I don't think there is one day a week that is specifically bulk trash day anymore. Call 311 to confirm, but I think you can put big stuff out on any regular trash day now.

Posted by: tinarina at February 4, 2010 9:34 AM in response to Appliance and Kitchen Disposal

Excellent suggestions from bkrules. Do you have a couch AND a bed, or is it a sleeper sofa? Having room for both is a big selling point.

Regarding the table and chairs, I would absolutely do all the de-cluttering possible and then decide. If you can add a small table and two chairs without it looking crowded, potential buyers will like the multi-function aspect of the space, and well as the additional seating.

You could also consider adding some kind of additional seating besides the couch, even if it's stools. Having only the couch to sit on seems like very limited seating.

Posted by: tinarina at February 2, 2010 7:22 PM in response to staging a studio

I say keep the old doors--even if they are beat up, the old wood is of much better quality. Will you be painting them? Paint will hide many imperfections. I would try to get some other quotes on repair--ask South Slope who they would recommend.

Posted by: tinarina at February 1, 2010 9:47 AM in response to Brownstone Doors...repair or buy

Rob, regarding parquet, are you sure you're not confusing cheesy parquet tiles common in rental apartments with old parquet? Even though the tiles are wood, they can't compare to real parquet where every wood strip is laid separately and are much larger.

Posted by: tinarina at January 27, 2010 3:45 PM in response to House of the Day: 125 Cortelyou Road

I love these prewar layouts, and I think it works. If the kitchen has to be re-done anyway, I'd get rid of the tiny maid's room and create a larger kitchen with an informal dining area.

Posted by: tinarina at January 27, 2010 12:59 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: Turner Towers Three Bedroom

I'm sure people will disagree with me, but I don't think all the moldings have to match. Leave the windows brown and do the crown/baseboard white if you like. It will look great.

I'm not always crazy about stained wood crown moldings--they draw attention to themselves and make the ceilings look lower, IMO.

Posted by: tinarina at January 22, 2010 5:32 PM in response to Molding Issues!

Thanks for all the Haiti info. As a nonprofit veteran, though, I have to dispute the 15% admin fee--this is crazy low. 19-20% is more like it.

Some orgs can hit 15% because they're semireligious and have lower costs. But it's very hard to have low overhead and still maintain decent program staffing and salaries.

Think about it. 15% overhead is ridiculously low in the for-profit sector, even factoring in the payment of taxes. Why should the nonprofit sector be held to a draconian standard?

Posted by: tinarina at January 13, 2010 2:30 PM in response to Wednesday Links

What I find really telling is how infrequently an A&H property is featured on Brownstoner. They used to be a real powerhouse (for reasons I've never understood) but don't seem to get much biz these days.

Posted by: tinarina at January 12, 2010 2:19 PM in response to House of the Day: 282 Park Place

Thanks so much for the thoughtful update. And I'm still rooting for scenic wallpaper!

Posted by: tinarina at January 6, 2010 9:20 PM in response to Tapestries Revisited

I don't have a reco, but agree with Kens in that you need someone who will keep staining until you get the color you want.

Posted by: tinarina at January 5, 2010 9:18 PM in response to Sanding & Staining Floors

I recommend Design Source on the Bowery. Not the cheapest, but great selection and knowledgeable sales staff.

Posted by: tinarina at January 5, 2010 9:01 PM in response to Exterior Door Hardware Source

I remember when this was one nasty hotel. PACC really did a great job with this.

Posted by: tinarina at January 5, 2010 11:17 AM in response to Walkabout: A Fortune in Lace, Part 1

I'm shocked that I'm agreeing with George Will. But it is indeed too late on his part.

Posted by: tinarina at January 5, 2010 10:31 AM in response to George Will on Atlantic Yard's 'Cognitive Dissonance'

I'd add that since you're on your coop board, you might want to rule out a buyer that your board has historically been skittish about--like an out-of-state parent holding the mortgage, or someone who runs a business from home, etc...

Posted by: tinarina at January 4, 2010 2:38 PM in response to Accepting a FSBO Offer

Obviously you need to make a decision before you go to the coop board. I would ask the potential buyers if any have been prequalified for a mortgage and for how much, as well as the downpayment they plan on making.

I would also get your RE atty involved ASAP to give advice and get the contract process moving.

As for moving, getting to closing is likely going to take 60-90 days minimum, so maybe you'll be okay. When I sold my coop FSBO, I was able to delay the closing for another month as this worked out better for both of us. It can't hurt to ask.

Posted by: tinarina at January 4, 2010 2:29 PM in response to Accepting a FSBO Offer

We bought a Kenmore for our rental--it's probably a Whirlpool or GE. It was very reasonable price-wise and the tenant loves it.

Posted by: tinarina at January 4, 2010 11:48 AM in response to 18" Dishwasher?

Stellar job, Montrose. Your posts this week were a wonderful change of pace. Happy New Year to all!

Posted by: tinarina at December 31, 2009 4:36 PM in response to Movin' on Up and Out

I second Hlad. Although neighbors have always been happy with Gateway!

Posted by: tinarina at December 30, 2009 6:36 PM in response to Need a Boiler Guy or Company

I have a woodframe and there was no issue with converting it from a 4-family to a 2.

Posted by: tinarina at December 30, 2009 4:11 PM in response to 3-Family Woodframe?

You totally deserve this, Mr. B. Congrats!

Posted by: tinarina at December 30, 2009 4:00 PM in response to Brownstoner.com Receives Award

Although they're gone for the winter, Blue Moon at the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket on Saturdays (and at Union Square on
Wednesdays)is the BEST in NYC, IMO. The selection is limited to what can be caught off Montauk, but it's always super-fresh.

The fish vendor at Fort Greene Greenmarket is also good, but not as great as Blue Moon.

Posted by: tinarina at December 29, 2009 2:33 PM in response to Best Fish Store in Brooklyn

I agree with Fish Tales and Fairway. Fairway always has items on special that are a good buy--like the cheap lobsters they had all summer.

Posted by: tinarina at December 29, 2009 9:46 AM in response to Best Fish Store in Brooklyn

I would have a friendly conversation with them--they should at least have carpeting down in high traffic areas, which will help somewhat.

For a few years I lived below this really sweet wisp of a girl who didn't weigh more than 100 pounds, but you would have thought she was Muhammed Ali. At the very least I'd hope the pounding is not above your bedroom when you're trying to sleep.

Posted by: tinarina at December 21, 2009 6:01 PM in response to Living Under a Heavy Walker

Dave, I think all postal employees are union and all do not suck. Brooklyn is completely separate from the Manhattan operation and has been awful for decades.

My favorite thing is that stamp machines are gone from many post offices (including Clinton Hill) because they were too expensive. So now you have to wait on line for stamps.

Only the USPS could figure out how to LOSE MONEY on a vending machine!!!

Posted by: tinarina at December 21, 2009 12:57 PM in response to Kensington Post Office Vs. Farley P.O.: A Fun Comparison!

That Greenpoint block is a beauty. I'd always heard that few houses came to market, as they stayed in families or were sold to fellow Poles.

I'd guess it needs some serious kitchen and bath help as there aren't any photos, but it could be a great place.

Posted by: tinarina at December 18, 2009 1:47 PM in response to Open House Picks

EAB--If we get a few warm days with lots of sunshine, I would let it sit outside in the sun. Heat can really kill that musty odor.

Posted by: tinarina at December 17, 2009 6:04 PM in response to Mothball Odor?

You should complain to HPD ASAP. Here is the link:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/tenants/tenants.shtml

Posted by: tinarina at December 15, 2009 8:26 PM in response to Rental Advice/Negotiation

Totally agree, Brenda. But back in the day of more mom-and-pops, commercial rents were more reasonable and/or the shop owner owned the building.

Nowadays, gentrification also dramatically jacks up commercial rents, so often the only viable business is a fancier one. Food in particular has very low profit margins, so it's hard to be priced affordably when you're paying thousands a month in rent--the math just doesn't work.

Even if you buy a retail building, the same problem still exists.

Posted by: tinarina at December 15, 2009 11:21 AM in response to 'What's Wrong With Gentrification?' Asks New York Mag

I highly recommend Christian Galesi: christiangalesi@yahoo.com.

Posted by: tinarina at December 8, 2009 1:57 PM in response to Cabinet Door Maker Rec

Carroll Street is a really bad advertisement for Kathryn Lilly as a broker. Garbage camera phone photos, no floorplan, and a BS description. If she can't properly sell her own place, how's she gonna sell yours?

Posted by: tinarina at December 4, 2009 3:36 PM in response to Open House Picks

What's the fabric? If it's silk or wool, dry cleaning should be fine--better than steam-cleaning. And a good dry cleaner should be able to deal with the stains.

I also like Fabraclean, but they do upholstery--not single cushions or pillows.

Posted by: tinarina at November 30, 2009 9:25 PM in response to Upholstery Cleaning

Hilarious Maly! Thanks for the research!

Posted by: tinarina at November 25, 2009 7:14 PM in response to House of the Day: 481 4th Street Revisited

I'd love to know more about some of the mansions still standing on Bushwick Ave...

Posted by: tinarina at November 25, 2009 4:35 PM in response to Walkabout: Our Favorite Brooklyn Buildings

Comments here pretty much echo what was said about the place when it was HOTD almost six months ago. Betancourt should be ashamed--still no floorplan, and the rental is still listed as being a duplex. Is the flipper a Betancourt broker?

Posted by: tinarina at November 25, 2009 3:04 PM in response to House of the Day: 481 4th Street Revisited

In terms of a replacement, I would do scenic wallpaper if the budget allowed. Some of the most beautiful is from Zuber--with a bit of creativity you could duplicate the look without the price.

Posted by: tinarina at November 23, 2009 11:27 AM in response to Dining Room Dilemma

Yes, Figliolia lives large as he was busted a few years back for extorting the city. That said, we used him on our water main replacement and they did a great job. Sewer main, I can't say.

However, a house on our block had a serious sewer problem last summer and Main Man was on the scene for days with little progress ( It was also one of those situations where city utilities were affected and it was probably more problematic than most sewer line upgrades). Main Man mostly had a bunch of guys standing around doing very little. After about ten days Figliolia took over and it was done very quickly.

Posted by: tinarina at November 19, 2009 8:55 PM in response to Broken Sewer Main

Unfortunately, most inspections are pretty expensive. I recommend Heimer. If you look in the Brownstoner Forum archives you will find a lot of info.

Posted by: tinarina at November 19, 2009 8:47 PM in response to engineer inspection

southslope--thanks for the info. Can you please tell us MORE about the exterior and interior permastone and how it was removed? I guess the owner got a good deal on the stuff back in the day.

Posted by: tinarina at November 19, 2009 8:42 PM in response to Development Watch: Turnaround at 424 Waverly Avenue

Beautiful work, southslope; thanks for sharing the pics. How will these buildings be used?

Posted by: tinarina at November 19, 2009 6:16 PM in response to Development Watch: Turnaround at 424 Waverly Avenue

And Etson, I agree that culture plays a big part. But when low-priced, illegal handguns are readily available, change is a lot tougher.

Posted by: tinarina at November 18, 2009 11:28 AM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill

etson--

The stats don't really say that, at least in London:

http://www.londonnet.co.uk/news/2009/mar/london-murder-rate-not-going.html

And homicides are roughly two-thirds less than NYC.

Posted by: tinarina at November 18, 2009 11:21 AM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill

Etson--In places where guns are hard to get, like all of Europe, people don't die from guns.

If guns weren't so easily attainable, kids would resort to old fashioned violence, like fistfights and knives. Not pretty, but generally not lethal.

Posted by: tinarina at November 18, 2009 11:04 AM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill

SCORE! This is what makes owning an old house worth it!

Posted by: tinarina at November 18, 2009 11:00 AM in response to Beneath the Surface

I haven't used them for years but always had a good experience for renter's insurance.

Posted by: tinarina at November 18, 2009 10:25 AM in response to Gotham Brokerage

Gun use will never seriously decline in this country until enough people and politicians have the balls to stand up to the NRA.

NY gun laws are some of the strictest in the nation, but it hardly matters when any crook or psychopath can drive down to a state like Virginia and buy guns privately at a gun show without any paper trail or background check.

Virtually all of the guns seized in NY state come from out of state. It's a huge part of the problem.

Posted by: tinarina at November 18, 2009 10:23 AM in response to Shooting In Boerum Hill

Totally agree with Arch--no way were prices anywhere near $800k 10 years ago. But leave it to the Times RE section to give a bullish RE view based on a quote rather than checking the facts.

Posted by: tinarina at November 16, 2009 11:06 AM in response to Ditmas Park Gets the 'Living In' Treatment

I highly recommend Christian Galesi; he did some built-in cabinets for us. I can't find his phone# but here's his email: christiangalesi@yahoo.com.

Posted by: tinarina at November 16, 2009 10:42 AM in response to Custom Wood Bookcases

You can guess and guess, but anyone who would be at all interested in this building should have their atty look at the past 3-5 years of the coop's financials.

Posted by: tinarina at November 12, 2009 2:44 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 40 Clarkson Avenue, #4F

John Hlad and Gateway are the two most consistently recommended plumbers on this site. We use Hlad and are very pleased.

Posted by: tinarina at November 12, 2009 1:10 PM in response to Hot water problem. Help!

I heard on the news that as long as the housekeeper doesn't work 40hrs/per week both of you can agree on a reasonable pay. But if the housekeeper works for you 40hrs/per week then you need do pay the housekeeper at least an hourly wage.

Posted by: mjuarez at February 1, 2010 3:04 PM in response to what does a house keeper cost?

Correction on my previous post I meant minimum hourly wage.

Posted by: mjuarez at February 1, 2010 3:08 PM in response to what does a house keeper cost?

Another addition to my comment I am talking about an independent housekeeper; I am not talking about a housekeeper from an agency.

Posted by: mjuarez at February 1, 2010 3:11 PM in response to what does a house keeper cost?

Yeah, I would at least check in with a few more experienced old-door repairers for quotes and see what they say before throwing in the towel.

Posted by: mopar at February 1, 2010 4:20 PM in response to Brownstone Doors...repair or buy

Definitely check with Eddie's Salvage on Greene Ave at the corner of Grand Ave. Often has lots of stock, very good prices and is a super nice person to deal with.

Posted by: hancockone at February 1, 2010 8:31 PM in response to Brownstone Doors...repair or buy

call 347 2993696 mr luis can help if need fix maybe ill expend few days, less than 700 hundred box

Posted by: luisenrique0571 at February 1, 2010 8:53 PM in response to Brownstone Doors...repair or buy

thanks for the feedback, you both have excellent advice. I do have a couch and a bed, both items. I like the idea of stools to add some seating. i'll have to figure out how to do that. and the placement of expensive things around the apartment seems like a good idea. I totally get that people would be attracted to that. THANKS!! hopefully it will work well for me.
:)

Posted by: bklynblues at February 3, 2010 11:38 AM in response to staging a studio

Bulk trash will be picked up on your non-recycling day. Up to 5 pieces I think. If you break down the cabs you can bundle them - 4 feet long by I forget how tall.

Posted by: Arkady at February 4, 2010 9:58 AM in response to Appliance and Kitchen Disposal

They will take your cabinets if you break them down and tie them up with rope. Sanitation wont take your oven and dishwasher but there are services that take any form of metal and pick it up from you for free. They then go to metal melting dumpyards and get money for it. Just look on craigslist or in yellowpages and call one of them.

Posted by: Kensingtonian at February 4, 2010 10:39 AM in response to Appliance and Kitchen Disposal

We re-did our kitchen recently and posted the dishwasher and oven pics on craigslist for free. They weren't cute - black 80s- but I got so many calls and someone who really appreciated them. Maybe your definition of terrible isn't everyone's.

Posted by: Deda at February 4, 2010 11:03 AM in response to Appliance and Kitchen Disposal