sniec's Profile

Name:
Ian
In Brooklyn Since:
2007
On Brownstoner Since:
2007
Location:
Brooklyn
Neighborhood:
Fort Greene
Abode:
Condo
Profession:
Attorney
Sex:
Male
Age:
44
Website:

Author's Posts

March 26, 2008

Interpretation of New Building Code

Is it possible to get a written interpretation (using Form BC-1) of the new Building Code provisions from the DOB now, or does one have to wait for the effective date of the new rules July 1, 2008?

January 7, 2008

Mezzanine

Seeking architect recommendations for creating a mezzanine (pursuant to section 505 of the building code) instead of an extension on the top floor of a Brooklyn brownstone.

December 13, 2007

Does Loft or Mezzanine Space Count Towards FAR?

I own the top floor condo apartment of a Brooklyn brownstone. The brownstone already exceeeds maximum allowable FAR, but the building could go about 12 feet higher. Is it possible to increase the height of part of the ceiling/roof and build some sort of open loft or mezzanine space that doesn't count towards FAR?

Cost of Adding a Bathroom

I'm looking to get an idea of how much it would cost to add a new bathroom to a floorthru condo in a brooklyn brownstone (about 15 feet away from the closest running water on the floor). Also do I need any kind of permit to do this job?

October 31, 2007

Need Plumber for Radiator

The radiators in my condo and building do not work and its getting cold.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for a plumber to help fix the problem?

Thanks

October 29, 2007

Electric Door Strike

I live in a brownstone that has a front double door (3' x 10') with glass windows. There is an intercom system, but no door buzzer (i.e., electric door strike). We were told that there is no system to accomodate a buzzer (electric door strike) for the type of doors we have.

First, does anyone know if a door buzzer (electric strike door) can be installed on double doors or not?

If so, is there an alternative system that can be installed?

And can anyone recommend a locksmith or handyman who can install the door buzzer in Brooklyn?

Thanks

Author's Comments

I would be interesetd in purchasing the front door (109" x 54").

Please contact me at iancelec@yahoo.com

Thanks

Posted by: sniec at December 31, 2008 10:03 AM in response to Iron window and doors (cont)

I live in a TH that was extended and the light issue was solved with transoms (an interior rectangular window at the top of the wall).

Posted by: sniec at January 8, 2008 3:02 PM in response to Extension question

I live almost directly opposite this brownstone on Adelphi (so I would see it every day from my back window), and frankly, I do not believe the plans I see are objectionable. As long as the front facade remains in characther with the block (which it does), then neither the extension (which is not visible from the front) nor the rear facade, as represented, should be of concern. Note that Adelphi Street is not landmarked and compared to the uglier buildings in the back (I say they are ugly, but I still like the human character and diversity they bring to the block), this proposed rear facade is actually an improvement.

I believe there needs to be a balance between landmark preservation and ownership rights. I respectfully disagree with brownstoner on this one, but as always welcome the discussion.

Posted by: sniec at January 4, 2008 11:42 AM in response to 432 Clermont Avenue: Totally Inappropriate

OP here.

Thanks for the advice and comments. For those interested, I found these rules that permit a mezzanine:

SECTION BC 505
MEZZANINES
505.1 General. A mezzanine or mezzanines in compliance with this section shall be considered a portion of the floor below. Such mezzanines shall not contribute to either the building area or number of stories as regulated by Section 503.1. The area of the mezzanine shall be included in determining the fire area defined in Section 702. The clear height above and below the mezzanine floor construction shall not be less than 7 feet (2134 mm).

Exception: The clear height of habitable spaces above or below mezzanines within welling units shall not be less than 8 feet (2438 mm).

505.2 Area limitation. The aggregate area of a mezzanine or mezzanines within a room or space shall not exceed one-third of the area if that room or space in which they are located. The enclosed portions of a room or space shall not be included in determining the permissible floor area of the mezzanine. The area of the mezzanine shall not contribute to the determination of the floor area of the room or space below.

Posted by: sniec at December 14, 2007 2:36 PM in response to Does Loft or Mezzanine Space Count Towards FAR?

I too have had negative experience with a broker at A&H. I would not recommend them.

Posted by: sniec at October 29, 2007 1:14 PM in response to Roslyn Huebener Strikes Again

Responses to Author's Forum Comments

I have a 15 foot extension on the back of my garden rental/upper triplex. We have the living room in front (parlor floor), then dinning room in the middle, then kitchen in the back. The dinning room is noticeably darker than the other two rooms, but I wouldn't call it gloomy or a problem. Just turn on the lights... Maybe it'll give you an excuse to buy some over the top chandelier or disco ball or something. We have a roughly 10 foot wide passage between the kitchen and living room, and maybe 8 feet (with pocket doors) from living room to dinning room.
Downstairs in the rental (2 story extension), its not an issue, because the middle part of the space is a closet/bathroom.

Posted by: guest at January 8, 2008 4:12 PM in response to Extension question

Where are these rules from? They're not from the New York Building Code.

Posted by: guest at January 11, 2008 5:29 PM in response to Does Loft or Mezzanine Space Count Towards FAR?