The writing is so poor on this 'article' -- I would really doubt if the author should be considered an expert either. It does read like a seminar speech though so I wouldn't be surprised if he gave 'lectures'. Frankly, I was too bored to read much of it.

Posted by: townhouser at November 24, 2008 10:03 PM in response to Great article on Green Building

pitbull got me laughing out loud on this one...especially post at 1:55 and 2:26...haha.
I think huge security systems for a little townhouse are really overboard in general.

Posted by: townhouser at November 18, 2008 6:11 PM in response to Security and the Front Door

Funny, I am hoping to do the same thing. One thing you might find out, is WHY the brick was plastered over in the first place. Also, structural brick may not be the quality brick you are hoping for.
Having said that, I hope it works and would love to know how it turned out...

Posted by: townhouser at November 18, 2008 10:15 AM in response to exposing plastered over fireplace

For me, the best way to deal with this is to act polite, calm, and mature, and talk to the kids respectfully. Greet them, and then just simply ask if they could stop doing that to your dog. Maybe tell them something about your dog, something small, that might get them to see your dog as 'one of their own'. All it takes is a little perspective, sometimes, to change a whole attitude. And when you speak directly to people, with respect, usually the same happens back.
I've had several little issues with little rascals ;), but each time this method has worked for me.

Posted by: townhouser at November 17, 2008 6:31 PM in response to how to deal with noisy tweens!?

I have the same problem. I have old wooden windows.
The best weatherstripping for wood (I will assume this is what you have?) is spring bronze weatherstripping.
If you do have the original wood windows -- DO NOT REPLACE THEM!!! just get storms instead, and repair what you can. New windows are all (mostly) crap, and will eventually draft worse than old ones -- if you have your original windows, that means they lasted some 100 years, which says a lot. They also have natural old-growth wood, which you almost can't even get anymore...

Posted by: townhouser at November 12, 2008 4:58 PM in response to Reducing Drqaft from Old Window

The only thing the average citizen could have done would have been to be a more critical and educated consumer. If people had not bought all the crap products offered out there just because they were on sale, maybe there would have been less junk produced, so that the present drop in the marketplace would have been less pronounced (as there wouldn't have been such a bubble). The problem was, and still is, that the US economy is based on junk, waste, and bad-credit, and has been for a long time.
The unnecessary crap we buy is really ridiculous, and the amount of waste we leave out on the curb is even worse.

Posted by: townhouser at November 8, 2008 6:56 PM in response to NYC Police and Fire Fighters Next to Feel Budget Pinch

Thanks everybody for the advice. I will try to take a different approach, and make sure the agreements are what I want in every way, before I sign them. Before I was under the impression I had to take it or leave it, and so I conceded on details that I shouldn't have.
It's just amazing how much hassle and struggle is involved in seemingly simple things.
smoky - I'm not sure yet how the architect will be involved with the builder, since it's more of an expediting paper thing, at least so I thought in the beginning...

Posted by: townhouser at October 24, 2008 9:51 AM in response to contracts, contracts, everywhere contracts

Thanks vinca, I think part of the beserkness is just from trying to find info, spending loads of time researching, and STILL not feeling like I'm on top of anything.

bohuma: interesting point, but I've already had an estimate (or proposal, a contract which I signed) prove to be just a suggestion (long story, but 'somebody' said he forgot something on the proposal, then proceeded to bill me extra for the work, which then also happened to end up way over his quote over the phone). I didn't want to fight this too much because I just wanted to get things done, but it did leave a bad taste in my mouth. I think what I meant by work-then-invoice, is that I would still know what the estimate is ahead of time (kind of like knowing a price in a store before you pay for it at the counter). But then instead of paying a huge chunk upfront, I would pay as the work got done, perhaps weekly.

Posted by: townhouser at October 22, 2008 5:57 PM in response to contracts, contracts, everywhere contracts

apparently burglary and fires go up by 50% during renovation.
But I told them I will still be living here the entire time -- not enough for them.

Posted by: townhouser at October 22, 2008 5:47 PM in response to contracts, contracts, everywhere contracts

somehow, I always feel I'm gaining nothing but aggravation from a contract. Practically speaking, when will I really get to enforce the details of a contract? Typically, I wouldn't know which details are important before it becomes a problem, and then, since I'm not offering the service, I don't get to make up the terms of the contract in the first place...
My insurance company is trying to make me get a security system for the 'renovation' period. It's enough of a hassle that I'm thinking of going with another insurance company.

Posted by: townhouser at October 22, 2008 4:50 PM in response to contracts, contracts, everywhere contracts

I might sell mine. Actually, I'm not sure. But if you really want it and give a decent price on it, I'll consider selling it. whats your email - I can send you pics.

Posted by: townhouser at October 16, 2008 4:23 PM in response to In search of cast-iron tub

actually, it sounds like your problem is easy to fix.
on the each side of your window (where the window sash goes up and down), there are the pockets which hold your chain + weights. near the bottom there should be about a 1-foot section of wood that you can open up. This is where you access your weights.
I bet you could find something (either a string or wire) to push down the shaft til you see it in your opening, then reattach it to your weights.
For the ones that dont close all the way, the weight is probably stuck somewhere. I noticed in one of my shaft pockets, the weight from one sash was moving over into the area for the other weight. This may have happened with yours too. Once you open that access area, though, you should be able to figure it all out yourself.
Good luck!

Posted by: townhouser at October 15, 2008 5:27 PM in response to Help with windows

I have had similar problems finding people to repair (NOT replace) my old wooden weight/chain windows. After months of searching, I have finally decided to repair them all myself, even the ones with rotten wood. I have researched and found out how to do it, and now I'm just waiting for the supplies to come in the mail.
I know I'm probably in for a lot of work, but I think it's worth restoring rather than replacing with inferior windows.

Posted by: townhouser at October 15, 2008 4:45 PM in response to Help with windows

but wait, you really dont know it's a sewer clog yet.
where is the toilet, in relation to the washer?
why did this person say it was a sewer clog?

Posted by: townhouser at October 8, 2008 6:19 PM in response to sewer clog?

this just happened to me, except the main drain was really clogged all the way and started to come up another pipe in the basement (long story), so basically I had to hand-sumppump poop water into buckets (as all drains go to the main drain).
To make a long story short, since you dont have access to your "U" or the "y" on your main drain, you have to try to get to the clog from another place.
For me, it was the outside drain next to the house, running along the west wall, joining with the main drain.
you need a power snake/auger. a really long one.
Of course, I didn't have one, but the super next door did!
problem solved...
good luck!

Posted by: townhouser at October 8, 2008 3:44 PM in response to sewer clog?

Well I found a co willing to check it out and fix it right away. Turns out that it turned on!
The old thing has given me my first warm shower in a long time, and now I am able to check out the heating system (steam radiators) for the first time...
Having said that, it is still dirty and smelly down there, and I doubt the old boiler will be efficient nor reliable, even for one winter.
But I just bought myself a little time to make a good decision, which is the tough part here. Technology is changing so fast that there are more options, and I don't want to make a move I'll regret.
I originally wanted gas, but so far I have not been happy with the options presented to me (actually it was more like take it or leave it).
The other issues that coned seems to bring: forcing me to move my meters outside, charging me a different rate for gas used for heating (how annoying), etc.
So now I'm actually considering a new oil boiler (for about a quarter of the cost).
I would definitely love another quote from a good plumber for the oil to gas conversion, but I'm afraid that ConEd will force the same outcome...

Posted by: townhouser at October 4, 2008 6:36 PM in response to recs on who to fix an OLD oil furnace?

don't have a oil company yet, as I just moved in. People (who know more than me) who have seen the boiler either say that it should work with a few new parts and maintenance or that it is toast. So, I thought, before buying a new boiler, to see if it might work at least until the spring, when I'll have more time to decide.
As for the gas: If Coned digs for free, than the extra expense is for the plumber's extra work? I was quoted over 12k for this job.
Thanks for commenting.

Posted by: townhouser at October 3, 2008 12:55 PM in response to recs on who to fix an OLD oil furnace?

clarify: it provided hot water for the house, and steam for the radiator heating.

Posted by: townhouser at October 1, 2008 5:18 PM in response to recs on who to fix an OLD oil furnace?

Where in Manhattan can I drop by to see your truck? before you go to brooklyn...???

Posted by: townhouser at September 23, 2008 3:18 PM in response to Salvage Mobile's 1st Stop on Saturday: Where to Go

this is wonderful...

Posted by: townhouser at September 22, 2008 4:17 PM in response to Got an old picture of my house

Pls tell - who did the restoration? I'm having a lot of trouble finding somebody to restore (not replace) my windows...

Posted by: townhouser at September 22, 2008 4:15 PM in response to Rebate for Restoration of Original Windows ???

check the DOB's property profile overview page for your house.
HERE: http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/bispi00.jsp
If it's an SRO, it will say "yes" next to "SRO restricted."
There you can also find info on violations, premits, and such, as well as a link (possibly) to the CofO.

Posted by: townhouser at September 2, 2008 4:08 PM in response to Is this an SRO?

Thanks Giselle. I will contact them. A little worried because I'm in uptown manhattan, but let's see what they say.

Posted by: townhouser at August 23, 2008 8:05 AM in response to rec for frame and window installation?

Very interesting, Townhouser. Why have so many people replaced their wooden windows instead of just putting on storm windows? Ignorance? Cost? Convenience?

So many big apt buildings have replaced their old metal multi-paned windows from the 30s and 40s (guess these didn't take storm windows) that it's completely transformed the look of New York streets (not for the better, alas).

Posted by: mopar at November 13, 2008 11:56 AM in response to Reducing Drqaft from Old Window

thick clear plastic and duct tape. The kind you can see through, it is sometimes a little hard to find. Some 99cents variety stores sell it by the foot on a big reel. If you use white duct tape and the insides of your windows happen to be white and do a neat taping job, it actually doesn't look completely hideous. What I used to do in my rental was save the pieces I bought/cut to size, and reuse it year after year. I never had luck with the hairdryer shrink to fit kits. Even when I did get it applied properly, it still felt drafty.

Posted by: bqe1970 at November 13, 2008 12:53 PM in response to Reducing Drqaft from Old Window

Can we have some posts on renovation?

Posted by: Putnamdenizen at November 17, 2008 8:35 PM in response to how to deal with noisy tweens!?

Who's got spare cash to renovate?

Posted by: vanburenproud at November 17, 2008 9:24 PM in response to how to deal with noisy tweens!?

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!?

the lil darlings might take care of the problem themselves.
Here is an example.
Larry Clarke did a movie called Bully.
It is a true story aboput a bunch of florida kids who murder their friend because he is a bully.

This was an interesting film that I love.

Great acting from a bunch of barely legals.

Posted by: Ysabelle at November 18, 2008 11:43 AM in response to how to deal with noisy tweens!?

video camera youtube. title Park Slope teens. Sooner or later their parents will find out. otherwise, water hose.

Posted by: funstraw at November 18, 2008 12:41 PM in response to how to deal with noisy tweens!?

A lot of these were plastered over when townhouses were broken up into apartments and central heating installed. No landlord wants to pay to send heat up a chimney, and an open fire in an apartment is not something a lot of landlords want to encourage.

I would go through your Department of Buildings file before opening up the fireplace, just to make sure there are no permitting issues.

Posted by: bohuma at November 18, 2008 3:25 PM in response to exposing plastered over fireplace

There are a variety of electronic locks available. The concern with typical strikes is that they rely on the door handle latch. For added security you can use an electric deadbolt (comes out of the door frame)or a magnetic lock. These methods prevent free egress so extra care has to be taken to remain code compliant. If you are already on board with a security contractor you're comfortable with they can review these options with you. I second "homey's" concern and highly recommend not tying a remote release to the inner door.
However, once you have all these locks and a security system in place it can be rather tedious to unlock two doors and disarm a security system everytime you come home. I would suggest installing a card reader at the outer door that will release both doors and disarm the alarm system. If you're security company says they can't do this - fire them.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at November 18, 2008 8:06 PM in response to Security and the Front Door

As a bohuma said lighting is important. Keep in mind though cameras can also see infrared. An IR illuminator is very discreet and alot of cameras include them these days.

Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at November 18, 2008 8:09 PM in response to Security and the Front Door