6 months ago - are you feeding the adults?

Posted by: pattunia at July 6, 2009 3:19 AM in response to Feral Cats—Help!

I don't know about Tri-State but the somewhat basic replacement windows I got from Airlite Windows on McDonald Ave. suck. They started sticking within months and they don't seem very air tight.

Fwiw, my Mom got replacement windows from Sears and they looked and worked like brand new right up till the day she moved out some 15 or so years later.

Posted by: pattunia at July 1, 2009 12:15 AM in response to Tri-State Window Factory

I miss Domsey's on Kent too! A cashmere 60's coat for 15 bucks, that was my store back in the day. And I hated the Sally Am on 7th & Bedford. Crappy overpriced furniture, I had such a hate on for that store.

I wanna know why bxgrl can't legally speak of her Jewishness. That is weird, child ;)

Posted by: pattunia at June 6, 2009 3:00 AM in response to Streetlevel: Flatbush Salvation Army to Close

She's not wrong. Either put with it or move.

Posted by: pattunia at April 23, 2009 2:51 AM in response to Excessive Noise in a Co-op?

Some people are not in a hurry to sell, they can afford to let it sit. Or it's an estate sale. Not everything on the market has to sell!right!now!

Posted by: pattunia at April 23, 2009 2:39 AM in response to House of the Day: 65 Prospect Park West

Well, where would you live while building this theoretical house? Seems like a lot of $ to me - rent, mortgage and construction costs. I would keep looking or buy the crappy house and fix it.

Posted by: pattunia at April 22, 2009 4:33 AM in response to The Cost of New Construction?

Brooklyn's own Love Canal!

Seriously, that funk has been there forevah. Wonder what the cancer rates are in the immediate area.

Posted by: pattunia at April 22, 2009 4:22 AM in response to Closing Bell: Tonky Octopus Gets Updated

Try to get 75% back w/LL. Otherwise, go to the mattresses.

Posted by: pattunia at April 17, 2009 4:43 AM in response to Deposit on M-t-M Tenancy

^^ya, I would go with a local guy who could do it for 450(that's a good price) and paint it yourself.

Paint and brushes would be around $75, I think.

Posted by: pattunia at April 11, 2009 3:07 AM in response to Carpenter recommendation

I love our Sony Bravia, fwiw. Gorgeous, esp. with the hi-def receiver. Also cablevison here. Just remember that the monster cables are extra if you're going that route. And they go for about $75 bucks each.

Don't go into any store cold. Have prices in hand, from circulars or printed out from the internet. Look smart and ready to deal but don't be a sucker.

Like chris, I also read good stuff about Samsung.

Posted by: pattunia at April 5, 2009 4:29 AM in response to buying a flat screen TV

Call 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777) and they'll tell you what to do. Maybe they'll even be able to stop it w/o you having to go down to the local PO. As long as your name and SS# haven't been compromised, I wouldn't worry. Sounds like deadbeats, not identity theft.

Posted by: pattunia at March 31, 2009 3:58 AM in response to Mailing Address Scam?

Can you turn your back yard into a dog run with impunity?

Yes. But, you could speak to him about the smell and offer to go in once a week and pick up the poop.

Posted by: pattunia at March 27, 2009 1:30 PM in response to Dog poop in yard?

Serbian spruce would be nice for privacy and they grow quickly. Also, those narrow spruces you see everywhere would do and any nursery would have them on hand.

As for the plumbing problem, yeah, you're gonna have to pay big time for the check valve because there will be digging but I thought that would be outside in your front where it meets the sewer line.

Posted by: pattunia at March 9, 2009 3:01 AM in response to Need Multiple Recommendations

Count me as one of those people uncomfortable living next to a Pit Bull. I don't even want to see one being walked down my street. I think they lower property values.

Posted by: pattunia at February 26, 2009 4:44 PM in response to Inside Third & Bond: Week 73

I got a Miele G841 in 1999 and it really is a workhorse. Also super quiet. No repairs. They have that neat upper flatwear tray and good wash options controlling temp. but they are pricey. Buy the best you can afford.

Posted by: pattunia at February 5, 2009 3:26 AM in response to LG Dishwashers

IMO, since it's not landmarked yet, I'd do everything I can get away with beforehand. Grandfather it yourself. And I doubt any neighbors will rat you out.

DIBS, you can away with a lot w/o permits, trust. Of course, I live in a neighborhood where people are not up in your business. And I'm here to stay, so.

Posted by: pattunia at February 3, 2009 2:13 AM in response to Landmark Status

If you care so much about the C of O, why aren't you bringing it up with the seller?

Posted by: pattunia at January 22, 2009 3:20 AM in response to C of O status change

That's nice. How's his price?

Posted by: pattunia at January 19, 2009 3:35 AM in response to Interior Painting

Fix/replace window to open and close, that's crazy. I'm pretty sure you can't extend the bath into shaft. Sounds like too much trouble and prob. a no go with DOB.

Posted by: pattunia at January 19, 2009 3:06 AM in response to Heat lost on toilet window shaft

That's cute, contained and I wouldn't worry about it. Plenty of people have open ones and the city doesn't give a sh*t. They got bigger problems, yanno.

Posted by: pattunia at January 19, 2009 2:56 AM in response to fireplace on rowhouse backyard

Yeah, awif, it sucks big time but we want to hear a year or two. Placate the masses so there's no freak out, even the NYT has to do that. I understand.

As much as I hated the Bird blog, I wonder how she's doing..

Posted by: pattunia at January 4, 2009 3:45 AM in response to The sale on Brooklyn has been cancelled

For a start, you can buy ads in the local free paper that is tossed in front of every house plasti-wrapped w/drug store and supermarket circulars. I get the Marketeer which is great for specials at local stores, restaurants, here's my card, etc. I love to look at that. Make your ad enticing w/a free consultation for example.

Posted by: pattunia at January 4, 2009 3:31 AM in response to What Would You Want In a Construction Company?

Stucco is never gray anymore, more like ochre.

Posted by: pattunia at January 4, 2009 2:50 AM in response to What's Up at 113 Prospect Place?

My friend's 15 year old son did it. And yeah, he's got that bit o' blubber :) I sent him my(world famous)Nach Waxman brisket for Hanakkah so good on him! /taking credit.

Posted by: pattunia at January 4, 2009 2:36 AM in response to Closing Bell: Polar Bears Take Coney

I would go with wooden blinds with a patterned fabric tape.

Posted by: pattunia at December 28, 2008 3:05 AM in response to blinds or curtains?

My sister and Mom live down the street from Snug Harbor and it is nice. My sister belongs to the Unitarian church on Clinton Ave., good people. Artsy and chill, it's a very nice vibe there.

Still, ya need a car. And the schools kinda suck. But if your kid is bright, things look up once they go to high school. You got choices. My nephew is commuting to a high school in Manhattan for music, for example.

Posted by: pattunia at December 25, 2008 4:19 AM in response to st. george staten island

You have a car, right?

Posted by: pattunia at December 24, 2008 4:10 AM in response to st. george staten island

We've used barry.wellen@wellsfargo.com

Smart guy. Has Brookyn and Garden City offices.

Posted by: pattunia at December 23, 2008 3:58 AM in response to Mortgages?

Look, you love the location so buy it. You can always move up or come to love that house if that's how it pans out financially. At least it's cheaper than renting.

I was thinking of Brooklyn Heights or Bay Ridge when we were looking in 96 but we couldn't afford it. I'm way the heck out in Mill Basin and I don't *love* this house but I like it. You make concessions.

Posted by: pattunia at December 23, 2008 3:52 AM in response to to buy or not to buy...

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?

You can knock on grandma's neighbors doors to see who they use or know. Put the word out. It's always best to look within the immediate neighborhood for cleaning ladies who already do the route and might have day(s) available.

Posted by: pattunia at December 16, 2008 3:42 AM in response to need recommendation for inexpensive housecleaner in Brooklyn (Brighton Beach)

Flatbush Vegan seems to have a fascination w/documenting this petty stuff. Too much time, a bug up the ass and oh yeah, a camera phone at the ready.

Nokilissa, anyone seeing these pics are not gonna know this dude, trust. Pigs hang with pigs. I also try to enforce shoes off in the house.

Posted by: pattunia at December 16, 2008 3:34 AM in response to Monday Blogwrap

I gave Unique a good rec because for about 600 square feet of 2 3/4" oak planks we paid about 5,000. The price for restoring the ten stairs which had carpet on top of linoleum back to the original wood was 500 extra. This was in 2002(?).
Didn't need sub floor just a rip up of linoleum and carpet which they actually removed to the curb. Wouldn't want to live through that again because we were in the house with pets and kid and it was very dusty and a pain. But, eh, it was so worth it.

Posted by: pattunia at December 13, 2008 2:56 AM in response to what is the price range for having a hardwood floor installed?

They might get the memo but they still take the tip.

In fact the only one to decline a tip was a garbage man I ran after one year. "Ma'am I cannot accept a gratuity." I'm like "Dude, it's 2 in the morning, no one's watching." Would not take it, unbelievable.

Posted by: pattunia at December 12, 2008 1:18 PM in response to Tipping the Postman

Unique Wood Floors in Ozone Park. 718-641-2878. Great work and the price can't be beat.

Posted by: pattunia at December 12, 2008 1:00 PM in response to what is the price range for having a hardwood floor installed?

Maybe the bill will keep Con Ed from destroying the nests when they get in the way. I hope so.

Posted by: pattunia at December 12, 2008 12:52 PM in response to Closing Bell: Wild Quaker Parrot Protection Bill

If you own, you know the developer is not coming back to install it. The DOB signed off on this bldg, so..

Retro fit that chain ladder so it DOES fit and you can escape, god forbid.

Posted by: pattunia at December 6, 2008 3:27 AM in response to fire escape question

Call a recommended plumber.

You're eating this one. The name of your contractor, say it, say it..

Posted by: pattunia at December 2, 2008 3:19 AM in response to HUGE Problem!! help!

This should be sent to Neediest Cases in the NYT. Tis' the season. I used to throw a bag or two of chesnuts for them in the backyard at Xmas time.

Posted by: pattunia at December 1, 2008 2:41 AM in response to Have you seen any acorns?

That is a very cool cemetary. They give tours. My sister went to a great, artsy, spooky one in October. With live music and performance! She raved. I'm going next year if they still do it.

Posted by: pattunia at November 29, 2008 3:49 AM in response to Looking for Weekend Activities? Try the Graveyard.

South Shore when it was a decent high school. I think prison every time I pass it on Ralph. Nice pic but a truly fug building.

Posted by: pattunia at November 26, 2008 3:18 AM in response to Closing Bell: Canarsie, Circa 1980, on Flickr

This is a great idea. Shop in your borough and keep jobs alive. I know one of the owners of Cookie's (kids apparel) who has a store here and he's laid off many people. He's never seen it this bad and Cookie's has been around a LONG time.

Posted by: pattunia at November 20, 2008 2:11 AM in response to Black Friday Becomes Brooklyn Friday

Renovate? I'm currently shopping for a slipcover, pathetic.

Rob, tell 'em that the pit will bite their penis off if he gets really mad. Say it with a smile, throw some bags of candy out the window for them to catch and tell them to get lost. Tween boys are assholes but they can be dealt with.

Posted by: pattunia at November 18, 2008 3:32 AM in response to how to deal with noisy tweens!?

would anybody be willing to post contact info for their cleaning people? I need a back up.

Posted by: herkimermaid at September 15, 2009 12:56 PM in response to Rate for Cleaning 4fl Bstone?

Wow I must be overpaying.. I have a service come in and clean my 1200 sq ft apt for 100.. Takes them about 2 hours.. Two ladies.. Or you guys are cheap...lol

Posted by: HOBOKENROCKS at September 15, 2009 11:45 PM in response to Rate for Cleaning 4fl Bstone?

My cleaning person does laundry--specifically stripping beds and doing sheets and towels. She doesn't really have time to do more than that in a day, but if I had her more often I'm sure she would.

Posted by: tinarina at September 16, 2009 10:24 AM in response to Rate for Cleaning 4fl Bstone?

I have a housekeeper who has been cleaning for me for 4 years and who does a great job and is very reliable and trustworthy. She even babysits for me occasionally. I know that she is always looking for more clients. If you're interested, let me know and I will send you her email address and number.

Posted by: snowbunny at September 16, 2009 1:56 PM in response to Rate for Cleaning 4fl Bstone?

some fixtures can be moved without an architect, legally! Start with figuring out what you want. Look at magazines, books... Have a sense of direction before you consult anyone.

Posted by: pig three at September 26, 2009 7:40 AM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

Oh, and thanks pattunia! every where you look eman1234 is giving the most expensive, and often unnecessary advise.

Posted by: pig three at September 26, 2009 7:43 AM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

Hello,

There are many routes to design through build. Take your time and explore many options on your own first (magazines, showrooms, samples of finished materials). Most architects do not have a hands on background, and many have issues coordinating details - those details are left to the builder ("field verification" - meaning the builder must verify details in the actual building environment, "shop drawings" - meaning the fully detailed drawings that actually show how everything fits). People who only design may sell you something that simply won't work. I am a big fan of design/builders - people who can design and build, but it all comes down to whether someone excels at building and communicating.

Be patient, get references and make sure you understand the details.

masterbuildernyc@gmail.com

Posted by: masterbuilder at September 26, 2009 9:18 AM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

First step is to review your building's alteration agreement and requirements specified therein as far as plans and permits. You'll need to adhere to the requirements of their alteration agreement. If you are demolishing walls or reconfiguring rooms, you will need an architect to prepare & file plans and a permit application. If you are only doing some plumbing fixture relocation/replacement, you might be able to get by with having the Plumber filing an LAA (Limited Alteration Application). It is always best to file for permits in the long run. That way when you go to sell the apartment in the future, you will have approved plans and permits for the renovation. Otherwise, buyer may take several thousand in escrow to cover legalizing your renovation work. Select a Contractor that has a Home Improvement Contractor's License and a Department of Buildings Tracking Number. Both will be required if you need permits.

Posted by: Permitadvisor at September 26, 2009 9:52 AM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

Hello my name is Dan and I am a licensed contractor I am intersted in your project if it is still open I have been in business for over 20 yrs. and I am local if you like you can give me a call I can be reached at 718 919-7794 or 718 902-9213 and 646 726-0475 so we can discuss it further.

Thank You,
Dan

Posted by: superdee01 at September 26, 2009 2:55 PM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

Actually p3, given the post, eman is spot on.

Posted by: denton at September 26, 2009 5:04 PM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?