BHS, you sound like me! except no matter how much I do, or 'prove', the dynamic only improves temporarily; then it's right back to the you're-just-a-female-attitude even when I have to explain to people how to do their own job... so ridiculous. But I look at it more like a stupid-people problem than a sexist-issue, even though I know there would never even be a discussion if I was male.

Posted by: townhouser at November 6, 2009 1:47 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

HAHA you got me laughing with that one. Believe me, your topic is way more relevant than a lot of the stuff on here; but your excuse is hilarious!

Posted by: townhouser at November 5, 2009 11:59 PM in response to Drawer Rails

I have had similar experiences. I try to twist the situations to my advantage though there are times where you just can't play along.
But what's annoying is the assumption that I don't know, understand, or can't do anything myself. And the few that recognize that I know what I'm talking about say stuff like "you must have done your research" or, if they want to put me down, they insinuate that I have gleaned information from magazines or tv shows (since that's the ONLY way a FEMALE can know ANYTHING, right?). Often I ask questions, and the reply shows that THEY have no clue! It's a constant struggle to find competent people (but this is everywhere).

Posted by: townhouser at November 5, 2009 11:56 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

why don't the four of you go get your own lease somewhere? it's simple, really.

Posted by: townhouser at November 4, 2009 12:11 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

If worried, don't put it out ahead of time. Wait for the truck in the morning and hand it to the guys yourself.

Posted by: townhouser at November 2, 2009 6:59 AM in response to Wood Panels for Garbage Pickup

He could ask for a temporary rent reduction (after the fact), and you too could ask for a rent increase for said installation/upgrade. Sometimes you have to mention these type of things back to greedy people so that they can realize that they are being ridiculous.

Posted by: townhouser at November 2, 2009 6:57 AM in response to Tenant Compensation?

Dont listen to bsreno. Get a good handyman and pay a very small fraction of that.
If I were you, I'd talk to people in your neighborhood and see what local handyman or super is recommended for this...

Posted by: townhouser at November 2, 2009 6:52 AM in response to "Simple" Kitchen and Bath Reno

there is some rule that says a bathroom can't open into a kitchen, though if it's already like that, I wouldn't think it matters too much unless it's a tenant space or it was built that way without approval (and recently)...it sounds like you want to change it from that (smart), but is it now difficult to get to the kitchen to get to the backdoor? (we had a similar issue here but just moved the bathroom out of the kitchen instead)

Posted by: townhouser at October 28, 2009 6:51 AM in response to Garden Floor Bathroom

definitely fight it, as the fee goes up the second/third time, it was not your fault, and they should know that they cant give tickets to people for no reason....

Posted by: townhouser at October 6, 2009 5:48 PM in response to Fighting ECB ticket

one thing to keep in mind is that dark colors give off more heat. (more because they absorb light so I'm not sure if it makes much of a difference!)

Posted by: townhouser at October 6, 2009 5:45 PM in response to Radiator Paint Color Options

I'm so itchy now.

Posted by: townhouser at October 5, 2009 5:39 PM in response to Unusual Bug Infestation

I used Evertight Tank not too long ago. Good guys, very cheerful and did the job right.

Posted by: townhouser at October 5, 2009 5:36 PM in response to OIL TANK REMOVAL/SEALING?

I am thinking about it...It's quite a big thing, can understand why people haven't taken the plunge, and I think it's admirable you are still trying to sell it directly to somebody. Hold it until you can't no more and then sell to a middleman...
Meanwhile I (and others I'm sure) are still thinking about it... ;)

Posted by: townhouser at October 5, 2009 5:30 PM in response to Butler's Pantry for Sale

If you have the original wood windows, typically double-hung with chains and weights, I would suggest to keep them, repairing them instead. It's hard to find anybody willing or qualified to do this but it's nice to preserve this type of detail...the old windows were made to last, have 'old' wood, etc.

Posted by: townhouser at October 3, 2009 7:40 AM in response to Windows - Recs and Prices

things that come to mind:
-calling 311, and let them direct you.
--You see a lot of these things come up as violations...seems like you already tried to contact the owner directly.
--You can't keep waiting as your wall caves in...
--can you get a plumber or somebody to look at it so you are extra sure it's coming from the neighbor?

Posted by: townhouser at September 23, 2009 6:27 AM in response to Leaky Cellar

Another scary .com is pipl.com. They collect every single public piece of information about you and group it into one handy dandy webpage, where basically people can find out where you have been living for the past decade or so, along with former telephone numbers, etc. Basically it's the same info that credit reports use to check that you are the true you. I contacted them to remove my page, and they also refused, on the basis that it's nothing more than already public information. They didn't care that I had a stalker in the past, and reasons for wanting to protect my privacy.

Posted by: townhouser at September 4, 2009 7:07 AM in response to Blockshopper

a fig tree? I am SO jealous! I didn't know they could grow in this climate!

Posted by: townhouser at September 4, 2009 6:54 AM in response to A Fig Grows in Brooklyn

I will be replacing a skylight as well, so I'll pass on what I've learned. First, if the skylight is above a staircase, it needs to be vented, as per DOB. Second, a new one made out of regular galvanized metal will cost about $350 depending on the size, then there needs to be a metal grid on top of the vent and one on the bottom for just in case the glass breaks or needs to be broken into. Those cost another $350 or so. If you choose aluminum, the cost is triple (for the skylight). Copper is somewhere between the two. I got this info from a manufacturer in Brooklyn, and double checked the regulatory stuff with my architect.

Posted by: townhouser at August 21, 2009 5:21 PM in response to Contractor Headache

so this is what 2nd rose said:
It looks like an L'art nouveau paper, but if on sheet rock it must be a repro from the 70's. Looks original though.

which means that the general consensus above was quite good!
Brownstoners impress me once again.
Thanks all....I'm trying to preserve it either way, I think it's interesting and gives even more story and charm to this place.

Posted by: townhouser at July 31, 2009 2:18 PM in response to Period Wallpaper?

never ever ever believe the broker.
engineer is more on the money, but even then it is difficult to find a good contractor to match the engineer's estimate.

Posted by: townhouser at July 31, 2009 7:19 AM in response to Gut Reno Estimate?

yes its like ink crosshatching to create the effect. It seems to be ink on thin paper. I don't think it's vinyl. If it's the 70s I'm quite impressed as it really reminds me of art deco style - if I knew the name of the flower I might be able to narrow down my googling a bit more...
I emailed 2ndHand earlier today, lets see if they have an idea...

Posted by: townhouser at July 30, 2009 9:55 PM in response to Period Wallpaper?

the paper has some texture to it, like you can feel the ink/paint lines. The paper seems thin.

I believe the house was built around the turn-of-the-century.

it seems to be on top of a layer of sheetrock which I dont think started until the 20's? I'm not sure...

Posted by: townhouser at July 30, 2009 11:35 AM in response to Period Wallpaper?

hilarious!

Posted by: townhouser at July 30, 2009 7:06 AM in response to Spotted today in the Slope

hi
I tried to email you but it came back undeliverable.
I'm interested in the doors, actually potentially all of them as a group I could really use.

Posted by: townhouser at July 27, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Free Salvaged B'stone Doors

yeah, pics? I am looking for tile.....

Posted by: townhouser at July 27, 2009 7:20 AM in response to Beautiful High End Tile

so then maybe a bucket test? I know it sounds dumb but it just might be what you need. Water is very sneaky. Perhaps the fact that it's only hard rain that does this is a clue -- does it drip around the sides?

Posted by: townhouser at July 27, 2009 7:16 AM in response to Leak under Rowhouse Stoop

Hey MP thanks for the note, but I called your office before and they said that either way, you dont service my area!
It's okay though, since I havent decided on converting yet anyway...

Posted by: townhouser at July 16, 2009 8:46 AM in response to Need Boiler Specialist Now

I'm not in bk but I will do more research. I have had a bunch of different contractors bid but not happy with most of it. There are no tenants yet, and scope includes just about everything though it's not a gut, and besides some extra stuff, it's mainly the plumbing areas that are going to be redone (kitchen/baths...).

I'm confused about what the architect NEEDS to add on to the plans and what he WANTS to add on for a fee -- there are plans and future CofO change but I'm still not sure that he needs to be involved with every single little thing.

Take the boiler, for example. Can't this be a separate story? I have the contractor, architect(for the filing?), and oil delivery company wanting to do the job even though I haven't formally asked any of them yet. Now that I really do need it to be done, I don't know who to trust with the work. (this may be a separate post ;).

As for material costs, I thought a contractor could get even lower prices, and even if he tops it off with his own cut, it could still be cheaper?

Posted by: townhouser at May 25, 2009 2:06 PM in response to NYC License Req't for Contractor

p3, pls tell me more. I am possibly going that route but have been told the architect should cover the #, filing, and insurance for me (for which I'd have to pay a fee).

Posted by: townhouser at May 25, 2009 9:07 AM in response to NYC License Req't for Contractor

back in 2000, 9 years ago, a similar situation happened to a friend of mine. No robberies that I knew of, but an illegally rented commercial loft building in williamsburg, etc,etc. Somehow the city found out about it, kicked all tenants out, and shut down the building.
If I were you, I would just move asap without kicking up too much dirt. Alert the other tenants as well, because basically, as others have pointed out, the tenants are part of the illegality of the whole thing.

Posted by: townhouser at April 19, 2009 11:45 AM in response to Effect of Not Paying Rent?

those tiles ARE very nice. very nice...
one question, why did you go with butcher block counter (which I love, by the way) on one side of the kitchen, but not on the other where the sink is?

Posted by: townhouser at April 3, 2009 8:23 AM in response to kitchen reno report, thanks!

another idea is just to go back 3-5 years before the bubble and look at prices or comps then

Posted by: townhouser at March 25, 2009 7:44 AM in response to "Fair Value" for Real Estate

It looks very very fake to me. I dont mind the architecture or shape of the house and rooms, I just hate the material used.

Posted by: townhouser at March 25, 2009 7:37 AM in response to how do you like this house

yes im bold, but I pick my battles, and it's not only on a blog. I judged an altar based on aesthetics, and you judged a person, based on only one comment.
eman, thats hilarious!
and I do have vision, that's why I say it should stay a church altar!

Posted by: townhouser at March 16, 2009 8:44 AM in response to Incredible Kitchen Island

that thing is ugly.
and the fact that it came from a church makes it creepy, especially for a kitchen. I think it should stay an altar...

Posted by: townhouser at March 15, 2009 7:38 PM in response to Incredible Kitchen Island

wish i did. I searched for somebody before -- found nobody in the area willing to do the work. There are places, midwest typically, where you can send them to get done. It's really a lost art -- everybody just replaces nowadays, unfortunately, since it's easier than restoring. So I researched everything to do it myself. Got the supplies, now just waiting for the weather to get better to start the work... It will take a while, but I am really going to try to do it!

Posted by: townhouser at March 9, 2009 12:28 AM in response to Kolbe vs. Marvin

if you have the original windows, please please please do not replace them. have them repaired...

Posted by: townhouser at March 8, 2009 1:33 PM in response to Kolbe vs. Marvin

strong vacuum

Posted by: townhouser at January 24, 2009 11:03 AM in response to Mopping up dust

haha this is funny..."99luftballons" does make you think of a german girl, def not how you described yourself. though, you never know.
But as for induction cooktops, I am interested in hearing ppl's opinions also, vs.gas. Seems already a couple ppl still prefer gas though.

Posted by: townhouser at January 16, 2009 5:03 PM in response to Induction or electric cooktop?

bobjohn -- how did you find out for sure that delivery added this to your oil? Can you prove it? This is the second or third time delivery has caused problems for me, and I wish I could do something about it.

I think their prices are somewhat funny, too -- they check your account or address before they give a price. last week in dec I paid $2.22.

Even though I have automatic delivery (I have to change this soon), I happened to be there when they came, and I watched them. The guy seemed so uncomfortable, somehow...kept looking at the house and checking everything out, probably thought no one was home. He also didn't leave the pink slip so I could know how much oil they added.

Now, I'm still struggling with my boiler shutting off and not being able to fire properly because of this. And, since I don't even have a filter, who knows what this is doing to my poor boiler. Yesterday they were supposed to come, but I waited all day to find out they didn't put in the call. Luckily I managed to get some water/gunk out by disconnecting the oil feed line at the boiler. (completely faking what I learned by watching the guy who came last time!) and it started running, but not well, and turned off last night again.

How exactly did you get the water out of the bottom of the tank?

Posted by: townhouser at January 13, 2009 8:25 AM in response to oil prices

good info eman, thanks. just wanted to add: emphasis on "should"...and if the homeowner doesn't know anything, there's no way to know the "professional" is not really professional.
This is why it's good that you post the detailed info....

The "boiler guys" left my pressure at the highest setting and I still have no oil filter...things I 'shouldn't' have to worry about, but here I am. I'm sure there are tons more mistakes on my setup if I only knew...

Posted by: townhouser at January 12, 2009 10:50 PM in response to Steam Pressure & Leaks

turns out I dont even have a filter!
realized this the other day -- just can't believe that after numerous no-heat calls and 2 "cleanings", nobody mentioned anything to me. How hard would it have been to say that I might want a filter?
Stupidly I assumed I had one all along. I checked specifically for it the other day and didn't see one, neither by the tank nor the oil feed line to the boiler.
With automatic oil delivery, the boiler can be running and so sucking in all the newly turned up sludge -- also my problem turns out to be extra water coming in from the outside fill hole, which isn't sealed properly anymore.
I am tired of waiting for them to fix things piece by piece here...

Posted by: townhouser at January 12, 2009 2:31 PM in response to oil prices

thank you, donatella -- very thorough explanation!

Posted by: townhouser at January 11, 2009 9:19 AM in response to oil prices

I use approved oil. My old boiler shut off again today not long after getting an oil delivery (an hour or 2 later), and this is the 2nd or 3rd time that's happened. Don't know if it's coincidence or what. Right now boiler will turn on but not fire. Last time I got a new transformer for the same problem, we'll see what it is going to be this time.
As for Approved, they were the only ones I could find that would bother to get the boiler running in the first place. Now that it works, I'm on the fence about it. Understand that the boiler's been in bad shape for a while, but then again I believe the maintenance should be more thorough. It seems like they do the quick-fix, and then I have to call a couple weeks later for another problem or the same one all over again. Hard to say if it's just time for a new boiler or not.
What company do you use? How much higher are the prices?

Posted by: townhouser at January 10, 2009 4:24 PM in response to oil prices

i need one of those...i bet my windows and doors are about 30-40 degrees right now...

Posted by: townhouser at January 10, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Radiator Temperature Fun

go to heatinghelp.com and get the 'we got steam heat' book. read it.
check the pressure settings on boiler. if it's set higher than the minimum, it's likely that's at least part of the problem. and it's such an easy fix.
water coming out can be from too high pressure or near-boiler pipes laid out incorrectly, etc.
i'm no expert, but I understand this all a bit more after having similar problems and fixing them myself with my own research...

Posted by: townhouser at January 9, 2009 7:39 AM in response to steam heat return

would love to take a look at some pics, if possible.
can you post them online?

Posted by: townhouser at January 5, 2009 7:36 AM in response to Deadbolts and lock systems

I dont know if they call it this, but it's a 'main' vent on top of a riser. similar to a radiator vent, but not, because it doesn't screw into a radiator and screws in vertically, not on the side like a radiator vent.
it helps let air out of the system to allow steam in. it usually is at the top of the line (are you on the top floor?) or in the basement near the boiler (main vent).
If it's steaming too much it could mean there's too much pressure in the system. Mine did this when the water level was too high in conjuction with a very high pressure.
Are you renting or own? I wouldn't touch that thing when the heat is on, and if you can't turn off the heat then that will be tricky, especially if the heat turns on while you are out looking for the part.

Posted by: townhouser at January 3, 2009 10:12 AM in response to Strange part of radiator system?

I dont know if they call it this, but it's a 'main' vent on top of a riser. similar to a radiator vent, but not, because it doesn't screw into a radiator and screws in vertically, not on the side like a radiator vent.
it helps let air out of the system to allow steam in. it usually is at the top of the line (are you on the top floor?) or in the basement near the boiler (main vent).
If it's steaming too much it could mean there's too much pressure in the system. Mine did this when the water level was too high in conjuction with a very high pressure.
Are you renting or own? I wouldn't touch that thing when the heat is on, and if you can't turn off the heat then that will be tricky, especially if the heat turns on while you are out looking for the part.

Posted by: townhouser at January 3, 2009 10:12 AM in response to Strange part of radiator system?

looks like the 24" would be about 6" away, or right behind you if you it is open and you are at the sink. it seems it would be closer to cabinetry (for unloading) too.

Posted by: townhouser at December 30, 2008 9:40 AM in response to 18 inch Dishwashers

I am going through the exact same thing with my renovation. I got estimates from numerous plumbers and electricians, and some of them only wanted to deal with my husband. Despite my telling them all that I was paying for and managing the entire renovation, and that I should be their point of contact and my husband had no decision making authority, some of them still couldn't get it through their heads that they should call me, not him.

Aside from it being annoying to be treated like an after-thought the contractors who acted like this didn't get hired because I could just forsee endless games of telephone in the future, where they called my husband for a decision, who would have to call me; who would call the plumber/electrician, who would then call my husband back instead of me. This has happened a few times to me before, and has caused needless delays and aggrevation.

I even had a company explicitly tell me that they would NOT come to my house to give me an estimate unless both me and my husband were home. Even though I told them that the house was in my name alone, and that I was the only homeowner, they still refused to deal with me without my husband being present. Unbelievable.

I'm just saying that this kind of nonsense happens a lot more than most men realize, and this attitude can have a substantive impact on your project. It's not just something that we should deal with and get over, it can cause serious delays that impact inspection schedules, quality of life, and have financial consequences when construction gets seriously behind schedule due to communication telephone tag.

/end of rant.

Posted by: brooklynstyle at November 6, 2009 11:52 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

I've worked for architecture firms, developers and a construction company. Things have gotten a lot better since the days when the head of the development firm I worked at called me honey all the time and constantly tried to give me shoulder massages, mostly in front of the other predominantly male staff, and wouldn't let me go out into the field without a male escort, often the oily staff of building managers. I remember applying for jobs and getting call backs and having firms hang up on me after they heard my voice (my real name could either male or female).

At work now, I definitely notice that construction staff talk more nicely around me than they do when they're with groups of guys, so they are guarded. It also probably stacks the cards differently that I'm now in charge of the project purse, but I've also noticed I've become alot more firm and decisive about how things are to be done.

I did have a recent problem with some Time Warner guys that came up on my low roof to do something for one of my neighborswith that spaghetti of wire they have draped everywhere. They were very rude and dismissive with me when I asked about what they were up to and whther all the wires were active; inexcusable!

Posted by: bessie2 at November 6, 2009 1:16 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

"where they called my husband for a decision, who would have to call me; who would call the plumber/electrician, who would then call my husband back instead of me."

Seems like your husband's fault here, lol. Why didn't your husband just tell the contractor you were in charge, and refuse to discuss it?

Ask him that tonight over dinner :-)

Posted by: denton at November 6, 2009 1:31 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

Hang in there Argentina. I have been lucky in that I have not had a problem with this with the contractors I've used (I'm a youngish woman). I have been asked many times by various tradespeople where/who my husband is, but it simplifies things that there is no husband, ha ha, so there's no option but to address things directly with me. I am also very hands-on, which over time has won the respect of some tradespeople (the rest probably think of me as the crazy lady who asks a lot of questions). Most of the people who worked in my house saw me there dirty in my work clothes painting, fixing, or building.

Posted by: BHS at November 6, 2009 1:40 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

BHS, you sound like me! except no matter how much I do, or 'prove', the dynamic only improves temporarily; then it's right back to the you're-just-a-female-attitude even when I have to explain to people how to do their own job... so ridiculous. But I look at it more like a stupid-people problem than a sexist-issue, even though I know there would never even be a discussion if I was male.

Posted by: townhouser at November 6, 2009 1:47 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

Townhouser, I think with certain people there's nothing you can really do to "prove" yourself and change their attitude. I was lucky enough to work with a GC who treated me with respect (that should not be a question, but I'm sure there are lots out there who might be problematic for a single female client). There may have been things said by the subs to the GC, that he thankfully dealt with and did not pass on. I see this all the time in the corporate world so I was pleasantly surprised with my experience with construction. I would certainly be up in arms if I had a husband involved in the project and he were treated differently than I was.

Posted by: BHS at November 6, 2009 2:05 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

this reminds me of something that happened recently in my new nabe, Bay Ridge: I went to a hardware store on 3rd avenue to buy a bag of steel wool to plug up radiator holes. I walk in and the 20 something guy asks may I help you? I said, " I need a bag of steel wool please". He responded, "well what grade steel wool? What is HE planning on using it for? Because that makes a difference...." My jaw dropped! No way in hellz would anyone say that in my old 'hood (cobble hill) not even the old timers. And hellao, i'm in my 30's not some frail little old lady. Damn!

Posted by: bowl of dicks at November 6, 2009 3:33 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

I'm a guy. Guys can be quite crude and joke around with one another - it's a way of relating that can be foreign to many women - greeting your friends has b*st*rds, telling them they look like sh*t - but the examples the OT posted are totally off for both professional reasons and because it is sexist and intimidating. Some women could dish it back and maybe deal with it that way, but they shouldn't have too.

I guarantee the shop attendant would not have spoken that way to a male customer, and definitely would not have said that to a woman in the presence of a husband, boyfriend or other guy that the woman was with as it would potentially have resulted in a serious beat down.

If a contractor was that jocular with a man, or made such dismissive comments with respect to questions or issues raised, they would not get the business from the guy and no one would be saying "you need to be more thick skinned".

Posted by: 1842 at November 6, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

Argentina wrote:
"This guy had the thickest Bensonhurst accent imaginable."

Tsk...tsk, Argentina.
Shame on you!
Lack of awareness!
You are not hired, Argentina.

Posted by: Pigeon at November 6, 2009 4:21 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

"Males of all different occupations have very strange thoughts about women. It just hardware supply store blokes do not talk to any women so when they see you they cannot hold their ideas."

LOL, bobjohn.

Posted by: mopar at November 6, 2009 5:33 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism