property violation verification

"Scary" is relative. If you hire an architect, they can guide you through the process (which is relatively painless). I assume you are intending to replace the windows with historically correct windows in any case (regardless of the LPC issue). The only cumbersome issue is that LPC takes their time reviewing things, and no one can control that. If you do this without LPC approval, they may (however unlikely) fine you.

Posted by: spanishfish at August 10, 2007 10:22 PM in response to Windowns in Landmark Building?

I don't really understand why you would still be allowing anonymous posts. Can a website form be added to the profile?

Posted by: spanishfish at August 10, 2007 10:32 PM in response to Brownstoner 2.0 Coming At You Today

I think this site is much better. If you could dis-allow anonymous posts, it might get rid of the rants and raves, which would be a good thing. People will be much more careful of what they say if they are forced to register. Getting rid of all the illegal discussions and the useless banter will be worthwhile.

Posted by: spanishfish at August 11, 2007 9:25 PM in response to Brownstoner 2.0 Coming At You Today

11:05, check out www.apartmenttherapy.com

People on that site are forced to register with real emails and required real contact info. They are all very civil and the website is also extremely helpful. And if a registered user abuses the system, the moderators block him/her's email address from being able to post.

Inherently, if no one can tell who you are, you'll say things you wouldn't normally say if someone knew your name and if you thought you might be banned from the site.

In any case, it appears this site is starting to get closer to that method, which I think is a good thing. It will weed people out.

Posted by: spanishfish at August 12, 2007 10:12 AM in response to Brownstoner 2.0 Coming At You Today

FGR-

Can you recommend your contractor? That sounds like a great price. Any photos of past projects you could post?

Posted by: spanishfish at August 12, 2007 3:50 PM in response to teardown/rebuild vs "gut" renovation?

We're currently doing a 4 bedroom (nearly a gut, in Manhattan) and it's costing just about $300k (with medium/high finishes, but nothing extraordinary). So that should be an adequate budget for you. Ours has only one bathroom being touched (2 others recently renovated for about $25k).

Posted by: spanishfish at August 12, 2007 7:26 PM in response to Renovation Estimate

You don't need Landmarks approval for rear windows, usually, unless you are in the new Sunnyside Gardens district. But you may need a Certificate of No Effect regardless. You'll have to check with LPC.

Posted by: spanishfish at August 15, 2007 6:08 PM in response to Landmark/Windows Advice Needed

I would ask a contractor instead.

Posted by: spanishfish at August 16, 2007 7:53 PM in response to Architect / Engineer needed

You can usually tell by looking at the plans of the two apartments side by side. Your building maintenance guy should know by looking in the cellar also. not sure if a plumber is going to be able to help you out if he knows nothing about your building (so if you really want a plumber, ask your building super to recommend one). The only real way to tell is to punch a hole in the wall.

Posted by: spanishfish at August 20, 2007 7:37 AM in response to Joining two apartments

David Gu
917 833 8693

He's in Elmhurst. Should cost you about $150 to $200 if you have the fan and it's already wired to an outlet with a switch.

You'll need an electrician if that is not the case.

Posted by: spanishfish at August 20, 2007 7:39 AM in response to Ceiling Fan Installation

call ilhan

917.421.0675

Posted by: guest at August 23, 2007 11:30 PM in response to Ceiling Fan Installation

Let's remember that there are two sides to every story. When I renovated my kitchen, the removal of the walls exposed a serious structural problem that was unfortunately the building's responsibillity. I hated having to go to everyone. It wasn't cheap to fix.

Posted by: guest at August 29, 2007 4:38 PM in response to Legal responsibility to whole coop when one member renovates

An outside agent should evaluate the situation if it is sketchy whose fault the problem is.

Posted by: guest at August 29, 2007 6:34 PM in response to Legal responsibility to whole coop when one member renovates

approx $2,000

pearlexx@hotmail.com

Posted by: cestimator at September 2, 2007 10:51 PM in response to Cost to sand and poly wood floor?

Sorry, I'm against filing with the dob for this. Technically, yes, if you move plumbing you are supposed to. However, if this is your house, you may not have to. I would talk with a local, not high-fallutin' architect. Someone who does work in your neighborhood and won't necessarily file it with the DOB.

I just went through a C of O change on my building and what a pain in the butt the DOB and all of that is. I'm glad I did it legally for that, but I would think twice about it for what you are doing. I don't think you will have any problems if you don't.

And whoever thinks 2-5K isn't a big deal is obviously someone with a lot of extra cash. That is a lot to add to any project.

For an architect on my old coop kitchen which was worth it, it was $1500 or so. She was a friend and that was 3 years ago.

Posted by: guest at September 3, 2007 11:48 PM in response to Kitchen Reno

When I said "double" the cost of a project, I wasn't speaking literally. I was just emphasizing the added ( unnecessary ) expense to pay an architect and the DOB.

Posted by: Rick at September 4, 2007 7:07 AM in response to Kitchen Reno

We did an apartment, total sq ft of floor is 1,000 -- floor company said it's less with walls, etc. We paid about $2500 for sand and 3 layers of poly.

Posted by: guest at September 4, 2007 2:43 PM in response to Cost to sand and poly wood floor?

You should file with DOB for this reason: If you end up doing a bigger reno in the future, which do file, you will have to get a sign off inspection (whether by dob or a licensed master plumber). If done by dob and it is found that lines were changed without permit, you will end up having to file at that point and have to pay a civil penalty. If you have a plumber do it, he might not want to sign off job until you file the past changes or return lines to previous state. In general, it's better to file in order to save future headaches.

Posted by: guest at September 4, 2007 4:31 PM in response to Kitchen Reno

I actually just received a quote today of $1,000 for approx 700sf or $1.43/sf for sanding and poly (no stain). The guy's name is Eliot and he comes highly recommended from my painter, who came highly recommended on the Park Slope Parents listserve. I just signed him up today and can't yet vouch for his work, but feel free to call him at 917-414-3516. I met him over the weekend and he seems like a very nice guy. Apparently he has done lots of work in Brooklyn. Good luck.

Posted by: guest at September 4, 2007 4:58 PM in response to Cost to sand and poly wood floor?

I agree 4:31, THAT is when it will start to cost you double!

Posted by: guest at September 4, 2007 11:30 PM in response to Kitchen Reno