I don't think that's him...seems like he would have told me. I have garnered good reviews (on Mike Sheehan) both just doing my due diligence....

Posted by: sogo at October 31, 2009 9:02 AM in response to Contractor Michael Sheehan?

Yes the F train is torture....and I have just looked for almost a year to find a suitable house in Kensington (finally successful, though not closed yet); it's quite difficult, although depends what you want.

BUT--and I almost hesitate to interject this but I will anyway: I am on the Kensington-Windsor Terrace Neighbors listserv, and in the last week, there was a long thread about "creeps in the neighborhood" which generated a lot of heated back and forth. But one thing I gleaned from it was the Registered Sex Offenders List by zip code. As we were signing final papers yesterday, I looked on it Thursday, and told myself if there was one next door to the house we were purchasing, I would get out of contract somehow (not sure if I could have). There wasn't--but I did see where they were grouped, for whatever reason.

I am not dissing anyone's block, nor knocking down anyone trying to lift themselves back up after a fall down. However, I have two teen daughters and a teen stepdaughter, and it gave me pause. Although I must say, relative to how many residents we have in the area, there was not a lot of registered sex offenders.

Take the info as you wish; and good luck to you. I am just saying it could influence your choice. BTW I adore Kensington; moved there after 5 years ago 15+ years in Slope.

Posted by: sogo at October 31, 2009 8:49 AM in response to Public School Victorian Flatbush

I work in the film business (as tech crew).....make sure they tie into their own source of power, not yours. Or charge them extra for electricity. You won't believe how much amperage lights draw....and I second all the above "cons" even though I have shot in many, man homes around the area.

Posted by: sogo at October 30, 2009 7:58 AM in response to Renting Your Place for Movie

This is selling me on cork.....my contractor assured me floors will be nice sub-floor w/ 1/4" base? But I will read him this. Can't wait to go see the flooring, thanks Tinarina for the Aronson recommend. Thanks for all the responses as well.

Posted by: sogo at October 26, 2009 7:28 PM in response to Kitchen Floors

and oil....wouldn't oil seep through? I have seen this hybrid "Corkoleum" advertised....looks amazing but I wonder about the durability--I cook, a LOT--and there will be 4 teens (and friends) traipsing through...

Posted by: sogo at October 24, 2009 8:18 PM in response to Kitchen Floors

You know, I have heard great things about cork--never seen it in use though. Forgive my ignorance.....but it must be much harder than I think, is it at all porous? Where does one go to see samples?

Posted by: sogo at October 24, 2009 8:06 PM in response to Kitchen Floors

From what I saw, it's more like $600 and up for refinishing. Why not just get a new one? They are cheaper than you think, and many have free delivery (no small feat for something that heavy). Or keep your eyes open here for someone selling one...

Posted by: sogo at October 24, 2009 4:28 PM in response to Refinishing Claw Foot Tub

150. per draw in Brookyln

Posted by: sogo at October 18, 2009 8:42 PM in response to 203k loan draw fees.

Stephen, that was my original question, about a designer not charging--I know in my business fees are made up from a mark-up on equipment gotten at a professional discount, so the end user doesn't feel it, and wondered if it was the same. But how does one know if the price is competitive till you GO to the kitchen designer and use their services? What if you decide not to use them and their wares? Thanks....

Posted by: sogo at October 13, 2009 7:10 AM in response to Kitchen Renovation Neophyte?

What great response....I too get the feeling KraftMaid is a little more substantial (I am doing wood) but like the Ikea price and am a big Scandinavian style fan. KraftMaid lead time is much longer though....this is a tough one.....
Thanks Jane for your very useful reflections; that will help.

Posted by: sogo at October 9, 2009 3:40 AM in response to Ikea vs. KraftMaid?

I think I am going to start a new post, if anyone sees, about Ikea vs. KraftMaid. And I will be checking here too if anyone cares to weigh in; thanks

Posted by: sogo at October 8, 2009 9:19 AM in response to Kitchen Renovation Neophyte?

SUCH a great link, thanks so much Brooklynista! Much more my speed....

Posted by: sogo at October 7, 2009 7:39 AM in response to Kitchen Renovation Neophyte?

Thanks Brooklynista, I look forward to exploring, less intimidated now. Appreciate the clarification!

Posted by: sogo at October 7, 2009 7:01 AM in response to Kitchen Renovation Neophyte?

Wow, thanks for all unanimous Ikea votes. haven't even gotten to look there yet but clearly that's the next step. I had only looked at Kraft-Maid (Kraft-Made?).

Brooklynista, thanks; I have been to Garden Web site but found it daunting as it seemed geared to people who have a lot more money to spend than I. Everyone kitchen seemed to feature an island with granite and Gaggenau and Wolf Appliances which I won't be able to budget for.

Posted by: sogo at October 6, 2009 7:18 PM in response to Kitchen Renovation Neophyte?

It's hard to believe Corcoran would compromise their multi-million dollar business for $5000 (which is over the current Small Claims amount, btw). If you can afford 5K a month, you can afford a consultation with a good RE lawyer for a couple of hundred. They will fire off a letter and get you what you need; which should be restitution of the fee, and perhaps priority for a new unit--plus covering your moving expenses if there are truly in error.

Posted by: sogo at October 5, 2009 8:48 AM in response to Broker Rented Us an Illegal Unit

It's hard to believe Corcoran would compromise their multi-million dollar business for $5000 (which is over the current Small Claims amount, btw). If you can afford 5K a month, you can afford a consultation with a good lawyer for a couple of hundred. They will fire off a letter and get you what you need; which should be restitution of the fee, and perhaps priority for a new unit--plus covering your moving expenses if there are truly in error.

Posted by: sogo at October 5, 2009 8:48 AM in response to Broker Rented Us an Illegal Unit

Update on this tub (and bathroom)-I examined it well yesterday armed with all the great information gleaned here. The tub is in really almost perfect shape once it is scrubbed out; kind of amazing. I realized all the brown and beige was just years of use. As of course I should have realized the house was built in the late 1890s (I believed it was built in 1930 as that was what I read on ACRIS but that must of just been it's first recorded date) and it is the original bathroom.
Our contractor says do very little to the bathroom, or tear it out (we never intended that); meaning it's a solid old house of cards and try to keep it intact, which I am. The "Add-a-Shower" will work great.

Posted by: sogo at October 2, 2009 6:55 AM in response to Worth Keeping Clawfoot?

I had a thread on here the other day regarding this....I believe it headed "30's mosaic tile"; did you see that? One set of instructions suggested was diluted muriatic acid/regrout. Any experience with that?

The work--that kind--would be done by tile person whom I assume would be constructing new bath upstairs. Any maintenance/restore would be my me....i.e. the peroxide (which is a fixture in our house for stains).

Thanks!

Posted by: sogo at September 30, 2009 7:31 AM in response to Worth Keeping Clawfoot?

Bob, I am assured by many that refinishing is simply a heavy-duty paint and 1) wears off in
time and 2) has toxicity issues (for younger kids). My kids are teens but I would still be somewhat concerned. More importantly, the refinishing ballparks I got were so high it seems more prudent to get a new tub. Someone on here quoted me a site where new tubs are fairly reasonable (that is relative of course) and have free delivery.

Posted by: sogo at September 29, 2009 7:08 AM in response to Worth Keeping Clawfoot?

thanks to all for the primer on the tub...

Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 9:42 PM in response to Worth Keeping Clawfoot?

In ignorance: what is the beige underlayer, meaning what is wrong with that being exposed?

Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 5:18 PM in response to Worth Keeping Clawfoot?

ah wow. An overflow valve. Didn't even know....where would that be? I guess I have to talk to plumber this week when he come w/contractor.

Re: plumbing on wall it seems superfluous if I am going to keep the tub to put up new piping rather than just new fixtures....

Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 4:50 PM in response to Worth Keeping Clawfoot?

I did hear about the magnets....excluding the last comments I am so grateful for the great advice.

Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 2:51 PM in response to Worth Keeping Clawfoot?

poop?

Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 2:49 PM in response to Worth Keeping Clawfoot?

One more thing, to both of you or anyone else who might know--our contractor, when he saw the tub, mentioned running a shower head, independent placed pipes I assume, up the middle of the wall next to the tub. I have since seen the Add-A-Shower units available--do you feel one installation is more preferable than the other? Was that his idea in case we replaced the tub at some point?

Thanks once again.

Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 1:45 PM in response to Worth Keeping Clawfoot?

Wow, thank you both so much. I had no idea one could paint the outside -but now that you mention it I do remember seeing that in layouts before. I love how deep it is and actually have always sort of wistfully imagined having one. Would either of you recommend anything like changing out the faucets or drain?

I have been looking on Signature Hardware at the rings and such--I do remember that issue with the "sucking in" of a shower curtain as one showers so I guess the two rings is supposed to help to remedy that?

Thanks in advance

Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 1:29 PM in response to Worth Keeping Clawfoot?

PS I am sorry the pic came out so big...if I could edit the post I would.

Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 12:34 PM in response to Worth Keeping Clawfoot?

Thanks for the comments...I will try the Zud first. Meeting with the contractor Thursday--who has no interest in increasing $$ or work for the job as he is getting plenty of both, btw--so I want to be educated in my request. I love the idea of keeping a 79 year old bathroom intact, both aesthetically and financially, but the tub, sink and tile are very grubby; not cracked or broken so my first choice is restoration.

Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 9:20 AM in response to Rehabbing '30's Tile

Thanks for the comments...I will try the Zud first. Meeting with the contractor Thursday--who has no interest in increasing $$ or work for the job as he is getting plenty of both, btw--so I want to be educated in my request. I love the idea of keeping a 79 year old bathroom intact, both aesthetically and financially, but the tub, sink and tile are very grubby; not cracked or broken so my first choice is restoration.

Posted by: sogo at September 28, 2009 9:04 AM in response to Rehabbing '30's Tile

Thanks Eman....that is the routine I vaguely remembered from renovating many moons (and houses) ago, I appreciate the instruction. I will try Zud too, Bob, to maintain it.

Posted by: sogo at September 27, 2009 4:56 PM in response to Rehabbing '30's Tile

another vote for cork. We're wrapping up our bathroom reno, and about to start the kitchen. My FIL (architect) has cork in his kitchen and bath, and love it, so I'm doing the same.

Posted by: brooklynstyle at October 26, 2009 1:28 PM in response to Kitchen Floors

+1 vote for cork.

Posted by: laurie11201 at October 26, 2009 6:06 PM in response to Kitchen Floors

GuyWithAHouse is correct: be sure to install cork on a very, very solid and smooth subfloor or the cork will not look good for long.

ThinkC
www.think-construction.com

Posted by: ThinkC at October 26, 2009 7:03 PM in response to Kitchen Floors

This is selling me on cork.....my contractor assured me floors will be nice sub-floor w/ 1/4" base? But I will read him this. Can't wait to go see the flooring, thanks Tinarina for the Aronson recommend. Thanks for all the responses as well.

Posted by: sogo at October 26, 2009 7:28 PM in response to Kitchen Floors

Just met with floor refinishers today. They say they can seal up every crack in a wood floor and make it mouse-proof. Good deal!

It's part of their regular process, not an extra step. They paint some stuff all over the floor, then use a tool to push it into the cracks. Plus as well the three coats of poly on top of that.

Posted by: mopar at October 28, 2009 4:09 PM in response to Kitchen Floors

Also, Marmoleum can be found for $10/sf installed in Brooklyn. Try Bay Ridge Carpet and Linoleum. They probably have cork too. Aronson's Marmoleum installation prices are stratospheric.

Posted by: mopar at October 28, 2009 4:16 PM in response to Kitchen Floors

We were asked by a film company to use our Brooklyn Heights Brownstone -- hallway, front, steps, etc. for a couple of days prior to the Christmas holidays one year. The money was a pittance compared to what looked like to be 18 hour days leading right up to the holidays. We said no. Film crews also think they own their locations and that includes city streets, like we should be privledged to have them around. There is a little beach community in Staten Island that regularly uses its area for Law and Order episodes and for some reason that is usually not disruptive, but fun for the people there. But it is an open area near the beach and it is a regular thing so the neighbors welcome them.

Posted by: donatella at October 30, 2009 4:26 PM in response to Renting Your Place for Movie

Isn't this the guy who did the This Old House Prospect Heights project? Looked like a reall ballbuster on the show but that's often a good thing in a GC.

Posted by: grand army at October 30, 2009 10:08 PM in response to Contractor Michael Sheehan?

I don't think that's him...seems like he would have told me. I have garnered good reviews (on Mike Sheehan) both just doing my due diligence....

Posted by: sogo at October 31, 2009 9:02 AM in response to Contractor Michael Sheehan?

MAKE SURE THEY HAVE A CURRENT INSURANCE POLICY FOR A HIGH AMOUNT. Ask to see it and call the insurance company to verify.

Posted by: Ysabelle at October 31, 2009 11:08 AM in response to Renting Your Place for Movie